Jack the Giant Killer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Jack The Giant Killer" boasts an AVC encoded image in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio and delivers an impressive HD master that respects its Technicolor roots. Vibrant hues, with strong blues and reds, are particularly pronounced during royal scenes, adding a remarkable charm to the costumes and settings. The detail, although inherently soft, captures facial features nicely and retains the fibrous appeal of outfits. Monster scenes, especially those filmed in FantaScope, stand out, with creature textures well-preserved and the overall delineation satisfactory. Despite a tad chunkier grain, the film maintains a pleasing filmic quality. Source material is in good condition, marred by minor wobble issues and occasional debris and scratches.

Color fidelity is a standout with bright and bold primary colors, including a notable presence of lavenders and purples that enhance many scenes. Flesh tones remain healthy and accurate throughout. Black levels are deep and inky, adding commendable depth to the visual experience. Optical and stop-motion effects showcase softer, rougher details, a testament to the original elements rather than any shortcoming in the transfer. The slight issues with speckling and minor scratches do not detract significantly from the overall transfer quality. Grain stability is a strong point, thickening only around effects shots. All these aspects culminate in a well-detailed and colorful 1080p transfer that faithfully represents the film's classic visual style.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix of "Jack the Giant Killer" provides a commendable auditory experience. It excels in highlighting dialogue, allowing the characters' performances to remain crisp and intelligible throughout the film. The score, composed by Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter, is engaging and well-balanced, effectively complementing the film's adventurous and fantastical elements with adequate instrumentation and volume.

Sound effects are robust, delivering an aggressive yet suitable texture to the viewing experience. The creature roars and clanging weapons are notably powerful, contributing to the film’s intense and dynamic scenes. While there are a few audible pops in the mix, these are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall audio quality. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix maintains a high standard, providing a clear and enjoyable listening experience without evident age-related issues.

The Blu-Ray release of "Jack The Giant Killer" includes a well-curated set of extras that enrich the viewing experience. Highlighted by an insightful audio commentary from film historian Tim Lucas, the commentary delves into the production and historical background of the film, offering valuable context and a deeper understanding. Additionally, this disc provides a collection of trailers from related films, creating a thematic link and a broader appreciation for the genre. While there might be a scarcity of behind-the-scenes content due to the movie's age, the included Rifftrax commentary would have been a welcomed addition to complete the set.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film historian Tim Lucas provides a detailed history and production insight.
• Theatrical Trailer: A nostalgic look back at the film's original promotion.
• War Gods of the Deep Trailer: Related film trailer enhancing the genre context.
• Sinbad of the Seven Seas Trailer: Adds to the thematic consistency.
• Flesh + Blood Trailer: Another genre-related trailer.
• The Vikings Trailer: Extends the period film offering.
• OSS 117: Panic in Bangkok Trailer: Provides diversity with a spy-themed addition.

"Jack the Giant Killer," directed by Nathan Juran, aims to capture the spirited essence of classic fantasy tales through the use of stop-motion animation and adventurous storytelling. Adapted from the English fairy tale, the film follows farm boy Jack (Kerwin Mathews) as he battles the wicked sorcerer Pendragon (Torin Thatcher) who seeks to dominate the Kingdom of Cornwall by capturing Princess Elaine (Judi Meredith). The cast embraces their roles with enthusiasm, which is pivotal given their performances must hold up against the film's special effects. These effects, while lacking the meticulous detail of Ray Harryhausen's later works, maintain a whimsical charm that keeps audiences engaged, particularly during scenes involving imaginative creatures and magical confrontations.

The 1962 film was produced by Edward Small in an evident attempt to replicate the success of "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," also directed by Juran but featuring Harryhausen's superior stop-motion animation. Despite falling short in terms of creature effect quality and overall production polish, "Jack the Giant Killer" offers a significant amount of family-friendly entertainment. Its visual flair is buoyed by colorful costuming and set designs, although these elements sometimes appear more budget-constrained compared to its contemporaries. Nevertheless, the interaction between actors and animated elements—such as a quirky dancing jester music box—provides enough lively engagement to distract from some technical imperfections.

A notable inclusion on the Blu-ray release is the Musical Version of "Jack the Giant Killer," which introduces musical numbers spliced awkwardly into original scenes to create an additional layer of entertainment—a peculiar yet fascinating addition. Though inherently flawed, both versions of the film possess a certain charm that stems from their earnest, adventuresome spirit. For viewers seeking nostalgic matinee entertainment with a blend of fantasy and light-hearted fun, "Jack the Giant Killer" delivers a delightful escapade.

"Jack the Giant Killer" stands out as a vibrant, action-packed fantasy adventure that skillfully balances human interactions with special effects. Crafted with a keen sense of what it aims to be, the film attracts audiences with its regular doses of mystical threats and heroic antics. Primarily made for children, it transcends audience limitations, drawing in viewers of all ages with its thrilling sequences. It holds a unique spot in stop-motion animation history and offers several instances of the technique's evolution in the 1960s. While it may lack the finesse that Harryhausen’s work exudes, the feature starts with a bang and maintains its gripping momentum.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics has done impressive work in bringing "Jack the Giant Killer" to Blu-ray. The video transfer is solid, rendering the film's adventurous spirit in vivid detail. The audio track complements the visual quality effectively, ensuring an engaging viewing experience. While the extras might be considered sparse by some, the commentary track alone adds significant value. The film may appear as an attempt to ride on the coattails of contemporaneous hits like "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," and despite a modest budget and occasionally silly plotting, it is filled with genuine heart and enjoyment.

In conclusion, "Jack the Giant Killer" knows precisely how to entertain, with its infusion of fantasy elements and relentless action making it a pleasurable watch. Stop-motion enthusiasts and adventure film lovers will find much to admire and study. Although lacking in some technical sophistication, this Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber Studio Classics is definitely recommended for all who appreciate vibrant storytelling and classic cinematic experiences.