The Day the Earth Stood Still Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio and implementing the MPEG-4 codec, the Blu-ray edition of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" represents a remarkable improvement over previous versions. The transfer exhibits no digital noise reduction (DNR), maintaining a light grain that enhances the authenticity without being intrusive. The print has been meticulously cleaned, with bright tones and deep blacks that provide excellent dimensionality, particularly evident in shadow-rich scenes such as Klaatu's nighttime walk. Minor speckling persists but is barely noticeable, highlighting the exceptional restoration effort.

Detail is consistently impressive throughout the film, with textures like the weave of Klaatu's hospital gown and the intricate patterns on clothing standing out vividly. Close-up shots reveal facial details and fabric textures with precision, augmenting the visual depth and adding to the film's cinematic immersion. The long-range shots, particularly those of Washington, are well-resolved, presenting a comprehensive view of crowd scenes with individual people visible even from considerable distances. However, some minor ringing effects around shoulders and hats are occasionally noticeable, though they do not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

In terms of contrast and brightness, the Blu-ray demonstrates an excellent balance. Blacks are consistently deep but not overly inky, and gradation within whites and grays is well-handled, offering a rich visual palette that enhances image depth. Despite the occasional visible spots from print damage, this release undeniably represents the best video presentation of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" to date, bringing a classic film into the high-definition era with great fidelity.

The audio presentation of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" on Blu-ray offers both a nostalgic mono track and an upgraded DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. Purists will appreciate the faithful reproduction of the original mono track, ensuring every syllable of dialogue remains sharp and discernible. However, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out by providing additional depth and subtle utilization of the surround field, enhancing the overall auditory experience while respecting the film's vintage origins. Notably, Gort's beam effects and the dynamic movements of army tanks are effectively panned across channels, offering a more immersive experience without overstepping the bounds of the film’s original intention.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix remains predominantly center-based, which is fitting for a dialogue-driven film like "The Day the Earth Stood Still." Dialogue is consistently clear and naturally presented from the center channel, never getting lost in Bernard Herrmann's evocative score. The theremin, a key element of Herrmann's composition, resonates deeply, contributing to low-frequency enhancements seldom heard in this presentation.

Despite the limitations of the original mono recording, the surround mix reproduces music and directional effects through the left and right speakers, broadening the frontal soundstage. While rear channel activity is minimal, it provides detectable ambient envelopment that adds to the spatial depth without overprocessing. Overall, the soundtrack produces an excellent balance, with commendable dynamic quality for its age. The integration of low-frequency effects during crucial sequences adds a palpable sense of presence, making this Blu-ray's audio presentation both a respectful homage and a satisfying upgrade for longtime fans and new listeners alike.

The Blu-ray release of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" boasts an extensive collection of supplementary materials, providing a wealth of content for enthusiasts of the film and its historical context. Featuring two insightful commentary tracks, one with director Robert Wise and Nicholas Meyer, and another with music historians focusing on Bernard Herrmann's score, the depth of information is impressive. The disc also includes an isolated score track and a series of features on the Theremin instrument. The comprehensive package further delves into various aspects of the film's making, its socio-political backdrop, and UFO lore. Additionally, heritage pieces about Harry Bates and Edmund North enrich the narrative behind the movie. These extras are enhanced by interactive elements and archival materials, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Nicholas Meyer and Robert Wise: A Q&A session exploring the film's production.
• Commentary with Music Historians: Discusses Bernard Herrmann's score.
• Isolated Score: Listen to the film's soundtrack uninterrupted.
• The World of Theremin: History and significance of the Theremin.
• Main Title Live Performance by Peter Pringle: Theremin performance.
• Interactive Theremin: Create your own score.
• Gort Command Interactive Game: Blast targets from Gort's perspective.
• The Making of The Day The Earth Stood Still: Documentary on the film's production.
• Decoding Klaatu Barada Nikto: Examines the film's metaphorical aspects.
• A Brief History of Flying Saucers: Documentary on UFO sightings.
• The Astounding Harry Bates: Featurette on Harry Bates' life and work.
• Edmund North: The Man Who Made the Earth Stand Still: Documentary on screenwriter Edmund North.
• Race to Oblivion: Edmund North's 1982 documentary on nuclear disarmament.
• Farewell to the Master: Reading of the original short story by Jamieson K. Price.
• Fox Movietone News 1951: Archival news footage.
• Teaser Trailer
• Theatrical Trailer
• 2008 Trailer
• Galleries: Various interactive galleries including Press Book, Advertising, Behind-the-Scenes, Portrait, Production, Spaceship Blueprints, and Shooting Script.

"The Day the Earth Stood Still" stands as a paragon of 1950s science fiction, delivering a compelling narrative imbued with social commentary. The plot begins with an eerie landing of a spaceship in Washington, D.C., introducing an alien emissary, Klaatu (Michael Rennie). His enigmatic mission and refusal to communicate directly with any particular government instigate fear and tension among the populace. This setup smoothly transitions into an intense examination of humanity’s response to the unknown and its propensity for violence when confronted by it. The film excels in its pacing, avoiding unnecessary subplots, thereby maintaining a steady focus on its central theme. The direction by Robert Wise is pristine, ensuring each scene contributes meaningfully to the overarching narrative without distraction.

From a technical standpoint, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is exceptional. The Blu-ray presentation showcases visuals that, while simple, are remarkably effective and serve to enhance the film's dramatic impact. The scenes are meticulously crafted, each shot contributing to the story's progression and depth. One standout sequence involves Klaatu’s introduction to Helen Benson (Patricia Neal) and her son Bobby (Billy Gray). Their interactions reveal much about Earth's cultural and historical milieu, further adding layers to the narrative. But, perhaps the most intriguing technical accomplishment is Bernard Herrmann's score. His use of the Theremin, alongside more traditional orchestration, creates a soundscape that is both chilling and enchanting—perfectly aligning with the film’s dual nature of creeping fear and intergalactic wonder.

Complementing its visual and musical prowess are stellar performances from the cast. Rennie's portrayal of Klaatu is particularly noteworthy; his calm yet insistent demeanor paints an alien figure who is both authoritative and compassionate. The supporting roles by Patricia Neal, Sam Jaffe, and Billy Gray elevate the film's emotional resonance. Together, they breathe life into a script that remains poignantly relevant. "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is not just a film—it is a timeless message wrapped in entrancing cinema, illustrating the potential for humanity to rise above its basest instincts.

The 1951 classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still" remains unmatched in its genre for its blend of wonder, social awareness, and timeless entertainment. This Blu-ray release from 20th Century Fox stands as a testament to the magic of modern preservation technology, enabling audiences to experience Robert Wise's masterpiece in unprecedented clarity. The video quality is clean and detailed, enhancing the film's visual appeal, while the sound—although somewhat narrow by contemporary standards—faithfully retains the original monaural track, ensuring an authentic audio experience. Herrmann's iconic score, rich in atmospheric tension, uplifts the entire narrative and reminds viewers of the composer's enduring influence on the genre.

In addition to impeccable video and audio presentation, this Blu-ray release is brimming with extras. The bonus material greatly exceeds what was previously available in earlier editions, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of this monumental work. However, the omission of a key 80-minute documentary present in other editions is a notable drawback. Despite this minor lapse, Fox has curated a robust collection that significantly enhances the overall offering.

In conclusion, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" Blu-ray is an essential addition to any film aficionado's collection. The enduring relevance of its narrative, combined with high-definition presentation and a rich array of supplementary content, makes it a standout release. While it would have been ideal to have every piece of previously available bonus content, what is provided here is more than sufficient to merit a strong recommendation. A must-have for fans of classic cinema and a compelling reminder of the genre’s power to illuminate both our imaginations and our understanding of the world.