Memoirs of an Invisible Man Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's release of Memoirs of an Invisible Man on Blu-ray is a commendable upgrade, leveraging a 2K scan from the original interpositive. This MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50 disc preserves the film’s original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, delivering a noticeable improvement over previous DVD versions. Cinematographer William A. Fraker’s work shines through with a rich, dark look and an authentic grain structure that integrates smoothly with the era's practical effects. The contrast is well-balanced, maintaining rich black levels and natural skin tones without any signs of crushing or major artifacting. However, some scenes exhibit a bit of softness due to the optical effects, but this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall quality.

The detail is impressively intimate, with a high level of clarity in textures such as clothing and makeup lines. This 2K master does justice to the intricate detailing Fraker intended, especially with the use of Eastman Kodak 5248 and 5296 film stocks, which provide deep blacks and a broad gray scale range. Visuals during Nick's dream sequences appear hazy and nostalgic, thanks to the soft focus employed. The colors are vivid and consistent throughout the film, capturing the vibrant palette of the 1970s decor in particular scenes.

Overall, this Blu-ray transfer—with an average video bitrate of 35000 kbps—proves to be both robust and gratifying, highlighting the film’s carefully designed aesthetic. While some grain removal is noted, it remains within acceptable limits, ensuring a clean presentation devoid of stability issues or defects. This effort by Scream Factory should satisfy both John Carpenter fans and general collectors looking for a significant visual upgrade.

Scream Factory’s audio presentation of "Memoirs of an Invisible Man" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo (2030 kbps, 24-bit) track. The sound remains remarkably clean, boasting robust music and sound effects, while dialogue consistently comes through with clarity. The master is in outstanding shape with no major flaws, offering a slightly boisterous effect during action sequences but maintaining the primary focus on its dialogue-centric mix. Shirley Walker’s score exhibits excellent range, especially during the main titles, and enjoys a mild boost alongside the clear, discernible sound effects.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track upholds the film's original Dolby sound mix and exhibits superior fidelity. Vocals are crisp, and there’s admirable spatial imaging across the front soundstage, with effects shifting from side to side, integrating some low-frequency effects within the stereo mix. It’s not an aggressive surround sound but delivers occasional panning and stereo sound placement for background and ambient activities. Importantly, the track excels in balancing clarity and depth between the dialogue, score, and sound effects without showing any signs of distortion, crackling, or hissing common in older tracks.

This audio treatment preserves the original stereo experience while elevating overall impact. The dynamics deliver a loud and effective presentation with decently mixed intricate depths in sound effects. The master ensures no noticeable blemishes or age-related issues, making this DTS-HD MA 2.0 track another win for the Shout brand in delivering an enhanced yet faithful audio experience for classic films.

The Blu-ray of "Memoirs of an Invisible Man" offers an array of insightful and entertaining extras that will appeal to fans and cinephiles alike. The highlight is the featurette "How to Become Invisible: The Dawn of Digital F/X," which explores the pioneering digital effects with insights from Ned Gorman, Douglas Smythe, and Bruce Nicholson. Vintage interviews with John Carpenter, Chevy Chase, and Daryl Hannah provide a glimpse into the set dynamics and actors' perspectives. Additional behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes offer a deeper understanding of the film's production intricacies. The package is rounded out with the original theatrical trailer and TV spots. All featurettes have been upconverted to 1080p, ensuring a consistent viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• How to Become Invisible: The Dawn of Digital F/X: Explores pioneering digital effects.
• Vintage Interviews with Director John Carpenter, Chevy Chase, and Daryl Hannah: On-set and EPK interviews.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: John Carpenter directing and cast interactions.
• Outtakes: Unused takes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer.
• TV Spots: Promotional TV spots.

"Memoirs of an Invisible Man," directed by John Carpenter, is a curious entry in Carpenter's filmography, largely due to its unusual genesis and mix of genre elements. Chevy Chase stars as Nick Halloway, a self-absorbed San Francisco stock analyst who becomes invisible following a lab accident. The film, originally helmed by Ivan Reitman before Carpenter took over, suffers from an uneven tone, mixing straight sci-fi with dry, sometimes misplaced humor. Chase's performance as the protagonist is commendable, reflecting a surprising shift from his typical comedic roles to a more restrained character marked by occasional wry humor. Despite his best efforts, the script's indecision—credited to multiple writers including William Goldman—undermines the narrative cohesion, making for a mixed viewing experience.

Special effects are the film's strongest suit. The blend of optical and digital effects, managed by Industrial Light & Magic, is executed with notable skill and holds up well, even in high definition. This technical aspect significantly elevates the viewing experience, adding a layer of visual intrigue. Sam Neill's portrayal as the rogue CIA agent David Jenkins lends a compelling menace to the storyline, contrasting effectively with Chase's disoriented everyman hero. However, Daryl Hannah's role as Alice Monroe feels underdeveloped, appearing more prominently only in the latter half of the film.

John Carpenter’s directional influence is evident in the film’s framing and lighting choices, though it feels at odds with the overarching vision. The narrative strategy—alternating between Nick’s perspective and an objective viewpoint—adds a unique flair but can't fully compensate for the script's inconsistencies. While not a standout in Carpenter's career, "Memoirs of an Invisible Man" remains an interesting take on the classic Invisible Man trope, showcasing some inventive visual effects and engaging performances despite its narrative flaws.

"Memoirs of an Invisible Man" stands out as an intriguing departure for both Chevy Chase and John Carpenter, where the typically comedic Chase explores a more dramatic and nuanced role. Although Carpenter's influence is somewhat limited, the film offers a fresh take on the classic monster narrative, positioning the 'monster' as the hero and even diving into the darker aspects of invisibility. The movie’s technical achievements, especially its special effects, are commendable and perhaps its most notable feature. This Blu-ray release by Scream Factory is a visual and auditory treat, featuring a 2.39:1 aspect ratio with an English DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track that ensures a superior viewing experience.

Scream Factory has delivered a solid package, even if some extras are rehashed from previous releases. The overall video transfer and lossless sound are of high quality, providing a clear upgrade from earlier formats. While new bonus materials would have been appreciated, the existing supplements still offer valuable insights and serve as a nostalgic window into the film's production. This edition does prompt consideration for fans to replace their older DVD copies.

In conclusion, "Memoirs of an Invisible Man" may not reach the peaks of Carpenter’s more iconic works but stands as an underrated gem worthy of re-evaluation. The Blu-ray release by Scream Factory elevates its status with excellent technical specifications and enduring special effects. Whether you're a die-hard John Carpenter enthusiast, a Chevy Chase fan, or fascinated by classic monster tales, this release deserves a place in your collection. Worth the watch and highly recommended.