It Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros.' Blu-ray presentation of "It" showcases the mini-series in its original TV-friendly 1.33:1 aspect ratio, a welcome return to form that respects the production's initial composition for tube television screens. Shot on 35mm film, the series has previously seen releases in a matted 1.85:1 widescreen format on DVD, but this release rectifies this alteration, presenting the visual content as it was originally intended. Despite not boasting the aesthetics of a high-budget film, "It" is competently framed, ensuring that the story's visuals are complete and immersive in their original shape. The transfer quality is exceptional, maintaining a strong and stable presence of film grain throughout its 187-minute runtime. This preserves the filmic texture without succumbing to excessive noise reduction or grain inconsistency.

Color reproduction on this Blu-ray is notably vivid, breathing life into Pennywise's costume with bright primaries and rendering environments with a rich palette that ranges from lush greenery to stark yellow rain slickers. These color strengths play a crucial role in maintaining visual interest, particularly given the frequently overcast Vancouver locales which could have easily led to a more drab presentation. Instead, "It" benefits from carefully balanced hues that capture both the eerie and mundane realities of its setting. Skin tones are accurate, and black levels are deep without sacrificing detail, even in scenes punctuated by dimly lit interiors or shadow-laden corners.

However, the visual fidelity does show signs of the series' age, with noticeable fluctuations in contrast levels and some instances of minor blooming affecting the overall sharpness and clarity. The presence of film grain varies across scenes, at times enhancing detail and at others introducing a noise element that detracts slightly from the viewing experience. Despite these occasional inconsistencies, the Blu-ray edition represents the most definitive visual presentation of "It" to date. Offering a substantial upgrade over previous home video editions, it delivers a robust and pleasing visual experience that leverages both the strengths of its source material and careful transfer work to ensure that this classic horror narrative shines in high definition.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "It" receives a robust treatment with its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo track, exemplifying a commitment to preserving the integrity of the original television miniseries while enhancing its audial aspects for a contemporary home theater experience. Dialogue remains the focal point, sharply and carefully prioritized, ensuring that every line, whether a sinister taunt from Pennywise or the banter among the Losers’ Club, is delivered with clarity and precision. Ambient sounds and the meticulously composed score by Richard Bellis are dispersed across the soundstage, contributing to an immersive atmosphere. Background nuances, from the rustling leaves and distant chatter to the bustling cityscapes of adulthood, are woven into the soundscape with subtlety, allowing for an expansive auditory experience that enhances the narrative without overwhelming it.

However, while the effort to present a clear and balanced audio experience is commendable, the presentation is not without its limitations rooted in the source material's original production qualities. The soundtrack exhibits a somewhat restricted dynamic range and a noticeable lack of depth in the lower frequencies, leading to a presentation that occasionally feels flat and lacking in textural richness during more intense or dramatic scenes. This absence of low-end resonance means that moments which should pack an auditory punch miss a degree of impact. Despite these drawbacks, it's important to highlight that this release represents a significant improvement over earlier home video versions, presenting the best iteration of the audio track thus far.

Subtitles are also thoughtfully included, ensuring accessibility and enhancing understanding for all audiences. They are well integrated into the viewing experience, avoiding obtrusiveness while maintaining readability. Overall, while certain inherent constraints of the original recording limit the full potential of the audio presentation, this release still offers a solid and appreciable upgrade for fans and newcomers alike, ensuring that "It" remains an engaging auditory experience that mirrors its visual counterpart in quality and nostalgia.

Warner Bros.’ Blu-ray release of "It" presents a singular on-disc extra—a feature-length audio commentary carried over from their 2002 DVD edition. This commentary, engagingly delivered by director Tommy Lee Wallace alongside cast members Dennis Christopher, Tim Reid, John Ritter, and Richard Thomas, offers a well-organized exploration into the film's making. Contrary to expectations that group commentaries may degrade into casual banter, this discussion offers considerable insight into various aspects such as the adaptation process from Stephen King’s novel, the intricate blending of childhood trauma with horror, and the efforts to stay true to the original work while also venturing into new creative terrains. Wallace, who primarily anchors the commentary and is recorded separately, effectively fills informational gaps and provides a rich behind-the-scenes look at the production. Despite a few moments of silence, the commentary is hailed for its informative nature, shedding light on both the groundbreaking achievements in TV horror and more nuanced elements like character development and set anecdotes.

Extras included in this disc:

• AUDIO COMMENTARY: A comprehensive track featuring director Tommy Lee Wallace and cast members, discussing the adaptation from Stephen King's novel, behind-the-scenes insights, and the distinctive challenges of bringing a horror story from page to screen effectively.

Stephen King's "It," a tale originally brought to life on television over two nights in November 1990, delves into the darkest corners of childhood fears, manifesting most memorably through the ominous clown, Pennywise. The essence of the story navigates the complex web of friendship, childhood traumas, and confronting personal demons, embodied by a group of seven children in the small, seemingly cursed town of Derry, Maine. The narrative meticulously interweaves between the summer of 1960 and thirty years later, carried by flashbacks that transition viewers from one era to another seamlessly, although it becomes evident that the nostalgic grip of the past—its innocence marked by horror—holds more compelling content than the adults' confrontation with their long-standing nemesis.

The miniseries shines brightest through Tim Curry's portrayal of Pennywise, elevating the horror with a blend of terrifyingly playful menace that lingers far beyond his screen time, embodying not just a physical threat but a sinister juxtaposition to the characters' personal and collective fears. The ensemble cast, both as children and adults, bring depth to their roles, fostering a connection with viewers that is both relatable and unnerving. The adaptation's first half does an exceptional job of establishing character rapport and an emotional storyline that compellingly captures King's exploration of childhood and the shadows it casts into adulthood.

However, despite Curry's standout performance and a solid setup, the adaptation stumbles in its cohesion and resolution, failing to fully capitalize on its initial setup. The director and cinematographer's efforts appear lackluster in instilling genuine horror or suspense, relying heavily on the nostalgia factor and Curry's performance to maintain engagement. Technically, this Blu-ray version adapts the slightly abbreviated form of the original TV miniseries, omitting minor scenes without significant detriment to the overarching narrative. While these choices might not drastically alter the story's impact, they represent missed opportunities for enhancing depth and atmospherics. This adaptation ultimately serves as a mixed bag—part nostalgic trip, part horror classic—a testament to the enduring legacy of King's storytelling, albeit filtered through the lens of television's constraints and possibilities at the turn of the '90s.

Tommy Lee Wallace's original TV adaptation of Stephen King's "It," though uneven, presents a peculiar charm that manages to captivate new audiences while remaining nostalgic for those who witnessed its original broadcast. Despite its age and the evident disparity in quality between its two halves, the miniseries still commands attention with its undeniably eerie atmosphere and Tim Curry's unforgettable portrayal of Pennywise, which remains a high point of horror performance. The transfer to Blu-ray by Warner Bros. offers an upgraded audiovisual experience that does justice to the original production values, albeit, the source material shows signs of aging which might detract from the pristine quality expected from contemporary releases. The inclusion of a full-length audio commentary enriches the package, making it a commendable addition to any collection, particularly for enthusiasts of the genre and admirers of King's expansive work.

On revisiting the adaptation two and a half decades after its initial release, its effectiveness in eliciting fear has diminished, leaning more towards unintentional humor than spine-chilling terror. This shift in reception can mostly be attributed to the dated special effects and storytelling methods which no longer align with modern horror sensibilities. Despite this, the Blu-ray rendition offers a substantial improvement in picture quality, though it's clear that the elements have weathered over time. The audio upgrade is noteworthy, appealing specifically to those with a fondness for the era's television productions. However, the scarcity of supplementary content might dissuade all but the most devoted followers of Stephen King or completists of classic horror adaptations from investing in this release.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of Stephen King's "It" serves as a valuable time capsule for one of television's most ambitious adaptations of horror literature. It strikes a balance between preserving the original's essence and providing technical enhancements that partially modernize the experience. While it may not hold up entirely against current standards for scares and visual fidelity, Tim Curry's performance alone makes it worthy of consideration. The package is notably enhanced by the quality audio commentary, but potential buyers should temper their expectations regarding additional extras. This release is best suited for dedicated fans and those interested in the evolution of horror on television, offering a tangible piece of genre history despite its imperfections.