Planet Terror Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Planet Terror" offers a captivating dual-version showcase, delivering two distinct viewing experiences that reflect the film's intentional stylistic choices. The primary version, intentionally laden with simulated film scratches, splices, dirt, grain, and color warping, achieves the quintessential Grindhouse aesthetic. Shot on digital video but deliberately degraded, the 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer maintains the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The image fluctuates dramatically—grain varies from almost imperceptible to overwhelming; colors shift from vivid to faded, with instances of intentional pink hues; and frame imperfections such as flickers, scratches, and burns are meticulously recreated. This version successfully mirrors the worn-out projection print of yesteryear, adhering faithfully to Robert Rodriguez's vision.

In contrast, the Blu-ray also includes a "Scratch-Free" 1080p VC-1 encoded version, where the film's digital origins shine through with pristine clarity and vibrant colors. This version is markedly cleaner, with sharp details and a more conventional presentation that juxtaposes sharply against the gritty aesthetics of the theatrical cut. Elements such as blood spurts appear bolder, wounds are more explicit, and dynamic lighting effects are rendered with more precision. However, this enhanced clarity can detract from the intended Grindhouse experience, rendering the film's overtly polished look somewhat out of place for its genre.

Overall, while both versions provide unique visual experiences, the original theatrical cut is a master class in intentional degradation, encapsulating the essence of Grindhouse cinema. The Blu-ray thus not only serves as a technical upgrade from the DVD but also as an exploration into Rodriguez’s artistic intent, giving viewers the flexibility to choose their viewing preference—a testament to the versatility and depth of "Planet Terror's" presentation.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Planet Terror" delivers a robust experience through its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The encoding is notable for its energetic and modern sound mix, with Rodriguez's score from Rodriguez and Revell providing an audacious backdrop of synth-heavy, Carpenter-esque vibes that resound through the speakers. The soundtrack's aggressive dynamic range captures the essence of the film, especially noticeable during the frequent gunfire sequences. Bullet strafing is precisely directed, with smooth panning across channels, allowing each individual gunshot to be acoustically discernable.

The surround activity in "Planet Terror" is impressive, with extensive panning and rear-channel effects that create an immersive audio sphere. While the bass could be deeper, it reasonably handles explosions and vehicular crashes without overwhelming the overall soundscape. Subtle sounds, such as dripping gore and the crunch of Dakota's anesthetized fingers, are clearly rendered, enhancing the gritty texture of the film. Dialogue remains consistently clear amidst the chaotic sound effects.

Overall, while there are sporadic intentional audio imperfections like pops and hisses to emulate a grindhouse aesthetic, the Dolby TrueHD track maintains a high level of fidelity. Though the difference between TrueHD and standard Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks may be minimal, the former provides a slightly more articulated and engaging aural experience, delivering an all-around exciting audio performance that complements the action-packed narrative of "Planet Terror."

The Blu-ray release of "Planet Terror" offers an extensive array of special features, providing a comprehensive and engaging look into the film’s production. This collection includes both the Scratched and Un-Scratched versions, with the latter serving as a fascinating comparison to the intentionally damaged aesthetic of the final product. Robert Rodriguez's insightful commentary is filled with trivia and behind-the-scenes stories, while the Audience Reaction Track captures the electrifying atmosphere of a live viewing. Additional highlights include the "10-Minute Film School" which delves into visual effects and gore creation, and various featurettes that explore cast dynamics and stunt coordination. Machete's full trailer also adds significant entertainment value. Overall, the extras encapsulate the passion and creativity behind "Planet Terror," making this Blu-ray edition an essential for fans and film enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Scratch-Free Version of Planet Terror: A clean version of the film before digital manipulation.
• Feature Commentary: Rodriguez provides detailed insights and anecdotes.
• Audience Reaction Track: Experience the film with audience reactions.
• 10 Minute Film School: Planet Terror: Overview of VFX and CG work.
• The Badass Babes of Planet Terror: Focuses on the female leads.
• The Guys of Planet Terror: Highlights the male characters.
• Casting Rebel: Discusses casting Rodriguez's young son.
• Sickos, Bullets, and Explosions: The Stunts of Planet Terror: On-set stunt explanations.
• The Friend, the Doctor, and the Real Estate Agent: Reveals non-actors in supporting roles.
• International Trailer: Vintage-styled trailer for the film.
• International Poster Gallery: Collection of the film's posters.

Planet Terror, envisioned by Robert Rodriguez as part of the Grindhouse project, delivers an exuberant and blood-soaked homage to B-movie horror. It thrives on its outrageous gore and campy humor, taking inspiration from low-budget science fiction and horror films of the early 1980s. Rodriguez injects a darkly simple yet thoroughly entertaining joy into every frame of this grotesque spectacle. The film opens with Cherry (Rose McGowan) caught in her drab job, only to be thrust into the throes of chaos alongside her mysterious ex-boyfriend El Wray (Freddy Rodriguez). The narrative accelerates with nefarious military agents unleashing flesh-eating zombies, and the ensuing carnage is both relentless and relentlessly comical.

Technically, Planet Terror achieves a remarkable balance between intentional visual degradation—complete with simulated scratches and grit—and sophisticated modern effects. This high-definition Blu-ray transfer preserves the intended grindhouse aesthetic while delivering a clean image that stays faithful to the original vision. Fans will appreciate meticulously crafted scenes where Rodriguez lingers on diseased body parts, amplifying both the horror and hilarity. The film’s cast enhances its over-the-top nature, with stalwart performances from genre icons like Michael Biehn and Jeff Fahey, who bring a level of cheese and fun ideal for the movie’s tone. From Cherry’s transformation involving a machine gun prosthetic to frenetic battles against rabid mutants, Planet Terror is a full-throttle rollercoaster ride that doesn’t allow a moment’s breath.

The Blu-ray also features the extended cut of Planet Terror, adding 10 minutes to the original runtime. While these additions don’t significantly alter the plot, they enhance the overall experience. Standout segments include sequences involving Dr. Block (Josh Brolin) and Dakota (Marley Shelton) in their hospital setting, further emphasizing Rodriguez's knack for combining visceral horror with farce. The inclusion of the "Machete" trailer adds a delightfully fitting prelude. Despite its divisive reception upon initial release, Planet Terror has carved out a niche for itself among fans of gory, irreverent cinema.

Planet Terror is an action-packed, laugh-a-minute gore fest that harkens back to the low-budget action and science fiction flicks of the late seventies and early eighties. As the first half of the Grindhouse feature, the film succeeds in being endlessly entertaining while showcasing Robert Rodriguez's advanced filmmaking talents. The video quality is presented just as Rodriguez intended, with ample scratches, grain, and blown-out scenes that perfectly emulate the grindhouse aesthetic. The audio is impressive, featuring an abundance of surround activity and deep bass that enhances the film’s thrilling sequences.

Despite being separated from its Grindhouse companion, 'Death Proof', 'Planet Terror' stands as an enjoyable homage to B-movies. However, the experience feels incomplete without its counterpart. The Blu-ray transfer is commendable for faithfully reproducing the film's gritty appearance. The supplements are adequate, although apart from the Scratch-Free version and the Machete trailer, there isn't much additional content to entice enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Planet Terror offers a lightweight and thoroughly enjoyable piece of entertainment filled with thrills and chills. While it may not recreate the full Grindhouse experience on its own, it remains a notable addition to any B-movie fan’s collection. Recommended!