The Bamboo Saucer Blu-ray Review

Olive Films presents "The Bamboo Saucer" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The visual fidelity of this transfer is a mixed bag, heavily dependent on the type of scene. Sequences devoid of special effects generally boast respectable, if somewhat faded, color saturation, and exhibit above-average clarity and sharpness. This is particularly evident in close-up shots which reveal fine details such as facial features and textures, delivering a surprisingly bright and clean image. However, the use of process photography and matte shots deteriorates the video quality significantly, presenting increased softness, grain, and noticeably faded colors. Despite some efforts in digital cleanup, there are persistent signs of age-related damage including dirt, white flecks, and scratches.

In terms of technical specifics, the MPEG-4 AVC encoding does tend to soften the image overall, with evident grain and scratches in the print. Depth is relatively flat, though select scenes such as those involving the parked UFO and the climactic shootout do offer more engaging visual depth. Color reproduction varies; while there is potential for a rich palette typical of 60s films, colors here are more muted and struggling to fully 'pop'. Skin tones remain cold but consistent throughout. Black levels perform adequately in well-lit scenes but obscure detail in darker areas.

Overall, while there are clear improvements in some aspects of the video quality, the persistent minor issues—ranging from noise and artifacts to subpar black levels—prevent this release from achieving top-tier video standards. Nonetheless, the effort to clean up and present a largely detailed image grants it a certain degree of visual appeal, especially for scenes without heavy reliance on special effects.

The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track for "The Bamboo Saucer" presents a clear yet somewhat limited listening experience. Dialogue is crisp and easy to understand, showing no signs of damage or age-related wear. While the midrange frequencies perform admirably, providing richness, the upper registers of the score occasionally sound thin. The soundtrack, though sometimes intrusive, maintains clarity throughout. However, it lacks the depth and immersion that modern lossless tracks often offer.

The track delivers well on dialogue clarity but struggles with dynamic range and depth in other audio elements. Sound effects and portions of the score appear shallow and tinny, particularly during action sequences, partly because they lower in prominence to prioritize dialogue. This results in a sometimes muted and less energetic audio experience during key scenes. Atmospheric effects are minimal, a likely drawback of the film's era.

Despite its limitations, the track reveals some complexity in specific scenes, such as the climactic battle sequence where multiple audio components are effectively balanced. Nevertheless, an underlying analog hiss persistently intertwines with dialogue and other audio elements, unmistakably anchoring the listener in its 1968 heritage. Overall, while functional and clear in dialogue reproduction, the track underscores its vintage origin and does not fully leverage the capabilities of modern audio formats.

The Blu-ray release of "The Bamboo Saucer" unfortunately does not include any special features, extras, or supplements. While the sturdy Blu-ray case and original artwork are commendable, viewers looking for in-depth behind-the-scenes content or additional material will be disappointed.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: There are no extras included on this disc.

"The Bamboo Saucer," directed by Frank Telford and produced by Jerry Fairbanks, is an engaging mix of Cold War intrigue and low-budget 1960s sci-fi. The film starts with test pilot Fred Norwood (John Ericson) encountering a UFO while testing a new jet, an event that leads to his tarnished reputation and dismissal from his job. This incident kicks off a sequence of events that includes the death of Norwood’s brother-in-law in a similar pursuit, and Norwood's subsequent involvement in a secret mission to Red China. Enlisted by U.S. Secret Service officer Hank Peters (Dan Duryea), Norwood’s team finds themselves journeying into Communist China to unearth a flying saucer allegedly rooted there.

Upon arrival, Norwood’s group stumbles upon a Soviet team on the same mission. Despite initial tensions, both teams decide to collaborate in the face of the larger threat posed by patrolling Chinese armies. The narrative, albeit simple, achieves an unexpected depth as it navigates themes of unity and peace against the backdrop of Cold War stakes. Although the acting—by TV regulars like Bernard Fox and Lois Nettleton—is occasionally stiff, it lends an endearing quality typical of B-movies of the era.

Despite the palpable '50s B-movie vibe and dated special effects, "The Bamboo Saucer" impressively blends genres including spy thriller and war drama. While it may fill its runtime with generalizations and some overt moralizing, the film shines in its progressive depiction of international camaraderie. The flying saucer mostly serves as a narrative device to catalyze character development and promote a message of global unity, which transcends its otherwise rudimentary execution. With some unexpectedly touching moments and clever plot turns, this film emerges as a compelling piece reflective of its Cold War context and offers more than just sci-fi kitsch, making it an interesting watch for fans of vintage cinema.

"The Bamboo Saucer" is an ambitious film that strives to explore the complexities of international relations and the implications of humanity's first encounter with extraterrestrial technology. However, its lofty aspirations are somewhat diminished by a limited budget and performances that lack depth. The cast, largely composed of television regulars, gives the film a made-for-TV feel. Despite these drawbacks, the movie maintains a certain charm, particularly for enthusiasts of vintage science fiction and war films.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation by Olive Films offers a better-than-average picture quality and serviceable sound. The visual upgrade is noticeable and does justice to the film’s cinematography, ensuring a significantly improved viewing experience over previous releases. Unfortunately, the package is devoid of any supplementary materials, which could make the nearly $30 price tag seem excessive. This omission is particularly disappointing for collectors who anticipate bonus content as part of the Blu-ray experience.

In conclusion, "The Bamboo Saucer" is worth considering for aficionados of classic sci-fi and retro cinema, especially given the scarcity of its availability in high definition. Despite its shortcomings in execution and extra features, this Blu-ray represents the best available version of the film. Those already inclined towards its niche appeal are likely to appreciate this release, though newcomers might be advised to preview it before committing to a purchase.