Alienator Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.84:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Fred Olen Ray's "Alienator" receives a 1080p transfer courtesy of Shout Factory.

Visually, the presentation offers a mixed bag. While the entire film has been remastered and exhibits a healthy, organic appearance without any detrimental digital tinkering commonly seen in similar catalog titles, the transfer's execution is marred by a significant issue. Specifically, the day-for-night timing has been incorrectly handled, which the director confirms through an audio commentary. This error results in certain scenes that should portray nighttime appearing as daylight, a mistake that is unfathomable given the supposed care taken during remastering. This misstep parallels similar errors in other recent remasters like "Psychomania," undermining the integrity of what would otherwise be a commendable transfer.

On the positive side, aspects such as depth and clarity are well-executed, with convincing color grading that enhances the overall visual experience. The absence of intrusive age-related imperfections, except for a few minor dirt specks, speaks favorably of the remaster's quality. However, this release remains Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible region player.

The Blu-ray release of "Alienator" features a single standard audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Alongside this, optional English SDH subtitles enhance accessibility. The audio presentation is notably stable and clean, delivering a proper range of dynamic nuances. Dialogues are consistently clear and easy to follow, devoid of pops, cracks, audio dropouts, or distortions. Notably, certain sound effects, such as explosions, may bear signs of the film's rapid production schedule, but overall, the track is impressively executed considering the circumstances.

The inclusion of an English 2.0 mono DTS-HD track exhibits surprising liveliness, especially in the realm of sound effects, which injects a bit more vitality than typical mono tracks. The ever-present synth score maintains some mild weight, contributing to the atmospheric depth of the film. The dialog remains distinct and intelligible throughout, ensuring that viewers can follow the narrative without auditory interruptions. Supplementing the audio track are optional English subtitles, catering to diverse viewer preferences.

The Blu-ray extras for "Alienator" offer a well-rounded insight into the film's production and its impact over time. The original trailer, extracted from an old VHS release, may show its age, but offers a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s initial marketing. The behind the scenes footage, captured by Ralph Langer on a VHS camcorder, provides an extensive 46-minute look into the filmmaking process, showcasing raw, vintage moments of the shoot. Fred Olen Ray’s audio commentary stands out, offering an in-depth and engaging discussion on the movie’s production history, renewed interest, issues with MGM's transfer, interactions with cast members, and broader insights into the film industry’s evolution over the years.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer showcasing vintage marketing.
• Behind the Scenes Footage: Extensive vintage footage of the film's production.
• Commentary: Engaging commentary by Fred Olen Ray on various aspects of production and industry insights.

Fred Olen Ray's Alienator (1990) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Shout Factory. This recent release is particularly notable for its exclusive new audio commentary with the director himself, Fred Olen Ray. Known for his candidness and extensive knowledge of the film industry, Fred offers a compelling and highly informative commentary, making it one of the best additions to any Blu-ray release this year. This movie, however, reveals its low-budget roots, having been shot in just six days, which noticeably impacts the overall production quality.

The plot begins on an intergalactic spaceship where Jan-Michael Vincent, playing a notorious figure referred to as the Commander, attempts to execute Kol, a leader of a resistance group. The narrative quickly shifts to Earth as Kol escapes, followed by the titular Alienator—a menacing fembot played by Teagan Clive. The storyline then follows a group of unsuspecting college students who get entangled in Kol's predicament. While the film borrows elements from classic sci-fi and action films like Aliens, Predator, Star Wars, Critters, and The Terminator, it does so with a charm that is uniquely schlocky.

Despite containing elaborate pyrotechnics, the film's predictability and rushed scenes contribute to a below-average viewing experience. Another technical issue worth noting is a mishap during post-production at MGM's labs; someone botched the day-for-night timing, resulting in many scenes meant to depict nighttime appearing in broad daylight. This amateurish error detracts further from the film’s intended atmosphere.

In summary, Alienator stands out for its entertaining director’s commentary and somewhat nostalgic B-movie charm but falls short in technical execution and storyline engagement.

The Blu-ray release of "Alienator" by Shout Factory presents a curious case for genre enthusiasts. Directed by Fred Olen Ray, the film itself is often categorized as "fun trash," providing a mix of low-budget sci-fi thrills and campy entertainment that may resonate with niche audiences, especially when enjoyed in a communal setting with friends. Scream Factory's decision to give this film a high-definition upgrade is a nod to its cult favorite status, offering an overall healthy remaster despite some evident shortcomings in the transfer quality when handled at MGM.

Technically speaking, the Blu-ray falls short of achieving a definitive release. While the new remaster showcases vibrant colors and improves visual clarity, it is marred by what appears to be an amateurish error during the original film’s transfer. This misstep is particularly disappointing given the affection some fans may have for "Alienator." Despite this flaw, those familiar with Fred Olen Ray's body of work, including his other film "Cyclone," may find value in owning this upgraded edition as it still reflects an improvement over previous formats.

The key highlight of this release, and possibly the primary reason to consider adding it to your collection, is the exclusive new audio commentary by Fred Olen Ray. Known for his candidness and extensive knowledge of the industry, Ray offers unique insights and engaging stories that enrich the viewing experience. This commentary alone can provide enough context and behind-the-scenes anecdotes to make the Blu-ray worth owning, despite the film's and transfer's imperfections.

Overall, "Alienator" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag. While the film itself might only appeal to die-hard genre fans and the transfer has its issues, Fred Olen Ray's engaging commentary offers a compelling reason for collectors to consider this edition.