King Kong Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the 1976 "King Kong" on Blu-ray provides an intriguing amalgamation of visual strengths and minor weaknesses, showcasing the iconic film in a newly restored quality. Utilizing an AVC encoded image with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the theatrical cut displays a satisfactory viewing experience with decent detail and moderate to heavy grain levels. The clarity oscillates, occasionally presenting sharp visuals juxtaposed with softer images. Colors range from the greens and browns of jungle foliage to the vibrant hues of New York City, though skin tones tend to lean towards the ruddy red/orange end of the spectrum. The source material is in good condition despite some minor white speckling and vertical lines, and the special effects, although dated, stand out more prominently in high definition.

Regarding the extended TV broadcast cut, this version benefits from a new 2K scan of additional footage, though it does come with a disclaimer about potential audio synch issues and the preservation of the theatrical aspect ratio that exposes unintended elements within the frame. However, these factors do not detract from the generally clean presentation. The extended scenes often look even more refined than the theatrical shots, with sharper grain and enhanced color grading. The transfer for the TV cut manages to maintain solid detail and depth of field, displaying the film's scale effectively. While blacks are sometimes lighter due to grain revelation and occasional overexposure in source material, overall contrast remains strong, with deep shadows and a well-saturated color palette that enhances both primary and secondary hues throughout.

In summary, Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of "King Kong" (1976) demonstrates a commendable effort in preserving and presenting this classic film. The visual experience is remarkable, maintaining the filmic integrity with only slight room for improvement, ultimately delivering a visually engaging rendition that should satisfy both nostalgic fans and new viewers alike.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track of "King Kong" impresses with its robust and energetic mix, balancing the powerful orchestral score with clear dialogue and distinct sound effects. Dialogue remains predominantly front-focused and articulate, though occasional muffled exchanges arise amidst the action. The score, particularly John Barry's compositions, benefits from the broader soundstage of the 5.1 mix, where additional depth and clarity significantly enhance its impact. Surround channels are thoughtfully engaged during action sequences, adding immersive dimension, while sound effects maintain a respectable directional presence. The low-frequency extension (LFE) is adequate, supporting Kong’s footsteps and other impactful moments, though never overshadowing the overall mix.

Additionally, the release includes a newly remastered 2.0 DTS-HD MA stereo track, which offers pleasing clarity and balance. While it lacks the surround capacities and LFE support found in the 5.1 mix, its spacious frontal soundstage still provides an engaging auditory experience. Some reviewers even prefer this stereo mix for its perceived balance and fidelity. Despite the occasional thinness of sound effects, both tracks deliver high-quality audio free from noticeable artifacts or distortion, preserving the vintage charm of this classic film while optimizing it for modern listening environments.

The Blu-ray extras for "King Kong" offer a comprehensive deep dive into the film's production, featuring both fresh and archival content. Two insightful audio commentaries - one by film historian Ray Morton and one by special effects wizard Rick Baker - provide an in-depth analysis of the film, although the pacing can be uneven. Various interviews with key crew members like Jack O’Halloran, Brian Frankish, and Barry Nolan shed light on different facets of the filmmaking process, from casting Jessical Lange to creating the massive King Kong models. Additionally, extensive still galleries, promotional materials, and an extended TV broadcast cut enrich the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Ray Morton: Insights from a film historian.
• Audio Commentary by Rick Baker: Special effects expert discusses his work.
• When the Monkey Dies, Everybody Cries: Interview with Jeffrey Chernov and Scott Thaler.
• On Top of the World: Interviews with Brian Frankish and David McGiffert.
• There's a Fog Bank Out There: Insights from second unit director Bill Kronick.
• Something's Haywire: Discussion with actor Jack O'Halloran.
• Maybe in Their Wildest Dreams: Sculptor Steve Varner's experiences.
• From Space to Apes: Visual effects assistant Barry Nolan talks about technical processes.
• Still Galleries: Behind-the-scenes, promotional material, and more.
• Theatrical Trailers: Two previews.
• TV Spots: Seven commercials.
• Radio Spots: Three ads.
• King Kong '76 Panel Discussion: 2016 Q&A session.
• NBC Promos: TV broadcast promotional content.

The 1976 remake of King Kong, directed by John Guillermin and masterminded by producer Dino De Laurentiis, aimed to be a monumental blockbuster. The film aspired to update the 1933 classic with a modern twist, embedding contemporary issues like the 1970s oil crisis into its narrative. De Laurentiis's marketing campaign was extraordinary, running for an entire year before the film's release, but the final product fell short of this immense hype. The plot follows Fred Wilson (Charles Grodin), an ambitious Petrox Oil executive who, alongside paleontologist Jack Prescott (Jeff Bridges) and shipwreck survivor Dwan (Jessica Lange), embarks on a fog-enshrouded island adventure. They soon discover the indigenous tribe's sinister secret: the colossal 50-foot ape, Kong, who develops a peculiar infatuation with Dwan.

Guillermin crafts a grand sense of scale and tension, harking back to his work on The Towering Inferno. Yet, the execution of Kong, primarily through a man-in-a-suit performance by Rick Baker with sporadic use of mechanical limbs and animatronics, often looks artificial. This detracts somewhat from the intended spectacle. John Barry’s musical score compensates by adding emotional depth and epic adventure tones, particularly vibrant in capturing the film's more intense sequences. The costuming and set design strive to magnify Kong's mythos but are hindered by the lackluster special effects that fail to fully convey the beastly aura of Kong.

Character dynamics in King Kong are another mixed bag. Charles Grodin’s portrayal of Fred provides a satirical take on corporate greed, reflecting period anxieties surrounding environmental exploitation. However, other characters like Jack Prescott often waver incongruently between motivations, making their arcs feel forced. Jessica Lange as Dwan is initially overshadowed by her hyper-sexualized portrayal but gradually reveals depth as she interacts with Kong. These performances are nested within a narrative that strives for both adventure and social commentary. Despite its flaws and often campy realization, the film remains a notable piece of 1970s cinema, signaling the transition from traditional filmmaking techniques to the forthcoming special-effects revolution brought about by films like Star Wars.

The 1976 adaptation of "King Kong" is a fascinating entry in the cinematic legacy of the giant ape. Despite the mixed perceptions, it indeed holds a unique charm, bolstered by a solid cast featuring Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, and Jessica Lange in her screen debut. Directed by John Guillermin and with a screenplay based on the 1933 classic, it navigates a blend of special effects and emotional depth that, while not always seamlessly executed, still captivates. Dino De Laurentiis' ambition to create a cinematic extravaganza is evident in its grandiosity and spectacle, establishing it as an entertaining project in its own right—often cheesy but undeniably diverting.

Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition release significantly elevates the film’s stature, making it the definitive version for collectors and fans. Presented in a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio, the Blu-Ray showcases stellar HD video quality complemented by excellent DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 soundtracks. The release includes the theatrical cut and the extensive 192-minute TV version, adding considerable value. The robust suite of new extras, including rich bonus material and classic marketing content, provides insightful behind-the-scenes looks and nostalgic reverence without needing participation from A-list actors.

Conclusively, while the 1976 "King Kong" might have a contentious place among Kong films, its retrospective allure cannot be denied. Scream Factory's meticulous Blu-Ray release resurrects this version with aplomb, ensuring both King Kong enthusiasts and horror aficionados have a worthy addition to their collections. This set is highly recommended for its comprehensive treatment, delivering an engrossing experience that emphasizes the film’s historical significance and enduring appeal—a solid watch indeed.