Airport Blu-ray Review

Universal’s Blu-ray presentation of "Airport" is undoubtedly a triumph in video quality, showcasing a pristinely restored AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This Todd-AO shot production, lensed by the Oscar-nominated Ernest Laszlo, shines in high definition, maintaining the elevated resolution expected from such a format. The transfer exhibits a fine layer of grain, giving the film a pleasant, film-like texture without any noticeable DNR interference. Contrast and black levels are solid, particularly enriching the nighttime sequences with impressive shadow detail.

The image quality is stellar throughout, with sharp and well-defined visuals. Colors are mostly well-saturated, though a few scenes may appear slightly muted compared to the rest, which maintains robust flesh tones and vibrant hues—especially in elements like the stewardesses' orange uniforms and Jean Seberg's light grey suit. The restoration has meticulously erased age-related defects, including dirt, nicks, and scratches, leaving a clean and vibrant image that maintains clarity throughout its 137-minute runtime.

Fine object detail is rendered exceptionally well in both close-ups and background elements, free from banding, noise, or other distractions. This transfer by Universal not only preserves but enhances the original cinematic experience, making "Airport" a compelling visual presentation that stands as a testament to Universal's restoration prowess and an excellent addition to their 100th-anniversary series.

The audio presentation of "Airport" on Blu-ray is a solid mix that employs DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Reviewers have found it to be largely effective in balancing dialogue, music, and sound effects, though its use of low-frequency effects (LFE) is markedly restrained, even amidst the ample opportunities provided by airplane jet engines and explosions. Alfred Newman's final film score, comparable to some of Johnny Williams' work from the same era, is given excellent representation. The mix handles discrete sound effects well, with notable panning during take-offs and crashes, ensuring an immersive experience. Dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized throughout, though the overall audio might come off as conservative by modern standards.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, while impressively clean and clear, may lack some dynamic range and subtlety that could elevate it to the top tier of action film audio mixes. Much of the sound is front-focused with limited surround activity, primarily highlighting Newman's grandiose and melodramatic score, which faithfully envelops the listening space. The surround channels are used sparingly for ambient noise like bustling terminals and climactic onboard commotion. The bass response is appropriately weighty, delivering a satisfying roar from the jet engines and maintaining balance without overpowering dialogue.

Overall, this seamless and fluid track does justice to the material without straining your audio system. While the sound lacks some aural nuance essential for a more engaging auditory experience during both quiet and high-action scenes, it remains effective and well-executed. The audio presentation ensures clarity in dialogue with no notable hisses or pops, although minor distortion may occur during more intense moments.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Airport" are a mixed bag, consisting primarily of Universal's centenary celebration features that add decent historical context but lack in-depth exploration specific to the film itself. The main highlight is the "100 Years of Universal" series, with one featurette reflecting on Universal's achievements in the 1970s and another paying homage to the studio's famous backlot. These segments include interviews and clips that, while insightful, can feel somewhat generic for those specifically interested in "Airport." Additionally, the original theatrical trailer is included but doesn’t add significant value, revealing too much plot and emphasizing melodramatic moments. Overall, the extras offer some historical appreciation but fall short of providing comprehensive context or deep dives into this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• 100 Years of Universal: The 1970's: Looks back at the productive decade including insights from Hollywood icons.
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot: Honors Universal's soundstages and backlot achievements.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview highlighting plot elements and melodrama.

"Airport" delivers a big, glossy cinematic experience that recalls the all-star productions of yore. Based on Arthur Hailey’s bestselling novel, it captures the chaotic inner workings of a bustling airport with an inch-thick sheen typical of producer Ross Hunter's oeuvre. The intersection of melodramatic subplots—ranging from a philandering pilot's romantic escapades to a blizzard grounding flights—sets the stage for the climactic disaster involving a desperate bomber. While critics might argue that some character arcs are cliched and the split-screen footage is overused, the film's meticulously orchestrated scenes and star-studded cast maintain its engaging aura.

The ensemble features Dean Martin as pilot Vern Demerest, whose troubled marriage competes for screen time with a pregnant stewardess played by Jacqueline Bisset. Helen Hayes shines in an Oscar-winning role as a seasoned stowaway, adding charm and levity amidst somber events. Lesser-known but integral moments include Van Heflin’s portrayal of a tormented man planning to detonate a bomb to secure his family's future. Meanwhile, ground operations add layers of tension, with Burt Lancaster and George Kennedy handling the logistical nightmares brought on by the storm and runway blockages. Notably, Joe Patroni (Kennedy) emerged as a franchise favorite, sustaining memorable energy throughout the series.

Though "Airport" may seem quaint today, it retains a fascinating period charm, reflecting an era where airports were social microcosms rather than security gauntlets. Its blend of interpersonal drama and disaster elements set the stage for modern disaster flicks while evading the farcical extremes of its successors. Despite its occasional forays into melodrama, "Airport" remains an iconic entry in Hollywood’s grand history, offering viewers both nostalgia and compelling cross-sectional storytelling. For those who appreciate classic cinema, the film's cohesive direction and historical significance ensure it's far more than just a relic of its time.

"Airport" (1970) stands as a paramount example of classic disaster cinema, and this Blu-ray release does justice to its legacy. With an all-star cast delivering performances tailored to their strengths, the film masterfully intertwines multiple storylines, each culminating in an array of dramatic and action-packed scenes. Despite the film being as shallow as a piece of paper plot-wise, it remains an excellent source of high-budget, glossy entertainment that continues to impress over four decades after its initial release.

The Blu-ray transfer exhibits stellar video and audio quality, enhancing the visual and auditory experience of this high-altitude drama. The meticulously restored visuals highlight the film's intricate set pieces and detailed production design, while the soundtrack crisply delivers every sound, from booming jet engines to stirring musical scores. However, the bonus features are relatively sparse, which may disappoint those seeking in-depth insights into the film's production or its historical context within the disaster genre.

In conclusion, "Airport" was old-fashioned even upon its release, and this characteristic is more pronounced today. Nevertheless, it remains a highly enjoyable piece of escapism if appreciated on its own terms. This Blu-ray edition provides an excellent opportunity to revisit—or discover—the film with superb audiovisual quality. While it lacks robust supplementary content, it is still recommended for fans of early disaster movies and classic Hollywood spectacles.