The Land That Time Forgot Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Land That Time Forgot" features an AVC encoded image in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that generally impresses with its above-average detail and natural appearance. While the opening submarine sequences are dominated by a palette of muted grayish and blue hues, the visual presentation notably enhances as the story progresses and the environment of Caprona is explored. Colors become more vibrant, with glowing orange volcanoes and greenish dinosaurs providing richer, more engaging visuals. The film’s overall naturalistic look benefits from commendable handling of skintones and stable contrast levels. Instances of speckling and mild judder are present but do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

Textural fidelity is considerable, with special attention paid to the U-boat interiors and close-ups of instruments and gauges, illustrating the dimensionality and separation in outdoor sequences. Human reactions and special effects also maintain a decent level of clarity, despite the inherent softness typical of the period’s cinematography. The management of grain maintains a satisfactory balance, supporting low-light adventures well without compromising distance delineation. While there are some noisy sequences, including composite backgrounds and minor artefacts in the title sequence, these issues are rare and do not significantly mar the overall enjoyment for a 1975 low-budget film.

Overall, this Blu-ray presentation brings a quality visual experience, aligning well with the film's period style and enhancing the viewer's engagement with its adventurous narrative.

The audio presentation of "The Land That Time Forgot" Blu-ray employs a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio sound mix that manages to capture the authenticity of its original release while providing a generally clear and immersive experience. The scoring cues are notably fresh and inviting, enhancing the adventurous mood of the film with well-defined instrumentation. Dialogue remains intelligible, although it is denoted by a thicker texture that nonetheless handles accents and on-screen chaos appreciably.

While atmospherics are alert, capturing the essence of Caprona with vivid screeches, seismic activities, and dino action that emphasizes intended enormity, the mix displays limitations during specific sequences. Balancing issues arise particularly during intensive action scenes such as the submarine's entrance to the island and volcanic eruptions, where dialogue can be drowned out. Despite these momentary lapses, the track remains faithful to its original presentation, free of distortion or audio defects.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Land That Time Forgot" provide a detailed and engaging exploration of both the film’s production and its reception. The commentary features Director Kevin Connor, moderated by Brian Trenchard-Smith, and offers fascinating insights into the filming process, including the use of miniature models and surprising behind-the-scenes techniques, such as the use of cardboard cutout ships. Notably, it reveals that John McEnery’s voice was completely re-dubbed by Anton Diffring. Despite occasional lapses in energy, the commentary remains charming and informative. Additionally, a rough but enjoyable Making Of featurette provides promotional interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from 1975, while the HD theatrical trailer rounds out the offerings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Kevin Connor and Brian Trenchard-Smith: Insightful discussion about special effects, filming experiences, and surprising production reveals.
• Making Of Featurette: A promotional piece from 1975 featuring production insights and interviews.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: A 16x9 formatted trailer in HD.

"The Land That Time Forgot" (1975) navigates a blend of war drama and fantasy adventure, driven by the survival story of a disparate crew stranded on a prehistoric island. Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs's novel, the film begins with a gripping maritime conflict in 1916, as British survivors commandeer a German U-boat led by Captain Von Schoenvorts (John McEnery). Initial scenes aboard the submarine are marked by tense battles and strategic maneuvers, creating an engaging procedural atmosphere. However, director Kevin Connor's attempt to balance authenticity with adventure often results in lengthy exposition and minimal action.

Arriving at Caprona, the narrative shifts significantly to showcase a lost world inhabited by dinosaurs and primitive tribes. While this transition to a high-stakes adventure captures the imagination, it is somewhat undermined by inconsistent pacing and dated special effects. The visual presentation lacks refinement; rear projection and puppet-based creatures, like an Allosaurus and Triceratops, bring a quaint charm but fall short of modern expectations. Yet, some practical effects, such as life-threatening volcanic eruptions and the innovative setting design, inject excitement into the storyline. The thematic evolution of humanity amidst these primitive surroundings offers depth, but Connor's direction on tension and suspense often misses the mark.

"Land That Time Forgot" peaks sporadically with action set-pieces and philosophical musings between characters like the robust Tyler (Doug McClure) and the insightful biologist Lisa (Susan Penhaligon). Despite the evident craftsmanship in creating miniatures for U-boat scenes, the overall impact of the film fluctuates due to its erratic pacing and underwhelming special effects. Nonetheless, for enthusiasts of vintage sci-fi adventures, the film presents an adequate spectacle against the backdrop of early 20th-century escapism, maintaining a nostalgic allure that compensates for its technical limitations.

"The Land That Time Forgot," originally released in 1975, presents a unique cinematic experience that blends adventure with science fiction. Doug McClure's portrayal stands as a beacon within the film, injecting much-needed charisma and energy to offset a generally lethargic narrative. The film's promise of a sequel—"The People That Time Forgot" (1977)—adds a layer of expectation, though it might have benefited from more extensive exploration of the enigmatic Caprona. The film struggles to maintain a steady flow, often losing the spark of Edgar Rice Burroughs' original influential work.

From a technical perspective, the film's special effects, especially the depiction of dinosaurs, fail to meet contemporary standards, often appearing dated and unconvincing. Character interactions can be peculiar, sometimes bordering on disjointed. Despite these flaws, the adventurous spirit of the story can still provide intermittent moments of enjoyment. Nostalgia plays a significant role for viewers who grew up watching this film in the 70s, making it a nostalgic trip to revisit. There is a sense of charm in the film's concept and execution that could appeal to fans of retro fantasy and science fiction.

In conclusion, while "The Land That Time Forgot" may not fully hold up to modern scrutiny, its inherent charm and ambitious narrative offer enough intrigue for genre enthusiasts. The Blu-ray release offers the best possible visual upgrade, making it a worthwhile purchase for dedicated fans. For others, the film's 90-minute runtime makes it a manageable and potentially enjoyable diversion. It’s an evocative journey back to classic adventure filmmaking, holding a spot in cinematic history as a curious exploration of forgotten worlds.