Gremlins Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Gremlins" offers a solid, though not exceptional, upgrade over previous home video versions. Presented in 1080p with the Warner-preferred VC-1 codec at 1.85:1, this transfer showcases the movie with noticeable improvements, but it falls short of reference quality. The absence of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) ensures that the film retains its original grain, which may be distracting in some darker scenes. Indoor scenes, in particular, display a heavy layer of grain, though outdoor, daylight sequences reveal a boost in clarity and color richness.

The video presentation is consistent with the source material's filming style from the early 1980s, which inherently includes softness and lack of sharp definition. Blacks are solid but could be deeper, often washing out into dark greys that obscure shadow details. Conversely, brighter scenes fare significantly better with precise whites and stable colors devoid of red push. Puppetry elements like Gizmo are rendered with impressive clarity, showing an extraordinary amount of detail in every hair and scale.

Overall, while the Blu-ray exhibits improvements over the DVD version, including smoother picture quality despite its haziness and infrequent print blips, it is evident that substantial remastering would be required for a more striking visual transformation. Fans of "Gremlins" will appreciate this nostalgic presentation even though it doesn't reach the technical standards set by more recent high-definition releases.

The audio presentation of the "Gremlins" Blu-ray disc is a marked improvement over previous releases, thanks to an upgrade to a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. While the track promises enhanced clarity and volume balance, audiophiles might notice minor shortcomings. Dialogue is primarily channeled through the front, often sounding clear but occasionally flat and lacking dynamic expression. The background score by Jerry Goldsmith is robust and immersive, although there are moments when the music feels subdued. Notably, a persistent background hiss may be heard during quieter scenes if the volume is cranked up.

The surround sound implementation adds considerable depth to the viewing experience, particularly during action sequences involving the gremlins, where ambient noises and directional effects enhance the chaotic atmosphere. The LFE (low-frequency effects) channel performs adequately, delivering satisfying bass during explosive moments but lacking the impact seen in more modern releases. The film's sound effects—such as Gizmo's car, flying Gremlins, and splashes in the local swimming pool—benefit from the surround sound treatment, adding to the overall enjoyment.

In addition to the primary audio track, viewers have access to multiple language options, including English Dolby Digital 2.0 and various 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks in French, German, Italian, Spanish, among others. Subtitles are available in a wide range of languages like English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish, making this release accessible to a broad audience. Therefore, while not without its flaws, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track on the "Gremlins" Blu-ray serves as an appreciable enhancement over older editions, ensuring that the movie’s soundscape is both captivating and enjoyable.

The Blu-ray release of "Gremlins" offers a robust array of extras that will delight both casual viewers and hardcore fans alike. The standout addition is the commentary featuring Joe Dante, Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Dick Miller, and Howie Mandel, which is a must-listen due to its entertaining anecdotes and seamless rapport among participants. A more technical but equally compelling commentary by Joe Dante, Michael Finnell, and Chris Walas delves deep into the film's special effects and production challenges. Additional features include a nostalgic behind-the-scenes featurette, and a collection of extended scenes that provide additional context, though they do not significantly alter the film’s story. The disc also includes trailers and a photo gallery which, while interesting, are more for one-time viewing.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary with Joe Dante, Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Dick Miller, Howie Mandel: Engaging and anecdotal discussion among key cast and crew members.

Commentary with Joe Dante, Michael Finnell, Chris Walas: In-depth technical insights on special effects and production.

Gremlins: Behind the Scenes Featurette: A brief but charming look at the film’s production.

Extended Scenes: Additional scenes providing more context but are non-essential.

Photo Gallery: Selected stills from the film and its production.

Trailers: Theatrical trailer for "Gremlins," re-release trailer, and teaser for "Gremlins 2: The New Batch."

"Gremlins," released during the height of the 1980's horror-comedy wave, masterfully combines slapstick humor with genuine horror elements. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, this film presents a uniquely twisted narrative that captivates audiences even decades later. The story follows traveling inventor Randall Peltzer (Hoyt Axton) who gifts his son Billy (Zach Galligan) a mystical creature known as a Mogwai. With Gizmo, the Mogwai, comes a set of strict care instructions: avoid water, keep out of bright lights, and never feed after midnight. Inevitably, these rules are broken, resulting in the transformation of the cute Mogwais into menacing Gremlins. These newly spawned creatures wreak havoc on the small town of Kingston Falls, serving both comedic and thrilling purposes.

The visual craftsmanship of "Gremlins" remains impressive due to Dante's effective blend of animatronics and practical effects that bring chaotic creatures to life. The bar scene and caroling Gremlins exemplify the film's gleeful anarchy inspired by old Warner Bros. cartoons. Nevertheless, some critique the film for its increasingly apparent age and uneven blend of comedy and horror. The Gremlins rarely feel like a genuine threat, which diminishes tension. Additionally, the film sometimes strays into preposterous territory, but its nostalgic value and innovative spirit persist.

Writer Chris Columbus and Director Joe Dante infuse the film with memorable cinematic moments that push boundaries within Hollywood conventions. Even though the film's level of violence sparked controversy, ultimately leading to the creation of the PG-13 rating, its cartoonish violence underscores its fable-like quality. Characters such as Billy's crush Kate (Phoebe Cates) and misfit friend Corey Feldman enrich the narrative with quirky charm. "Gremlins" remains a cornerstone of 80's cinema due to its daring storytelling and meticulous production design, making it a must-watch for fans of both heartwarming and horrifying tales.

The Blu-ray release of "Gremlins" is a mixed bag that caters predominantly to its nostalgic fan base. The film, directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, remains a chaotic and enjoyable roller coaster of mayhem, characteristic of the 1980s era of fun movies. The audio and video quality are faithful to the original, retaining a certain amount of grain that purists might appreciate. While the visual fidelity does improve upon previous editions, it falls short when compared to contemporary high-definition productions. The audio track, too, could benefit from some restorative work, although it remains largely acceptable for casual viewing.

Interestingly, the Blu-ray package includes several special features that, while not new or in HD, provide valuable insights into the making of this cult classic. However, the extras feel somewhat weak as an updated commentary from key figures like Dante, Spielberg, or actor Zach Galligan would have added significant value. "Gremlins" has always faced challenges in identifying its target audience; the violent and chaotic scenes may be too intense for younger children but ironically make it appealing to nostalgic adults who remember it fondly.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "Gremlins" is recommended primarily for longtime fans and collectors who can appreciate its historical context and the slight improvements in audio-visual quality. If you’re seeking a film to relive those glorious cinematic moments from the 1980s, this release holds up reasonably well. However, those accustomed to the pristine clarity of modern high-def releases might find this version lacking. Despite its imperfections, "Gremlins" continues to be a worthwhile addition to any classic film collection.