Big Trouble in Little China Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Big Trouble in Little China" brings a remarkable enhancement to its video presentation, delivering the 2.35:1 image with exquisite detail and a respect for its source that fans will surely appreciate. The AVC MPEG-4 encoding ensures that the film, although not mistakable for a contemporary production, exhibits a visual quality that far surpasses any previous home video rendition of this John Carpenter classic. The transfer maintains the film's original grain, avoiding any digital noise reduction that could compromise its natural filmic appearance. Colors appear significantly improved, showcasing dynamic reds, blues, greens, and particularly vivid in the supernatural elements and the eccentric palette of Lo Pan's domain. Skin tones remain authentic, with special effects and makeup, including the enhanced green eyes and ceremonial attire, presented with clarity and without any noticeable color bleed or smearing.

Detailing across the board is notably enhanced, offering viewers a richer texture in the sets, costumes, and close-up shots than ever before observed, thereby enriching the viewing experience with added depth and dimensionality. The visual effects blend smoothly into the live-action footage, with outdated effects now appearing remarkably integrated, benefiting from a transfer that rectifies former issues of matte lines and color imbalance. This presentation strides substantially beyond its earlier versions in terms of clarity and visual fidelity. Blacks are deep and consistent, albeit occasionally overly strong, while shadows retain detail lost in older releases, making the image brighter and more revealing.

Digitally speaking, the transfer is commendably free of unwanted artifacts such as edge enhancement and aliasing, with only minor instances noted that do not detract from the overall viewing pleasure. Grain remains, enhancing rather than detracting from the film's aesthetic, though it does spike in selected scenes. Nevertheless, these elements of grain contribute to the movie's texture rather than undermine it. Overall, this Blu-ray delivers a video quality that offers a vibrant, detailed, and immersive experience, significantly elevating "Big Trouble in Little China" above its standard definition predecessors and providing a very satisfying watch for fans and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Big Trouble in Little China" is presented with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix that elevates the film's auditory experience to new heights. Fox has done a commendable job in revamping the soundtrack, providing a crisper, more dynamic range of sound that foregrounds the film's vibrant action sequences, John Carpenter's iconic score, and the memorable dialogue. While the mix is predominantly front-loaded, highlighting a detailed front soundstage with enhanced separation and clarity, it also incorporates discrete effects and ambient sounds that add depth to some scenes. The limitations of this setup become apparent with the rear channels, which are underused, offering occasional ambiance rather than fully immersive sound. This characteristic mirrors the film’s original sound design, which was never particularly noted for its surround sound prowess.

The audio quality shines in its handling of gunshots, thunder, and the crackling energy of lightning strikes, which are given a newfound life that rumbles through the front channels. Bass responses during action sequences provide a satisfying kick, though some may find these moments less than earth-shattering compared to newer audio tracks in other releases. The balance between the film's dramatic dialogue and the lush musical score by Carpenter and Alan Howarth is maintained effectively, ensuring that neither element overpowers the other. Notably, certain environmental sounds, like rain and atmospheric effects, engage the listener yet predominantly anchor themselves in the front of the mix without fully exploiting the potential for surround sound immersion.

In sum, while this Blu-ray boasts an audio presentation that significantly improves upon previous releases, affording fans a richer listening experience, it also reveals its age and original recording limitations. The front-heavy mix excels in detail and energy, making it a solid upgrade that respects the film's legacy. Despite minimal use of the surround channels and a bass response that leaves room for improvement, it represents an above-average effort that should please both audiophiles and die-hard fans of the film.

The Blu-ray release of "Big Trouble in Little China" packages a comforting array of extras, harmonizing both nostalgic and informative content for fans and newcomers alike. A standout feature is the engaging commentary track by Director John Carpenter and Actor Kurt Russell, whose camaraderie and behind-the-scenes anecdotes provide an enjoyable backdrop to the film's viewing experience. The inclusion of an isolated score highlights Carpenter's iconic music, offering a pristine auditory journey. While the vintage featurette and Richard Edlund interview delve into the making-of aspects with a charming depth, the collection of deleted scenes, including an alternative ending, affords viewers a glimpse into the creative choices made during production. The music video addition injects a revelatory dose of 80s nostalgia that complements the film's cult status. Despite a desire for more newly produced extras, this compilation remains robust, enhanced by D-Box compatibility and an intuitive menu infused with thematic easter eggs.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with John Carpenter and Kurt Russell: A relaxed yet informative track filled with anecdotes and production insights.
• Isolated Score in DTS-HD MA 5.1: Showcases Carpenter's memorable film score.
• Vintage Featurette: A look at the making of the film through interviews and clips.
• Richard Edlund Interview: A multi-angle feature on the film's visual effects producer.
• Deleted Scenes: Eight scenes providing insight into the editing process.
• Extended Ending: An alternate finale to the film’s adventure.
• Music Video: A unique piece featuring the film’s title song by The Coupe De Villes.
• Trailers and TV Spots: Promotional material for the film, including three trailers and six TV spots.
• Behind-the-Scenes Still Gallery: A comprehensive photo gallery showcasing the filming process.

John Carpenter's "Big Trouble in Little China" emerges on Blu-ray as a testament to the enduring appeal of '80s cinema, confidently straddling the lines between action, comedy, and fantasy with unparalleled ease. This cinematic concoction, brought to life through the charismatic collaboration of Carpenter and Kurt Russell, encapsulates the essence of an era where the blend of genres resulted in chequered outcomes - yet here, it triumphs with swagger. The core of its success lies not just in the adrenaline-fueled narrative or its dazzling special effects, but in its humor - a trait that elevates Carpenter's work to become a cult phenomenon. With Russell's Jack Burton serving as the quintessential fallible hero, his journey through a mystically charged Chinatown combines high-octane action with laugh-out-loud moments, showcasing Carpenter's ability to mold a film that, despite its surface-level absurdity, resonates with genuine charm and wit.

The transition to Blu-ray breathes new life into this 1986 classic. Boasting a transfer that exceeds expectations, it presents the film with vivid clarity and enhanced detail, ensuring that both the dynamic set-pieces and the more nuanced visual aspects are given their due spotlight. The audio presentation complements this visual upgrade impeccably, providing a robust soundscape that enhances both the film's eclectic score and the punchy dialogue that has enthralled audiences for decades. While extras may not be exhaustive, the inclusion of a lauded commentary track adds a layer of depth to the viewing experience, effectively bridging past insights with present technology.

Viewed through the lens of contemporary cinema, "Big Trouble in Little China" stands as a refreshing anomaly - a film unapologetically reveling in its idiosyncrasies. It deftly navigates the razor-thin line between self-parody and earnest storytelling, with Russell’s embodiment of Jack Burton anchoring the film’s comedic ambitions. In an age where CGI-laden spectacles often overshadow narrative substance, Carpenter’s blend of conventional action tropes with a distinct comedic flair underscores the enduring appeal of well-crafted storytelling. This Blu-ray release not only underscores the technical prowess behind the film but also celebrates its unique position within the Carpenter canon, reinforcing the movie’s legacy as a cherished artifact of '80s pop culture.

The Blu-ray release of "Big Trouble in Little China" brings a cult classic into the high-definition era with remarkable finesse. Directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell, this action-comedy stands out as a hallmark of 1980s cinema, not for its audacity like 'Escape From New York', nor for its chilling intensity akin to 'The Thing', but for its masterful blend of action, humor, and fantastical elements. This release shines with a strong 1080p transfer and an exceptional lossless soundtrack, ensuring that the quirky, outlandish adventure remains as captivating and dynamic as ever. Despite the recycled nature of the supplementary materials, which may disappoint those seeking fresh insights or behind-the-scenes content, the technical prowess displayed in this Blu-ray version offers a compelling reason for both new audiences and long-time fans to revisit the peculiar yet delightful world Carpenter and Russell have created.

The film itself continues to enchant viewers with its lighthearted exploration of mysticism and mayhem, buoyed by Russell's standout performance and Carpenter’s characteristic musical score. While "Big Trouble in Little China" may not clinch the title of Carpenter's finest work, it stands unchallenged in its entertainment value and distinctiveness. The supporting cast further enriches the narrative, adding depth and variety to the already vibrant escapade through Chinatown's underbelly.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray edition of "Big Trouble in Little China" may falter slightly with its uninspired array of extras, its superior audio-visual presentation emphatically secures its recommendation. This release not only preserves the film's original charm but elevates it, offering a splendid viewing experience that underscores why this Carpenter-Russell collaboration remains a beloved piece of 1980s cinema. For aficionados and newcomers alike, this Blu-ray is an essential addition to their collection, ensuring that "Big Trouble in Little China" continues to be celebrated for years to come.