Top Gun Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Top Gun" on Blu-ray sets a new benchmark for the film's home video quality. The latest 3D release vastly improves upon its previous high-definition counterpart by adopting a gritty, grainy texture that adds a beautifully filmic and authentic quality to the visuals. Details such as textured sand, facial features, and crisp military uniforms appear significantly more natural and vivid, while colors exhibit an appropriately warm palette that complements the film’s overall aesthetic. Black levels are handled well, with no noteworthy issues such as blocking or edge enhancement. While 2D scenes are robust, the 3D elements augment the viewing experience, particularly excelling in the aerial dogfight sequences where the sense of space and depth across the sky is remarkable.

In terms of technical execution, the MPEG-4 MVC encode framed mostly in the original 2.39:1 aspect ratio effectively preserves the integrity of the source material while providing a polished and highly detailed image. Despite some initial skepticism about converting a nearly three-decade-old film to 3D, the results are fantastic, especially during scenes with long static shots and in sequences filled with smoke or interior set pieces like Viper’s office. The 3D conversion avoids the common pitfalls of stereoscopic imagery, notably eschewing a ‘cardboard’ feel for depth and volume in characters and objects. Some minor crosstalk and occasional disruptions caused by frame edges do occur but are generally minimal and do not detract substantially from the overall viewing.

However, the sheer dynamic capability of the 3D format brings both strengths and a few grievances. While the depth effects during the dogfights and steam-filled aircraft preparations are commendable, portions of rapid-cut editing sequences can feel disjointed and may momentarily pull viewers out of immersion. Moreover, some detail seems scrubbed away in the 3D version, a concern for purists valuing intricate texture replication. Nonetheless, despite these minor drawbacks, "Top Gun" represents a visually enhanced experience in 3D, offering an exhilarating update to an iconic film.

The audio presentation of the "Top Gun" Blu-ray delivers an aggressive and immersive sound experience, available in two lossless formats: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD and 6.1 DTS-HD MA. This review focuses on the 6.1 DTS-HD MA track, which is ideal for a 7.1 setup, providing an extra channel for enhanced immersion. Surprisingly, the 1986 stereo mix manages to sound remarkably bombastic despite lacking the dynamic range typical of modern mixes. Dialog remains consistently clear, and there's an impressive amount of immersive ambiance in non-jet sequences, though occasional jet takeoffs can be heard nearby. The LFE levels are solid, particularly for roaring engines, though explosions aren't as deep or impactful as contemporary surround soundtracks.

The standout feature of this mix is undoubtedly the jets. The powerful, screaming, and swooping jet sounds create a dynamic soundscape, moving side-to-side and front-to-back, adding a thrilling dimension to the audio experience. Despite the track's age and inherent limitations, it delivers an excellent experience when played at high volumes, making it a go-to disc for showcasing surround sound capabilities. Notably, there are no significant differences or changes between the 3D and 2D presentations in terms of audio quality.

Overall, "Top Gun" offers a robust and engaging audio experience that remains impressive even decades after its original release.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Top Gun" offer a comprehensive and engaging exploration into the film's production, providing both informative and entertaining content. The Audio Commentary features an assembled discussion with director Tony Scott, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, screenwriter Jack Epps, Jr., and technical advisors, offering insight into production details and on-set anecdotes. The expansive "Danger Zone: The Making of Top Gun" documentary is broken into six parts and delves deeply into the movie’s development, music, and audience reception with richly captured behind-the-scenes footage. The Multi-Angle Storyboards segment includes two scenes with optional director commentary where viewers can compare storyboards to the actual shots. A Vintage Gallery contains original music videos, TV commercials, an interview with Tom Cruise, and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Informative and engaging commentary by key production members.
• Danger Zone: The Making of Top Gun: An extensive documentary in six parts about the film’s creation.
• Multi-Angle Storyboards: Storyboard comparisons for two scenes with optional director commentary.
• Vintage Gallery: Collection of original music videos, TV commercials, an interview, and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

Paramount's release of 'Top Gun' in 3D is undeniably a remarkable accomplishment. This 1980s classic, which dominated the box office upon its initial release, has been thoughtfully converted into a 3D format that respects the integrity of Tony Scott's original vision. The 3D presentation is far from a commercial gimmick; it significantly enhances the movie's many aerial combat and training sequences, adding depth and immersion that offer a fresh perspective on the familiar material. While it does not reach the pioneering heights of 'Titanic's' conversion, it certainly provides a breathtaking experience for 'Top Gun' enthusiasts. The Blu-ray package includes both the 3D version and a traditional 2D disc, maintaining the high-quality soundtrack options and supplements featured in earlier releases.

The narrative of 'Top Gun' delivers a quintessential slice of 1980s American cinema. Peter Mitchell, aka Maverick (Tom Cruise), is depicted as a skilled yet reckless fighter pilot navigating the intense training and camaraderie at an elite Navy camp known as Top Gun. Supported by an ensemble cast including Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Meg Ryan, the film captures the era’s zeitgeist with its synthesizer score, Kenny Loggins' iconic soundtrack, and high-octane action sequences. Despite being visibly anchored in its time, 'Top Gun' epitomizes action cinema devoid of cynicism—a celebration of American bravado and capability during a period of relative geopolitical stability and economic prosperity.

Tony Scott's direction has left an indelible mark on action films that followed, influencing not only the technical aspects like editing and camerawork but also the narrative structure of modern blockbusters. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, this film set a precedent for subsequent high-energy, character-driven action movies. Though new technology has introduced various stylistic changes to filmmaking, the 3D Blu-ray conversion preserves 'Top Gun's' legacy while simultaneously redefining its visual experience for contemporary audiences. As a reminder of Scott’s impactful career, this release stands as a poignant tribute to his contribution to cinema.

Review of "Top Gun" Blu-ray

"Top Gun" remains an iconic piece of 1980s cinema, a quintessential product of its time that continues to captivate audiences. This Blu-ray release offers a solid viewing experience, anchored by the film's timeless appeal and technical precision. The 3D conversion, surprisingly effective, lends new life to the aerial combat sequences, making them feel fresh and immersive. The 2D presentation still holds up remarkably well, complemented by lossless audio options that deliver the film's distinct soundtrack with powerful clarity. Paramount has done a commendable job maintaining the film's structural coherence and dramatic integrity, ensuring that every shot and sequence retains its original impact.

From a cinematic standpoint, "Top Gun" is a masterclass in direction and storytelling. Tony Scott's vision is seamlessly translated to this Blu-ray edition, capturing the blend of action, humor, and romance that defines the film. The character-driven narrative coupled with its testosterone-fueled extravaganza ensures that each viewing remains an exhilarating experience. Although the 3D conversion is a primary selling point of this new release, it’s worth noting that the additional dimension enhances rather than distracts. The aerial scenes, in particular, benefit greatly from this conversion, although some might find the aging 2D transfer occasionally surpasses the new 3D version in detail.

In conclusion, "Top Gun" Blu-ray is a must-own for devoted fans and 3D display enthusiasts alike, offering both nostalgia and a rejuvenated cinematic experience. Despite minor concerns about the 3D transfer's consistency, the overall presentation is excellent, featuring all original supplements on an additional disc. This release not only serves as a fitting tribute to Tony Scott's legacy but also invites viewers to rediscover this classic film with enhanced audiovisual depth. For those who cherish "Top Gun," this Blu-ray promises to be a worthy addition to their collection.