Mars Attacks! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Tim Burton's "Mars Attacks!" presents a mixed bag in terms of video quality, captured in a 1080p/VC-1 encode (2.40:1). While the film certainly benefits from substantial advancements compared to its 1997 standard definition predecessor, it's evident that the transfer stems from an aged and less-refined master. This older master introduces various concerns, notably slight contrast inconsistencies and intermittently waxy fine textures. The colors are vivid and the gushing primaries have been rejuvenated to convey the film's intended comic-book energy. However, reliability of black levels varies; they are often deep and accurate, enhancing depth and clarity, yet at times become overbearing or suffer from black crush.

Detail retention fluctuates throughout the movie with close-up scenes often presenting fine detail and revealing facial complexions impressively. Conversely, some scenes fall prey to noise reduction, resulting in softer images. Daytime exteriors and well-lit interiors highlight the Blu-ray’s potential while shadowy sequences fail to maintain the same standard. Additionally, the transfer occasionally struggles with soupy grain, murky clarity, unsightly crush, errant artifacts, faint banding, and minor aliasing. These collective issues detract slightly from the overall video experience.

Overall, despite the transfer's flaws, these do not overwhelmingly degrade the viewing experience. For fans of Tim Burton, the distinctly vibrant color palette and bright contrast still offer enjoyable visual moments that align with Burton’s unique stylistic choices. Yet, there remains an unshakable sentiment that further refinements could significantly improve the presentation, potentially allowing "Mars Attacks!" to reach its full high-definition potential.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Mars Attacks!" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that, while serviceable, falls short of being remarkable. Dialogue is consistently crisp, clean, and well-prioritized, contributing to clear on-screen interactions. Dynamics are adequate, with commendable separation and decent directionality, though not particularly convincing. However, the low-end tones are characterized by a cumbersome and unrefined quality; explosions lack punch, tank cannons sound no more intense than pistol shots, and low-frequency effects (LFE) are largely relegated to Martian ships and Danny Elfman's score.

The soundstage is expansive with plenty of clarity and detail, filling the environment with discrete effects that create a wide soundfield. Despite this, inconsistencies persist, particularly in scenes where the imaging feels narrow and movement lacks conviction. The robust low end can feel jumbled and booming rather than cleanly responsive. Additionally, the rear speakers contribute minimally, resulting in a largely front-heavy affair. Ambience, music, and acoustic flourishes attempt to enhance the soundfield but often fail to make a significant impact.

Ultimately, while "Mars Attacks!" offers an engaging auditory experience in certain moments, overall it presents an average high-resolution audio mix. Some adjustments with the remote may be required to address imbalances, especially with vocal clarity which can sometimes be overshadowed by the action. Although not inherently bad, the audio lacks precision and fails to leave a memorable impression.

The Blu-ray release of "Mars Attacks!" is devoid of any special features, a stark contrast to its 1997 DVD counterpart which included an isolated score track and two theatrical trailers. Fans of supplementary content will be disappointed to find that this Blu-ray edition is purely bare-bones, lacking even the minimal extras previously offered. Despite the upgrade in visual and audio quality inherent to the Blu-ray format, the absence of additional content is a missed opportunity for enriching the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• None

Tim Burton's "Mars Attacks!" is an audacious homage to the schlocky sci-fi B-movies of the past, brimming with absurd comedy and wild nonsense. The film pays tribute to the 1962 Topps trading card series, blending black humor with political satire to create a highly entertaining experience, albeit with some drawbacks. The story is simplistically chaotic: Martians invade Earth, causing pandemonium among Americans across various walks of life. Burton's style-over-substance approach results in a parade of hilarious deaths and outlandish scenarios, all set against a backdrop of multi-million-dollar special effects by ILM. Jack Nicholson shines in dual roles as the US President and a sleazy Vegas real estate mogul, while the rest of the star-studded cast, including Glenn Close, Martin Short, Pierce Brosnan, and Sarah Jessica Parker, revels in their over-the-top characters. The film's opening sequence, accompanied by Danny Elfman's theremin-heavy score, sets the tone with hubcap-shaped flying saucers straight out of "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers."

Despite its infectious charm, "Mars Attacks!" sometimes falters under its own madcap ambitions. Burton's narrative is excessively self-aware, never permitting a moment of seriousness, which detracts from the genuine desire and limited-budget creativity that characterized classic B-movies. Scenes often feel like improvisational whimsy strung together, dominated by haphazard special effects and scatterbrained plotting. Yet, for those willing to embrace its chintzy, pulpy fun, the film delivers memorable laughs. Performances by Brosnan as the overly confident Professor Kessler and Steiger as the bombastic General Decker underscore the film’s spoof nature, while Nicholson’s dual roles add a layer of unpredictable entertainment. Although the narrative’s self-proclaimed parody sometimes dilutes its enchantment, "Mars Attacks!" remains an amusing, if chaotic, genre piece that offers a unique cinematic experience worth revisiting.

Tim Burton’s "Mars Attacks!"—with its absurd comedy and political satire—is an homage to the cult sci-fi B-movies of his youth. The film stands out for its star-studded ensemble cast and whimsical unpredictability, capturing moments that both celebrate and lampoon the genre. However, as captivating as its quirky narrative may be, the Blu-ray edition leaves much to be desired.

The video transfer, though a step up from the 1997 DVD, is plagued with noticeable issues that undermine the visual experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio track, while clear, fails to deliver the dynamic range and immersion typically expected from high-definition releases. The absence of a substantive supplemental package further detracts from the offering, making the Blu-ray a basic upgrade rather than a comprehensive collector's item.

In summary, "Mars Attacks!" on Blu-ray is worth a look for nostalgia or a revisit. While it might not awe viewers with its technical prowess, it still offers an engaging journey through Burton's uniquely twisted sci-fi vision. Fans may find it worth owning for completion's sake, but overall, it serves best as a rental for those curious to re-experience its peculiar charm.