Secret of the Incas Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Secret of the Incas" boasts a transfer sourced from a new 4K master by Paramount Pictures, formatted in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with AVC in 1080p. Notably, this master diverges from previous versions, like the one by Via Vision Entertainment, exhibiting some flaws in color grading. Several reviewers highlight prevalent surface imperfections—nicks, blemishes, and scratches—accompanied by an awkward grading that diminishes the color blue in favor of atypical yellow/brown hues. This approach poisons the dynamic range, flattening the visuals and occasionally distorting depth and delineation. Although image stability remains solid and degraining corrections are absent, these grading issues cause some dissonance.

Highlighting the advantages of this release over others, such as the Imprint Blu-ray by the same parent company, many find the KLSC version offers substantial improvements. It addresses prior diffuse fuzziness by delivering a crisper and brighter image without sacrificing film grain's authentic texture. The bitrate steadies around 38 mbps, surpassing Imprint’s fluctuating average of 33 mbps, aiding in enhanced shadow delineation and mitigating crush issues. While Technicolor hues are slightly muted compared to other Paramount Technicolor productions, they present a more genuine palette, remaining lush without exaggerating saturation.

Ultimately, while some color grading anomalies exist in the new transfer, the KLSC edition still markedly betters previous releases in image quality and authenticity in its depiction. For anyone seeking the best home video rendering of "Secret of the Incas," this release stands as the superior choice thus far, proving that despite its imperfections, it strikes a better balance between restoring fidelity and respecting the film’s cinematic heritage.

The Blu-ray release of "Secret of the Incas" includes a singular audio track, English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit), accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. This presentation offers high clarity and sharpness, distinguishing it slightly from the Australian release's lossless track, though minor imperfections such as a light hiss and slight unevenness persist. Despite these minor drawbacks, this edition exemplifies an upgrade in audio fidelity and cleanliness, though it still has room for further restoration.

The 2.0 mono track delivers clear and well-modulated sound, effectively capturing the dynamic range of audio elements. Yma Sumac’s multi-octave vocals are handled without distortion, while David Buttolph’s score exhibits excellent fidelity, immersing the listener with a rich auditory experience. Sonic details like gunfire, airplane engines, and dialogue are well-prioritized and distinct, showing no signs of interference with comprehension. Given "Secret of the Incas" had long been absent from modern circulation, this audio track provides an impressive aural complement to the visual, showcasing thoughtful curation despite sporadic pops or crackles.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio track faithfully preserves the film's original sound mix. The occasional instances of distortion and artifacts like crackling or popping underline its age yet do little to detract from an otherwise robust audio presentation. This release stands as possibly the best sonic rendition available for home media of this classic film, serving a well-balanced and articulate audio experience that aligns thoroughly with its historical and cinematic context.

The Blu Ray release of "Secret of the Incas" includes an informative audio commentary from film historian Toby Roan, which stands as the main extra feature. Roan expertly delves into the filming locations, providing insights into Jerry Hopper’s choices and Charlton Heston's performance, and how it influenced the creation of Indiana Jones. He also touches on Paramount’s marketing strategies and Yma Sumac's notable contribution to the film. Although he provides some engaging tidbits and acknowledges Marion Ross's role, Roan's commentary sometimes feels like a series of biographical summaries rather than a deep dive into the film. Towards the latter part, he draws connections between "Secret of the Incas" and the Indiana Jones saga but concludes his commentary a bit prematurely. Notably, there are minor audio dropouts that might momentarily interrupt the listener's experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Toby Roan: Discusses production insights, cast information, and film influences.
• KLSC Trailers: Includes trailers for several classic films such as "Touch of Evil" and "The Big Country".

The Blu-ray release of Jerry Hopper's Secret of the Incas reveals a forgotten gem of 1950s cinema, both criticized and celebrated for its apparent influence on the Indiana Jones franchise. Charlton Heston commands the screen as Harry Steele, a cynical American adventurer in Peru, whose attire notably mirrors that of Indiana Jones—complete with fedora and leather jacket. This adventurous yarn may not match the relentless pace of Spielberg's blockbusters, but its stylistic elements are tangible enough to intrigue cinema enthusiasts and contextualize its role as a visual precursor.

Set against the lush backdrop of Machu Picchu, this film was an early Hollywood production to capitalize on authentic South American locations, thereby elevating its period action scenes while ensuring geographical immersion. The storyline follows Steele's pursuit of the legendary Incan treasure, the Sunburst. Alongside him, the elegant Nicole Maurey as Elena Antonescu adds a layer of romantic intrigue and international espionage to the treasure hunt narrative. These elements, however, sometimes lack the high-octane thrills modern audiences might expect, as thematic explorations hinge more on dialogic interplay than physical daring.

While Secret of the Incas stands on its own merits, it isn’t without faults. Yma Sumac’s portrayal, despite being vocally remarkable, feels awkwardly staged as an ancillary inclusion rather than an integral plot component. Supporting cast members like Thomas Mitchell shine with charisma as Steele’s rival, preferring cerebral maneuvers over overt villainy. Ultimately, while not a pure thrill ride, the film offers genuine entertainment through its Technicolor spectacle and Heston's performance, justifying renewed interest for both its standalone adventure and formative influence.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Secret of the Incas" stems from a new 4K scan of the 35mm YCMs at Paramount Pictures, aiming to deliver an improved viewing experience for this classic adventure film. Charlton Heston's magnetic portrayal of Harry Steele brings a compelling depth to the character, clearly prefiguring the iconic Indiana Jones. Despite the ambitious restoration efforts, there are mixed reactions regarding the visual quality. The high-definition transfer is notably sharper, avoiding previous issues of color misalignment observed in earlier transfers. However, it falls short in color vibrancy, with some reviewers noting a washed-out appearance inconsistent with the expected Technicolor richness of its era.

The new release shines particularly in its detailed representation, capturing the vivid Peruvian landscapes that form an exquisite backdrop to the narrative. The transfer indisputably surpasses previous international releases in sharpness and alignment, although the subdued color palette has left some enthusiasts perplexed. While Paramount’s historical preference for saturated colors seems underrepresented here, the Blu-ray includes insightful bonus content such as an informative commentary track, enhancing its value for collectors and first-time viewers alike.

Despite its standing in the shadow of the Indiana Jones franchise, "Secret of the Incas" persists as an enthralling film worth rediscovering. The new Kino Lorber release is recommended for both long-time admirers and new audiences interested in classic cinema history. Though the video quality may not meet all expectations, the significance of this film and its influences underscore its importance in cinematic history, making this Blu-ray edition a worthy addition to any collection.