Transylvania 6-5000 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Transylvania 6-5000," brought to us by Kino Lorber, features a commendable 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition presentation, maintaining the original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. Harnessing a brand new 4K restoration, the transfer delivers a remarkably clean print with minimal specks of dirt or scratches, which speaks to its technical prowess. However, expectations should be tempered as the 4K remaster does not equate to a dramatic visual enhancement. Instead, it adheres to a naturalistic aesthetic with inherent softness and relatively muted colors, which aligns with the film's original visual tone yet may fall short for those seeking a more vibrant display.

The fidelity of the restoration ensures that detail is preserved without introducing artificial sharpness, rendering an authentic viewing experience that respects the source material. Nevertheless, viewers might find the lack of vividness in color and mild softness slightly underwhelming despite the clean scan. Therefore, while the technical execution of the Blu-ray is solid and faithful, it does not elevate "Transylvania 6-5000" into a visually striking spectacle.

The Blu Ray release of "Transylvania 6-5000" delivers an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio mono audio presentation. The audio track remains notably crisp and clear throughout the film, with dialogue being consistently easy to understand. The music offers decent depth and fidelity, providing an immersive experience that's commendable. Although the audio isn't flawless, with occasional scenes falling short of the highest crispness, these moments are infrequent and do not significantly detract from the overall quality. Optional English subtitles are provided for added accessibility.

Presented in English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio, the soundtrack is an improvement on the visuals, offering fidelity within sound effects, crowd chatter, and ambient Transylvanian countryside sounds. Dialogue exchanges come through clear and discernible, while the score and music selection present mild depth, enhancing the auditory experience. The track is also commendably free of any obvious imperfections such as hiss, crackle, or distortion, resulting in a clean and well-rendered audio experience. Optional English subtitles round out the package efficiently.

The Blu Ray extras for "Transylvania 6-5000" provide a delightful immersion into the film’s creation, with key insights and charming anecdotes. A highlight is the vintage audio commentary by writer/director Rudy DeLuca and visual consultant Steve Haberman. Their conversation reveals intriguing production details, such as Tom Hanks and Paul Reiser being considered for roles, the fast-paced thirty-day shoot, and the encouragement of ad-libbing, especially by Michael Richards. The extras are rounded out by various promotional materials, although some content from previous releases, like a behind-the-scenes still gallery and a storyboard gallery, is notably absent.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by writer/director Rudy DeLuca and visual consultant Steve Haberman: Engaging insights and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Transylvania 6-5000 TV Spots: A collection of original promotional pieces.
• Transylvania 6-5000 Trailer 1: First official trailer.
• Transylvania 6-5000 Trailer 2: Second official trailer.
• Additional Trailers: Promos for Life Stinks, My Boyfriend’s Back, Haunted Honeymoon, and The Monster.

"Transylvania 6-5000" is a delightfully goofy horror-comedy from the 1980s, a blend of classic monsters and zany humor. The film, executive produced by Arnie Fishman and Paul Lichtman, follows bumbling journalists Gil Turner (Ed Begley Jr.) and Jack Harrison (Jeff Goldblum) as they investigate mysterious sightings in Transylvania. Jeff Goldblum's pitch-perfect, comedic timing pairs wonderfully with Begley Jr.'s manic antics, creating a dynamic duo that propels much of the film's humor. The supporting cast, including Geena Davis as a seductive vampire and Michael Richards as an eccentric butler, further enhances the comedic experience.

Though not a typical horror flick, "Transylvania 6-5000" cleverly incorporates traditional monster elements like Frankenstein, vampires, mummies, and werewolves. The special effects are nostalgic and reflect the film's 80s charm with practical effects that might not terrify but certainly entertain. Tomislav Pinter’s cinematography and Lee Holdridge’s ambient score contribute to the overall quirky feel of the production. However, while it embraces horror tropes, the movie focuses more on comedy than fright, making it mild by horror standards but delightfully amusing.

Directed by Rudy De Luca, known for his work with Mel Brooks, the film stands out for its quirky script and the freedom given to actors to experiment with their roles. Though it may come across as amateurish at times, De Luca’s direction ensures the movie remains engaging and funny. It may not induce chills, but "Transylvania 6-5000" succeeds in creating a comedic atmosphere with its unique blend of horror elements and an ensemble cast fully committed to having fun. This charming oddity from the 80s deserves its cult following and remains an enjoyable watch for those seeking light-hearted amusement from a bygone era.

"Transylvania 6-5000" arrives on Blu-ray, providing an opportunity for fans of goofy 80's comedies to revisit this endearing yet far-from-classic film. Featuring a fantastic ensemble cast including Jeff Goldblum, Ed Begley Jr., Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, and Michael Richards, the movie thrives on their dynamic interactions and humor. While the plot is flimsy and the reveals are more amusing than coherent, the cast's chemistry and the playful parody keep the entertainment value high.

The Blu-ray release, boasting a new 4K scan, offers a significant visual upgrade over previous versions. The transfer is crisp and clear, bringing out the vibrancy of the film's Halloween-friendly setting. In addition to the improved visuals, the release includes an engaging audio commentary that enhances the viewing experience by providing behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes from the production.

In conclusion, "Transylvania 6-5000" is a zany and charming comedy that benefits from its cast's energetic performances. Though it may not be a forgotten classic of its genre, the film is worth a watch, especially for fans of the cast. The Blu-ray release is recommended for both the visual upgrade and the enjoyable supplementary content.