Lost in Space Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Lost in Space" offers an inconsistent 1080p high definition transfer that fluctuates between being somewhat satisfactory and disappointing. The film’s visuals, directed by Stephen Hopkins, promise a captivating experience but fall short due to a less-than-ideal transfer. While some scenes showcase satisfactory detailing and appropriate contrast, the image can often appear flat and lacks the pristine, intricate imagery anticipated from a high-budget production. The ship interiors are handled well, maintaining cooler, sterile aesthetics, but the planetary sequences reveal a duller palette and less meticulous detailing. Grain is minimally retained across many scenes, with sporadic evidence of light noise reduction and occasional soft focus, particularly during effects-heavy sequences.

Despite these flaws, there are moments where the transfer truly shines, featuring well-defined images with considerable clarity and depth. The contrast is typically well-balanced with precise blacks that maintain their integrity in darker scenes. Primary colors come across boldly, and secondary hues display a warm, inviting spectrum. Nonetheless, these visual highlights are marred by frequent lapses into standard definition quality, especially evident during CGI sequences. Background blocking and light banding are other persistent issues that detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the Blu-ray version of "Lost in Space" manages to deliver some commendable visuals, it generally falls into the "average" category, revealing a missed opportunity for a more comprehensive remastering that could have fully leveraged the film's visual potential.

The Blu-ray release of "Lost in Space" features a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack that is both aggressive and satisfying. The audio presentation builds on the already impressive Dolby Digital DVD track, renowned for being demo-quality in its era, by enhancing clarity and surround intensity. The mix is filled with clean and precise surround information, including discrete effects and dynamic soundscapes that traverse the entire soundstage. The musical score is expansive and clear, utilizing all speakers within a robust front soundstage, with supplementary but not overpowering surround contributions. Bass performance is tight and potent, especially noticeable during scenes like Jupiter Two's takeoff and the robot's impactful voice. However, dialogue occasionally sounds shallow, a minor issue in an otherwise stellar track.

The soundtrack demonstrates an animated and engaging design, with front speakers taking on significant responsibility and delivering good movement within the soundstage. Ambient effects and off-screen sounds add to the immersive experience, though higher frequency clarity can sometimes be lacking, rendering dynamics unimpressive at times. The mid-range, on the other hand, remains stable and well-balanced. During intense action sequences, the audio showcases a wider and more immersive soundscape, with forceful but sometimes overly boomy low bass. Dialogue reproduction is mostly clear but can be occasionally overwhelmed by effects, indicating a slight imbalance. Despite these nuances, the audio mix makes for an exhilarating listening experience that complements the sci-fi action admirably.

The Blu-ray edition of "Lost in Space" offers a comprehensive suite of extras that will thoroughly engage fans and cinephiles alike. The standout features are two commentary tracks: one with Director Stephen Hopkins and Writer/Producer Akiva Goldsman, which broadly covers the film’s transition to the big screen, themes, and characters; the other, a more technical commentary from Visual Effects Supervisor Angus Bickerton, among others, delving into the details of special effects and cinematography. This edition also includes featurettes, deleted scenes, a music video, and much more, providing an in-depth look at the making of the film and its futuristic themes. The various elements are seamlessly integrated, ensuring a coherent viewing experience despite the separate recordings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Stephen Hopkins and Akiva Goldsman: Covers production challenges and storytelling insights.
• Technical Commentary: Focus on special effects, edited scenes, and cinematography.
• Building the Special Effects: Detailed discussion on the film's 767 effects shots.
• The Future of Space Travel: Explores sci-fi concepts and their real-world implications.
• Q&A with the Original Cast: Reflects on the original TV show's legacy.
• Music Video: Apollo Four Forty’s techno rendition of the theme song.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes commentary providing context for each scene.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.

"Lost in Space," a modern reimagining of the classic 1960s TV show, navigates the challenges of staying true to its nostalgic roots while integrating contemporary special effects. Helmed by Director Stephen Hopkins ("Predator 2"), the movie blasts off into an intriguing world where humanity's survival hinges on colonizing a new world. Despite the backlash over its stilted acting and a CGI creature that arguably detracts from the film, the movie manages to deliver engaging, family-friendly science fiction. The plot, although not groundbreaking, is sound and structured sufficiently to keep the audience invested without feeling overtly patronized. The film stands out with an artful balance of visual spectacle and a storyline bolstered by solid narrative developments.

Set in 2058, Earth is on the brink of collapse due to environmental degradation. The Robinson family, accompanied by a pilot and a saboteur in astronaut garb, embarks on a mission aboard Jupiter Two to save humanity by establishing a hypergate on Alpha Prime. However, disaster strikes when their robot is reprogrammed to annihilate them. Major Don West (Matt LeBlanc) and Dr. Zachary Smith (Gary Oldman) both deliver commendable performances, adding layers of tension and sporadic humor. The space-centric adventure unfolds with the family encountering numerous dangers, including evil robots and oversized spiders—a clear nod to classic sci-fi thrills.

While "Lost in Space" strives for a mix of seriousness and lightheartedness, the film often leans too heavily into clichés. Sophisticated set designs and practical effects enhance its visual charm, but occasional forced humor and a lack of mortal peril dilute the film’s impact. Still, standout performances from actors such as Mimi Rogers bring enough gravitas to offer a well-rounded, albeit not exceptional, cinematic experience. Though the effects may seem dated to modern audiences, their integration with the story remains commendable, rendering "Lost in Space" a visually compelling yet emotionally moderate viewing experience.

New Line's Blu-ray release of "Lost in Space" brings back the 1998 adaptation of the classic 1960s TV series with some noticeable highs and lows. Directed by Stephen Hopkins, the film attempts to resurrect the nostalgia of the original show primarily through its then-revolutionary special effects and a solid cast featuring Gary Oldman, William Hurt, and Matt LeBlanc. While it doesn't capture the campy charm that made the original series a beloved cultural artifact, it compensates with visually engaging sci-fi action and an adventurous spirit. Although not aspiring to highbrow cinema, it clearly aims to dazzle and entertain, and in those respects, it largely succeeds.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer is a mixed bag. The 1080p video quality provides a steady, though far from pristine, visual experience. Colors are vibrant enough, but there's a certain datedness in the CGI that is hard to ignore. What shines most in this release is the robust lossless soundtrack that effectively immerses the viewer in the film’s otherworldly settings with crisp audio effects and a resonant score. The bonus content mirrors that of its DVD release, offering a decent array of extras but no fresh insights or material to entice collectors or newcomers.

In summary, "Lost in Space" on Blu-ray is a playful sci-fi adventure that serves well as a family-friendly blockbuster despite its narrative shortcomings and fluctuating picture quality. It's a recommendation for those who appreciate '90s special effects and enjoy revisiting nostalgic cinematic interpretations. Hardcore fans of the movie or genre might find value in adding it to their collections, while others may be better suited to exploring it as a rental first.