Nomads Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Nomads," released by Scream Factory, delivers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Unfortunately, this transfer is mired by several notable issues, including considerable dirt and dust, frequent scratches, and sporadic minus density and white flecks. Offering a softer overall image with occasional lapses into splotchy yellow chunks, the visual sharpness is seldom striking. While the grain suggests a dupe element source, compression holds up reasonably well but does falter at times.

Dark scenes suffer extensively with significant crush issues, leading to muddled visuals where figures in dark clothing appear as floating heads. The film's color palette appears reasonably accurate though occasionally exhibits a warm bias. Black levels are problematic, prone to bleeding over and compromising detail. Additionally, the image lacks vitality, with colors more muted and aged than vibrant, although skin tones remain natural. The Blu-ray's fidelity is notably higher in well-lit close-ups but remains underwhelming in broader aspects, marred by a softness and an abundance of dirt and debris that evoke a near VHS-quality experience.

Overall depth is solid with characters appearing integrated into their settings naturally. However, the present artifacts, heavy grain, and recurring blocking issues detract from the viewing experience. Color reproduction outside of darker scenes is acceptable, albeit within the film's inherently dingy aesthetic. Despite Scream Factory's usually high standards, this transfer of "Nomads" falls short of expectations, reflecting the challenging condition of the source material rather than a meticulous restoration effort.

The audio presentation of "Nomads" on Blu-ray is equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. This soundtrack effectively captures the intricacies of the film's dialogue, effects, and Bill Conti's synth-heavy score. The sound mixing stands out, especially in high-intensity scenes, such as Pommier’s hyperventilation sequence on the beach, which is impactful and well-designed. Prioritization of audio elements is expertly handled, ensuring that dialogue remains clear without being overshadowed by the film's energetic score or sound effects.

Though the release features a robust DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, some may miss the immersive experience that a 5.1 option could provide. Ambient noises and sound effects are impressively balanced and emerge crisply through the front speakers. Dialogue clarity is exceptional throughout, free from any noticeable distortion or hiss, maintaining a consistent volume that fits well within the dynamic range of the presentation. While there are occasional overlaps between vocals, music, and sound effects, they are minimal and do not detract from the overall listening experience.

Overall, this audio track delivers a solid performance, augmenting both the atmospheric scares and comedic moments inherent in "Nomads." The dynamic range is broad, allowing for detailed layering of sounds that enriches each scene without causing one element to overpower another. Although there is no low-frequency extension or surround sound presentation, this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix succeeds in providing a clear and engaging auditory experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Nomads" offer an insightful and engaging extension to the film itself, featuring in-depth interviews and supplementary materials that will appeal to both cinephiles and casual viewers. The Interview with Lesley-Anne Down provides an engaging look into her experiences on set, her career, and thoughts on cult film fandom. The Interview with Composer Bill Conti delves into his process of composing the film's score, providing a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective. Fans will appreciate the vintage Radio Spot and Theatrical Trailer, while the Still Gallery offers a visual journey through behind-the-scenes moments and promotional art. Together, these extras enhance the appreciation for the film’s unique production and its place in cinematic history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Lesley-Anne Down: Actress discusses her role, film career, and cult films.
• Interview with Composer Bill Conti: Composer details his work on the score and film's unique aspects.
• Radio Spot: Audio trailer with a still image of the film poster.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Still Gallery: Collection of behind-the-scenes photos and promotional art.

John McTiernan’s Nomads delivers an unsettling yet engaging cinematic experience that juxtaposes moments of chilling horror with unexpected humor. As McTiernan's directorial debut and sole screenwriting credit, the film opens with an ostensibly incoherent Jean-Charles Pommier (Pierce Brosnan) causing chaos in an emergency room. The film takes a unique narrative approach as Dr. Eileen Flax (Lesley-Anne Down), bitten by Pommier, inherits his memories, setting off a chain of disjointed yet intriguing events. The story unfolds via Flax's newly acquired visions, transitioning between her perspective and Pommier’s narrative to reveal the dark and disturbing experiences leading up to his demise.

Despite the innovative structure, Nomads struggles with coherence and logical flow. McTiernan’s otherwise firm directorial hand is hampered by a screenplay rife with structural weaknesses, particularly the unnecessary inclusion of Dr. Flax’s character. Her role as the vessel for Pommier’s memories often muddles the storyline, diverting attention from the central plot involving Pommier’s investigation into a menacing punk street gang linked to ancient nomadic spirits. These supernatural antagonists, embodying elements of vampiric lore and modern-day punks, add to the film's eerie atmosphere, punctuated by Bill Conti’s synth-heavy score.

The performances vary in effectiveness; Brosnan's portrayal of Pommier oscillates between compelling and borderline slapstick due to his exaggerated French accent. While Down succeeds in quieter scenes, her attempts at more intense emotional moments occasionally fall flat. McTiernan opts for a fantastical approach over a grounded storyline, resulting in a mixed bag of genuine suspense and unintentional comedy. Nonetheless, Nomads serves as a fascinating glimpse into McTiernan’s early directorial prowess, hinting at his future success in the action genre, even if the film itself remains firmly within the realm of cult classic horror.

"Nomads," a 1986 film directed by John McTiernan, makes its way to Blu-ray with mixed results. While this film may not be a long-lost horror classic, it does hold a distinctive charm, primarily due to McTiernan's adept direction and Pierce Brosnan's engaging performance, who eerily resembles Sharon Stone in certain scenes. The film's structure is frail, often teetering on the edge of being nonsensical. Still, it manages to provide a brisk and entertaining pace, delivering enough quirky fun to keep viewers engaged.

On the technical front, the video presentation falls short of modern standards but is serviceable. The transfer does justice to the film's aesthetic without overwhelming in clarity or sharpness. On the other hand, the audio quality stands out as notably impressive, capturing the film's atmosphere with precision. As for the supplementary content, the disc includes some compelling new interviews and extras that provide added value and insight into the production and historical context of "Nomads."

On a certain level (meaning fairly low expectations), "Nomads" is just good old-fashioned goofy fun. Its very silliness gives it a bit of momentum even when its structural weaknesses threaten to send it veering over the veritable cliff. Performances are generally great, with McTiernan keeping things moving at a brisk pace. With decent video quality, excellent audio, and a handful of appealing supplements, this Blu-ray release by Scream Factory is worth checking out for fans of the genre and those curious about McTiernan and Brosnan's early work.