Invasion of the Body Snatchers Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video has presented the acclaimed Philip Kaufman's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" in a meticulously restored 1080p transfer maintaining the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This UK release, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, shares a strong resemblance to its American counterpart from 2010, potentially hinting at the usage of the same master. The restoration process utilized a 35mm interpositive alongside an original 35mm 2-track stereo printmaster, digitally restored to ensure optimal image quality. The color grading, managed by Brian Borne and overseen by Jeanine Intindola for MGM, showcases a vast array of organic colors that remain true to the film's aesthetic without appearing artificially enhanced.

The Blu-ray showcases a commendable level of detail and clarity, with close-up shots revealing fine textural nuances and complexions that add depth to the cinematic experience. Despite slight inconsistencies in black levels, the contrast is crisp with balanced sharpness, and the color spectrum—from bold primaries to subtle shades—is accurately represented. However, certain scenes exhibit softness and grain spikes, attributed to the original cinematography and condition of the film elements used for the transfer. This does not detract from the overall enjoyment but rather adds a genuine, filmic texture appreciated by aficionados.

Notably, the video transfer is free from aggressive degraining or artificial sharpening, ensuring a natural look that respects the film's original visual intent. While minor imperfections like tiny flecks are present, they don't compromise the viewing experience. Shadow details are well delineated, maintaining stability across darker scenes without compromising on definition. This release, despite being Region-B locked, is a testament to Arrow Video's dedication to preserving cinema in its most authentic form, offering an experience that both newcomers and longtime fans will find deeply satisfying.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" by Arrow Video presents an interesting dichotomy with its two main tracks: English LPCM 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Each track offers a distinct auditory experience, underscoring the importance of sound design in enhancing the film's atmospheric tension. The uncompressed PCM stereo track, while providing a faithful replication to the original Dolby stereo recording, falls somewhat short in delivering an immersive soundstage. It was perceived as somewhat hollow and lacked the engaging warmth and dynamism expected from a release of this caliber. Conversely, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 upmix stands out for its expansive and detailed sound environment, offering a more satisfying auditory experience.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track excels in clarity, dynamic range, and fidelity, creating an enveloping soundscape that considerably augments the viewing experience. With precise dialogue anchoring the center channel and a well-balanced mix of background sounds and discrete effects populating the surround channels, this audio mix offers a compelling case for modern upmixed tracks. It manages to maintain adequate low bass response, which, while not overwhelming, provides sufficient depth to the music and action sequences. This track’s ability to broaden the film's auditory borders without sacrificing the essence of its original stereo soundtrack contributes significantly to its immersive quality.

Despite varying preferences between the LPCM 2.0 and DTS-HD MA 5.1 options, Arrow Video’s effort to cater to different audio predilections is commendable. The LPCM track, with its crisp dialog and free-of-distortion presentation, offers a clean, if not entirely engaging, listening experience indicative of the film’s age and original design. Meanwhile, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 option redefines the auditory landscape of the film, enhancing every nuance of Denny Zeitlin's memorable score and ambient effects to create a deeply engaging and contemporary surround sound experience that both honors and elevates the original material.

The Blu-ray release of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" boasts a comprehensive collection of extras that delve into both the technical and thematic elements of this science fiction classic. Highlights include a detailed audio commentary by director Philip Kaufman, providing insight into the production and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The disc features several in-depth analyses from various perspectives: "Discussing the Pod" engages in a rich conversation about the film's relevance and its socio-political underpinnings; "Dissecting the Pod" and "Writing the Pod" offer academic and biographical viewpoints on the director and original author, respectively. Additionally, "Re-visitors From Outer Space" and "Practical Magic: The Special Effect Pod" explore the production history and special effects, complemented by "The Man Behind the Scream" and "The Invasion Will Be Televised," which discuss sound design and cinematography. The carefully remastered extras, alongside exclusive interviews and a collector's booklet, enrich the viewing experience with a deeper understanding of the film's legacy and craftsmanship.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Scene-specific commentary with director Philip Kaufman.
• Discussing the Pod: A roundtable discussion on the cultural relevancy of Jack Finney's novel.
• Dissecting the Pod: An interview with Kaufman biographer Annette Insdorf.
• Writing the Pod: Insights into Jack Finney's life and work by biographer Jack Seabrook.
• Re-visitors From Outer Space: A documentary on the film's production and themes.
• The Man Behind the Scream: Focus on Ben Burtt’s unique sound design.
• The Invasion Will Be Televised: Insights into the film's visual style by cinematographer Michael Chapman.
• Practical Magic: The Special Effect Pod: A look at the movie’s special effects.
• Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Cover Art: Reversible sleeve featuring original and new artwork.
• Booklet: A collector's booklet with new writing and classic interviews.

Philip Kaufman's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978) secures a landmark presentation on Blu-ray, courtesy of Arrow Video, capturing the chilling essence of the remake with an impeccable visual and auditory restoration. The film, a recipient of five Saturn Awards including Best Science Fiction Film, unfolds within the eerie confines of San Francisco as its residents fall prey to an extraterrestrial invasion that substitutes humans with emotionless duplicates. Starring Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams in lead roles, their encounters with these humanoid counterparts unravel a narrative rich in horror and social commentary. This rendition diverges from its 1956 predecessor by embedding a unique neo-noir visual style complemented by an original sound design, courtesy of Ben Burtt, which elevates the aura of paranoia pervading the movie.

At its core, Kaufman's narrative intertwines horror with a critique on societal dynamics post-hippie movement era, effectively utilizing the invasion as a metaphor for the era's end and the onset of uniformity stripping away individualism. The technical prowess of the film is underscored by Michael Chapman's exceptional cinematography and Denny Zeitlin's avant-garde score, embedding an unsettling vibe throughout its run. The cameo appearances by Kevin McCarthy and Don Siegel not only serve as homage to the original but also enrich the remake with layers of meta-references and continuity.

The Blu-ray edition by Arrow Video does justice to this cinematic gem with its Region-B locked disc brimming with supplementary features including directorial commentaries, interviews, and a comprehensive booklet with critical essays and classic interviews. This package not only caters to cinephiles with its aesthetic steelbook casing but also offers a profound insight into the making of a film that skilfully balances homage with innovation, thereby becoming a seminal work cherished for its artistic merit and thematic depth.

Philip Kaufman's 1978 rendition of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" not only cements itself as a compelling sci-fi horror masterpiece but also stands out for its artistic finesse. The film's status as a genre classic is unchallenged, thanks to its innovative narrative, remarkable cinematography, and an unconventional yet captivating soundtrack that ranks among the finest in science fiction and horror cinema. Arrow Video's Blu-ray release lives up to the film's reputation, providing both collectors and first-time viewers with a technically superior experience. This edition, particularly notable for its stunning video transfer and immersive audio quality, ensures that every intricate detail of Kaufman's visionary work is preserved and presented with remarkable clarity.

Arrow Video's treatment of this iconic film extends beyond the technical, with the Blu-ray arriving in an appealing steelbook edition that adds a tactile allure to its collection value. The inclusion of a comprehensive suite of bonus features further enriches the viewing experience, offering insights into the film's production, its enduring legacy, and the meticulous care that went into this particular release. Whether it is the high-definition video quality, the excellent audio presentation, or the curated extras, this release goes above and beyond to satiate fans and newcomers alike. It epitomizes what a home media edition should aim for – preserving the essence of the film while enhancing the viewing experience with modern technological advancements.

Conclusively, Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978) is a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of Kaufman's film. This edition not only honors the original material through its top-notch technical specifications but also elevates it for contemporary audiences with its beautiful packaging and insightful extras. For aficionados of genre films and collectors dedicated to cinematic preservation, this Blu-ray is an indispensable addition to any collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED without reservation, it reaffirms the film's classic status while ensuring that its invasion remains as thrilling and relevant as ever.