The Final Countdown Blu-ray Review

"The Final Countdown" on Blu-ray from Blue Underground is a visually impressive release, framed at 2.35:1 and presented in 1080p with a VC-1 encode. The film significantly benefits from the enhanced resolution of Blu-ray, revealing details previously unseen in older formats. The vibrant presentation exhibits deep, bright colors without over-saturation. Primaries like yellow jerseys, red helmets, and vast blue skies are vividly rendered, contributing to the film's highly colorful aesthetic. Noteworthy is the impeccable detail visible in equipment and machinery shots, where every nut and bolt is discernible, and the textures on the flight deck uniforms are particularly striking.

Despite these strengths, there are inherent issues carried over from previous releases. Occasionally, particular scenes suffer from a smeary, blurred appearance, which is more noticeable in high-definition than in standard definition. For instance, certain segments involving Charles Durning exhibit smudging effects, especially when characters move through these blurred zones. However, such instances are relatively infrequent and do not significantly mar the overall viewing experience. Skin tones are generally natural but can appear powdery due to makeup. Similarly, whites sometimes carry a greyish tinge, slightly impacting their clarity.

Grain is present and fluctuates, especially during stock footage sequences that show a dramatic decline in picture quality. These sequences may exhibit substantial noise and even indistinct elements within the frame. Nonetheless, the majority of the film maintains a high level of clarity and detail, marking a substantial upgrade over previous editions. Edge enhancement is minimal and less problematic in this release, ensuring a more cohesive image quality overall. This Blu-ray presentation of "The Final Countdown" undoubtedly offers a balanced and engaging visual experience.

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release of "The Final Countdown" attempts to significantly enhance the audio experience with both DTS-HD MA 7.1 and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless tracks, along with a DD EX 5.1 track. While these options present an appealing array of choices for audiophiles, the original audio material struggles to justify the advanced audio configurations. Both lossless tracks display minimal audible differences, hovering around bitrates in the lower 4's to mid-5's range. The audio is well-presented, with the heroic score spreading naturally across the front channels and dynamic effects like jet engine roars providing some immersive moments. However, these highlights are sporadic, and the overall mix feels dated, unable to fully utilize the potential of 7.1 surround sound.

The audio design in some sequences like the temporal storm and flight-deck activities does attempt to offer an enveloping experience, with the rear channels contributing subtle to moderate support. These elements do lend some life to the soundstage. Nevertheless, other essential sound effects, such as gunfire and explosions, lack the expected intensity and punch, sounding flat and somewhat disconnected from the action. Dialogue clarity remains consistent but is occasionally subdued by louder elements such as helicopter blades or high-pitched frequencies during pivotal scenes.

Despite the inclusion of advanced audio formats, the film's age and original stereo mix constrain its potential. The exclusion of the original stereo track may disappoint purists who prefer authenticity over technical enhancements. Moreover, while minimal differences in bass and overall clarity were noted between the DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD tracks, these nuances are minor. The audience may appreciate the efforts to modernize the soundscape, yet these upgrades ultimately seem unnecessary and fail to elevate "The Final Countdown" into audio demonstration territory.

The Blu-ray release of "The Final Countdown" comes with a selection of special features that, while informative, may leave some wanting more. The highlight is a commentary track featuring Director of Photography Victor J. Kemper, supported by David Gregory from Blue Underground, who delves into the intricacies of shooting on a naval carrier, including dealing with tight spaces and live drills. Lloyd Kaufman offers a frank recount of his involvement in the film, detailing on-set challenges and personal conflicts. Additionally, the Jolly Rogers squadron discusses their experiences flying F-14 Tomcats during the production, providing valuable insights into military aviation and life on an aircraft carrier. The disc is rounded off with promotional materials such as trailers and television spots.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Detailed discussion with Director of Photography Victor J. Kemper and Blue Underground's David Gregory about the cinematographic process.
• Lloyd Kaufman Goes Hollywood: Candid interview with Troma co-president Lloyd Kaufman on his role and experiences producing the film.
• Starring the Jolly Rogers: Insights from the aviators who flew the F-14 Tomcats, covering both military and filmmaking aspects.
• Trailers: A collection of two theatrical trailers, a teaser, and two TV spots.

"The Final Countdown" remains an unparalleled gem within the science fiction genre, especially for those who relish time travel narratives. The Blu-ray release from Blue Underground elevates the film with its high-definition video transfer, a substantial upgrade from previous SD versions. This added detail brings vibrancy and a richness to the film’s visuals, making the USS Nimitz’s venture back to December 6, 1941, all the more captivating. While some smudges in original footage are more noticeable, the overall enhancement in color and clarity is commendable. The 7.1 audio tracks, however, don’t quite meet the high expectations; the audio presentation lacks dynamic depth, and dialogues remain somewhat subdued.

The narrative intricately explores the unexpected temporal displacement of a state-of-the-art Navy carrier. As Captain Matthew Yelland (Kirk Douglas) and civilian observer Warren Lasky (Martin Sheen) grapple with their ship's sudden appearance before Pearl Harbor’s infamous attack, the film deftly mixes historical awe with ethical dilemmas. The atmosphere created by the Navy setting, coupled with thorough naval procedure details, immerses viewers into a realistic portrayal of military life and underscores the film's narrative strength.

Though weaving an intriguing tapestry of time travel paradoxes, "The Final Countdown" opts to leave certain mysteries unexplained, which enhances the viewer’s experience by encouraging imagination and thought-provoking discussion long after the credits roll. The strong performances from Douglas, Sheen, and James Farentino add depth to this brooding masterpiece, balancing its speculative elements with compelling human drama. Despite some narrative shortcomings and unresolved plot points, "The Final Countdown" undeniably remains a methodical and exciting piece of cinema that has aged gracefully over nearly four decades. This Blu-ray edition is an essential acquisition for fans and new viewers alike, celebrating both its technical polish and engaging storytelling.

"The Final Countdown" has emerged as a cherished cult classic, largely fueled by enthusiastic efforts from Blue Underground. This film intricately blends action, adventure, and science fiction while crafting compelling moral dilemmas. With top-tier performances and a story that explores the potential ramifications of altering historical events, it remains engaging and thought-provoking. The film's philosophical undertones are deftly woven into its narrative, avoiding overt preachiness while delivering moments of intense action and stunning visuals.

Blue Underground's inaugural Blu-ray release of "The Final Countdown" showcases the movie in possibly its best visual presentation to date. The video transfer is sharply executed, bringing clarity and depth to both the action sequences and more contemplative moments. Coupled with a robust lossless soundtrack available in two formats, the audio-visual experience is notably enhanced. Additionally, the disc features a selection of worthwhile supplements that complement the main feature.

In conclusion, despite some minor flaws, this Blu-ray release stands as a significant tribute to a poignant and thrilling film. It's an essential addition for both fans and modern sci-fi enthusiasts who seek to appreciate strong storytelling without heavy reliance on special effects. "The Final Countdown" is a commendable product from Blue Underground and comes highly recommended.