Supergirl Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Supergirl" showcases a significant improvement from its previous DVD releases. Utilizing a 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer, and working from an archival interpositive of the original 125-minute international version, Warner Archive Collection's effort is commendable. Warner's MPI facility processed the IP at 2K resolution, followed by meticulous color correction using an archival answer print. The master underwent thorough cleaning to mitigate scratches, tears, dirt, and other age-related damages while retaining historically accurate visual elements, such as visible wires from practical effects. The significant clean-up operations have resulted in vivid colors, excellent black levels, and increased clarity and stability.

Visually, the Blu-ray offers richer primary colors and a natural reproduction of the film’s grain pattern. Supergirl's intricate yet whimsical costumes and production design are impressively rendered. While some scenes, particularly those involving optical effects like flying sequences, exhibit increased grain—it was typical of the period—the overall presentation is strikingly detailed and vibrant. The Blu-ray achieves a high average bitrate of 34.99 Mbps, contributing to a consistently robust image quality despite occasional variability in visual fidelity during complex effects scenes. Comparing to previous digital releases, this Blu-ray corrects past issues related to cropping and framing, offering a more accurate and less congested composition.

There are however evident disparities between different cuts; some scenes appear as though sourced from alternate takes or feature variations in color timing and framing. Specific effects shots display differences in their presentation which are particularly noticeable when juxtaposing the International Version Blu-ray with the Director's Cut DVD. Despite its inconsistencies and not reaching reference-quality status, this Blu-ray edition of "Supergirl" stands as the definitive home video version so far, providing a richer and more natural visual experience than prior releases.

The Blu-ray release of "Supergirl" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that, while derived from a 2000s-era remix by Anchor Bay, represents the best available version, given the unavailability of the original magnetic master and mixing notes. Warner retains the uncompressed digital audio files from that remix, which has now been rendered in lossless high definition. The mix effectively anchors dialogue in the front center, with strategically placed sound effects and rear-channel inputs that are effective without being overly flashy. Jerry Goldsmith's ambitious score is a standout element, showing intelligent use of the surround channels to deliver his musical narrative.

However, despite the DTS-HD Master Audio track's improvements over previous home video versions, it also spotlighted limitations stemming from the original source material. While channel separation is precise and defined, the music score shows signs of compression, and low-frequency effects are sparsely utilized. Rear channel activity is present though reserved, often constrained to monophonic signals even during intense action sequences.

Notably, even with these minor setbacks, this dynamic and detailed sound experience vastly surpasses earlier formats such as Dolby Pro-Logic and Dolby Digital. For long-time fans, this version delivers an auditory experience that is more comprehensive and engaging than ever before. The audio commentary included is well-recorded, complementing the main track with clear and appropriately balanced voiceovers.

The Blu-ray release of "Supergirl" includes the extras from Warner Bros' 2006 DVD, complemented by a promotional documentary from Anchor Bay's 2000 edition. The collection features a detailed commentary by Director Jeannot Szwarc and Scott Michael Bosco, who delve into the film’s production intricacies, from casting Helen Slater to the special effects techniques used. Bosco’s probing questions and Szwarc’s enthusiasm provide fascinating insights. Despite its age, "Supergirl: The Making of the Movie" remains a substantial retrospective with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, albeit in standard definition. Missing are some foreign trailers, TV spots, and a photo gallery from earlier releases. This package highlights key production aspects while unfortunately excluding some desirable items for completists.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Jeannot Szwarc and Scott Michael Bosco: In-depth discussion on casting, special effects, and production anecdotes.
• Supergirl: The Making of the Movie: Promotional documentary with interviews and on-set footage.
• Trailer: A linear preview of the film focused on stunts and special effects.

Supergirl, the 1984 comic-book adaptation, may not hold up as a cinematic masterpiece, but it does carry a certain nostalgic charm. The plot is fraught with inconsistencies and the script, penned by David Odell, leaves many narrative gaps, particularly about Krypton's survivors and Argo City's nebulous existence. Directed by Jeannot Szwarc, the film attempts to build on the Superman legacy but noticeably falls short. Despite these flaws, Helen Slater's endearing performance as Supergirl stands out, capturing the superhero's innocence and curiosity convincingly. This portrayal remains appealing, especially as it predates mainstream acceptance of female superheroes in films.

The story revolves around Kara Zor-El’s quest to retrieve the Omegahedron, Argo City's power source, which lands on Earth. Her journey, filled with transformative abilities and encounters with typical high school life, brings her into conflict with the underwhelming antagonist, Selena—Faye Dunaway's character—whose ambitions and capabilities feel frustratingly underdeveloped. The special effects, particularly the flying sequences, and Jerry Goldsmith's score provide some redeeming quality but cannot wholly compensate for the film's dated visual style and incoherent storytelling.

Despite the film’s overall lack of coherence and technical shortcomings—such as visible wires during flying scenes—the Blu-ray release by Warner Archive Collection offers the most comprehensive look at the film available. This includes the 125-minute international version, newly scanned and remastered from an interpositive, and the 138-minute "director’s cut" sourced from an SD DigiBeta tape. Unfortunately, the fragmented nature of Supergirl’s various cuts does little to resolve its core issues but serves as a testament to its cult status among fans. While it lacks the gravitas of its Superman counterparts, Supergirl occupies a peculiar niche in superhero cinema history, notable more for its ambition and its lead’s star-making turn than its execution.

The Blu-ray release of Supergirl by Warner Archive Collection (WAC) brings a classic yet controversial superhero film to high-definition format, pleasing devoted fans while sparking critique among purists. The remastering of the international cut is technically impressive, boasting enhanced image clarity and sound quality. However, the choice to utilize the Anchor Bay soundtrack may frustrate those demanding absolute audio authenticity. For newcomers, Supergirl offers an eccentric experience unlike any other superhero movie, blending ambition with a charmingly absurd narrative that borders on the ridiculous.

Despite its numerous flaws and failing to revive the Superman franchise or set a new precedent for superhero films, Supergirl holds an inexplicable charm. The film's creative merits and artistic intentions, though often overshadowed by its missteps, continue to attract a niche audience who appreciate its unique place in the superhero genre. Helen Slater's portrayal of the titular character strikes a nostalgic chord for many, ensuring her version remains dear to their hearts even as modern interpretations surface.

In conclusion, WAC's Blu-ray will delight some devoted fans of Supergirl, while frustrating others who want every version and who take issue with the Anchor Bay soundtrack utilized by Warner. It will baffle (and hopefully amuse) newcomers, because it's unlike any superhero movie before or since—a dotty concoction that aspires to grandeur and more often achieves the ridiculous—but still manages to retain a distinctive charm. WAC has done a fine job of remastering the film's international cut, which is highly recommended on its technical merits. The film itself is a matter of taste.