Time After Time Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray release of "Time After Time" showcases a commendable transfer derived from a new 2K scan of the original 35mm film. Presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio and encoded in 1080p AVC, this Blu-ray provides a significant upgrade over previous DVD editions, enhancing both color and detail. The deliberate avoidance of excessive saturation ensures a visually authentic representation, reflecting the cooler hues of 1970s California and warmer shadings of the 1893 sequences. The film’s visual aesthetic benefits from a consistent grain structure, adding to the overall filmic texture without becoming obtrusive. Black levels, although slightly compromised in certain nighttime scenes, successfully preserve image visibility and maintain depth.

The meticulous work by Warner's Motion Picture Imaging facility, utilizing one of their premier colorists, ensures the film's diverse palette—from the understated tones of urban California to the vivid hues of the time travel sequences—remains true to its original charm. It is important to note that some depth of field issues, inherent to the original cinematography by Paul Lohmann, persist in this transfer; background objects frequently appear soft, and sometimes even foreground elements are out of focus. These characteristics are attributable to the camera and lens technology of the era rather than flaws in the Blu-ray transfer itself. Despite these inherent limitations, the transfer remains impressive, with minimal noise, aliasing, and banding, and overall high bitrate execution aligning with Warner Archive’s high standards.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release exceedingly preserves the film’s distinctive visual narrative, ensuring "Time After Time" can be appreciated in near-pristine form by contemporary audiences. Even though it might not boast the grandeur of mainstream Blu-ray releases, it stands as an essential acquisition for enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

The audio presentation of "Time After Time" on Blu-ray is an example of careful restoration and encoding. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, derived from the original three-track magnetic master, stays true to the film's early Dolby Stereo roots. Notably, there is considerable stereo separation within Mikl�s R�zsa's lush orchestral score, though much of the soundtrack remains predominantly anchored to the center channel. The dynamic range is adequate but unremarkable, suggesting a limitation of the original audio materials. Despite this, dialogue remains consistently clear and devoid of any muddiness. A minor drawback is the handling of Wells's journey into the future, which utilizes audio clips marking significant events in history; these remain effectively monoaural, missing an opportunity for more immersive channel distribution.

Mikl�s R�zsa's score, reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann’s style, adds an evocative layer to the historical and romantic aspects of the film. While playing the track through both pure two-channel and matrix-decoded setups, the former setup is recommended as it preserves the intended sonic separation. The matrix decoder tends to compress the audio towards the center, diminishing the stereo effect. The film's audio track, while limited to a 2.0 configuration without additional surround sound technology like Dolby Atmos, impresses within these constraints, delivering aggressive musicality and crisp, clear dialogue. For audiophiles and purists alike, Warner Brothers has provided a commendable audio experience for this classic film.

The extras on the Blu-Ray release of "Time After Time" have been ported over from Warner's 2002 DVD release, minus the trailers for "The Time Machine" films. The included trailer for "Time After Time" has been remastered in 1080p, but it still shows the limitations of the original source material. The audio commentary, recorded in 2002, features separately recorded insights from Director Nicholas Meyer and Actor Malcolm McDowell. Their comments have been skillfully edited to simulate a conversation. Meyer's commentary provides a reflective take on his experiences as a first-time director, while McDowell shares personal anecdotes about working on the film and his relationship with co-star Mary Steenburgen. These extras provide valuable context and nostalgic insight, enhancing the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Nicholas Meyer and Actor Malcolm McDowell: Archival commentary offering reflections and anecdotes, edited to sound conversational.
• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer, remastered in 1080p but still exhibiting some rough qualities.

Nicholas Meyer's 1979 film Time After Time takes a fascinating historical concept and blends it with science fiction to craft an engaging narrative. Leveraging his expertise in historical fiction and the invigorating energy of sci-fi, Meyer adapts an unpublished novel by Karl Alexander. The film's premise is thoughtful: envisioning H.G. Wells not just as an author but as the actual inventor of a time machine. This imaginative leap places Wells, portrayed by Malcolm McDowell, in a chase through time to capture his friend turned foe, Jack the Ripper (David Warner), who escapes into the future. The storyline deftly combines elements of a detective chase, a time-travel adventure, and a love story, enriched by the authentic chemistry between McDowell and Mary Steenburgen, who plays Amy Robbins.

The narrative begins in 1893 London when Jack the Ripper resumes his killing spree and is revealed to be Dr. John Leslie Stevenson. Following a police raid, Stevenson uses Wells’s time machine to escape to November 5, 1979. The time travel lands them both in San Francisco, where Wells is confronted with the stark reality that his envisioned utopia has not manifested. The juxtaposition of Wells's idealism against Stevenson's grim pragmatism propels the plot as Wells seeks to apprehend Stevenson amid the violent and chaotic modern urban backdrop. The film also explores their respective responses to these changes—Wells’s awe and disappointment and Stevenson's grim satisfaction.

Despite the leisurely pacing by today's standards, Meyer's script ensures that the multiple plotlines intersect and maintain viewer interest throughout. Notably, the film's love story is marked by authentic performances, illustrating a genuine connection between Wells and Amy Robbins that complicates Wells’s original mission. Time After Time remains a finely crafted narrative that perpetuates discussion on humanity's unchanging nature, thereby solidifying its status as an important piece in time-travel cinema.

Warner Archive Collection’s Blu-ray release of "Time After Time", a film highly anticipated by fans, proves to be worth the wait. The movie, celebrated as one of the foremost in the time-travel genre, melds its intricate narrative of historical fiction with an enduring message on violence and a compelling love story. Although the release does not include new bonus features, it stands out for its visually enhanced transfer. The new pressing vividly captures the film’s elegant cinematography and period-specific details, culminating in a more immersive viewing experience.

The performance of the core cast remains as compelling as ever, coupled with Nicholas Meyer's deft direction and inventive screenplay. The Blu-ray’s meticulous restoration highlights the film’s sustained relevance and cinematic prowess, ensuring that both new viewers and long-time fans appreciate its technical and narrative merits. However, the lack of additional bonus content might be a slight disappointment for avid collectors and long-time enthusiasts hoping for new insights or behind-the-scenes content.

In conclusion, "Time After Time" is one of the films most requested from the Warner Archive Collection, and it has already proven so popular that a second pressing was ordered even before the official release date. Fans who have been patiently awaiting the film's Blu-ray release can be reassured that Warner Archive Collection hasn't let them down. Highly recommended.