Strange Invaders Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Strange Invaders" is a solid effort that accurately preserves the film's distinctive visual aesthetics. Delivered in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the elements show very good to excellent condition, with minimal disturbances such as nicks and dirt. The color palette is effectively vivid and well-saturated, especially notable in the use of vibrant deep blues for visual effects. However, there is a noticeable and fairly heavy grain field throughout the presentation, which fluctuates in intensity and occasionally presents a chunky, slightly digital appearance. Such inconsistencies are somewhat in line with the filmmakers' intentional softness, aimed at enhancing the dreamlike quality of the 1950s-era town environment.

While close-up shots reveal sharp details, capturing wrinkles and individual hairs proficiently, the broader shots exhibit a degree of softness, aligning with the director’s intended vintage look. This softness extends to the numerous optical effects within the film, contributing to an anticipated increase in grain, softness, and occasional dirt. Color grading is generally well-balanced with some colors popping off-screen, although not uniformly. Black levels are deep and inky, reinforcing the overall atmospheric effect, and skin tones are mostly natural. Despite minor issues related to dirt and debris persistence, the Blu-ray upgrade marks a noticeable improvement over prior releases, delivering an engaging viewing experience that aligns with the original artistic vision.

The Blu-ray release of "Strange Invaders" is anchored by a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track, adequately supporting the film’s dialogue, effects, and John Addison’s engaging score. While a few sequences, such as the mothership's arrival, could have benefited from a multi-channel surround sound enhancement, the overall experience is solid. The dialogue remains crystal clear and devoid of any pops, cracks, or loud shrills, ensuring an easy listening experience. Fidelity through the midrange and upper frequencies stays consistently problem-free, and while the low-end is generally forceful, providing some depth and impact where needed.

Despite being limited to a mono track, the presentation does a commendable job with sound effects, which are robust, lively, and well-layered throughout. Action scenes, though constrained by the single-channel format, manage to maintain an energetic presence. The score is dynamic and significantly enhances the suspense of each scene. However, the absence of immersive surround activity, typical in mono recordings, means that the audio landscape lacks the depth and envelopment that a 5.1 mix could have brought to more intense moments.

In summary, "Strange Invaders" delivers a strong audio presentation that exceeds expectations for a mono track. The dynamic range is reasonably wide, ensuring both the low and high ends are sufficiently represented. Though not fully immersive, this track maintains a high standard for clarity and engagement, making it a worthwhile audio experience for fans of the genre. Additionally, English SDH subtitles are available, offering accessibility to a broader audience.

The Blu-ray of "Strange Invaders" offers an impressive suite of extras, delivering a rich and engaging deep dive into the film’s production and legacy. The commentary track featuring director Michael Laughlin and writer Bill Condon is particularly noteworthy, providing a conversational and highly informative exploration of the film's development, the intended trilogy, and various plot intricacies. The isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 allows dedicated cinephiles to appreciate the film’s musical composition separately. The inclusion of both the original theatrical trailer and the MGM 90th Anniversary trailer offers a nostalgic glimpse back at the movie’s marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Director Michael Laughlin and writer Bill Condon discuss the making of the movie, the planned trilogy, character decisions, scenes, and set anecdotes.

Isolated Score Track: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix of the music only.

Original Theatrical Trailer: The original marketing trailer.

MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Anniversary trailer featuring MGM.

"Strange Invaders," directed by Michael Laughlin and written with Bill Condon and Walter Halsey Davis, masterfully weaves a nostalgic homage to the 1950s sci-fi genre while addressing the underlying cultural anxieties of the time. The narrative starts with an evocative text crawl highlighting the dichotomous nature of the decade, juxtaposing idyllic family scenes with more turbulent themes like the Cold War and social unrest. This tonal blend is extended into the film’s premise, where an idyllic American town, Centerville, is perpetually trapped in the 1950s after an alien takeover. Laughlin's detailed depiction of 1950s Americana, complete with pristine farmland and well-dressed, rule-abiding citizens, effectively lures viewers into this eerie setting.

Paul Le Mat's character, Charles Bigelow, an entomology professor from the 1980s, propels the plot as he investigates his ex-wife Margaret’s mysterious disappearance. Arriving in Centerville, Bigelow encounters unnerving locals who seem stuck in a bygone era and gradually reveals the town's sinister secret. Comparisons to "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" are apt as Laughlin employs familiar tropes from classic sci-fi, which adds a layer of self-aware charm. Despite an intriguing setup and some engaging misdirection, parts of the storyline falter, especially towards the end. The film seems to lose coherence, opting for a heart-tugging climax that feels somewhat at odds with its earlier, more suspenseful tone.

Despite its mixed reception upon release in 1983 and underwhelming box office performance, "Strange Invaders" has garnered a small cult following, appreciated for its technical execution and nostalgic references. While none of the performances are particularly standout, they are solid across the board. The film's approach to paranoia woven into a picture-perfect 1950s setting remains compelling. Though it occasionally struggles with tonal and logical consistency, "Strange Invaders" manages to be an entertaining, if flawed, tribute to the sci-fi classics of yesteryears.

"Strange Invaders" is an engaging, albeit quirky, throwback to classic 1950s science fiction films like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "Invaders from Mars." Despite not achieving substantial recognition upon its initial release, the film offers a unique blend of whimsy and paranoia that sci-fi aficionados will appreciate. The narrative contains numerous references to notable sci-fi works, including overt nods to Steven Spielberg and "The Day the Earth Stood Still." Although the film struggles with balancing its plot mechanics, especially toward its conclusion, it remains an undeniably enjoyable experience with a distinctly goofy charm.

Twilight Time’s Blu-ray release of "Strange Invaders" is a technical highlight, offering the best visual representation of the film available. While there are some minor video issues, the overall quality remains commendable. The audio track, despite being mono, is impressive and enhances the viewing experience considerably. Of particular note is the exceptional commentary by the filmmakers, which serves as a valuable addition for genre enthusiasts.

In conclusion, while "Strange Invaders" may not have set the world ablaze upon its release, it holds significant appeal for fans of classic alien invasion stories. Its playful homage to earlier sci-fi tropes and technically sound Blu-ray presentation make it a recommended watch for this niche audience.