Lifeforce Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of "Lifeforce" boasts an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, which showcases Tobe Hooper's visually stunning and colorful film with impressive fidelity. Hooper personally oversaw the color timing to ensure this edition aligns with his original vision, resulting in robust saturation and improved contrast, especially noticeable in the darker scenes of the film's final act. This high-definition transfer maintains a natural layer of grain without overzealous sharpening or noise reduction, preserving the filmic texture that enhances viewing authenticity.

Despite some minor issues due to the source material's age, such as occasional soft sequences and slight grain clumping, the transfer retains a pleasing balance of clarity and detail. Whites are sharp and crisp, and the film excels in delineating clothing, hair, and London architecture. Background details in dimly lit interiors are clearly visible, and facial textures are intricately revealed during close-ups. Primaries are vibrant and richly saturated, while secondary hues, though slightly subdued, remain accurate throughout. Black levels are deep and well-defined, though some mild crushing occurs, it doesn't detract significantly from the overall presentation.

Ultimately, "Lifeforce" on Blu-ray achieves a commendable balance between fidelity to the original aesthetic and contemporary visual standards, resulting in a presentation that is both cinematic and engaging. Fans and newcomers alike will find this edition to be the film's best appearance on home video, with Hooper's lurid comic-book aesthetic vividly brought to life.

The audio presentation of the "Lifeforce" Blu-ray delivers an impressive experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks. Especially noteworthy is the 5.1 surround mix, which offers a wonderfully distributed cinematic soundstage. Henry Mancini's dynamic score and the assorted sound effects from Michael Kamen are executed with excellent distinction and spatial qualities. These elements imbue the film with depth and provide room-filling coverage, significantly enhancing atmospheric intensity without overwhelming the listener. The dialogue, while clear and intelligible throughout, does appear slightly dated and is mixed lower than the action sequences, but still remains remarkably precise.

The sound design is particularly effective during special effects sequences, including the lifeforce draining scenes that feature dynamic panning and forceful whooshing effects that pull the audience into the action. Explosive moments and sudden shocks are delivered with marked intensity, complete with directional cues that enhance immersion. Surround effects, such as the echoing screams within a mental asylum or outdoor ambient sounds, are convincingly integrated, maintaining a consistently active and engaging auditory environment. The mid-range detail is notably sharp, providing energetic details during louder segments, while the low bass response adds appreciable weight and depth appropriate for enhancing eerie atmospherics.

Listeners can also appreciate the choice between the aggressive 5.1 remix and the more natural 2.0 stereo option. While the 5.1 track provides a punchy, enveloping experience perfect for action-packed scenes, some may prefer the 2.0 stereo mix for its warm fidelity and more balanced distribution of sound across the soundstage. Dialogue prioritization in the center channel holds up strongly in both audio options. Overall, "Lifeforce" on Blu-ray delivers a robust audio experience that complements its visually vibrant restoration.

The Blu Ray of "Lifeforce" offers an impressive array of extras that will captivate both new viewers and long-time fans. The set includes the less-favored U.S. Theatrical Cut, presented in high-quality MPEG-2 encoding, alongside the director's more comprehensive vision. Commentary tracks are informative and engaging, featuring director Tobe Hooper with Tim Sullivan and makeup effects designer Nick Maley interviewed by Michael Felcher. These tracks provide a rich mix of technical know-how, personal anecdotes, and amusing stories from the set. Additionally, there are insightful interviews with Mathilda May and Steve Railsback, a vintage making-of featurette, and various promotional materials including trailers and TV spots. This supplemental package not only deepens appreciation for the film's complex production but also highlights the nostalgia and uniqueness of "Lifeforce".

Extras included in this disc:

• U.S. Theatrical Cut: The truncated version released in the U.S.
• Commentary with Director Tobe Hooper: Insightful and anecdotal.
• Commentary with Make-Up Effects Designer Nick Maley: Technical and career-focused.
• Dangerous Beauty with Mathilda May: Interview on her bold role.
• Space Vampires in London with Tobe Hooper: Interview on film production.
• Carlsen's Curse with Steve Railsback: Reflections on his role.
• Vintage Making of Lifeforce Featurette: Time capsule from the film’s production.
• Theatrical Trailers: Promotional trailers for the film.
• TV Spot: Brief television advertisement.
• Still Gallery: Collection of promotional stills.

Review of "Lifeforce"

"Lifeforce," directed by Tobe Hooper, is a unique blend of science fiction and horror that transports viewers into a world where space vampires, led by the entrancing Mathilda May, wreak havoc following their discovery by an ill-fated space expedition near Halley's Comet. The narrative kicks off with the spaceship's crew uncovering three naked humanoids encased in crystal-like structures, hidden within the comet's tail. What ensues is an increasingly chaotic descent into Earth's subplot involving zombified vampires, exerting widespread destruction. Steve Railsback’s character, Colonel Carlsen—initially captivated by the female vampire—teams up with other scientists, most notably portrayed by Frank Finlay and Peter Firth, to thwart this otherworldly threat.

The movie's subsequent progression exhibits a juxtaposition of suspenseful and outlandish elements. May's alien femme fatale uses her ability to hypnotize and siphon the lifeforce out of her victims, both essential and laughable in equal measure. The second half propels into rapid-paced action as Carlsen, linked psychically to May’s character, attempts to locate and neutralize the threat, culminating in a climactic yet somewhat disjointed finale set amid a London overrun by vampiric chaos. Hooper's ambitious direction tries to reconcile its genre hybridity with impressive special effects overseen by John Dykstra and an evocative score by Henry Mancini. Though narratively uneven and sometimes ludicrous, the film sustains engagement through its visual dynamism and the absorbing performance of its cast, particularly May’s menacing yet magnetic allure.

While "Lifeforce" was not initially well-received, it has garnered a cult following over the years, appreciated for its unabashedly eccentric charm. Its presentation in Blu-ray showcases spectacularly restored visuals and sound, enhancing the film’s grandiose production design and special effects. Despite its inherent flaws and overly ambitious narrative, the movie provides a distinctively entertaining experience with its bizarre yet captivating premise. Hooper crafts a peculiar but fascinating exploration of space-vampire mythology, leaving audiences with an indelible imprint of science fiction horror that is as entertaining as it is unconventional.

"Lifeforce," directed by Tobe Hooper, is a quintessential cult classic that defies conventional categorization. A thrilling concoction of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, the film offers a unique premise—the idea that vampire mythology has its roots in outer space. While the storytelling is admittedly chaotic, this very disarray contributes to the movie's undeniable charm. The production design is impressive, and the special effects—though sometimes delightfully silly—remain engaging. Henry Mancini’s lush, strident score underpins the madness wonderfully, enhancing the film's vibrant atmosphere.

The Scream Factory Blu-ray edition breathes new life into "Lifeforce," delivering the best home video experience of the film to date. The high-definition transfer significantly improves the visual quality, bringing out nuanced details in scenes that previously suffered from murky presentation. The audio track is equally robust, adding depth and pizzazz to the movie's numerous explosions, crashes, and eerie silences. The package also includes an array of supplements, although some may wish for an even more comprehensive collection. Two versions of the film are available, but it's recommended to treat the US Theatrical cut as a secondary feature due to its inferior narrative and AV quality.

In conclusion, while "Lifeforce" is laden with narrative inconsistencies and outlandish scenarios, it triumphs as magnificently extravagant trash—the kind that is endlessly rewatchable. The film’s pell-mell pace, combined with unrestrained imagination and over-the-top execution, makes it an entertaining spectacle. This Blu-ray edition is more than just a nostalgic trip; it's a definitive release that hardcore fans and newcomers alike will appreciate. Although I look forward to Arrow’s impending release for comparison, the Scream Factory Blu-ray is already a top-tier offering for aficionados of this hysterical horror hybrid.