Cyborg Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Cyborg" from Shout! Factory predominantly boasts a 2K scan of the 35mm interpositive, despite initial claims of a 4K transfer. The overall image quality is commendable, though there are discrepancies in clarity and color depth when compared to previous MGM releases. The new remaster exhibits a warmer feel and improved detail in specific scenes, particularly evident in the textured grime of Van Damme's face and the pirates' costumes. The film's rustic, post-apocalyptic aesthetics are effectively represented with sharp contrast and attention to fine details, maintaining an organic grain consistent with its 35mm origins.

Color reproduction in this new Blu-ray edition is robust, with natural greens and bold hues that enhance the visual experience. The contrast between sun-drenched exteriors and murky interiors is well handled, allowing for a generally high level of textural efficiency and complexity. However, it's worth noting some degree of print wear and occasional crushing in darker scenes. Black levels remain deep and shadow details are preserved, contributing to a fluent color palette and a filmic look that fans will appreciate. Depth of field is competent, allowing characters to move freely through scenes without distortions like jittering or blurring.

This release offers a noticeable improvement in detail and texture, enhancing elements like dirt, sandy terrain, and worn building façades. Skin tones are natural and consistently maintained throughout the film, showcasing facial features with clarity in medium and close-up shots. Although not as refined as the MGM disc in some aspects—such as complexity of detail and saturation—this edition still represents a significant upgrade from its previous home video counterparts, standing as a solid presentation for fans and new viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Cyborg" from Scream Factory comes equipped with an English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track. This track, being a recurrent feature from both this and previous MGM releases, maintains a respectable fidelity despite its limitations. The dialog is clear and clean, although occasionally beset by a subtle tinny resonance, likely a function of the original 1989 analog sources. The mix handles dialogue with a discernible level of stability, yet the whole soundscape inclines towards thinness and a somewhat uneven balance, requiring listeners to keep the volume moderately set to maintain clarity.

In terms of spatial audio presentation, the track shows minimal directionality with side-to-side positioning that is limited at best, devoid of any notable surround or low-frequency effects due to its 2.0 stereo format. The instrumentals and score are sufficiently detailed, offering sporadic depth and power, particularly noticeable during the climactic end fight scene. Nevertheless, the track lacks the dynamic punch typically expected from modern action soundtracks.

Despite these shortcomings, the DTS-HD mix proves to be adequate given the film's shoestring budget and production constraints. It preserves the artistic intent while providing an acceptable auditory experience, free from major distortions. Subtitles are available in English SDH, aiding those who need assistance with dialogue comprehension. Overall, while far from groundbreaking, this audio presentation is more than satisfactory for enthusiasts appreciating the vintage charm and limitations of Albert Pyun’s post-apocalyptic narrative.

Shout! Factory’s Blu-ray release of Cyborg provides a comprehensive suite of extras, significantly enhancing its appeal for fans and film enthusiasts alike. The supplemental material offers deep dives into various aspects of the film's production, from its origins and development to its special effects and legacy. The audio commentary by Albert Pyun and Michael Felsher is informative, covering the project’s history and Pyun's directorial insights. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes featurettes and extended interviews offer invaluable context and detailed technical explanations, making this a must-have.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Writer/Director Albert Pyun with moderator Michael Felsher.
• A Ravaged Future: The Making of Cyborg: Interviews with cast and crew exploring the film's production.
• Shoestring Fantasy: The Effects of Cyborg: Technical overview with key visual effects personnel.
• Extended Interviews from Electric Boogaloo: Detailed discussions with Albert Pyun and Sheldon Lettich.
• Theatrical Trailer
• Still Gallery

"Cyborg" remains a quintessential Jean-Claude Van Damme film, blending post-apocalyptic sci-fi elements with relentless action. Set in a plague-ravaged future, the movie follows the mercenary Gibson Rickenbacker (Van Damme) as he attempts to escort the cyborg Pearl Prophet (Dayle Haddon) to Atlanta, where she holds the key to humanity's survival. As expected, the journey is fraught with danger, mainly from the tyrannical warlord Fender Tremolo (Vincent Klyn), who intends to control the cure and wield immense power. While the narrative leans heavily on familiar tropes of vengeance and survival, Van Damme’s intense physicality and martial arts prowess undeniably elevate the film.

Directed by Albert Pyun, "Cyborg" faced a tumultuous production, marked by studio clashes and multiple edits. Despite these issues, the film succeeds in delivering a fast-paced action thriller with a grim and atmospheric tone. The film blends horror elements with high-octane fight scenes, maintaining a balanced rhythm from start to end. The post-apocalyptic world is convincingly rendered with dystopian visuals reminiscent of "Mad Max," though some effects and prosthetics may seem dated to contemporary viewers. The varied locations—from desolate urban ruins to eerie marshlands—effectively build an immersive experience that underscores the movie’s bleak setting.

Vincent Klyn's portrayal of Fender Tremolo stands out as particularly noteworthy. His character's menacing presence and near-incomprehensible dialogue create a memorable antagonist worthy of the best 80s action flicks. While "Cyborg" doesn't achieve the same acclaim as Van Damme's other hits like "Bloodsport" or "Kickboxer," it provides ample entertainment through its brutal combat sequences and somber narrative. Despite its ambition to delve into deeper themes occasionally tipping the balance, "Cyborg" excels in delivering a viscerally satisfying B-movie experience, appealing still to fans of dystopian action thrillers.

Albert Pyun's "Cyborg" is an iconic piece of 80s action cinema, showcasing Jean Claude Van Damme at his athletic best. This blend of sci-fi, action, and revenge thrives on its raw intensity and visual appeal rather than complex plotting or deep character development. Despite initial critical dismissal, the film has gained a cult following for its unpolished charm and relentless energy. Van Damme's powerful performance anchors the film, offering a fast-paced, engaging experience that remains compelling even after multiple viewings. The post-apocalyptic setting is both nightmarish and captivating, exhibiting Pyun's ability to create a visually striking narrative with minimal resources.

The new Scream Factory Blu-ray release of "Cyborg" is a commendable effort, offering several improvements over previous editions. The video quality, derived from a new 4K scan, presents a slight uplift despite some criticisms about color and detail fidelity. The audio remains unchanged in its DTS-HD MA 2.0 format, providing an adequate sound experience. However, the true value of this edition lies in its supplementary materials. Packed with an array of exciting extras, including reversible cover art and insightful commentary tracks, this release is a treasure trove for fans and collectors. The inclusion of nostalgic touches, such as the original VHS cover art, adds to its appeal.

In conclusion, while "Cyborg" may not be the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, it embodies the gritty essence of 80s action films, delivering a memorable and enjoyable viewing experience. The Scream Factory collector's edition is a noteworthy upgrade, enhancing the film’s presentation and offering a wealth of engaging bonus content. For fans of Van Damme and 80s action aficionados, this release is undoubtedly worth the investment. This latest edition secures "Cyborg's" place as a timeless guilty pleasure and an essential addition to any genre collection.