Beetlejuice Blu-ray Review

The Beetlejuice Blu-ray, presented in a 1080p/VC-1 encode at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, showcases an impressive leap in quality from its DVD predecessor, offering a notably cleaner source devoid of the usual physical blemishes like scratches or dirt, and a significant reduction in edge enhancement issues. Despite these improvements, the transfer is not without its flaws. Certain scenes display a lack of sharpness and detail, particularly in indoor or shadow-heavy shots where blacks can appear a bit crushed or muddy, diminishing the clarity that high-definition is prized for. Contrast occasionally feels compressed on the lower end, with some details getting lost in darker scenes. However, these issues are somewhat mitigated by the vibrant and well-saturated color palette, with reds being especially striking and grain structure maintained with finesse, presenting a filmic texture that remains faithful to its original cinematography.

Warner's slightly widened matte opening to fill a 16:9 screen is hardly noticeable and does not detract from the overall viewing experience. Colors are strong and pleasing, giving the quirky visuals of Beetlejuice a new lease of life. However, it's noted that the enhanced detail and sharpness can somewhat backfire by highlighting the dated nature of certain special effects, a minor sacrifice for the overall enhancement in visual clarity. It's also observed that while exterior scenes under bright light flourish in definition and color depth, the transition to dimly lit indoor scenes tends to muddle details and soften the picture quality.

Despite these criticisms, this version of Beetlejuice is commended for its natural-looking presentation and fine grain structure that avoids digital noise and unwanted artificial enhancements like DNR or compression artifacts. The upgrade from previous versions is undeniable, presenting a version of the film that respects its original aesthetic while navigating the limitations of its source material and budgetary constraints from 1988. This Blu-ray edition provides fans with a version that is likely the best visual presentation of Beetlejuice available to date, demonstrating Warner's commitment to quality even for its catalog titles.

The audio presentation of the "Beetlejuice" Blu-ray, despite being delivered in Dolby TrueHD 5.1, doesn't quite capture the atmospheric essence or the full dynamic range that one might anticipate from such a vibrant film. The lossless mix offers a selection of languages and audio tracks, with the Dolby TrueHD at 16/48kHz being the standout for its clarity and depth, yet it remains front-centric with sporadic use of the surround channels. Even as it navigates Danny Elfman's distinctly textured score—which is well-recorded, highlighting his creative instrumentation and melodic lines—the audio fails to fully exploit the LFE channel, mainly relegating bass to the front speakers with only occasional low-frequency support.

Listeners will find that dialogue is consistently clear, never overshadowed by the soundtrack or effects, showcasing how the mix prioritizes narrative coherence. However, the surround sound experience feels underwhelming due to infrequent and unimpressive use of split surround effects and an overall lack of immersive sound design. The soundtrack's dynamic range feels notably constricted, with a flat audio landscape that lacks the oomph during potentially thrilling moments. Notably, Alec Baldwin's character's venture into a precarious world lacks audible indication of danger or transition, diluting the tension and excitement one might expect.

Furthermore, comparisons with the standard Dolby Digital track reveal significant differences; the lossless track is superior in depth and presentation but still comes across as lacking when compared to modern audio standards. Elfman's score doesn't suffer much from this treatment but could benefit from a crisper execution as revealed in accompanying soundtrack CDs. The Blu-ray's audio might improve upon extended listening or perhaps lower initial expectations, signaling that while technically adequate, it leaves room for enhancement to truly match the film's lively visual and thematic elements.

The "Beetlejuice" Twentieth Anniversary Special Edition Blu-ray attempts to tantalize fans with a smattering of extras that, while nostalgically engaging, may leave some wanting. The highlight for many will undoubtedly be the inclusion of three episodes from the Beetlejuice animated series, presented in standard definition and showcasing the series' characteristic bad puns and toned-down humor. While these episodes offer a glimpse into the show's adaptation from its movie origins, their visual and audio quality disappoints, described by viewers as barely surpassing VHS quality. Danny Elfman’s aficionados will appreciate the music-only audio track that isolates his whimsical score from dialog and effects, presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital audio. Additional inclusions such as a theatrical trailer, a beginner's guide booklet on ghost sightings, and a CD sampler featuring tracks from Elfman's score plus the iconic Banana Boat Song, round out the package. Yet, the absence of expected features like commentary from Tim Burton or higher quality video transfers may leave the celebration feeling somewhat underwhelming for a milestone anniversary edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Beetlejuice Cartoon Episodes: Includes three episodes showcasing the uniquely toned-down and humorous adaptation of the movie into animated form. Quality is described as standard definition, akin to VHS.
• Music Only Audio Track: Features Danny Elfman's score isolated from the film’s dialog and effects, presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital audio.
• Theatrical Trailer: Offers a brief nostalgic glimpse back at the film's original promotional material.
• The Beginners' Guide to Seeing Ghost: An accordion-folded pamphlet providing tips on identifying spirits, enriched with photographs of the film’s notable ghosts.
• CD Sampler: A selection including five tracks from Danny Elfman’s score alongside the Banana Boat Song by Harry Belafonte.

Tim Burton’s 1988 masterpiece, "Beetlejuice," stands as a hallmark of his unique visual and storytelling prowess. This film, infused with Burton's distinctively quirky and gothic aesthetic, benefits immensely from Danny Elfman's iconic score, wrapping the viewer in a captivatingly eerie atmosphere. With a modest budget of $13 million, Burton cleverly utilized a mix of stop motion, replacement animation, prosthetics, puppetry, and blue-screen techniques to craft the film's otherworldly effects. This approach not only paid homage to the cinematics Burton admired in his youth but also showcased his ability to create an engaging and visually striking narrative within financial constraints. Winning an Academy Award for Best Makeup attests to the film's innovative and imaginative use of special effects, proving that creativity can triumph over budgetary limitations.

The storyline revolves around Adam and Barbara Maitland, played by a youthful Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, whose tranquil lives are overturned following a tragic accident leaving them as ghosts in their own home. The entrance of the obnoxious Deetz family into their idyllic existence prompts them to engage the services of Beetlejuice, a chaotic and unmanageable bio-exorcist portrayed by Michael Keaton. The interaction between the living and the dead, filled with Burton's trademark bizarre humor and gothic elements, alongside Elfman’s mesmerizing score, creates a unique cinematic experience. The movie effortlessly balances dark comedy with whimsical horror, further cemented by the compelling performances of its cast.

Warner Home Video’s Blu-ray release celebrates the film’s twentieth anniversary with remarkable fidelity to both the visual and auditory elements that define Burton's vision. The two-disc set not only ensures that enthusiasts can enjoy the film with enhanced picture and sound quality but also includes a soundtrack CD sampler, emphasizing Elfman's contribution to the film's enduring appeal. Despite some default settings that may require manual adjustment for optimal viewing, the Blu-ray edition represents a definitive version of "Beetlejuice," making it a must-have for fans and collectors alike. Its presentation underscores the timeless quality of Burton's work and its significance in the annals of fantasy cinema.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Beetlejuice," Tim Burton's iconic film, arriving on its Twentieth Anniversary Special Edition, brings back the unique blend of dark humor and whimsical adventures that set a precedent in Burton's career pre-"Batman." This edition, although a significant upgrade from the standard definition versions cluttering shelves, falls short in delivering a comprehensive package. The video and audio quality are described as merely adequate by enthusiasts, an underwhelming acknowledgment given the evolution of home entertainment technology. Moreover, the special features, limited to a handful of 1980s cartoons and a music-only track, leave much to be desired for fans craving in-depth insights into the creation and impact of this film.

Despite these shortcomings, the legacy of "Beetlejuice" and the Burton-Elfman collaboration cannot be understated. Elfman, having scored the majority of Burton's films, including "Beetlejuice," contributed significantly to their joint success, earning both critical acclaim and a multitude of accolades. The film itself remains as engaging and entertaining today as it was during its premiere in 1988, a testament to its timeless appeal and the genius combination of Burton's direction and Elfman's music.

In conclusion, while the Twentieth Anniversary Blu-ray edition of "Beetlejuice" might not meet the high expectations set by contemporary standards, particularly in terms of supplementary materials and audiovisual improvements, it remains a worthwhile acquisition. For collectors and newcomers alike, the essence of the film transcends its physical presentation. Its enduring charm, coupled with the smart packaging, makes it a necessary update from the DVD version. Despite its limitations, the Blu-ray edition serves as a fitting homage to Burton's early work and a must-have for aficionados of cinema.