Cat's Eye Blu-ray Review

Warner’s Motion Picture Imaging has meticulously scanned an interpositive at 2K resolution for the 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray release of "Cat’s Eye," directed by Jack Cardiff. The film exhibits a well-executed transfer with sharply defined details in brightly lit scenes, making textures like the heroic cat’s fur and James Woods's attire vividly apparent. The encode boasts an average bitrate of 34.85 Mbps, ensuring minimal compression artifacts and a solid visual experience. However, darker scenes in segments like "The Ledge" and "General" display a slight softness to accommodate practical effects, which impacts overall detail retention. The color palette remains largely naturalistic, with strategic splashes of red enhancing dramatic moments.

Presented in its original 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the transfer captures the film's aesthetic balance well. Daylight exteriors occasionally suffer from highlights that bloom excessively, making certain bright elements appear blown out. Conversely, nighttime sequences shine with deep blacks and rich shadows that preserve intricate details, providing notable depth to the frame. Richly saturated primary colors give the picture an energetic vibrancy, while secondary hues are accurately rendered and diverse, adding layers to the visual presentation. While the source material shows signs of aging in some softer sequences, this Blu-ray edition is still a marked improvement over previous releases, achieving a balanced contrast with crisp whites and solid blacks throughout.

The audio presentation of "Cat’s Eye" on Blu-ray is a noteworthy improvement, featuring a DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo soundtrack that has been expertly restored and cleaned of any age-related noise or interference. The film's sound mix, while not loaded with grandiose sonic spectacles, leverages subtle effects like creaking doors, striking matches, and cooing pigeons with impressive finesse. These elements are layered intricately within the mix, ensuring a rich auditory experience that complements the film’s visual storytelling. The dialogue is consistently clear and well-articulated, offering a seamless listening experience. Additionally, the soundtrack expands effectively when played through a competent surround decoder, delivering effective rear channel support, especially evident in sequences like the wind whipping around Cressner's penthouse.

The mid-range dynamics of the soundtrack are strikingly clear and extensive, providing fantastic clarity even during the loudest scenes. Alan Silvestri’s versatile electronic score effectively differentiates the tone of each tale while maintaining overall continuity. Highlights include the evocative use of "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and the memorable inclusion of "96 Tears" by Question Mark and the Mysterians. The front soundstage feels expansive, with off-screen effects moving convincingly between the left and right channels, thereby enhancing the film's presence and space. The lossless mix also works wonders with the receiver's DSU function, allowing music and various effects to spread into the front heights seamlessly, creating an engaging half-dome wall of sound that further enriches the viewer's immersion.

The Blu-ray release of "Cat's Eye" carries forward the extras from Warner's 2004 DVD release, with notable technical updates. The trailer, now remastered in 1080p, offers a much sharper visual experience. The commentary track with Director Lewis Teague remains a standout feature, recorded in 2002, providing an informative and captivating look into the film’s production. Teague delves into various technical aspects, sharing insights into the effects techniques, his directing approach, and collaboration with Stephen King. This commentary is both engaging and educational, offering a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Lewis Teague: A detailed and enlightening commentary addressing technical details, production anecdotes, and directing insights.
• Theatrical Trailer: Remastered in 1080p for improved viewing quality.

Lewis Teague's 1985 horror anthology, "Cat's Eye," adapted from Stephen King's works, unfolds through three engaging narratives loosely connected by a curious feline. The film opens with a prologue featuring the feline's escape from a dog—a nod to King's infamous St. Bernard from "Cujo"—eventually boarding a truck to New York City. Throughout the film, the cat encounters various characters portrayed by Drew Barrymore, culminating in its heroic mission to save her character Amanda in the final story.

"Quitters, Inc.," the first segment, illustrates Dick Morrison's (James Woods) turbulent journey to quit smoking under the oppressive tactics of Dr. Vinny Donatti (Alan King). The outrageous Quitters, Inc., a mafia-like organization, threatens to shock his family if Morrison lights up again, using the cat as a demonstration tool. Woods offers a stellar, paranoia-fueled performance reminiscent of a "Twilight Zone" episode, culminating in an ironic twist as Morrison grapples with the real and imagined threats around him.

In "The Ledge," the cat wanders to Atlantic City, where gambler Cressner (Kenneth McMillan) coerces Johnny Norris (Robert Hays) into circumnavigating his penthouse ledge to win back his freedom and lover. Director Teague masterfully escalates this harrowing ordeal into a dizzying thrill ride, enhanced by dark humor and intense practical effects, making it arguably the strongest of the three tales.

The final tale, "General," shifts to Wilmington, North Carolina, where Amanda adopts the cat she names General. The segment deviates from realism with a fantastical twist involving a malevolent troll intent on harming Amanda. Despite its departure from the more grounded narratives, Teague's practical effects and creative direction keep viewers engrossed. The climactic battle between General and the troll, underscored by The Police's "Every Breath You Take," provides a fittingly whimsical conclusion.

"Cat’s Eye" is a compelling horror anthology penned by Stephen King, aligning itself with the tradition of E.C. horror comics and sharing thematic similarities with "Twilight Zone" or "Night Gallery." The film comprises three tales, two of which—"Quitters, Inc." and "The Ledge"—stand out as minor classics. These segments deliver their impact through suspense and narrative ingenuity, rather than relying on gore or shock effects. Directed by Lewis Teague, the film maintains an unusually upbeat tone throughout, making it an engaging and amusing watch.

Warner's Blu-ray presentation of "Cat’s Eye" excels in delivering high-quality visuals and commendable audio. The video transfer is impressive, showcasing vibrant colors and sharp details that enhance the viewing experience. The audio quality, while slightly better than previous releases, complements the visual presentation well. However, the disc is noticeably lacking in supplementary materials, which might disappoint some collectors and enthusiasts seeking additional content.

In conclusion, "Cat’s Eye" may not achieve the same iconic status as "Creepshow," but it remains a significant entry in the horror genre, particularly for fans of Stephen King's storytelling. The Blu-ray release from Warner is superior and highly recommended for enthusiasts of the genre, thanks to its excellent audio-visual quality. For newcomers or casual viewers, a rental might be the preferred initial option.