Christine Blu-ray Review

"Christine" is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Twilight Time with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. The collaboration with Columbia-Sony yields another exceptional high-definition master. This rendition of "Christine" stands out with its precise color accuracy, particularly evident in the vibrant red hue of the titular car. Furthermore, the sharpness and clarity of the image are noteworthy, providing excellent fine object detail throughout. The transfer is clean, minimizing any significant compression artifacts.

However, there are minor issues worth noting regarding contrast levels in specific scenes. For instance, sequences set indoors or under dim lighting conditions—such as those inside the shop or during extended rainy scenes—might benefit from slightly enhanced contrast to improve overall visibility and depth. Despite this, the overall image quality remains impressive, underscoring the fruitful collaboration between Twilight Time and Columbia-Sony.

The Blu-Ray release of "Christine" features a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. While it’s not the pinnacle of immersive sound designs in horror films, it does excel in crucial aspects. The discrete channelization in key moments adds depth and clarity, with notable highlights such as Christine's roaring engine that are captured with pristine fidelity. The soundtrack, enriched with classic rock 'n' roll tunes, is both clear and energetic, further enhancing the cinematic experience. Although the track sports a few impressive low-frequency effects at pivotal climaxes, it broadly lacks substantial low-end presence.

The audio presentation, paired with a robust 1080p image, delivers a solid viewing and listening experience. The soundtrack stands out with its full-bodied quality, bringing the music and sound effects to life. Dialogue remains predominantly anchored to the center channel, ensuring clear and intelligible communication throughout the film. Despite certain limitations, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track ensures a clear and engaging auditory experience, making this Blu-Ray release noteworthy for both audiophiles and horror enthusiasts alike.

The Blu-ray of "Christine" includes a rich assortment of extras offering both technical insight and nostalgic commentary. The Audio Commentary featuring director John Carpenter and actor Keith Gordon is particularly engaging, providing deep dives into both the filmmaking process—such as the use of Fuji film for a distinctive '50s feel—and personal anecdotes, like how Gordon and Stockwell's competitive nature affected their camaraderie. Other standout features include the Deleted Scenes and three insightful documentaries: Ignition, showcasing the film's inception; Fast and Furious, with comprehensive interviews on the shoot; and Finish Line, highlighting the creation of the score. An Isolated Score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 further enriches the package, although minus rock ’n’ roll source cues.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: John Carpenter and Keith Gordon discuss technical aspects and personal experiences.
• Deleted Scenes: Clips not included in the final cut.
• Ignition: Discussion on the film's initial development.
• Fast and Furious: In-depth interviews about the shoot.
• Finish Line: Examination of the film’s score.
• Isolated Score: Carpenter’s underscore presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

John Carpenter's "Christine," based on Stephen King's novel, has firmly rooted itself as a classic within horror circles, but its journey there is intriguing. Initially met with a mixed reception, this film has seen a resurgence in appreciation, particularly with the Blu Ray release. The plot, following the transformation of a nerdy teenager Arnie (Keith Gordon) as he restores a demonic 1957 Plymouth Fury named Christine, weaves Carpenter's hallmark style of atmospheric tension and King's knack for exploiting mundane fears into a cohesive, eerie tapestry. The film plays almost like the dark underbelly of a high school drama, with the car's influence over Arnie leading to sinister consequences.

Christine's horror isn't derived from overt shock value but rather from its unsettling mood. The car embodies an abstract malevolent force, a departure from the novel's depiction of a more literal spirit. This subtlety lends the film an eerie charm that remains effective even today. The inclusion of high school bullies and teenage transformation themes juxtaposed with Christine's consuming evil keeps the narrative engaging and relatable. Carpenter's direction ensures that despite the film's underperformance during its initial release, it cultivates a potent cult following, evident from its swift sell-out in the limited edition Blu Ray market.

Technically, the Blu Ray release does justice to Carpenter’s vision. The high-definition transfer highlights the film’s meticulous production design and the iconic red Fury, bringing new life to the visual storytelling. Audiophiles and cinephiles alike will appreciate the crisp audio that accompanies Christine’s haunting engine revs and eerie sequences. While some might be surprised by its swift sell-out, it stands as a testament to both Carpenter’s enduring influence and King’s perennial appeal in horror cinema. The confluence of these creative forces makes "Christine" a strikingly atmospheric and uniquely affecting horror film.

Review:

"Christine," John Carpenter's adaptation of Stephen King's novel, may not be his magnum opus, yet it effectively draws the viewer into its eerie narrative with a unique blend of suspense and dark humor. This Blu-ray release underscores the film’s atmospheric excellence, thanks to a superior video transfer that accentuates sonic details and visual nuances often overlooked in earlier formats. The high-definition upgrade broadens our appreciation for Carpenter's meticulously directed scenes and the nuanced performances within the cast. This release is a testament to how well both the audio and video qualities can be preserved and enhanced over time.

However, the current state of the home video market is aptly mirrored by this limited edition release. Notably, while major studios are veering away from delving into their extensive back catalogs, boutique labels like Twilight Time are stepping in to fill that void. This Blu-ray edition stands as an example of such efforts, presenting an impressive package despite originating from a standard HD master. It’s a clear signal to collectors that vigilance and quick action are required to seize these ephemeral opportunities, as these titles rapidly become scarce commodities.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, "Christine" on Blu-ray comes highly recommended for both John Carpenter aficionados and collectors who appreciate well-executed limited editions. Despite its brisk runtime and somewhat cartoonish aesthetic, the film’s understated gore and graceful direction mark it as a distinctive entry in Carpenter's oeuvre. If you are fortunate enough to secure a copy, savor it; otherwise, be prepared to contend with the secondary market. This release serves as a vivid reminder: when it comes to cherished titles like "Christine," if you want it, act quickly before it's gone forever.