Poltergeist Blu-ray Review

Warner's Blu-ray release of "Poltergeist" delivers a remastered visual feast that breathes new life into this classic early '80s horror. The remaster, presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1 utilizing the 1080p/VC-1 compression, surprised enthusiasts with its clarity, improved color saturation, and detailed imagery. Despite initial apprehensions concerning the transfer, particularly due to the film's heavy reliance on complex optical compositing for its special effects, the result is astonishingly clean with a minimal amount of dirt and debris. This attention to detail elevates scenes with vivid colors and stable contrast, showcasing deep blacks and ensuring shadows possess the necessary depth without losing detail.

The filmic grain, preserved throughout, adds to the authenticity and cinematic feel of the experience, while minor issues like occasional print damage and a hint of edge enhancement barely detract from the overall quality. Noteworthy is the enhanced clarity that reveals intricate details previously unseen, from Robbie's "Star Wars" merchandise to the textures of clothing and the sinister decor of the haunting scenes. Visual effects, although more discernible, contribute to the charm and nostalgia of the viewing experience.

Colors stand out for their deep primaries without smearing or banding, contributing to a realistic sheen across clothing, skin tones, and furnishings that play well against the more fantastical elements of the film's visuals. The effort made in this remaster highlights Warner's commitment to quality, offering fans the chance to see "Poltergeist" in an unparalleled light with superior contrast, remarkable three-dimensionality, and a profound sense of detail that makes this classic horror film look remarkably fresh and vibrant for today's audiences.

The Blu Ray audio presentation of "Poltergeist" successfully elevates the classic film with a detailed and dynamic Dolby TrueHD 5.1 remix, evidencing how Warner Bros has meticulously updated the soundscape to bring a fresh vigor to this horror masterpiece. The clarity and depth given to Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic score are standout aspects, with the TrueHD mix showcasing a striking range from sharp, piercing highs to robust, deep bass tones. The audio mix respects the original’s nuanced subtleties and seismic shocks alike, ensuring that both Goldsmith's music and the film's varied sound effects—from the eerie whispers of Carol Anne to the thunderous roar of the storm—retain an authentic, yet thoroughly enhanced presence. Dialogue emerges crisp and clear, maintaining natural tones and ensuring listeners can catch every spoken word amidst the auditory spectacle.

The utilization of the surround channels brings an immersive dimension to the film, with well-placed atmospheric sounds and effects sequences that cleverly exploit the spatial capabilities of home theatre setups. Whether it’s the unsettling buzz of mosquitoes, the spectral gusts whispering through the room, or the chaotic finale's cacophony, the sound design envelops the listener, creating a genuinely enveloping experience. However, while impressive, the surround use isn't uniformly aggressive; quieter scenes tend to underuse the ambient potential of rears, a minor shortfall in an otherwise commendable audio restoration.

Poltergeist's leap to Blu-ray format, courtesy of its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround sound, marks a significant improvement over previous versions, providing an audio experience that is as detailed and aggressive as it is cleanly and warmly presented. Despite its vintage, the mix boasts a modern sensibility that brings out the best in the film’s audio elements, from dialogue clarity to musical fidelity and the strategic use of silence and shock. The addition of alternative tracks in DD 5.1 and Dolby 2.0 offers versatility, but the TrueHD track stands out for its richness and full-bodied approach that genuinely enhances the haunting atmosphere and tension of this horror classic.

The Blu-ray extras for "Poltergeist" disappointingly lean towards the superficial, encapsulated by a two-part documentary titled "They Are Here: The Real World of Poltergeists," which spans a mere 31 minutes and serves more as an introductory course to paranormal phenomena rather than an in-depth exploration. Housed in a commendable book-style package with an attached booklet rich with film trivia and production insights, the presentation suggests a depth not fulfilled by the extras. The documentary, criticized for its surface-level examination, brings together a variety of speakers from psychics to writers, attempting to align real-world parapsychology with the film's narrative, yet it falls short of providing a compelling or insightful addition to the Blu-ray. This minimalist approach seems dictated more by external constraints rather than a lack of material interest, leaving enthusiasts longing for the more substantive behind-the-scenes content that could have been.

Extras included in this disc:

• They Are Here: The Real World of Poltergeists Revealed: A two-part documentary featuring interviews with psychics, ghost story writers, and scientists discussing paranormal phenomena.

"Poltergeist," as presented on its latest Blu-ray rendition, emerges as a timeless encapsulation of both horror and profound familiarity, transcending its genre to deliver a cinematic experience steeped in "spiritual" ambiance and visual flair. It offers a stark departure from the warm fuzz of Spielberg-produced ventures prior, showcasing a tale of suburban bliss turned terrifying ordeal with a finesse that’s rare in modern cinema. The Freeling family's idyllic existence, underscored by the personal and communal touches director Tobe Hooper diligently crafts, dissolves into a nightmarish encounter with the supernatural that is as much a visual treat as it is an emotional roller-coaster.

This high definition revival reminds us of the technical prowess behind the film, with Industrial Light and Magic's effects brilliantly standing the test of time, lending a tangible quality to the ethereal hauntings. It underscores how expertly crafted practical effects can elevate storytelling, making the Freeling family's plight against otherworldly forces compelling and distressingly authentic. Despite moments that hint at their age, these effects contribute to rather than detract from the ambiance of mounting dread, complemented by performances that breathe life into a script rich with familial bonds and unexpected bravery in the face of unfathomable threats.

As the narrative unfolds, Spielberg and Hooper meticulously balance human warmth with supernatural intrigue, weaving a story that feels both intimate and expansive. The character development, combined with a thoughtful exploration of suburban discontent and spiritual curiosity, ensures that "Poltergeist" remains not just a horror film but a multifaceted story of familial love, loss, and resilience. In revisiting this classic through the Blu-ray’s lens, viewers are treated to not only a technically improved experience but also a poignant reminder of the film's enduring narrative power—a journey into the thrilling unknown without ever leaving the comfort of the familiar.

"Poltergeist" on Blu-ray serves as a masterful representation of what makes the horror genre so captivating, effectively weaving together a tale that combines elements of human drama, suspense, and technological prowess in film restoration. This 1980s classic, under the creative influence of Steven Spielberg, stands as a testament to horror's evolution, skillfully blending the traditional haunted house narrative with a portrayal of quintessential American suburban life under supernatural siege. Elements such as infant peril, societal ignorance, and a critique of commercialism are merged with a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, creating a film that not only captivated audiences of its time but also continues to draw viewers into its spine-chilling story. The Blu-ray edition pays homage to this cinematic triumph with an outstanding video restoration and a Dolby TrueHD audio track that revitalizes the film's eerie atmosphere, though it notably falls short in the area of bonus features, offering scant supplements to the film's aficionados.

Despite being over a quarter-century old, "Poltergeist" retains its grip on audiences, proving its endurance as a beloved horror classic. Fans will find the Blu-ray's lack of comprehensive extras disappointing, yet this shortfall is overshadowed by the sheer quality of the remastering effort. The film's ability to engage and terrify is enhanced by sharp visuals and immersive audio, delivering an experience that honors its legacy. The Blu-ray release might have missed an opportunity to delve deeper into the making and impact of "Poltergeist" through documentaries or commentaries, but it excels where it truly matters—the preservation and presentation of the film itself.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray release of "Poltergeist" might leave collectors wanting more in terms of supplemental content, it triumphs in delivering an exceptional home viewing experience. The fine-tuned restoration showcases the film's visual and auditory prowess, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers are treated to a definitive version of this horror classic. "Poltergeist" remains an influential piece in the genre's history, and its Blu-ray incarnation is highly recommended for anyone looking to revisit or discover the film's haunting allure. Despite its extras shortfall, this release underscores the film’s status as an indispensable part of any horror aficionado’s collection.