Dreamscape Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dreamscape" by Scream Factory represents a significant upgrade over its previous incarnation, debuting with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Courtesy of a new 2K scan from Shout! Factory, this release alleviates many of the visual shortcomings found in the earlier Image release, notably moving away from an interlaced to a progressively scanned format. Nonetheless, there are lingering issues that discerning viewers might find objectionable. The variation in visual quality, from the opening credits marked by stability concerns and print wear to certain scenes exhibiting a darker tone possibly leading to perceived shadow detail loss, reveals the challenges inherent in updating older film stocks for modern high-definition formats.

Critically analyzing this release, it becomes evident that while improvements are notable—such as the correction of color imbalances towards magenta previously noted and enhancing overall picture quality—there are inconsistencies in visual fidelity. Certain scenes, especially those set outdoors and devoid of special effects, showcase commendable sharpness and clarity, bringing out a more vibrant and natural color palette. Yet, this contrasts with various segments, particularly darker or special effects-laden scenes, which suffer from flatness and noticeable noise, detracting from the overall visual experience. Additionally, issues such as compositing flaws in VFX shots and variable grain quality further underscore the limitations faced in the remastering process.

Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray release of "Dreamscape" represents a marked improvement over its predecessor. The move to a new 2K scan has decidedly enhanced the viewing experience, presenting the film with increased clarity and detail that had previously been obscured or diminished. While there's an acknowledgment that the presentation isn't flawless—with inconsistencies in image quality and certain technical anomalies—it's a commendable effort in bringing this classic film closer to its original cinematic glory. It's a reminder of the complexities involved in preserving and enhancing older films for today's audiences, ensuring that despite inherent source material limitations, films like "Dreamscape" continue to be appreciated by new generations of viewers.

The audio presentation of "Dreamscape" on Blu-ray provides an intriguing if somewhat mixed bag with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. The 5.1 surround mix, speculated to be identical to that of its predecessor's release, doesn't fully exploit the potential of home theater systems. Discrete sound effects occasionally seem misplaced across channels, leading to an uneven audio experience. Notably, the low-frequency effects lack the robustness expected, with only sporadic enhancements that align more with sudden scares or the distinct, albeit anachronistic, score by Maurice Jarre. This inconsistency in channel utilization and low-end presence leaves a bit to be desired in fully immersing the viewer within the film's sound landscape.

Despite its shortcomings, the 5.1 track delivers clear dialogue and maintains a respectable front-heavy soundstage, complemented by occasional immersive elements in the rear channels, such as subtle environmental sounds and music cues that add depth to specific scenes. The stereo 2.0 track, presumed to mirror the original theatrical experience, presents an arguably more balanced auditory journey. Jarre's score receives generous treatment across the soundstage, with smartly positioned effects and dialogue that contribute to an overall pleasing stereo listening experience. The clarity of the track admirably highlights the production details, including ADR work, which becomes more noticeable against the backdrop of the track's crispness, demonstrating the audio's fidelity and precision.

The inclusion of English SDH subtitles offers accessibility, ensuring that audiences can follow along without issue. While the 5.1 track may not fully leverage rear channels or deliver a potent low-end, it remains glitch-free, showcasing commendable clarity and a front-focused mix that adequately supports the film's narrative and atmospheric elements. The added option of a 2.0 mix provides a nod to purists looking for an audio experience closer to the original cinematic release, rounding out an overall satisfactory auditory complement to "Dreamscape's" Blu-ray offering.

Combining insights from various reviews, the extra presentation of the "Dreamscape" Blu-ray offers a mix of legacy content and fresh features that enrich the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes insights and retrospectives. Standout additions include a detailed retrospective "Dreamscapes and Dreammakers," offering extensive interviews and background information, and "Nightmares and Dreamsnakes," focusing on the film’s visual effects. The commentary track, dating back to the 2000 DVD but included here, provides die-hard fans with some interesting stories, despite its age. The inclusion of test footage for the Snake Man and a still gallery offers a glimpse into the creative process behind some of the movie's memorable moments. Though some content, like the theatrical trailer, shows its age, overall, these extras complement the main feature by providing a deeper understanding of its creation and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Bruce Cohn Curtis, David Loughery, and Craig Reardon: An informative track from previous releases.
• Dreamscapes and Dreammakers: A comprehensive retrospective with interviews and background information.
• Nightmares and Dreamsnakes: Focuses on the film's visual effects.
• Dennis Quaid - The Actor's Journey: An interview with Dennis Quaid discussing his role.
• Bruce Cohn Curtis and Chuck Russell - In Conversation 2016: A recent interview with key figures behind the film.
• Snake Man Test Footage: Raw footage showcasing the creation of Snake Man.
• Still Gallery: A collection of behind-the-scenes photos.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for 'Dreamscape'.

Dreamscape," the 1984 science fiction thriller, remains a notable entry in the genre, blending the eerie complexities of dream manipulation with a dash of political conspiracy. The film's central concept revolves around the capacity for an individual, through scientific means, to enter and influence another's dreams, a premise that predated and arguably presaged Chris Nolan's "Inception" by decades. Starring Dennis Quaid as Alex Garner, a man with telekinetic abilities reluctantly dragged back into the scientific community he shunned, "Dreamscape" weaves a tale that merges the fantastical with the palpable fears of its era. Max von Sydow and Christopher Plummer round out a cast that delivers performances robust enough to anchor the sometimes shaky special effects and narrative reach of the film.

Financially constrained with a budget of just $6 million, "Dreamscape's" ambition occasionally surpasses its grasp, particularly in its visual effects. Despite its limitations, moments like the hauntingly realized Snake Man sequence have etched themselves into the memories of viewers, standing testament to the film's impact. This re-release by Shout Factory, devoid of the European version's nudity due to careful reframing and deletion of specific scenes, presents the film in a light true to its original U.S. theatrical run. It marks "Dreamscape" as Hollywood's second feature to receive a PG-13 rating, offering an unvarnished view of its imaginative but imperiled world.

The Shout Factory Collector's Edition Blu-ray edition of "Dreamscape" provides not only an opportunity to reassess the film's technical and narrative aspirations but also to celebrate its place as a cult classic within the science fiction genre. As it navigates the blurred lines between dreams and reality, "Dreamscape" stands as a testament to the creative ambitions driving cinema in the 1980s, offering a potent mix of suspense, speculative science, and the eternal question of what is genuinely real.

The Blu-ray release of "Dreamscape" through Scream Factory presents an intriguing reflection on the thin line between dreams and reality, a concept that, while now somewhat clichéd—at least when considering subsequent offerings like "Inception"—is tackled here with a refreshing straightforwardness and lack of pretension. The film itself, a quintessential product of the 80s sci-fi thriller genre, is characterized by its lo-fi aesthetics combined with earnest performances and a narrative that, despite its occasional dive into the silly, keeps the viewer engaged through to its entertaining climax. This release benefits from an upgraded video quality which, although still presenting some flaws, significantly enhances the viewing experience. The auditory experience is similarly improved with the inclusion of a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track alongside a pre-existing lossless 5.1 track, ensuring that the film's aural elements are delivered with clarity and depth.

In terms of additional content, this Collector's Edition shines, offering a substantial array of new bonus materials that complements the main feature well and justifies adding this release to one's collection. Supplemental features have become a hallmark of Scream Factory releases, and "Dreamscape" is no exception, providing fans and newcomers alike an enriched viewing experience that goes beyond the primary narrative, delving into the making, context, and lasting impact of the film.

In conclusion, while "Dreamscape" might not live up to rose-tinted memories or stand up to modern-day thrillers in terms of scares, its charm lies in its committed performances, innovative premise, and a presentation that hits the mark more often than it misses. This Blu-ray release not only improves on previous incarnations with enhanced visuals and sound but also adds considerable value with its expanded supplemental content. For aficionados of 80s cinema or those interested in the evolution of sci-fi thrillers, this release is recommended as a worthy addition to your collection.