Ghosts of Mars Blu-ray Review

Ghosts of Mars' Blu Ray presentation carries the hallmark of John Carpenter’s cinematic style impressively onto a home viewing platform, despite some perceptible shortcomings. The UK Blu-ray features a MPEG-4 AVC encode and flaunts a 2.35:1 frame that displays Carpenter's signature visual robustness. Predominantly showcased are the ruddy Martian landscapes, filled with rich reds and oranges that are reproduced without degradation into smearing or color-banding. Nevertheless, an evident amount of noise reduction and slight processing does mar the integrity of the film grain, leading to variability in facial detail from scene to scene. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the film retains its cinematic flavor, buoyed by a visually dynamic palette—a mix of deeply saturated reds for Martian vistas and stark, gouty blood reds. However, the high-definition transfer also highlights the film's budgetary constraints, making set pieces and special effects appear somewhat less convincing compared to modern standards.

The presentation walks a fine line with its contrast levels. Interior scenes display commendable consistency in contrast, while outdoor sequences at times suffer under the overwhelming red ambiance, challenging reference point gauging. Black levels are robust, providing a solid foundation for the night sky and the interiors of colonization buildings, without losing detail in the shadows. Yet, detail across the board is agreeable albeit not spectacular, with certain textures like clothing and equipment standing out more so than finer details such as facial lines or intricate makeup effects on characters like Big Daddy Mars.

Technically, while there is an absence of significant artefacts or edge enhancement, observations reveal some digital noise reduction, resulting in subduing the film's grain and imparting a somewhat flattened aspect to the picture depth. This, coupled with occasionally skewed skin tones and an odd two-dimensional quality in texture rendering, indicates a treatment that leans towards digital sanitization. The overwhelming red hue that Carpenter employs is both a technical success and a thematic choice, emphasizing Martian vistas but sometimes compromising on the finer nuances of visual depth. Despite these critiques, it's hard to deny that this release represents a substantial upgrade from its standard definition counterpart, offering fans a richer visual dive into the Mars envisioned by Carpenter, albeit with the acceptance of its inherent budgetary limitations in production value translated into high definition.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track of "Ghosts of Mars" provides a robust sonic experience that manages to deliver an aggressive, yet somewhat cluttered, auditory landscape. The partnership with heavy metal luminaries such as Anthrax, along with contributions from guitar legends Steve Vai and Buckethead, sets a decidedly energetic tone for the film's score, though it struggles with clarity and depth. The mix tends to skew towards the front, offering a wide and detailed soundstage where dialogue remains clear amidst the cacophony of action—gunfire, explosions, and other dynamic effects carry weight and are positioned with intention, though not without moments where the complexity of sounds melds into an overwhelming wall of noise. Ambient effects and subtler sound cues are deftly handled, providing nuance in quieter moments without sacrificing the louder, aggressive edge that defines much of the audio presentation.

However, criticisms arise with regard to the overall quality of the audio mix, particularly when comparing "Ghosts of Mars" to other films with High Definition audio content. Some technical limitations are evident, as the high frequencies appear rolled off and lack the microdetail expected in a reference quality Dolby TrueHD mix. This gives the soundtrack a processed feel, detracting from its potential impact and immersion. Spatial distribution feels uneven, largely favoring the front channels and only sporadically utilizing the surrounds for discrete effects, which results in a missed opportunity to fully envelop the viewer in the film's Martian setting. Such shortcomings hint at the production’s economic constraints and contribute to an atmosphere that feels more akin to a B movie rather than a fully immersive sci-fi horror experience.

Despite these critiques, the TrueHD track does demonstrate moments of commendable audio performance. It capably balances its muscular action-oriented sequences with moments of quieter tension, and while it may not consistently reach the lofty heights of audio excellence, it supports the film's narrative and stylistic intentions. Low frequency effects are present, providing some visceral impact, though they stop short of the deep, room-rattling experience sought by bass aficionados. In summary, while "Ghosts of Mars" offers an audio experience that is fittingly loud and aggressive for its genre, it is marred by inconsistencies and a lack of polish that would elevate it to the level of more acclaimed sonic presentations in modern cinema.

The "Ghosts of Mars" Blu Ray extras present a mixed bag that primarily caters to fans with a nostalgic affection for the film but falls short on delivering fresh, insightful content. The audio commentary, while amusing due to John Carpenter's evident infatuation with Natasha Henstridge, lacks the depth and analysis one might hope for from such seasoned industry figures, devolving instead into mutual admiration with minimal exploration of the film's production complexities or mishaps. The special features, including behind-the-scenes footage and discussions on the score and special effects, are carried over from the DVD release in standard definition, offering no new high-definition content. Despite attempts to delve into the film's music in "Scoring Ghosts of Mars" and a look at the visual effects process in "Special Effects Deconstruction," these features ultimately feel like filler, failing to engage with either technical rigor or genuine insight. Furthermore, the "Video Diary" offers little more than a superficial glimpse behind the scenes, lacking any meaningful narrative or analytical framework.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A track featuring director John Carpenter and actress Natasha Henstridge.
• Featurette: Video Diary: Behind-the-scenes footage compiled into a lengthy montage without much structure.
• Featurette: Scoring Ghosts of Mars: A discussion on the film's score involving Carpenter and members of Anthrax, touching on its nu-metal style.
• Featurette: Special Effects Deconstruction: A quick look at the film's special effects from storyboard to final product.

John Carpenter's "Ghosts of Mars" is an evident struggle to recapture the former glory of a filmmaker once hailed as a master of genre cinema. Set in a 2025 Martian colony, the movie presents a narrative that blends B-movie pulp with familiar Carpenter themes, but it lacks the originality and sharp execution that marked his early works. Critics and audiences alike find the movie derivative, pulling elements from Carpenter’s own repertoire - a mixture of "Assault on Precinct 13," "Escape from New York," among others - yet failing to inject the freshness or depth those classics possessed. The story, involving Lt. Melanie Ballard (Natasha Henstridge) and her team's encounter with deadly Martian spirits, is criticized for its lack of coherence and engagement, suffering from a plot that feels both recycled and underdeveloped.

The technical aspects of the movie, including its transition to Blu-ray, do not escape scrutiny. Despite the potential for high-quality audio and visuals offered by the 1080p format, the presentation fails to impress. Critics note that the Blu-ray does not significantly enhance the experience due to the original film’s lackluster production values, including dim lighting and cheap sets that undermine its visual appeal. Moreover, the Blu-ray's lack of interesting bonus material does little to add value or deepen the viewer's appreciation of the film.

Despite these criticisms, some find a guilty pleasure in the movie’s campy execution and action sequences. The performances by Henstridge, Ice Cube, Jason Statham, Clea DuVall, and Pam Grier provide some enjoyment amidst the otherwise criticized aspects of the film. Yet, even this facet underscores a pervasive sense of disappointment: what could have been an engaging sci-fi horror is instead a lackluster effort from Carpenter that neither dazzles in presentation nor captivates with storytelling. "Ghosts of Mars" ultimately stands as a testament to a cinematic vision that has seen better days, offering little beyond a nostalgic look back at what once made Carpenter’s work revolutionary.

"Ghosts of Mars" on Blu-ray presents a fascinating case study in the realm of low-budget horror and science fiction offerings from director John Carpenter. While it may not represent the zenith of Carpenter's illustrious career, having drawn mixed comparisons to his previous, more successful ventures such as the refined brilliance of "The Thing," there is an acknowledgment of the film's place within the echelons of cult classic enthusiasts and those with an affinity for lower-tier horror flicks. The technical aspects of the Blu-ray release do little to elevate the movie beyond its original reception, sporting average video and audio quality which, while solid, may not justify a purchase without prior affirmation of one's fondness for the film. It serves as a memento for Carpenter's unique style, albeit less shiningly displayed here than in his landmark works.

The reviews converge on a mutual recommendation of tempering expectations or opting for a rental prior to committing to a purchase, largely due to the "Ghosts of Mars" Blu-ray's failure to significantly impress in terms of both cinematic impact and special features. The movie itself is recognized for what it is—a middling entry into Carpenter's repertoire that possesses its own set of charms for those predisposed to appreciate the grit and eccentricity of C-movie level productions. The Blu-ray edition mirrors this sentiment by providing a competent but ultimately non-essential viewing experience that caters primarily to completists and die-hard Carpenter fans.

To conclude, "Ghosts of Mars" on Blu-ray succeeds in offering an experience akin to diving into a lesser-known chapter of John Carpenter's directorial journey, yet falls short of delivering a compelling reason for broader audience investment. As it stands, its appeal is predominantly nestled within niche collector circles and among those who relish the exploration of fringe cinema. Unless you're thoroughly intrigued by Carpenter's oeuvre or have a penchant for his less celebrated works, a rental might suffice over a purchase. This edition reaffirms the value of tempering expectations and appreciating the film for what it is—neither a hidden gem nor a complete misfire, but a curious artifact from a master of genre filmmaking navigating through less stellar cosmos.