Explorers Blu-ray Review

Shout Select's Collector's Edition Blu-ray of "Explorers" brings a significant video upgrade to this cherished film, presenting it in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 across two discs: one with the theatrical cut and another with the home video cut. Both versions are encoded with MPEG-4 AVC on BD-50 discs, offering 1080p HD transfers that dramatically enhance the viewing experience. The theatrical cut delivers a video bitrate of 29300 kbps, while the home video cut elevates this to 32500 kbps. Despite a few minor blemishes such as white speckles and occasional softness in the theatrical version, both cuts showcase impressive improvements in color saturation, clarity, and detail that surpass previous DVD releases.

The restoration effort bestows upon each frame a natural and richer color palette, effectively capturing the cinematographer's intent to evoke a warm fall atmosphere through the use of specific filters and lighting techniques. The nuanced handling of colors—from the deep and inky blacks of space to the vivid reds and purples inside the alien spacecraft, and even the more earthy tones in natural settings—demonstrates a meticulous attention to the film's visual aesthetic. Additionally, the enhanced detail reveals textures and elements in scenes previously unnoticed, such as the intricacies of costume and set design, making for a more immersive viewing experience.

Each cut of "Explorers" is accompanied by twelve scene selections, allowing for easy navigation through this visually revitalized journey. The improvement in image quality between the two versions primarily distinguishes them; while both look exceptional, the home video cut edges out with slightly better visuals free from the speckling and dirt found in the theatrical release. This release sets a new standard for the film, presenting it in arguably the best quality since its original cinematic run.

The audio presentation of "Explorers" on Blu Ray is impressively served by Shout Select with a dedicated focus on delivering high-quality sound across both the Theatrical Cut (TC) and Home Video Cut (HVC). Each version is equipped with two lossless audio tracks: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround remix and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo mix. The 5.1 Surround remix, available for the TC at 2535 kbps and the HVC at 2338 kbps, both in 24-bit, alongside the Stereo mix at around 1676/1677 kbps respectively, ensures that the audio experience is not only diverse but meticulously curated to cater to audiophile preferences. The remastered tracks remarkably exhibit crystal-clear quality, from dialogue delivery to the transformative sound effects that powerfully engage the surround sound capabilities.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, in particular, stands out as the definitive choice for audio presentation. It showcases an enhanced auditory experience through expertly crafted sound effects and atmospheric layers that envelop the viewer. The dynamic range of sounds, including the seamless movement of the blue bubble across Wolfgang's lab, the intricate destruction it causes, and even the atmospheric nuances from the alien spacecraft, are rendered with exceptional clarity and precision across the speakers. Such meticulous attention to detail extends to the impactful lower frequencies, evident in scenes like the tilt-a-whirl's loss of air compression and the mechanical spider sequence, adding a rich depth to the audio landscape.

Moreover, Jerry Goldsmith's iconic score perfectly complements the high-definition audio tracks, enriching the cinematic experience with its orchestral depth and emotive resonance. Whether it's through the warm French horns or the comprehensive orchestral storytelling, Goldsmith's score thrives in the Surround mix, adding a Spielbergian magic to the film's atmosphere. The optional English SDH provided for each cut enhances accessibility, ensuring that "Explorers" can be fully appreciated in its remastered auditory glory, devoid of any distortion or imbalance in sound quality.

The Blu-ray extra features of "Explorers" present a comprehensive and engaging assortment of content that both enhances the viewing experience and provides insightful behind-the-scenes perspectives. Shout Factory has outdone itself by including over two hours of bonus material, notably the extensive "A Science Fiction Fairy Tale: The Story of Explorers" documentary and a wealth of previously unseen deleted scenes. The inclusion of in-depth interviews with key creative personnel, including director Joe Dante and cinematographer John Hora, alongside new insights from stars like Ethan Hawke and enthusiasts such as Ernest Cline, adds significant value. Particularly noteworthy are the deleted scenes with optional commentary by Joe Dante, offering a fascinating glimpse into the editing process and the decisions that shaped the final cut. These features collectively afford fans a deeper appreciation of the film's production complexities and its enduring legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Science Fiction Fairy Tale: The Story of Explorers: Comprehensive retrospective documentary featuring interviews with the cast and crew.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Joe Dante: A collection of cut scenes from the film, provided with or without directorial commentary.
• Interview with Cinematographer John Hora: Insights into the film's visual storytelling and production challenges.
• Interview with Editor Tina Hirsch: Discussion on the editing process and collaboration with Joe Dante.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for "Explorers".

Explorers," a 1985 cinematic endeavor, marked the fascinating intersection of veteran film talents and budding stars, encapsulated within a tale of youthful audacity and extraterrestrial curiosity. Initially set to be directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the project saw Joe Dante at its helm due to logistical constraints posed by Paramount's preference for a domestic production location. Dante, coming off the arduous yet successful "Gremlins," found himself compelled by the seemingly straightforward narrative of "Explorers," which chronicles the journey of three intrepid boys venturing beyond Earth's confines in a homemade spaceship. However, unforeseen pressures to meet a summer release deadline led to a frenzied production schedule. This rush notably impacted the film's depth, cutting short potential subplots and character developments, such as the nascent romance between Ben Crandall and Lori Swenson—portraying an all-too-common scenario in filmmaking where time constraints hinder narrative ambition.

At its core, "Explorers" shines as the inaugural platform for Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix, whose performances—steeped in juvenile wonder and technological ingenuity—emblematize the quintessential 80s' spirit of adventure and discovery. The film's story, pivoting around the construction and ensuing journey of their makeshift spaceship, "Thunder Road," celebrates the unyielding innocence and camaraderie among its young protagonists. Moreover, despite its hasty production resulting in an "unfinished" feeling as cited by Dante himself, "Explorers" manages to resonate through its blend of heartfelt performances, pioneering special effects, and a narrative that adeptly marries the fantastical with the relatable trials of adolescence.

Joe Dante's narrative ambition, coupled with standout performances by Hawke, Phoenix, and Presson, ensured "Explorers" remained ingrained in the hearts of its audience as a beacon of fantastical storytelling, albeit shadowed by its rushed execution. The inclusion of light-hearted elements akin to Spielberg classics, intertwined with its underlying commentary on friendship, adventure, and the ceaseless allure of the unknown, renders "Explorers" a memorable albeit nuanced addition to the sci-fi genre. Its amalgamation of genuine performances, under the strain of constrained production timelines, accentuates both the potential and limitations inherent in 80s' cinema—a period characterized by both its overt optimism and the technological infancy of its cinematic expeditions.

The Blu-ray release of "Explorers" presents a refreshing dive nearly three and a half decades back into a world of childhood wonder, dreams, and celestial adventure. This edition rejuvenates the 1980s classic, beautifully preserving its awe-inspiring charm and undiminished appeal. Despite the long-standing wish for a director's cut remaining unfulfilled, the inclusion of the theatrical version alongside previously unreleased deleted scenes sourced from work print tapes—meticulously discussed in George Gipe's novelization—adds significant value. Furthermore, the addition of a new hour-long documentary enriches the viewing experience substantially, offering in-depth insights into the movie's creation and legacy. Both visually and aurally, "Explorers" has been remastered to deliver the best possible experience to contemporary audiences, ensuring this space-faring adventure with young Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix looks and sounds as vibrant today as it ever has.

Shout Select's Blu-ray rendition of "Explorers" truly embodies a Spielbergian essence that captures and reignites the aspirational spirit inherent in 80s cinema. It's not only a nostalgic trip back to a time of innocent ambition but also an exceptional showcase of talent, marking the on-screen debuts of Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix. The technical prowess of this release is commendable; video and audio quality are top-notch, ensuring that every frame and soundwave transports viewers back in time while maintaining modern standards of clarity. The comprehensive collection of bonus features further augments this edition, making it a treasure trove for aficionados and new fans alike who are eager to explore every facet of this timeless journey.

In conclusion, this two-disc Collector's Edition of "Explorers" is an absolute must-own for fans old and new. Its combination of restored picture and sound quality, along with plentiful and insightful special features, offers a definitive experience of the beloved film. This release is not just a trip down memory lane; it’s a vivid reminder of the power of dreams and adventure. Whether you've journeyed with Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix before or are preparing for your first launch, "Explorers" on Blu-ray promises an exhilarating voyage that is as enchanting today as it was over thirty years ago. A very warm recommendation indeed for those looking to recapture or discover the magic of this cinematic gem.