Tron Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Tron" delivers a 1080p High Definition presentation that stays true to the film’s original theatrical aspect ratio of widescreen 2.2:1. Overseen by director Simon Lisberger, the restoration involves deliberate clean-up work and several debated alterations. These adjustments include the removal of unintentional flicker elements originally incorporated to mask production defects. While some purists may find these changes controversial, the overall restoration is impressive. Tron’s visuals, employing groundbreaking 1982 technology, are now more polished than ever, with particular highlights in the iconic light cycle sequences. Although dated in comparison to its 2010 sequel, the timeless aesthetic charm and unique visual effects of the original Tron remain intact.

In terms of technical aspects, detail fidelity is commendable. The transfer avoids intrusive edge enhancement and DNR while providing robust texture and edge clarity. Consistent grain adds a pleasing digitized veneer, especially on the program 'faces.' The blu-ray grades colors expertly; real-world scenes exhibit rich mahogany browns, while The Grid dazzles with neon blues and reds. Black levels are deep, contributing to the visual contrast essential to Tron's dual-world narrative. For instance, the red outlines of Dillinger’s helicopter against a dark sky juxtapose strikingly with the neon-lit Grid’s environment. Some shadow-heavy scenes, notably early shots of Dillinger at Encom, may obscure background details, but these are in line with the film's artistic vision.

Though Tron’s age and inherent visual quirks cannot be glossed over, Lisberger’s supervision ensures these eccentricities are faithfully preserved without excessive digital correction. The Blu-ray offers a significant upgrade from previous DVD editions, showcasing a rejuvenated, artifact-free film that retains its original allure. Despite inherent noise and contrast irregularities, Disney's meticulous technical encode honors Lisberger’s intent, delivering a satisfying experience for both longtime fans and new viewers alike.

The Blu-Ray presentation of "Tron" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that faithfully preserves the film's original audio elements while delivering a refined and engaging listening experience. Despite the inherent datedness of the original material, the remastering effort is commendable, presenting the voices, synth score, and sound effects with enhanced clarity. Dialogue, although subject to the occasional tonal shifts and shallow 80s ring, remains bright, clear, and well-distributed across the front and center channels. The audio mix is predominantly front-driven but effectively incorporates the surround channels to convey directionality and spatial depth. Key sound effects such as the throbbing engines of light-cycles and the distinct whirl of light discs are showcased with distinctiveness, engaging the full surround sound environment and even involving the LFE channel.

While the track's atmosphere might not match the immersiveness of more contemporary soundtracks, it undeniably delivers a dynamic and involving experience. Ambient effects and music cues, though somewhat limited in their acoustic richness, contribute to a precise and articulate soundscape. Disney's restoration minimizes distractions and enhances the vintage audio elements without compromising their authenticity. Long-time fans will appreciate the loving attention to detail, even as newer audiences might find some aspects less appealing due to their inherent datedness. Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio track surpasses expectations, particularly when considering the limitations of the original recording, and represents a remarkable aural representation of "Tron" that both preserves its nostalgic essence and elevates its sonic presentation.

The "Tron" Blu-ray extras offer an extensive and gratifying array of features that will satisfy both fans and newcomers alike. Notably, two fresh high-definition featurettes have been introduced, enhancing the appeal for collectors. The audio commentary by Director Steven Lisberger, producer Donald Kushner, visual effects supervisor Harrison Ellenshaw, and Richard Taylor stands out due to its detailed examination of the film's production, casting challenges, and visual effects insights. The comprehensive 88-minute SD "Making of Tron" documentary robustly covers the film’s intricate development and impact on cinema. Other interesting segments include the fascinating "Photo Tronology" and the high-definition "The Tron Phenomenon" featurettes, both exclusive to this Blu-ray release. Additionally, there is an extensive range of short featurettes, deleted scenes, archival materials, music segments with Wendy Carlos's original scores, design insights from Syd Mead, and a vast array of storyboards and production stills.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth insights from the director and production team.
• The Making of Tron: An 88-minute documentary covering all aspects of production.
• The Tron Phenomenon: A 10-minute featurette on the legacy of Tron.
• Photo Tronology: A 12-minute visit to Disney archives exploring concept art and props.
• Development: A compilation of early development materials including animations and video tests.
• Digital Imagery: Insights into the film’s digital effects work.
• Music: Scenes with original score compositions by Wendy Carlos.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes an alternate opening prologue and love scenes.
• Publicity: Trailers and promotional materials.
• Design: Examination of Syd Mead’s lightcycle concepts and animations.
• Storyboarding: Storyboard process insights and comparisons.
• Galleries: Hundreds of production stills and concept art.

"Tron," a pioneering sci-fi film from the early '80s, stands as a milestone in visual effects history, even if the years haven't been wholly kind to its dated aesthetic. The film, despite its now-basic CG and uneven pacing, retains an irresistible charm born from its groundbreaking, neon-steeped visuals and ambitious narrative. It plunges viewers into two contrasting worlds: our tangible reality and a vibrant, electronic micro-civilization inhabited by programs resembling humans. Jeff Bridges delivers an endearing performance as Kevin Flynn, a wronged software engineer thrust into this virtual world by an antagonistic Master Control Program (MCP), voiced by David Warner. The visual effects, although primitive by today's standards, remain distinctive and nostalgically engaging.

Supporting performances from Bruce Boxleitner and Cindy Morgan add depth to the fantastical storylines. Boxleitner's dual roles as both Flynn's ally, Alan Bradley, and his digital counterpart, Tron, provide a compelling dynamic that underscores the film's examination of creator-creation relationships. Warner's portrayal of the sleazy Ed Dillinger and menacing Sark injects a convincing layer of villainy into the mix. Director Steven Lisberger channels an almost boundless imagination into the film's surreal visuals and ambitious concepts, turning otherwise simplistic ideas—like videogames as gladiatorial contests and data streams as life-sustaining water—into a rich tapestry that predated many modern digital narratives.

While "Tron" is far from flawless, its status as an influential cinematic artifact remains intact. The Blu-ray release, with its remastered video and audio presentations, ensures that both longtime fans and new audiences can appreciate its unique blend of cheesy 80s flair and innovative storytelling. The film's nostalgic value is bolstered by these technical enhancements, making it a worthy addition to any sci-fi aficionado's collection. Despite plot holes and script issues, the genuine soul infused by its cast and the sheer audacity of its visual exploration keep "Tron" relevant even decades after its original release.

The Blu-ray release of "Tron" presents a nostalgic journey into a seminal piece of science fiction cinema. Despite its age-related flaws, the compelling performances by Bridges, Boxleitner, and Warner, combined with director Lisberger's visually stunning glow-stick aesthetic, ensure that the film remains an engaging experience. The high-definition video transfer significantly enhances the intricate details of the digital world, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track provides a robust and immersive auditory experience.

The technical presentation of "Tron" on Blu-ray is executed with remarkable precision. The video quality is clean and sharp, allowing viewers to appreciate the groundbreaking visual effects that were revolutionary at the time of its original release. The audio mix is equally impressive, delivering clear dialogue and an enveloping soundscape that leverages the full capabilities of modern surround sound technology. Accompanying these core elements is a robust selection of special features, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, commentaries, and making-of segments that enrich the viewing experience with contextual insights and historical perspectives.

In conclusion, Disney's Blu-ray release of "Tron" doesn't just offer a high-quality revisit to the iconic digital frontier, it elevates the entire experience through exceptional audiovisual reproduction and meticulously curated supplementary content. While the film itself may show its age in certain respects, this release is a fitting homage to a pioneering piece of cinema that continues to inspire technological and creative advancements in filmmaking.