Starman Blu-ray Review

Starman arrives on Blu-ray with a solid 1080p transfer, framed at 2.39:1 and delivered via AVC MPEG-4 encoding. Sony has achieved another commendable effort in preserving this 1984 catalog title. The transfer maintains a thick layer of natural film grain, with colors leaning towards warm reds and browns, rendering an authentic 80s visual aesthetic. The image is devoid of artificial smoothing or digital manipulation, ensuring a genuine representation of the original film material. However, blacks, while being relatively deep, occasionally drown out some background details, and there is an overall lack of significant depth. Facial details are moderate but improve significantly in naturally lit scenes, particularly during daylight sequences where the image appears consistently sharp.

The print is generally clean, with only minor blemishes and no substantial dirt or noise interrupting the viewing experience. The color palette remains naturalistic throughout, although colors do not seem to pop vibrantly. The special effects, typical of the film’s era, blend seamlessly with the overall visual style without appearing overly polished. Despite lacking in extreme sharpness or intricate detail usually anticipated from high-definition formats, this Blu-ray release of Starman stands out for maintaining filmic integrity and offering a faithful reproduction that surpasses previous versions. While it may not be the finest catalogue transfer to date, Starman's video presentation on Blu-ray is a well-above-average effort, contributing to the film's preservation for modern audiences.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack on the "Starman" Blu-ray offers a marked improvement over previous releases, which were limited to a 2.0 mix. Right from the opening scenes, the audio presentation engages with a deep, rumbling low end as Voyager II crosses the sky, providing a compelling atmospheric entry without overwhelming the listener. This subtle but effective enhancement continues as the soundstage is filled with background elements such as clunky 1980s computers and ringing telephones, creating a realistic and immersive auditory environment. The score is delivered with utmost clarity across the front channels, ensuring an engaging musical experience.

One standout aspect is the use of ambient sounds and atmosphere. Notable scenes, such as Jeff Bridges' character's first encounter with helicopters, demonstrate the nuanced application of discrete surround effects that enrich the storytelling. While the rears come alive during these moments, they are used more sparingly throughout the film, aligning with the subdued nature of this sci-fi narrative. The low-end frequency response is also significantly improved, adding heft and depth that benefit the overall soundtrack. Dialogue reproduction is clear and consistent, seamlessly integrated within the sound mix.

In sum, while "Starman" might not reach the audio heights of contemporary blockbuster soundtracks, its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix represents a substantial upgrade and delivers a fairly realistic audible atmosphere that enhances the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Starman" noticeably underwhelms in the extras department, leaving fans longing for the bonus features that were available on the Region 2 version. Sony's release neglects to include any film-related supplemental material, making it a disappointing offering for fans who anticipated content like an audio commentary with John Carpenter and Jeff Bridges, deleted scenes, and a music video. Instead, the disc merely offers BD-Live functionality and a plethora of 1080p trailers, none directly tied to "Starman" itself. An included theatrical trailer is presented in full screen but suffers from poor video quality. This lack of substantive extras serves as a significant letdown and reduces the appeal of this Blu-ray release to diehard enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• BD-Live: Network-based features via Blu-ray profile 2.0.
• Theatrical Trailer: Film trailer presented in poor video quality.
• Other Trailers: 1080p trailers for unrelated films.

John Carpenter's "Starman" showcases the director's adeptness at transcending genre conventions, delivering a touching and emotionally resonant narrative. Diverging from his iconic horror-action oeuvre, Carpenter masterfully intertwines elements of science fiction and romance in this memorable film. Released in 1984, "Starman" tells the story of an extraterrestrial (Jeff Bridges), who assumes human form after a spacecraft crash, and his subsequent journey across America alongside Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen). Their emotional road trip is poignantly depicted, exploring the meanings of love, humanity, and acceptance. As extraordinary chemistry unfolds between Bridges and Allen, the film seamlessly transitions through moments of suspense, wonder, and heartfelt connection.

Jeff Bridges' Oscar-nominated performance is a highlight, embodying the alien's gradual adaptation to human form with exceptional nuance. His transformation scenes, capturing the alien's struggle with motor skills and vocal mannerisms, deliver captivating cinema. Karen Allen equally impresses with her portrayal of a conflicted widow whose initial terror evolves into tenderness and understanding. The interplay between these two central characters drives the movie’s thematic core and renders "Starman" both compelling and emotionally rewarding. Additionally, Jack Nitzsche's evocative score amplifies the film’s tender moments, enhancing its sentimental depth without succumbing to melodrama.

Despite its roots in John Carpenter’s distinctive cinematic style, "Starman" stands as a unique entry in his filmography. The film eschews heavy reliance on special effects in favor of character-driven storytelling and intimate close-ups that capture the actors' performances in their most vulnerable states. The nuanced script, coupled with Carpenter’s direction and seamless narrative execution, ensures that “Starman” remains an enduring and underrated gem within 1980s cinema. With picturesque American vistas serving as a backdrop, each scene also underscores the broader human condition themes that Carpenter explores, proving his versatility beyond his usual thematic boundaries.

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Starman" presents a bittersweet study in contrasts, offering a technically competent yet ultimately underwhelming package for John Carpenter's 1984 sci-fi classic. The film itself remains a poignant and heartwarming exploration of human emotions, brilliantly played by Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen, whose performances lend authenticity and depth to an otherwise fantastical narrative. The juxtaposition between Carpenter’s hopeful "Starman" and his earlier, more cynical work, "The Thing," showcases his versatility as a filmmaker, making this Blu-ray release essential for any serious Carpenter aficionado.

From a technical perspective, Sony's Blu-ray release met expectations but left room for improvement. The video transfer is commendable, encapsulating the film’s visual essence with good color fidelity and sharpness, though it doesn't reach the exemplary standards seen in some modern restorations. The audio presentation is solid, providing clear dialogue and an engaging soundscape that supports Jack Nitzsche's evocative score. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray falls short in the supplemental material department, notably lacking the Region 2 DVD's special features that could have enriched the viewing experience.

Perhaps the closest film in the John Carpenter canon to "Starman" is The Thing, and even that film represents the antithesis of Starman. Only the aliens-on-Earth angle is shared between the two, and the juxtaposition of two radically unique films—one taking on a gruesome, hopeless tone and the other an uplifting, hopeful, and heartwarming feel—from the same director no less makes for a fascinating cinematic study. "Starman" positively succeeds as an honest, feel-good, and most importantly, meaningful motion picture that ponders the most fundamental yet incredibly complex facets of humanity, including the meaning of life and the true power of love. Made possibly not only with its wondrous script but also through steady direction and praiseworthy performances, "Starman" remains a pitch-perfect film that's sure to touch audiences on every viewing. Sony's Blu-ray release excels from a technical perspective. Boasting a strong video and audio presentation, the disc lacks only in the supplemental section. Nevertheless, "Starman" comes recommended on the strength of the film.