The NeverEnding Story Blu-ray Review

The NeverEnding Story features a competent 1080p/VC-1 transfer presented at 2.40:1, significantly outclassing the prior DVD editions. This newly remastered version maintains a natural layer of grain, enhancing the film's vintage charm without succumbing to overt noise reduction or artificial sharpening. The cinematographer Jost Vacano’s palette is immersive, transitioning from earthy, natural tones to darker, more sinister hues as Atreyu's journey unfolds. Key colors manifest vibrantly in specific scenes—gold for the Sphinx, blue for the Southern Oracle, and pink-and-white for Falkor’s fur—creating memorable visual highlights. Black levels are competently rendered with strong shadow delineation, notably in scenes like the darkened school attic. However, certain low-lit sequences and sections involving extensive special effects occasionally falter due to grain fluctuations and intermittent softness.

The transfer allows intricate details to shine through, highlighting the textures of creatures such as Gmork’s fur, Morla’s thick skin, and Rock Biter's rugged surface. Deeper, richer colors contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, although it's not devoid of flaws. Graininess and occasional print damage persist, revealing the film’s age and the subsequent challenges of a high-definition transfer. Despite these issues, Warner avoided excessive use of digital tampering.

Comparisons between the US and Dutch Blu-ray releases reveal intriguing differences. The US version is darker with more consistent black levels and better foreground detail. In contrast, the Dutch version affords greater visibility in shadows at the expense of slightly washed-out hues, providing more background detail in key sequences. The US edition's harrowing image aligns better with Petersen's thematic direction, but fans may appreciate the Dutch transfer's unveiling of intricate production design. This balance between preserving an atmospheric tone and showcasing extensive details creates visual richness that, while not flawless, ultimately enhances the narrative immersion of this classic fantasy tale.

The Blu-ray release of "The NeverEnding Story" presents a noteworthy DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, marking its first appearance with a 5.1 surround track on home video. The dialogue stands out with clarity and precision, maintaining its crisp quality in various scenes, whether within the Swamps of Sadness or amid the turbulent wind effects of the Nothing. Low-frequency effects (LFE) are robust, adding essential depth to critical moments such as the Rock Biter's movements. However, occasional overburdened sound elements such as thunder and crumbling stone can lead to some low-end distortion, though this issue likely originates from the original recordings rather than the mastering process.

The surround channels are utilized effectively, particularly in enveloping the listener with Klaus Doldinger and Giorgio Moroder's evocative musical score. Nonetheless, the audio mix does have inconsistencies. Ambient and some directional effects primarily emanate from the front channels, creating a less immersive soundfield at times. Additionally, there are noticeable volume disparities requiring frequent adjustments, especially when balancing dialogue against more intense audio elements like Rockbiter's forest traversal, which can cause significant subwoofer activity. Despite these minor issues, the overall dynamic range is impressive, ensuring an engaging auditory experience that is generally satisfying for fans of the film.

The Blu-ray release of "The NeverEnding Story" disappoints with its complete lack of supplemental materials, an unfortunate oversight given the film’s influential status among its fanbase. There are no special features or even a basic theatrical trailer included, which shows a surprising disregard for the title. Expectations were high for insights from director Wolfgang Petersen or possibly other cast and crew members who contributed to the film’s creation, especially given Petersen’s previous work on commentaries for other Warner Brothers' releases. The absence of these extras leaves a noticeable void, creating a missed opportunity for a richer viewer experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• None: The disc does not include any additional features such as commentary tracks, making-of documentaries, or trailers.

Wolfgang Petersen's "The NeverEnding Story" is a captivating yet somber fantasy that presents a unique blend of whimsy and gravitas. Based on Michael Ende's 1979 novel, the film follows Bastian (Barret Oliver), a troubled boy who discovers solace in a mysterious book. Set against a backdrop of both real-life turmoil and fantastical imperatives, Bastian escapes into Fantasia, a mystical realm besieged by an entity called the Nothing. The narrative gains depth as Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), a young warrior, undertakes an epic quest to save the Empress and combat this existential threat. Along the way, he encounters a medley of vivid characters, from a flying luck dragon to sorcerous gnomes and a lamenting Rock Biter. The film skillfully intertwines Bastian's mounting sense of duty and burgeoning self-discovery with Atreyu's harrowing adventures, building up to intertwining climaxes that resonate with viewers of all ages.

The film does not shy away from dark and unsettling themes, making it a complex viewing experience. Scenes like the tragic drowning of Atreyu's steed in the Swamps of Sadness and a desperate young girl watching her palace collapse around her are memorable for their emotional impact. Petersen and co-writer Herman Weigel capture the essence of Ende's novel while introducing a sense of mature introspection, even omitting several original characters and plotlines to maintain focus. The character designs and animatronic effects, despite showing their age, remain impressively convincing due to the dedication invested in their creation. The performances are compelling, with Oliver, Hathaway, and others perfectly embodying their roles and evoking sympathy and thrill in equal measure.

Despite some criticisms about its aged visual effects and synthesizer-heavy score, "The NeverEnding Story" endures as a technological marvel and a storytelling triumph. Its continued popularity is evidenced by multiple video releases and its influence across sequels and spin-offs. The film adeptly balances moments of pure fantasy with poignant emotional beats, making it a timeless classic that speaks to the imaginative child in all of us while delivering deeper existential reflections for adult audiences. Whether revisiting as an '80s child or discovering it anew, "The NeverEnding Story" offers a rich, multilayered experience that transcends its era.

The Blu-ray release of "The NeverEnding Story" offers a fascinating revisit to a much-cherished film. While its special effects unmistakably reflect the era in which it was produced, the classic story and endearing characters retain their charm and timeless appeal. Warner's Blu-ray edition features an exceptionally faithful video transfer, maintaining the visual essence that fans remember fondly. The audio track, provided in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround, delivers a decent auditory experience, enhancing the film's immersive quality, although it doesn't quite match contemporary standards.

Despite the technical strengths, the scarcity of special features is a significant downside. Enthusiasts of "The NeverEnding Story" might find it disheartening that this release lacks any supplementary material, a missed opportunity to enrich the viewing experience and provide deeper insights into the film's production and legacy. The fact that the adaptation only covers half of Michael Ende’s original book could leave some viewers feeling the narrative is incomplete, an issue noted by both newcomers and long-time fans alike.

In conclusion, "The NeverEnding Story" still has a powerful hold on me; no small feat considering how readily I've cast off other childhood favorites that have failed to stand the test of time. Its effects may be dated, but its story and characters have endured the decades, drawing me in as easily as they did when I was a young boy. Thankfully, Warner's Blu-ray release is worth owning. I do wish the studio had finally taken the opportunity to give The NeverEnding Story the generous supplemental package it deserves—actually, any special features would have been nice—but the Blu-ray edition's exceedingly faithful video transfer and decent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track certainly soften the blow. My copy has already found a permanent home on my shelves. I suggest other nostalgic film fans prepare a similar spot in their collection.