Lord of the Flies Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Lord of the Flies" by Olive Films showcases the film in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While the elements are generally in good condition, viewers will notice occasional age-related artifacts such as minor scratches and speckling. The color reproduction is particularly commendable, with the island's lush tropical greens and reds appearing vibrant and convincingly natural. However, the grain is slightly variable, sometimes spiking unnaturally. Sharpness and clarity are inconsistent, with outdoor scenes often appearing somewhat soft. Shadow detail is minimal, leading to outright crush in certain night sequences where background details can virtually disappear.

Despite these drawbacks, the overall image depth and stability of the transfer are praiseworthy. Skin tones look natural, and black levels can be satisfactorily deep and inky, though there are instances where the crush is particularly noticeable. The detail level shines in well-lit close-ups, where individual hairs, specks of dirt, and makeup blemishes are distinctly visible. However, darker scenes or wider shots tend to lack uniformity in detail and sharpness. There's also a layer of fluctuating grain and occasional video noise, with some inherent minor scratches from the original film elements. No extensive restorative work has been done on this release, following Olive Films' usual practice of avoiding aggressive digital tweaking. Although it’s not a flawless presentation, the Blu-ray offers a solid viewing experience that maintains the film's organic look.

The audio presentation of "Lord of the Flies" on Blu-ray features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. While some might prefer a 5.1 surround mix to enhance the immersive experience with island sounds and the children's screaming, the stereo mix is impressively robust. This track is well-detailed, delivering excellent ambient environmental effects that are well-prioritized alongside Philippe Sarde's menacingly playful score, which stands out significantly in this version. Despite being a stereo mix, the ambient sounds translate effectively to the front speakers, making the overall audio experience full-bodied and dynamic.

The audio mix maintains crystal-clear dialogue throughout, ensuring it is easily discernable without any issues of pops, cracks, high shrills, or hiss. The track shows no signs of age-related wear and tear, boasting excellent fidelity and a good dynamic range. Furthermore, the score integrates seamlessly into the mix, providing an amazing and sweeping auditory backdrop without overshadowing sound effects or dialogue. The Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) are particularly commendable, contributing to a wide dynamic range that leaves the audio presentation of this Blu-ray release with solid marks.

The Blu-ray release of "Lord of the Flies" offers a meticulously curated selection of extras, providing valuable insights into the film’s creation and thematic underpinnings. The featurettes are expertly produced, giving fans a deeper understanding of the adaptation process and the filmmaking techniques employed. The inclusion of interviews with the cast and crew enriches the viewing experience, shedding light on the challenges faced during production and the film's enduring relevance. While some might lament the absence of newer commentary or retrospective, the available material is well-presented and informative.

Extras included in this disc:

• Adaptation Insight: An insightful look into how the novel was adapted for the screen.
• Cast Interviews: Engaging discussions with the principal cast members about their roles and experiences.
• Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes: Detailed explorations of the film’s production, capturing on-set dynamics and directorial vision.

The 1990 remake of "Lord of the Flies," directed by Harry Hook, offers a modern adaptation of William Golding's seminal 1954 novel, veering notably from Peter Brook's acclaimed 1963 film. In this version, a group of American military cadet boys washes up on an island after an unspecified disaster, a stark contrast to the British choirboys of the original. This modification adds a layer of presumed discipline and order, which only highlights their rapid descent into savagery as the plot unfolds. The presence of a gravely injured adult survivor introduces a new dynamic, bordering on traditional horror in a particularly shocking scene.

Hook's choice to shoot in color in Jamaica introduces an ironic beauty to the setting, juxtaposed against the grim unfolding human behavior. While this adds a visual gloss, it somewhat dilutes the dramatic intensity compared to Brook's quasi-verité black-and-white approach. The young cast delivers mixed performances: Balthazar Getty as Ralph shows emotional range but falters in climactic moments, Chris Furrh as Jack lacks menacing depth, and Danuel Pipoly's vulnerable Piggy remains memorable. Yet, some support actors reveal their lack of experience, diminishing the film's overall impact.

While maintaining the core narrative of human nature devolving into brutality, Hook's adaptation resonates differently for an audience acclimated to more extreme portrayals of youth behavior by 1990. The once-shocking premise now feels somewhat diluted by a more cynical worldview. Nonetheless, the film successfully conveys the inherent chaos and horror as the boys' veneer of order collapses. Despite mixed critical reception and potentially dated elements, this version of "Lord of the Flies" provides a visceral exploration of youthful anarchy that continues to provoke thought and disturb viewers.

The 1990 version of "Lord of the Flies" sparks a mix of criticism and commendation in equal measure. This adaptation takes liberties with William Golding's original text, resulting in changes that vary from minimal to substantial. These adjustments create a slightly different horror ambience compared to its literary counterpart. However, the cinematography strikingly captures the stark contrast between the breathtakingly beautiful island setting and the disturbingly savage behavior of the stranded children. Despite the noticeable alterations, the film remains engaging and unsettling enough to merit a recommendation for viewing.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of this film is adequate but falls short of excellence. The video quality is competent, offering a colorful portrayal that may tilt towards excessive vibrancy at times, detracting from the intended grim tone. Audio clarity is satisfactory but lacks the immersive depth one might expect from modern remasters. Furthermore, the Blu-ray edition is devoid of supplementary content, a notable detriment for enthusiasts seeking deeper insights into the production or thematic exploration of the movie.

This 1990 version of "Lord of the Flies" may be new, but purists will probably question whether or not it's actually improved. Some of the changes made to Golding's original are minimal (which kind of begs the question as to why they were undertaken to begin with), while others are a bit more dubious, tipping the film ever so slightly toward a more familiar horror ambience. Probably too colorful for its own good, the film nonetheless offers a nice contrast between the incredibly gorgeous scenery and the incredibly ugly behavior of the children. Involving if never as cathartic as it might have been, "Lord of the Flies" offers enough unsettling content to come recommended.