This Island Earth Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's release of "This Island Earth" boasts an impressive new 4K scan from the original negative, available in both the 1.85:1 theatrical format and a 1.37:1 fullscreen version once shown on TV. This dual presentation provides viewers the option to choose their preferred aspect ratio without sacrificing quality. The MPEG-4 AVC encoded BD-50 transfer features strong colors, particularly vivid reds and blues, delivering vibrant primaries and deep flesh tones that enhance the classic Technicolor aesthetic. Despite some minor print damage and light tramlines, the overall image clarity and density remain exceptional, preserving the film's texture and authentic 35mm look.

The meticulous restoration reveals details previously obscured, with textures on Metaluna's surface and laboratory sets now clearly visible. The visual effects and model miniatures hold up remarkably well, maintaining their integrity without significant quality loss. This presentation captures the film's production design intricacies, from facial features and clothing to set decor with high fidelity. Grain replication is spot-on, avoiding digital grit while enhancing the vintage feel. Notably, the black levels are solid, contributing to a sense of depth even in the brighter scenes predominant in the film.

In terms of encoding, "This Island Earth" maintains a high video bitrate of 29998 kbps with a total bitrate of 36.79 Mbps for the disc. The 1.33:1 open-matte version offers additional top and bottom information without compromising the detailed image quality observed in the widescreen format. Colors remain bold and bright across both formats, although the film grain appears slightly subdued in the open-matte version. Ultimately, this Blu-ray presents the most pristine and detailed version of "This Island Earth" ever available, encapsulating the film’s vintage charm while significantly enhancing its visual presentation.

The audio presentation of "This Island Earth" on Blu-ray includes two noteworthy tracks: a traditional 2.0 DTS-HD MA mono track and a newly restored 3.0 DTS-HD MA Perspecta Stereophonic track. The 2.0 track is quite competent, delivering clear dialogue, sound effects, and music with good fidelity, although it can feel somewhat constrained. In contrast, the 3.0 track, restored by 3-D Film Archives, truly expands the sound field, offering a much more immersive experience. This Perspecta Stereophonic track provides cleaner separation and additional depth, making spaceship sounds whoosh convincingly from different directions and enhancing the rich score. Nevertheless, occasional analog hiss and mild vocal harshness do remind us of the film's age and original recording limitations.

Particularly striking in the 3.0 mix are scenes involving spaceships and scientific equipment, where the audio design comes alive with dynamic effects that range from deep rumbles to sharp howls. Notably, sequences involving the interociter are especially impactful, delivering a visceral auditory experience enhanced by robust fidelity in both high and low frequencies. While some lower-level noises may be harder to discern due to the prioritization of more distinctive sounds, the overall presentation maintains a historical charm that aligns well with the vintage sci-fi ethos of the film. The preservation effort is evident, with only minimal disruptions such as minor pops or static in brief moments.

This dual-track offering provides a solid spectrum of auditory experiences tailored to different preferences, allowing viewers to either enjoy the nostalgic mono mix or the more expansive and dynamic Perspecta Stereophonic soundscape. Both tracks are largely free of hiss or pops and present in excellent condition, making "This Island Earth" a standout in terms of audio restoration for classic films.

The Blu-ray release of "This Island Earth" offers an extensive array of extras, presenting an encompassing view of the film's production and impact. This includes a brand new 4K remaster from an interpositive, and both the 1.85:1 and 1.37:1 aspect ratio presentations of the film, accompanied by the restored Original Perspecta Stereophonic Sound. Significant additions feature two new audio commentaries, an engaging interview with filmmaker Luigi Cozzi on the film's influence, and a meticulously detailed extended documentary on the making of the film. War of the Planets, featuring classic Castle Films releases, trailers, and notable galleries round out this rich compilation. Technical enthusiasts will appreciate the deep dive into Perspecta Stereophonic Sound by Bob Furmanek. These features provide invaluable insights for both genre fans and film historians alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Robert Skotak: Insights from a visual effects artist.
• Audio Interview with David Schecter: Focus on the film's music.
• Alien Ideas: Interview with Luigi Cozzi.
• Two and a Half Years in the Making: Extended making-of documentary.
• War of the Planets: 1958 Castle Films home market release.
• Trailers from Hell: Commentary by Joe Dante.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original release trailer.
• Facts about Perspecta Stereophonic Sound: Historical overview by Bob Furmanek.
• Behind-the-Scenes Gallery: Production images.
• Poster and Lobby Card Gallery: Promotional materials.
• Publicity Stills Gallery: Actors and scenes photography.

"This Island Earth" stands as a captivating example of 1950s sci-fi cinema, often polarized in public perception. On one hand, its compelling plot about nuclear scientist Dr. Cal Meacham (Rex Reason) inadvertently joining an intergalactic mission by deciphering a mysterious puzzle and encountering the enigmatic Exeter (Jeff Morrow) has left a lasting imprint. It's true that the film suffers from heavy pseudo-scientific dialogue early on, but it picks up momentum when Cal and his colleague Dr. Ruth Adams (Faith Domergue) delve deeper into Exeter's agenda, leading to a thrilling climax on the planet Metaluna. The 4K restoration by Scream Factory notably enhances the film's visual appeal, bringing the vibrant, albeit dated, matte paintings, special effects, and iconic creatures like the Metaluna Mutant to life.

The movie remains a curious blend of genuine intrigue and campy charm. The narrative is steeped in post-war themes, contemplating the ethical dilemmas of nuclear energy—an uncommon nuance for sci-fi films of its era. The climactic visuals and set designs underscore an ambitious production, even if the execution occasionally teeters into cheesy territory. Critics from its original release offered mixed reviews, praising its imaginative scope while acknowledging its uneven pacing. Present-day assessments often grapple with whether "This Island Earth" is a classic worthy of admiration or a relic best known for its MST3K riffing. Ultimately, whether seen through nostalgic lenses or critical scrutiny, "This Island Earth" offers an insightful glimpse into mid-20th-century hopes and fears about scientific advancement and extraterrestrial life.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release of "This Island Earth" represents a hallmark achievement in preserving and enhancing classic science fiction cinema. The newly instituted 4K scan revitalizes the film's visual allure, presenting an unprecedented clarity that surpasses all previous editions. The original Perspecta 3.0 Stereophonic sound mix is meticulously restored, encapsulating the authentic auditory essence of the 1950s. With renowned performances by Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, and Rex Reason, the film remains effective despite some dated notions, standing as a testament to Universal International's production prowess during the era.

Moreover, Scream Factory goes beyond a mere transfer by curating a wealth of supplementary content that both loyal fans and newcomers will find invaluable. The collection includes a comprehensive assembly of old and new extras, effectively transforming this edition into a collector’s gem. While the package could have been perfectly complemented by the inclusion of "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie," it stands robust on its own merits. The restoration efforts tangibly amplify the anti-war and anti-nuke allegories embedded within this sci-fi relic, ensuring it remains relevant and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, "This Island Earth" remains a highly entertaining sci-fi classic from the 1950s, buoyed by excellent performances and memorable production design. Scream Factory's meticulous work in remastering both visual and audio presentations, coupled with an abundance of supplemental features, offers a premium viewing experience. This release is highly recommended for any sci-fi enthusiast or collector seeking to relive or discover this pioneering cinematic venture.