20 Million Miles to Earth Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "20 Million Miles to Earth" boasts a commendable 1080p high definition transfer, available in both a meticulously colorized version and the original black and white. Each version is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, allowing viewers the unique opportunity to interchange between formats at their leisure using the angle button on their remote controls. This feature, though causing a slight pause during the switch, adds a layer of interactivity and comparison not often found in home video releases. The print’s appearance is noted for its cleanliness and relatively high detail, attributes that stand out despite the film's age and inherent graininess. However, it's worth mentioning that while the detail is impressive, it does not quite reach the breathtaking standards observed in other classic films that have made the leap to Blu-ray.

The colorization process, overseen by Harryhausen himself and executed by Legend Films, offers a surprisingly natural and restrained palette, avoiding the pitfalls of garishness that can often accompany such endeavors. Yet, despite the efforts to maintain a degree of authenticity, certain aspects, notably the skin tones and some textures, appear slightly off, lending a somewhat artificial appearance to the stop-motion models and human characters alike. In contrast, the black and white version, besides being a product of its era in terms of contrast and detail sharpness, maintains a clean and stable image that some might argue represents the film's original atmospheric intent more faithfully.

The technical presentation of both versions on this Blu-ray disc is generally solid, with no significant instances of noise or edge enhancement detected. The handling of grain and contrast is careful, ensuring that the film remains visually engaging without succumbing to digital overprocessing. While opinions may vary regarding the success of the colorization versus the historical authenticity of the black and white presentation, this release affords aficionados and newcomers alike the chance to experience "20 Million Miles to Earth" in a manner that respects its legacy while embracing the possibilities of modern home entertainment technology.

The Blu-ray release of "20 Million Miles to Earth" by Columbia Pictures boasts a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, presenting a remarkable audio remastering effort especially considering the film's original monaural design. The remix exhibits a tasteful and effective use of surrounds, enhancing the atmospheric depth without coming across as over-processed or artificial. However, listeners may occasionally notice a muffled quality and a lack of definition in some soundscapes. Despite these minor issues, the dialogue remains crisp and prominent with no detectable noise pollution clouding the track. The audio clean-up has successfully eliminated the hissing and humming that often plagues older recordings, resulting in a surprisingly clean and inviting auditory experience.

Sound effects within this updated mix, while betraying their age with a certain quaintness, are rendered with added crispness and possess an unexpected charm that contributes positively to the film's nostalgic appeal. Dynamics have been thoughtfully enhanced, introducing a new dimension of clean, low-frequency effects that lend a subtle but appreciated body to the soundtrack. Even with these improvements, it's clear that the audio won't compete with the sonic complexity of today's science fiction cinema; the soundstage doesn't exploit the full potential of multi-channel spreads, and the vintage effects, along with occasionally shallow dialogue delivery, serve as reminders of the film's era and budget constraints.

This thoughtful remaster demonstrates a commendable balance between preservation and improvement, retaining the original film's auditory character while addressing the limitations of its time. The inclusion of only a Spanish mono track and not an English counterpart is a curious omission but does little to detract from the overall quality of this auditory presentation. Through its tasteful application of modern audio technologies, this release offers an engaging listening experience that admirably complements the visual remastering efforts, making "20 Million Miles to Earth" sound better than ever before.

The Blu-ray release of "20 Million Miles to Earth" is a treasure trove for aficionados of 1950s science fiction, boasting a wealth of supplemental material that dives deep into the film's production, its effects, and its enduring legacy. The standout is undoubtedly the audio commentary, which unites legendary effects maestro Ray Harryhausen with industry stalwarts Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett, and Arnold Kunert for a comprehensive discussion that spans technical details, personal anecdotes, and Harryhausen's reflections on the film's colorization—delivered without any technical snags despite the international setup. Other highlights include intimate interviews with key figures like Joan Taylor and Tim Burton, despite the latter's somewhat underwhelming contribution, and a detailed exploration of the colorization process, underscoring Harryhausen's vision and Legend Films' respectful execution. The inclusion of a diverse array of extras, from reflective featurettes to a comic book preview, ensures a multifaceted appreciation of this cinematic gem, even if all content is in standard definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Ray Harryhausen, Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett, and Arnold Kunert.
• Remembering '20 Million Miles to Earth': A documentary on the film's technical effects and makeup.
• The Colorization Process: A discussion on the colorization with Ray Harryhausen and Barry Sandrew.
• Tim Burton Sits Down With Ray Harryhausen: An interview between Tim Burton and Ray Harryhausen.
• Interview With Joan Taylor: A chat with Joan Taylor about her career and role in the film.
• David Schecter On Film Music's Unsung Hero: A featurette on the scoring of Columbia films in the 1950s.
• '20 Million Miles More' Comic Book: A preview of a comic inspired by the film.
• Original Ad Artwork: A collection of ad artwork, sketches, photographs, and trailers.

"20 Million Miles to Earth," a Ray Harryhausen classic, rides the wave of nostalgic 1950s science fiction while showcasing the groundbreaking effects that would influence generations of filmmakers. This Blu-ray presentation breathes new life into the tale of Colonel Robert Calder (William Hopper), who, after a doomed mission to Venus, encounters a rapidly growing creature from a Venusian egg, leading to a trail of chaos and destruction across the Sicilian countryside. Despite its straightforward plot and the standard-issue character archetypes expected from the era—complete with wooden performances and the obligatory screaming woman—Harryhausen's stop-motion genius elevates the narrative beyond its mundane elements, imbuing the creature with a sense of emotion and realism often absent from the film's human components.

Critics and audiences alike may find the film's technical aspects, such as its flat cinematography and stiff acting, to detract from the overall experience. Nevertheless, this Blu-ray release's inclusion of both the original black and white version and a colorized option pays homage to Harryhausen's artistic legacy. A purist might lean towards the original presentation, appreciating the shadows and contrasts that evoke the golden age of sci-fi, while others might find the colorized version offers a fresh perspective on an old classic. The sheer audacity of using practical effects to bring to life such a fantastical tale is commendable, with Harryhausen's painstakingly detailed animations still managing to captivate, proving that true artistry can transcend the limitations of technology and era.

In essence, "20 Million Miles to Earth" epitomizes a bygone period in science fiction cinema, magnified through this Blu-ray release. Its place within the annals of special effects development offers a unique lens through which we can appreciate how far cinema has advanced, yet also recognize the enduring charm of Harryhausen's visionary work. Despite any perceived shortcomings by modern standards, this film remains a critical piece of cinematic history, particularly for enthusiasts of Harryhausen's work or fans of classic science fiction. The Blu-ray edition not only serves as a celebration of Harryhausen's impact on visual effects but also as a testament to the film's lasting legacy within a genre that continues to explore mankind's relationship with the unknown.

"20 Million Miles to Earth," a staple in 1950s science fiction, is lauded for its pioneering special effects by Ray Harryhausen, despite being encumbered with a simplistic storyline, underdeveloped characters, and moments that may elicit more laughter than suspense. The Blu-ray presentation breathes new life into this classic film, showcasing a high-quality transfer that makes the visuals as appealing as possible for contemporary audiences. The audio experience, featuring an impressive TrueHD track, provides clarity and depth, though the absence of the original soundtrack is noted as a missed opportunity for purists.

This release shines in its complement of extras, offering a treasure trove for aficionados of Harryhausen and vintage science fiction cinema. The extensive special features delve deep into the making of the film and the legacy of 1950s special effects, offering invaluable insights that fans will find both educational and entertaining. The Blu-ray edition has been meticulously crafted to offer a definitive viewing experience, coupling superior visual and auditory remastering with compelling bonus content.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray edition of "20 Million Miles to Earth" stands as an exemplary homage to Harryhausen's genius and a bygone era of filmmaking. It strikes a fine balance between preserving the original charm of the 1957 classic and offering a polished presentation that meets modern expectations. While the film itself may show its age in narrative and pacing, this release ensures that it remains accessible and enjoyable for both new audiences and long-standing fans. An essential addition to any collection, this edition not only pays tribute to the art of stop-motion animation but also enhances our appreciation for the craft and creativity that define science fiction cinema.