One Million B.C. Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "One Million B.C." is a marked improvement over earlier releases from VCI and MVD Visual, featuring a 1.38:1 AVC encoded 1080p transfer. Previous issues, such as severe vertical banding, have been notably addressed, significantly enhancing the visual experience. While some fluctuations persist, including noticeable wobble during the UCLA Film Archives title card and recurrent damage on the right side of the frame, particularly during the dramatic volcano eruption sequences, the overall cleanup is commendable. Major scratches and blemishes are largely absent, although the transfer does appear somewhat dark. The contrast is solid but may not fully satisfy those who prefer a heavier grain presence, suggesting some form of high-frequency filtering was employed.

This newer Blu-ray release of "One Million B.C." effectively retains vintage aesthetics, with stray hairs in the gate and occasional scratches adding to its nostalgic charm. Despite rare dropped frames, the encode adeptly handles challenging scenes involving dust and fog, maintaining a clean, resolved grain structure free from errant artifacts. The high-resolution scan—likely at 2K—delivers a significant clarity upgrade from previous editions. Notably, close-ups of lizards display impressive textural detail, enhancing the film's immersive qualities. However, issues with the grayscale persist. The black levels lack depth until the latter part of the film when sudden heavy contrast appears, particularly in scenes featuring bright sunlight, where minor clipping occurs. Despite these minor setbacks, the Blu-ray offers a substantial visual refinement that respects the film's original integrity.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray for "One Million B.C." utilizes an LPCM 2.0 mono track that, while it does have its limitations due to the source material, manages to deliver a relatively full-bodied sound experience. The track, which avoids traditional dialogue, instead features an almost continuous musical score. This music occasionally exhibits brittleness in the upper registers but remains listenable. Despite the overall boxy character of the sound, there are no significant issues related to age-induced wear and tear that detract from the listening experience. The audio's dated quality is evident, yet it integrates well with the film’s historical context.

The PCM mono audio track harmonizes well with the video's clarity, delivering a clean and distortion-free dialogue experience, even if dialogue instances are minimal. Elements such as hiss and popping are minimally intrusive. Notably, even if the video occasionally skips a frame, the audio maintains its continuity without losing synchronization. The somewhat muted score reflects the film's original design and maintains integrity even into the high treble ranges—particularly evident during the opening credits where horn sections perform without excessive struggle. Despite its inherent boxiness, the audio presentation complements the historical and cinematic authenticity of "One Million B.C."

The Blu-ray release of "One Million B.C." showcases a solid array of extras that effectively enhance the viewing experience. The audio commentary by film historian Toby Roan stands out with his expertise and thorough research, despite occasional quiet periods. The photo gallery offers a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s promotional artwork. The supplementary materials are well-curated, creating a comprehensive package for enthusiasts of this classic cinematic piece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Toby Roan: Insightful commentary with well-researched information and occasional quiet spots.
• Photo Gallery: A collection featuring key promotional artwork for "One Million B.C."

One Million B.C., produced by Hal Roach Studios and released by United Artists in 1940, remains a historical curiosity with its depiction of prehistoric life featuring Victor Mature, Carole Landis, and Lon Chaney, Jr. The film employs a framing device where an anthropologist (Conrad Nagel) narrates a tale from cave paintings to a group of hikers, including Mature and Landis, who transition into their prehistoric roles. The film’s setting is a primitive world where Tumak (Mature) is banished from his own tribe, only to be taken in by the more evolved tribe of Loana (Landis). Despite the simplistically predictable narrative, the film's naivete and charm render it somewhat endearing.

Technically, One Million B.C. offers a mixed bag of special effects. The juxtaposition of crude rear projections and notably kitschy creatures—ranging from rubber triceratopses to fur-covered elephants—set against impressively crafted miniature sets achieves an odd balance of the laughable and the laudable. While the practical effects are often jarring, with scenes showcasing out-of-focus rubber dinosaurs and anthropomorphic animals, the film’s use of depth-laden miniatures and matte work in certain scenes displays a considerable level of technical ingenuity for its time.

Despite its inherent anachronisms and occasional cruelty—staging real animal fights for "authenticity"—the film aims to entertain rather than educate. The love story between Tumak and Loana is portrayed through gestures and actions due to the film’s caveman dialect, resulting in a narrative that is as much about visual cues as it is about dialogue. While modern audiences may find unintentional humor in its presentation, One Million B.C. remains a quaint relic that reflects both the filmmaking limitations and imaginative aspirations of its era.

VCI’s Blu Ray release of "One Million B.C." brings a nostalgic slice of cinema history back into the spotlight, catering particularly to those who grew up watching this cult classic. The film combines hokey yet amusing special effects with a straightforward love story that proves endearing despite its lack of historical accuracy. For many, the performances hold a certain charm, with the cast delivering engaging portrayals of their prehistoric characters. Although the film may not achieve the grandeur of more popular, elaborate films from its era, it holds a unique appeal that is both quaint and entertaining.

The technical aspects of this Blu Ray release have seen considerable improvements, most notably the elimination of the previous vertical line issue that plagued earlier versions. While videophiles might still want to scrutinize screenshots to gauge the quality for themselves, the overall visual presentation has been significantly enhanced. It's worth noting, however, that some ethical concerns linger due to scenes involving animal cruelty, overshadowing an otherwise successful visual endeavor.

In conclusion, "One Million B.C." remains a quirky, enjoyable film that continues to entertain despite its flaws and outdated elements. VCI’s improved Blu Ray release ensures long-time fans will be pleased with both the nostalgic revisit and the upgraded visuals. With its amusing charm and notable enhancements, this release comes recommended for audiences who appreciate the idiosyncratic allure of vintage cinema.