Starman Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of John Carpenter's Starman utilizes the same 2.35:1 1080p transfer sourced by Sony for their 2009 Blu-ray, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc with an average video bitrate of 25994 kbps. The image maintains a smooth, film-like quality without any artifacting and preserves the director's preferred aspect ratio, mimicking the original theatrical presentation. The transfer is characterized by a consistent, healthy layer of grain, solid black levels, and decently warm colors, which together produce an overall dusty earth ambiance fitting the film's aesthetic as it traverses the American southwest. However, despite these positives, the detail levels remain in the "average to good" range due to the natural softness and diffused quality inherent in the original film.

The technical aspects of the presentation, such as the CGI and old stop motion techniques used for the alien transformations, show their age and contrast sharply with today's higher standards. Unfortunately, no new restoration or scan has been applied to this release, thus it does not significantly improve upon Sony's decade-old master. The film comes with a slipcover and reversible poster art, adding some collector appeal but ultimately, the video presentation remains adequate without being exceptional. Given the advancements in home video technologies like 4K UHD and HDR, this release leaves room for improvement and may feel outdated to viewers familiar with contemporary high-definition standards.

The audio presentation of the "Starman" Blu-Ray is delivered via a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, a refashioning of the original Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track from Sony. This new mix retains a majority of its focus on the front soundstage with well-defined dialogue anchored at the center. The ambient effects occasionally augment the surrounds, offering some spatial depth, primarily driven by Jack Nitzsche's warm and timeless score and sporadic ambient noises such as the swoosh of the spacecraft crossing the night sky. Despite these enhancements, the subwoofer's presence is notably muted, rarely activating during the film’s quieter moments. Overall, the audio mix balances clarity and atmosphere but does so conservatively.

While appreciating the clarity and balance of the front-centric audio, discrepancies in the track’s impact during dynamic sequences are notable. Explosive scenes, such as Starman’s spacecraft crash and subsequent car wreck scenes, lack the pronounced "oomph" expected from modern remixes and don't capture the visceral intensity as effectively as in the original Dolby TrueHD track. However, details like background chatter and environmental sounds—such as the clunky 1980s computers—are meticulously rendered across the soundstage. The overall sound mix capably delivers an immersive auditory experience despite its shortcomings, with Jack Nitzsche’s score resonating prominently throughout.

For those utilizing subtitles, the optional English SDH transcription is thoroughly accurate and free from typographical errors, ensuring an inclusive and precise portrayal. While this DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix is a competent offering, it doesn’t substantially elevate beyond its predecessor, leaving room for future improvements, potentially through a true object-based audio mix for more immersive, dynamic scene engagement.

This Blu-ray release of "Starman" enriches the original experience with an impressive collection of bonus features that delve into the film's production and legacy. The "They Came from Hollywood: Re-visiting STARMAN" featurette stands out with new interviews of John Carpenter, Jeff Bridges, and Charles Martin Smith, offering fresh insights into the film’s creation. Similarly, the audio commentary with Carpenter and Bridges, first available on European discs, is a high point, providing an invigorating discussion of the shoot. The vintage featurette adds a nostalgic touch, while the teaser and theatrical trailers, despite some visible wear, are intriguing inclusions. Overall, these extras significantly enhance the value of the Blu-ray.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW They Came from Hollywood: Re-visiting STARMAN: Featuring director John Carpenter, actors Jeff Bridges, Charles Martin Smith, and script supervisor Sandy King-Carpenter.
• Audio Commentary with Director John Carpenter and Jeff Bridges: A riveting discussion about the film.
• Vintage Featurette: Original behind-the-scenes content with voice-overs.
• Teaser Trailer: Initial promotional teaser.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official full-length trailer.
• TV Spots: Four promotional spots.
• Still Gallery: Collection of on-set photos, posters, and more.

"Starman," directed by John Carpenter, stands out in his filmography as a unique blend of romantic drama and science fiction, significantly different from his typical horror or gory fare. Carpenter's adept direction is complemented by Jeff Bridges' phenomenal performance as the alien, the titular "Starman." Bridges' portrayal earned him a Best Actor nomination, showcasing his ability to convey the innocence and curiosity of an extraterrestrial navigating the complexities of human life. His co-star Karen Allen provides an equally compelling performance, embodying a grieving widow who gradually unearths a renewed sense of purpose through her interactions with the Starman.

The narrative follows Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen), who is startled when an alien assumes the form of her deceased husband, Scott (Bridges). Their ensuing journey across America to meet his extraction team evolves into a touching love story, deftly weaving layers of conspiracy and military paranoia that are reminiscent of 1970s cinema. The film's pacing allows for a deep exploration of human and alien interaction, invoking themes from classics like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

A critical factor in the film’s enduring appeal is its ability to balance sentiment without veering into saccharine territory. Carpenter's treatment brings out a genuine sense of wonder and optimism, setting it apart from his more cynical works. Additionally, Jack Nitzsche's score enhances the film's emotional resonance, making it a tranquil yet poignant cinematic experience. Overall, "Starman" remains a compelling piece of cinema over 30 years since its release, appreciated for its heartwarming narrative and standout performances, making it a cherished addition to any film enthusiast's collection.

"Starman," directed by John Carpenter, is a standout 80s film that seamlessly blends science fiction and romance. Featuring compelling performances by Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen, the film highlights their incredible chemistry and the unique narrative of a humanoid alien and a human woman bonding during a cross-country journey. Known for his horror and action films, Carpenter's subtle direction in this more subdued genre divergence earns "Starman" its deserved acclaim, distinguishing itself with optimism and heartfelt storytelling.

The Scream Factory Collector's Edition Blu-ray release offers a modest upgrade over Sony’s 2009 version, mainly through additional special features which include new interviews and archival material. However, it utilizes the same video transfer and audio mix, sporting a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 / 2.0 tracks. The video quality is passable, though it shows signs of aging, and the audio upgrade remains subtle. The added value lies predominantly in the enhanced packaging and bonus content.

In conclusion, the Scream Factory edition of "Starman" is the definitive version available, primarily due to its enriched special features and collector's edition packaging. While the technical specs may only represent an incremental improvement, those who appreciate the extra content and are fans of Carpenter’s work will find this release worthwhile. For others—particularly those who own the previous Sony disc—the decision might hinge on an appreciation for supplementary material and packaging enhancements rather than substantial upgrades in audio-visual quality. Recommended for collectors and new viewers alike.