Stargate Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Stargate" in its 130-minute Extended Cut on a 1080p/MPEG-2 encode across a BD-25 disc offers a visual experience that is, for the most part, commendably enhanced over its predecessors. The transfer shines particularly with its exterior desert scenes, where the clarity and detailing significantly surpass earlier versions of the film. Viewers will find the increased definition in long shots notable, as figures and landscapes that once melded into indistinct shapes now stand out with remarkable sharpness and detail. The color grading has been adeptly handled, producing rich and vivid hues that maintain their integrity without bleeding or smearing, contributing to an immersive viewing experience.

However, while there is much to praise, the presentation is not without its flaws. Grain texture, though generally well-managed, occasionally veers towards being overly coarse, a minor distraction that purists might note. Furthermore, some scenes exhibit a slight halo effect around sharp objects - a common artifact known as ringing, which can detract from the overall crispness of the image. Despite these issues, the black levels remain solid and stable throughout, anchoring the visual presentation with depth and contrast that was previously lacking.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Stargate" represents the most refined version of the movie to date, offering a significant improvement in video quality that fans and newcomers alike will appreciate. The presentation navigates the line between preserving the original film's grain and enhancing detail and color saturation with skill, even if it stumbles slightly in consistent grain management and edge enhancement. Overall, the technical advancements employed in this version make it an impressive showcase of what can be achieved with thoughtful remastering.

The audio presentation of Stargate's Blu Ray release showcases an array of high-quality soundtracks, most notably featuring a Dolby Digital EX track at 448kbps and a superlative 6.1 Dts-HD high resolution extended surround track, which operates at a constant bit rate of 3mbps—approximately twice that of standard core Dts tracks. The age of the film notwithstanding, the audio quality is remarkably excellent, with the Dts track outshining its counterparts owing to its fuller sound, superior channel delineation and separation, enhanced channel coherence, and an expanded soundstage. Noteworthy moments, such as the wormhole sequences, are brought to life with immersive inter-channel effects and deep bass, creating a vivid auditory experience that enhances the visual spectacle on screen.

The surround sound channels are consistently active, enveloping the viewer in the film’s diverse environments through well-rendered ambient sounds, including wind, music score, and the unique atmospheres of various settings within the movie. This meticulous attention to ambience ensures smooth and natural scene transitions, bolstering the realism and immersion of the audio mix. The overall frequency response and balance are commendable, contributing to an excellent audio presentation that elevates the viewing experience.

Despite the largely stellar audio quality, a slight critique emerges regarding moments of stridency, particularly noticeable during the closing credits, though this does not markedly detract from the movie’s main runtime. This minor flaw aside, the Blu Ray audio presentation of Stargate stands as an exemplary achievement, offering an audibly superior version of the film’s original mix. The detailed and dynamic sound design not only faithfully conveys the director's vision but also provides an engaging and immersive auditory experience for aficionados and new viewers alike.

The Blu Ray release of "Stargate" takes a minimalist approach when it comes to extras, featuring only a commentary track. However, this exclusive inclusion is far from lackluster. Delivered with enthusiasm and deep knowledge about the film, the commentary provides an expansive dive into the creation and nuances of "Stargate." While aficionados of behind-the-scenes content might find the extras section wanting, the detailed and passionate discussion offered in the commentary track compensates with valuable insights into the movie's production, themes, and storytelling techniques, making it a noteworthy addition for enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the cinematic piece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary Track: A comprehensive discussion that covers various aspects of the film.

Stargate," as a movie, represents a significant milestone in the sci-fi genre, especially when considering its transition to Blu-ray format. Helmed by the noteworthy producing duo of Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, known for their works on larger-than-life projects like "Independence Day" and the divisive "Godzilla" (1998), "Stargate" showcases their knack for blending high-concept ideas with engrossing storytelling. This film, though it did not spawn direct sequels due to the team's shift towards "Independence Day," gave rise to a highly successful franchise that includes "Stargate SG-1," "Stargate Atlantis," and "Stargate Universe." Such expansions bear testament to the original movie's enduring appeal and its imaginative fusion of Egyptian mythology with interstellar exploration, an intriguing premise that underscores the entire saga.

The movie itself, for those intimately familiar or new, stands out in its Blu-ray incarnation. As an ardent follower of the film through its various formats - from flipper discs to the Deluxe THX-approved LaserDisc - it’s clear that none hold a candle to the Blu-ray version's superior quality. This leap in presentation quality is not trivial, as "Stargate" has often divided audiences and critics alike, with some decrying its reliance on special effects and perceived clichés. Despite its mixed reception on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, the film's Blu-ray rendition offers a compelling argument for its technical and narrative prowess, accentuating details that may have been overlooked in previous formats.

The narrative arc of "Stargate" is compellingly presented, starting from the fascinating discovery in the Giza desert in 1928, fast-forwarding to the involvement of Daniel Jackson in 1994, and culminating in an adventurous expedition through the cosmos. The Blu-ray edition breathes new life into this journey, enhancing both the visual spectacle and the intricate plot details—a testament to the filmmakers' visionary approach. The leap from conceptualization to execution, from ancient Egyptian lore interwoven with futuristic sci-fi elements, is rendered with an unprecedented clarity that not only justifies but elevates the movie's ambitious premise. As such, this presentation refines and enhances "Stargate’s" legendary status for both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers, ensuring its place as a vital cornerstone within the science fiction filmography.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Stargate" brings this cult classic to the high-definition era with a transfer that, while not flawless, certainly enhances the viewing experience. Fans of the movie, which has indeed left a significant mark on sci-fi cinema by spawning various sequels and series, will appreciate the improved visuals. The film itself, known more for its entertainment value than its cinematic excellence, benefits from the clarity and depth added by this transfer. However, it's important to note that some minor issues persist, and the omission of a lossless audio track is a notable drawback. The additional features, or rather the scarcity thereof, also detract from the overall package, making it somewhat less appealing to the casual viewer.

On the technical side, while the picture quality shows a marked improvement over previous releases, the true potential of Blu-ray audio is left untapped due to the absence of a lossless audio option. This decision undeniably impacts the immersive experience that fans might expect from a high-definition release. Furthermore, the limited range of extras included in this edition may leave enthusiasts longing for more behind-the-scenes content, in-depth commentaries, or even retrospective documentaries that delve into "Stargate's" enduring legacy and influence.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Stargate" presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers a visually enhanced viewing experience that fans will certainly appreciate, but on the other, it falls short in delivering the full auditory and supplemental content experience that could have elevated it to a must-own status. While diehard followers of the franchise will likely find it a worthwhile addition to their collection, the overall package may not offer enough value to entice the average viewer or newcomers to the series. The lack of comprehensive features and superior sound quality leaves room for improvement in future editions.