Twilight Zone: The Movie Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers has impressively brought "Twilight Zone: The Movie" to life in the modern age with a 1080p high definition remaster, presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This transfer, given the age and the anthology nature of the film with its differing visual styles, is commendable. Each segment displays varying degrees of visual fidelity, attributable to the input of four different directors and cinematographers, ensuring a lack of visual coherence but offering a diversified cinematic experience. Notably, the film is free from blemishes, scratches, and dirt, showing that care has been taken in its restoration. However, it's not without its flaws; darker scenes across several segments suffer from noticeable noise, and contrast can sometimes seem lacking, especially in the more visually subdued "Quality of Mercy."

The presentation excels in the rendering of colors - from the rich and solid hues in Segment 2 and 3, highlighted by effective nighttime photography and Spielberg's warm, golden tones in "Kick the Can," to the vibrant, almost garish palette of "It's a Good Life." These instances show where the Blu-ray really shines, providing a visual treat that far surpasses previous VHS renditions. While sharpness and detail vary across segments, with Spielberg's contribution notably softer, the overall texture and depth present in this high-definition master are impressive for a film of its age. Blacks are adequately deep across most of the film, contributing to a generally solid image quality.

That said, the remaster isn't perfect - grain and fuzziness mar certain segments more than others, particularly noticeable in the darker "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" which also exhibits some flatness in its most intense moments. Edge enhancement is present but not overly intrusive, maintaining a balance that doesn’t detract significantly from viewing pleasure. Flesh tones, albeit occasionally leaning towards the redder spectrum, and outdoor scenes maintain their clarity without overbearing distortions. Despite these minor quibbles, for a film transcending 25 years, Warner Brothers’ effort on this Blu-ray release offers a visual experience that both honors the legacy of "Twilight Zone: The Movie" and showcases the technological advances in home cinema.

The audio presentation of "Twilight Zone: The Movie" on Blu-ray offers a trio of English soundtracks: a PCM 5.1 track, a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, and an original Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track, with additional French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. The inclusion of a PCM 5.1 (48kHz/24-bit) track is particularly noteworthy, providing the film with moments of excellent clarity and auditory immersion. While both the Dolby Digital 5.1 and the PCM tracks deliver a robust experience, the PCM track stands out for those seeking superior quality, offering a nuanced soundscape that the standard Dolby Digital track can't fully replicate. Despite this, the original stereo track may hold appeal for purists or those looking for a more traditional audio experience.

The movie's audio remix successfully brings to life the eerie and otherworldly atmosphere of "Twilight Zone," with discrete sound effects and Jerry Goldsmith's score creating an expansive soundstage that utilizes the surrounds effectively. Particularly in segments directed by Joe Dante and George Miller, the audio becomes more dynamic, with cartoonish effects and dramatic sounds like thunder and aircraft adding layers of depth. The high-definition soundtrack shines through in its presentation of dialogue—clear, natural, and hauntingly delivered—while also making each segment's unique soundscape engaging and vivid, from the immersive military music in the first segment to the rampant, kinetic sounds later in the film.

However, not all segments are treated equally in terms of sonic richness. "Quality of Mercy" and "Kick the Can" feel somewhat lackluster, with the audio experience not as compelling as in other parts of the film. Despite these disparities, fidelity remains solid across all segments for a film from 1983, with crisp dialogue (though occasionally obscured by effects in intense scenes) and a balance between tight low bass and clean highs. This careful attention to audio details marks Warner's efforts on this release as commendable, elevating a cult classic with high-resolution audio that both purists and modern cinephiles can appreciate.

The Blu-ray release of "Twilight Zone: The Movie" is notably scant on extras, featuring only the film's original theatrical trailer as supplementary content. The lack of additional materials can likely be attributed to the tragic accident on set, involving the death of actor Vic Morrow and two children, casting a long shadow over the film and likely dissuading the production of or interest in revisiting this dark chapter in filmmaking for extras. The trailer itself is presented in 480p 4:3, indicating an aspect ratio with black bars on the sides, reminiscent of its original format but lacking in quality by current standards. While fans and cinephiles might have appreciated deeper explorations into the adaptations of the original episodes or discussions around this unique film's production challenges, it stands to reason that the sensitive nature of its history has led to a minimalistic approach in this release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film's original trailer, presented in 480p with a 4:3 aspect ratio.

'Twilight Zone: The Movie,' a cinematic reinterpretation of the iconic TV series, arrives on Blu-ray offering a homage to the original's imaginative and eerie storytelling. Directed by a quartet of Hollywood's best - Joe Dante, John Landis, George Miller, and Steven Spielberg - this anthology divides its focus across four segments, each aiming to recapture the magic and moral tales of its television predecessor. Despite its promise, the film embodies the adage that sometimes the whole is not greater than the sum of its parts. Its endeavor to live up to the legacy of the original 'Twilight Zone' series is a mixed bag, yielding varied reactions from audiences and critics alike.

The movie kicks off with a prologue that sets a chilling tone, followed by Landis' segment inspired by 'A Quality of Mercy.' It's marred by real-life tragedy due to a fatal on-set accident, casting a shadow over the film and its reception. Spielberg's 'Kick the Can' segment adds a touch of light-heartedness but struggles to find depth, drawing comparisons to his other, more successful works. Conversely, Dante’s 'It's a Good Life' stands out for its creative ambition, bringing a colorful and unsettling twist to the anthology with its imaginative visuals. Miller's 'Nightmare at 20,000 Feet' closes the film on a high note, expertly blending humor, horror, and suspense, showcasing a blend of practical effects that pays homage to the source material while still feeling fresh.

Technically speaking, the Blu-ray presentation brings these stories to life with crisp 1080p visuals that respect the film’s original aesthetic, without leaning too heavily into modernization that could betray the era it represents. However, 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' resonates as a cultural artifact framed by tragedy and controversy; a reflection on the ambitions and missteps of trying to bottle lightning a second time. While fans of the original series may find moments that recapture Rod Serling’s visionary narrative, others might see it as an exemplar of Hollywood’s struggle to balance respect for source material with the desire for innovation. Despite its intentions and moments of brilliance, one cannot ignore the undercurrent of sadness linked to its troubled production history.

"Twilight Zone: The Movie" on Blu-ray presents a complex affair, straddling the line between homage and creative laziness, wrapped in the dark shroud of real-life tragedy. It attempts to capture the essence of the iconic original series by reimagining four of its most beloved episodes. While for some this may seem like a respectful nod, others might find it lacking innovation, craving new tales that expand upon the lore without merely retreading familiar ground. The Blu-ray itself offers a solid presentation, with audio and video quality that respects the film's age and pedigree. Fans expecting a trove of supplemental material will be disappointed, as extras are virtually nonexistent beyond a dated-looking trailer, leaving much to be desired in exploring the film's context or production.

The untouched shadow of on-set catastrophe looms large over the film, perhaps forever tinting viewers’ perceptions and making it difficult to separate art from real-world sorrow. Despite these controversies, for devotees of the series or the movie, this Blu-ray release does provide an adequate upgrade in terms of visual and auditory experience. It brings to forefront the uneven but occasionally shining filmic adaptation of one of television's most revered shows. Unquestionably, "Twilight Zone: The Movie" generates divided opinions among its audience; it is neither heralded as a cult classic nor dismissed as forgettable. Instead, it nestles into a niche of 'what could have been,' appealing mainly to enthusiasts eager to relive or discover the cinematic extension of the series’ legacy.

In conclusion, "Twilight Zone: The Movie" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to a film fraught with historical baggage and creative contention. It serves best those with a pre-existing affection for the Twilight Zone universe, offering minimal extras but delivering where it counts in audiovisual fidelity. Ultimately, it is a collector's item more than a revelation—worth acquiring for completists and fans, but unlikely to convert the uninitiated or those seeking deep insights into the film's tumultuous creation.