12 Monkeys Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "12 Monkeys," restored by Arrow Films, boasts an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The restoration involved scanning the original 35mm negative in 4K resolution and grading it under the meticulous supervision of director Terry Gilliam. The new transfer mitigates many issues found in earlier releases, such as pervasive minor damage and edge enhancement, offering a cleaner and more faithful representation of the film. Though some high contrast moments present differences in brightness compared to the Universal version, the overall improvement in grain structure and color vibrancy is noticeable. Particularly, the grain field is more finely resolved and consistent with Gilliam's distinct, albeit often soft and high-contrast, visual style.

In this newly restored Special Edition, "12 Monkeys" benefits from improved contrast and vibrant colors, with natural skin tones where intended. The presentation maintains a filmic quality with a well-managed grain structure that enhances its authenticity. However, the inherent softness and variability in detail due to Gilliam's original cinematographic techniques persist. Certain sequences exhibit clear and well-defined imagery while others appear deliberately fuzzy and dream-like. Though this may not fulfill the expectations of razor-sharp modern transfers, it remains true to the creative vision of the filmmakers. Arrow Films has succeeded in delivering a Blu-ray transfer that markedly outperforms previous versions, ensuring that fans of "12 Monkeys" can enjoy a visually superior and faithful rendition of this cult classic.

Arrow Video's Blu Ray release of "12 Monkeys" features robust audio options with both 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 LPCM stereo soundtracks. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers a comprehensive auditory experience, engaging the surround channels in key scenes such as World War I trench battles and the Army of the 12 Monkeys HQ. Despite moments of punchy LFE and accurately placed side and rear effects, the mix generally remains front-heavy, delivering clear dialogue that sometimes feels buried under the complexity of Terry Gilliam’s characteristic sound design. Interestingly, the 5.1 track’s up-mixing via DTS:Neural:X enhances the audio dimensions, lifting music into overhead channels and placing effects with such precision that it mimics a native DTS:X mix.

Conversely, the LPCM 2.0 stereo track provides an extraordinary alternative, offering a more focused and intimate auditory experience. Dialogue is consistently forward in the mix, enhancing clarity without sacrificing the rich complexity of the film’s score. While the stereo track lacks the aggressive surround effects of its 5.1 counterpart, it compensates with a refined presentation that maintains detailed spatial geography and environmental depth. Both tracks ensure that the intricate layering of music, effects, and voices delivers an engaging listening experience, each catering to slightly different preferences. These options not only cater to diverse audience preferences but also allow audiophiles to appreciate the nuanced differences between the two formats.

The Blu-ray extras of "12 Monkeys" present viewers with an impressive collection of insightful and historical content. The audio commentary by Director Terry Gilliam and producer Charles Roven is both entertaining and informative, blending humor with technical insights about the film's production. The standout feature, "The Hamster Factor and Other Tales of Twelve Monkeys," offers an extensive behind-the-scenes look that fans and film lovers will find utterly captivating. The package also includes a highly engaging interview with Gilliam, an appreciation by noted author Ian Christie, a detailed image gallery, and additional written content in Arrow's insert booklet—all adding substantial value to the Blu-ray experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Terry Gilliam and Charles Roven: Entertaining insights into the film's production.
• The Hamster Factor and Other Tales of Twelve Monkeys: Comprehensive making-of documentary.
• The Film Exchange with Terry Gilliam: 1996 London Film Festival interview.
• Appreciation by Ian Christie: Thoughts by the author of "Gilliam on Gilliam."
• Twelve Monkeys Archive: Image gallery containing various production materials.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film preview.
• Arrow Insert Booklet: In-depth written content adding extra value.

Terry Gilliam's "12 Monkeys" stands as one of his most commercially successful and accessible works, embodying his signature eccentricity while maintaining a coherent narrative that connects emotionally and intellectually. With a plot revolving around a deadly epidemic and time travel, the film features Bruce Willis as James Cole, a convict sent back in time to gather information about the origins of a virus that nearly annihilates humanity. Gilliam's direction employs a surreal, disjunctive style, keeping viewers engaged and slightly off-center, which is magnified by the chaotic, grim atmosphere that blurs the line between sanity and madness. The ensemble cast, including Madeleine Stowe and Brad Pitt, delivers compelling performances that underpin the film's black-comedic and dystopian tones.

The screenplay by David Webb Peoples and Janet Peoples draws inspiration from Chris Marker's 1962 short film, "La jetée," and imbues the narrative with philosophical musings on modernity, consumerism, and technological advancements. Its exploration of determinism and the consequences of time travel is conveyed through visually striking scenes and thought-provoking dialogue, particularly in the exchanges involving Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), whose portrayal earned him his first Oscar nomination. However, some critics note that the film's script occasionally wavers in fully exploring its deeper themes, although this could also be seen as enhancing its enigmatic appeal.

The Arrow Video Special Edition of the Blu-ray elevates the viewing experience with meticulous restoration efforts. Scanned in 4K from the original 35mm camera negative and approved by Gilliam himself, the film is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with remastered audio tracks in both stereo and 5.1 mixes. The Blu-ray includes bonus features that delve into the making of the film and its thematic intricacies, making this edition indispensable for both fans and new viewers.

Arrow Video’s Special Edition Blu-ray release of "12 Monkeys" brings renewed appreciation for this cult classic helmed by Terry Gilliam. With a meticulously executed 4K restoration and a remastered 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack, the film achieves commendable audio-visual quality despite its inherent limitations. While this movie may never become the sharpest on your shelf, the level of detail and clarity in the new transfer surpasses previous Blu-ray and HD-DVD editions, elevating the overall viewing experience.

The bonus features offer a rich dive into the film’s background and production process. This package includes a slightly edited audio commentary by Terry Gilliam and producer Charles Roven, the excellent vintage 88-minute documentary "The Hamster Factor and Other Tales of Twelve Monkeys," and a 24-minute interview titled "The Film Exchange with Terry Gilliam" conducted by Jonathan Romney. Additional supplements include a video appreciation by Ian Christie, the "Twelve Monkeys Archive" consisting of numerous stills and sketches, an original theatrical trailer, and a 44-page booklet featuring insightful essays and interviews. Although these extras have been available on disc for several years, their inclusion adds substantial value to this edition.

Arrow’s release provides an engaging blend of technical quality and supplementary content that appeals to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The packaging, enhanced essays, and varied special features create an all-encompassing experience that deepens appreciation for the film’s intricate narrative and visual design.

As I've mentioned in other reviews of Gilliam films I've personally written, I tend to be a huge fan of Gilliam even when I'm kind of rolling my eyes (and/or ears, if ears can be rolled) at some of his stylistic excesses. Ken gave 12 Monkeys a sterling 5.0 as a film, but even as a diehard (hey, Willis is in this, isn't he?) fan of 12 Monkeys, I'm still not sure it's an unqualified masterpiece. That said, it comes pretty darned close a lot of the time, and Arrow has once again stepped up to the plate and provided a release with solid technical merits and some appealing supplements. Highly recommended.