Meteor Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image of "Meteor" (2.37:1 aspect ratio) presents an intriguing mix of strengths and weaknesses, displaying a reasonably detailed frame that maintains skin tones steadily. Facial details and special effects are sufficiently clear, though they reveal the limitations of Hollywood craftsmanship and archival footage. While the image retains a degree of cinematographic softness, it still holds up textures effectively. Cold hues dominate the color palette, resulting in slightly diluted yet functional colors that support the film's television-style aesthetic.

Black levels in "Meteor" are communicative and avoid significant issues with crush, allowing space sequences to be exploratory. While the print remains largely free of overt damage, mild inconsistencies in grain provide a filmic look. Some scenes exhibit noticeable dirt and defects, but these are minor and should not significantly distract viewers. Sharpness is a mixed experience; although the picture never appears excessively soft, many scenes have backgrounds that are blurred due to the filming lenses rather than transfer flaws. Overall, despite some imperfections, the video quality maintains the cinematic feel of this catalog title and preserves its historical integrity.

The audio presentation of the "Meteor" Blu-ray, encoded in a mono 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track, leaves much to be desired in terms of immersive sound quality for a disaster movie. The overall mix is serviceable, but it lacks the dynamic range necessary to bring the catastrophic scenes to life. Explosions and action sequences are notably louder than the dialogue, which can make it difficult to discern conversation during more chaotic moments. While the mix avoids shrill highs, it does not offer much separation or spatial depth, likely reflecting the limitations of the original audio format. The score retains its dramatic emphasis but does not provide a full-bodied aural experience.

There is some debate over the original theatrical release format of "Meteor," with some speculating it was available in both mono and 4-track stereo. Regardless, the Blu-ray is presented in mono, delivering identical sound through both left and right speakers. The lack of subtitles further limits accessibility for discerning dialogue clearly. Despite showing its age, the track remains free from heavy hiss or distortions. This audio presentation might serve adequately for casual viewing, but it falls short for those looking for a rich and dynamic audio experience befitting a disaster film from the 1970s.

The Blu Ray release of "Meteor" supplements the feature film with a notable array of extras that offer additional insight into the production and promotion of the movie. Among these is the original theatrical trailer, presented in high definition, which provides a nostalgic look back at the film's original marketing. The trailer is unfortunately lengthy and reveals many key plot points, but its inclusion, and especially its HD presentation, offers a valuable glimpse into the movie's history and marketing strategies. This addition enhances the overall package, providing a well-rounded experience for fans and collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material in HD.

Meteor, a 1979 disaster film, emerges as a fascinating entry in the genre, though its impact remains mixed. With a stellar cast, including Sean Connery, Natalie Wood, Brian Keith, Karl Malden, Martin Landau, Richard Dysart, and Henry Fonda, the film sets ambitious standards yet falls short of achieving them. Despite its global-scale premise of impending doom from a colossal asteroid, director Ronald Neame struggles to maintain tension and pacing. While the first half attempts a compelling Cold War-era character study involving scientists, diplomats, and military officials, the latter half devolves into repetitive tropes of negotiation and political paranoia before delivering sequences of destruction that miss the mark with subpar special effects.

The casting and performances are noteworthy, with Connery leading as Dr. Paul Bradley, a former NASA scientist enlisted to save Earth from catastrophe. Bradley's dynamic with Russian scientist Dubov (Brian Keith) injects some much-needed vigor and international intrigue. As asteroid fragments wreak havoc in America, Hong Kong, and the Swiss Alps, the narrative delivers on spectacle yet feels stretched thin. The star-studded ensemble tries to elevate the material but is ultimately hindered by uninspired writing and glaringly dated visual effects that mar what should have been thrilling set pieces.

From a technical perspective, the effects of Meteor are particularly disappointing for a film released post-Star Wars. Despite its $22 million budget, the visuals fail to impress, especially when compared to contemporaries like Alien and Star Trek: The Motion Picture. This inadequacy places a damper on what could have been an engaging disaster epic. Nevertheless, there's a certain charm to Meteor’s brand of '70s disaster cheese, bolstered by Connery's earnest performance. Collectively, while the film boasts some redeeming qualities for fans of vintage disaster flicks or Sean Connery, it largely registers as an underwhelming endeavor in the annals of cinematic catastrophes.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray presentation of "Meteor" reflects the era-specific charm of the 1979 science fiction disaster film. While the film is unremarkable in many respects, it serves as a unique encapsulation of late '70s cinema, with its political tensions and casual sexism flavoring the narrative. The special effects, which were subpar even by the standards of their time, do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. What stands out are the performances; despite working with mediocre material, the cast, led by Sean Connery, delivers compelling portrayals. Connery's performance, in particular, adds a degree of gravitas that fans will appreciate. The myriad shots of the titular meteor in motion, combined with scenes of panic on the ground, contribute effectively to the doomsday atmosphere.

In terms of audiovisual quality, Kino Lorber's handling of "Meteor" is adequate but falls short of excellence. The lack of significant improvement in A/V elements and limited additional features may disappoint those seeking a more polished presentation. Nevertheless, for viewers who are not overly fixated on pristine technical quality, this Blu-ray release is satisfactory. The film's visual and aural fidelity aligns with expectations for a late '70s production, making it accessible to a broader audience that values nostalgia and genre-specific entertainment over flawless execution.

In conclusion, "Meteor" offers an enjoyable, if not particularly remarkable, ride into the science fiction disaster genre. A mixture of solid acting and effective scene setup compensates for its dated appearance and faulty special effects. Despite some shortcomings in presentation quality, this release is worth exploring for Connery fans and enthusiasts of vintage doomsday narratives. If you can look past its imperfections, you’ll find a film that captures a specific moment in cinematic history while providing nostalgic enjoyment.