The Andromeda Strain Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "The Andromeda Strain" showcases a commendable AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Scanned in 4K resolution from the 35mm camera negative and restored meticulously, this release marks a significant upgrade over previous iterations. While maintaining the film's inherently grain-heavy aesthetic, Arrow's compression performs admirably, preserving the gritty texture without succumbing to digital artifacts. Close-up shots exhibit notable sharpness and clarity, highlighting facial textures and detailed set designs. The restoration successfully addresses prior concerns about image damage and wobble, though there are sporadic inconsistencies in grain structure, particularly during optical effects like split screens.

Color reproduction is exemplary, with skin tones achieving a natural and organic look. The color-coded set, especially the bright red first floor, is handled well with vivid saturation and no encoding issues. Despite overall improvements, black levels occasionally lack depth, likely due more to the original film stock than the restoration process. Nevertheless, the image maintains sufficient depth and dimensionality, ensuring an engaging visual experience. In sum, Arrow's Blu-ray release stands as a substantial enhancement, offering consistent detail and a pleasingly authentic visual presentation of "The Andromeda Strain."

The Blu-ray release of "The Andromeda Strain" provides an LPCM Mono track, which closely mirrors the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track on the previous Universal release. This audiophile inclusion ensures dialogue and the electronic score by Gil Melle are delivered with impeccable fidelity. Notably, the audio elements, though dated in their sound effect styles, maintain an inherent charm and nostalgic quality. These factors contribute to an overall satisfactory audio presentation deserving of a rating around 4.0, paralleling the Universal release.

The PCM 2.0 mono track is fitting for the understated requirements of "The Andromeda Strain." Dialogue clarity is well-maintained, exhibiting degradation solely due to the film's age. The track faithfully manages a variety of distinctive warning sirens that effectively test the treble without experiencing any audible strain. Given the film's narrative is frequently driven by computer-generated sounds and subtle ambiance, this simplistic LPCM offering capably handles the auditory demands. Overall, the audio quality aligns with expectations for a film of its vintage while preserving its unique soundscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Andromeda Strain" offer a comprehensive look behind the scenes and into the creative minds that brought this sci-fi classic to life. Bryan Reesman's audio commentary provides a thorough exploration of biographical and production insights, while Kim Newman's video essay offers an enthusiastic examination of the film's place in killer virus cinema. Archival features from 2001, including a making-of featurette by Laurent Beauzereau and a Michael Crichton interview, enrich the context with original interviews. The disc also includes a cinescript gallery, viewable and downloadable in parts, along with theatrical trailers, TV spots, radio spots, and an image gallery featuring production stills and poster art. Collectors will appreciate the well-crafted insert booklet featuring essays by Peter Tonguette and Tom Andrews.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Bryan Reesman: Exploration of biographical and production insights.
• A New Strain of Science Fiction: Kim Newman's video essay on the film's significance.
• Making the Film: Archival featurette with interviews from key creatives.
• A Portrait of Michael Crichton: Archival interview featurette.
• Cinescript Gallery: Viewing and downloadable script and production designs.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional preview.
• TV Spots: Broadcast promotional snippets.
• Radio Spots: Audio promotional clips.
• Image Gallery: Collection of production stills and poster art.

"The Andromeda Strain," adapted from Michael Crichton's groundbreaking novel, exemplifies a meticulous and science-driven approach to the virus movie sub-genre. Anchored in Crichton's recurring exploration of technological fallibility and human hubris, the film dives deep into a storyline that feels eerily prescient even today. Directed by Robert Wise, with notorious works like "Westworld" and "The Great Train Robbery" in his portfolio, the film explores the catastrophic consequences of a space-born pathogen through arduous scientific inquiries. Set against a Cold War backdrop, the narrative dovetails a subtle critique of government oversight and the inherent distrust between digital computation and human intuition. Themes of trepidation, particularly around viral outbreaks and nuclear fears, pervade the storyline, imbuing the film with a vintage yet resonant tension.

Technically, "The Andromeda Strain" is a reflective piece of its era. The high-tech, five-level quarantine facility brimming with low-resolution computers and mechanical arms showcases what was then considered cutting-edge technology. These elements, now quaintly dated, contribute to a somewhat languid pace through the middle act. Yet, this deliberate storytelling underscores the drama's core tension and authenticity. The portrayal of characters, notably Ruth Leavitt (Kate Reid), articulates the stress and skepticism that permeate their meticulous scientific process. While the film occasionally veers into an overly methodical grind, Crichton’s realism imparts a palpable urgency and dread.

The final act ignites with heightened drama and heroism, emphasizing decisive actions against a ticking clock. Wise, also known for directing "The Day the Earth Stood Still," imbues the movie with a stark forewarning about humanity’s vulnerability—a thematic culmination reminiscent of his earlier works. Although some may find it plodding, "The Andromeda Strain" ultimately delivers a nuanced and scientifically intricate narrative that remains relevant and thought-provoking. Its examination of biological threats and systemic responses offers enduring insights that resonate even more strongly in contemporary discussions of global health crises.

The Andromeda Strain on Blu Ray impresses with its visual fidelity and enduring relevance. This release by Arrow significantly improves upon the Universal version, showcasing pristine video quality that highlights Robert Wise's meticulous direction. The film's striking cinematography is preserved beautifully, with sharp detail and accurate color representation playing a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling experience. Audio quality, while similar to previous editions, is clean and supports the narrative's tense, clinical atmosphere effectively.

The film's content itself, adapted from Michael Crichton's novel, is a compelling exploration of scientific challenge and human resilience. Blending elements of sci-fi and thriller genres, it maintains a gritty realism that sometimes borders on documentary-style presentation. This approach may impact entertainment value for some viewers but is likely to be appreciated by those who favor methodical pacing and detailed procedural narratives. Notably, the underlying mystery and suspense of the story—investigating why only two survivors remained after a catastrophic biological event—are handled with deft precision.

Adding to its value, this Blu Ray version features an impressive array of supplemental materials. These include behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and analytical commentaries that provide deeper insights into the film's production and thematic elements. Such extras enrich the viewing experience, making this edition a must-have for enthusiasts of classic sci-fi cinema.

If you're a fan of some of Michael Crichton's later work as either an author or director, and have yet to see The Andromeda Strain, you might be surprised by how many themes and/or ideas Crichton continued to explore are featured in his first major at bat. I have personally felt like the ghost of 2001: A Space Odyssey kind of haunted this exercise, for better or worse, and with an understanding that in a very real way the two films couldn't be more different. But some of Wise's framings certainly seem to evoke Kubrick, and there's a certain feeling of inertia that occasionally attends the proceedings. That said, the underlying mystery of what kept only two survivors alive in an otherwise devastating biological attack (those who have seen the film will know why that word is in quotes) is often very exciting. This Arrow version trumps the Universal in the video department while providing a similar audio experience. Supplements on this version are also more bounteous. Recommended.