Somewhere in Time Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Somewhere in Time" is substantially invigorated from its previous home video releases, boasting a 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer. Notably, the cinematography by Isidore Mankofsky features distinct visual strategies for scenes set in 1912 and those in the present. The 1912 scenes, shot on Fuji stock and further softened with diffusion filters, achieve a lighter, pastel-hued aesthetic reminiscent of Impressionist art, particularly evident in beach scenes involving Richard and Elise. Contrastingly, the present-day scenes exhibit saturated, realistic colors with deep richness, particularly in settings such as the Grand Hotel's historical gallery.

Detail is well-executed overall but purposefully muted for 1912 sequences to retain their historic feel. Period costumes and facial details are readily discernible, although diffusion causes detail to fall off away from the focal point. Black levels are generally solid with some slight grey shading in 1912 scenes due to the filters. Universal's transfer does employ digital sharpening, mildly affecting the film's natural grain by introducing some coarseness and minor noise, especially in contemporary scenes. The average bitrate of 31.99 Mbps ensures that the high demands of the film are met without notable artifacts.

An intriguing shift in this release is the pronounced difference between film stocks used for different eras. The contemporary 1980 scenes, shot on Kodak stock, appear clearer and sharper than before. However, the 1912 Fuji-shot scenes showcase a much softer appearance with highly saturated colors that almost bloom, adding new vibrancy to costumes and backgrounds previously rendered more monotonously in earlier home video versions. Minimal digital noise reduction preserves a natural grain structure, while occasional dirt and defects still present do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. This Blu-ray edition offers a compelling take on the visual elements that capture the romantic essence central to "Somewhere in Time".

The Blu-ray of "Somewhere in Time" features the film’s original mono mix, delivered in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This audio presentation manages to impress despite the inherent limitations of mono tracks, delivering a refined and effective sound experience. The usage of simple sounds such as horse hooves or radio broadcasts is executed sparingly yet with significant impact. The dynamic range and fidelity, particularly in John Barry's evocative score and the pivotal Rachmaninoff selection, are commendable. Additionally, the dialogue is mixed with great care for intelligibility, which is crucial as Barry's compositions courageously underscored key dialogues, adding emotional depth to the scenes.

Impressively, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track reveals nuanced dialogue that may have previously gone unnoticed, notably in early scenes at Richard Collier's party. The overall clarity ensures that no element on this track feels muddled or muddy; all sounds, including spoken words, are presented with remarkable crispness and clarity. While the track naturally lacks the spatial directionality of modern surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos, its distinctness stands out. English SDH subtitles further enhance accessibility.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "Somewhere in Time" brings over most of the much-appreciated extras from the 2000 Collector's Edition DVD. Though none of the extras are presented in HD, their historical depth and comprehensive insight into the film's making remain valuable for fans. Highlights include an extensive documentary by Laurent Bouzereau featuring interviews with key cast members, detailed production discussions, and a deep dive into the movie's development. Additionally, feature commentary by Director Jeannot Szwarc offers expanded reflections, providing a substantial supplement to his documented insights. A segment on the film's dedicated fan club and a collection of production photographs further enrich the viewer's experience, even if some photos suffer from lack of clarity when enlarged.

Extras included in this disc:

• Back to Somewhere in Time Documentary: Comprehensive look at the film's development, production, and release with interviews and photos.
• The Somewhere in Time Fan Club: Overview of the INSITE fan club and its activities.
• Production Photographs: Gallery of 48 photos from the film's production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer of the film.
• Commentary with Director Jeannot Szwarc: In-depth director's commentary discussing filmmaking insights and post-production editing choices.

"Somewhere in Time" epitomizes the magic of storytelling, enduring as a cinematic gem despite its bumpy journey to recognition. The film, directed by Jeannot Szwarc and based on Richard Matheson's novel "Bid Time Return", is an iconic romance that transcends the bounds of time. The narrative orbits around a playwright, Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve), who becomes obsessed with a portrait of early 20th-century actress Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour) at the Grand Hotel. This obsession drives him to find a way to travel back to 1912, guided by Matheson's innovative script that weaves time travel with emotional authenticity.

The performances from Reeve and Seymour anchor the film, their chemistry potent and palpable. Reeve, known for his role as Superman, delivers a career-defining performance, blending vulnerability with a determined spirit. Seymour complements him beautifully with a serene yet evocative presence. Christopher Plummer, as Elise's controlling manager W.F. Robinson, adds further depth to the story's dramatic tension. Each actor uniquely contributes to a captivating dynamic underscored by John Barry's hauntingly beautiful score—a score so emotionally resonant it has achieved acclaim well beyond the film’s initial release.

Furthermore, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island serves as more than a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, enveloping the narrative in historical and architectural splendor that enhances the timeless nature of the romance. Alongside specific touchstone props like McKenna’s elusive watch and that pivotal penny, these elements combine to create a paradoxical loop of love and loss that is both poignant and profound. Simply put, "Somewhere in Time" may have flaws, but its heartfelt story and powerful portrayals ensure an enduring legacy that continues to move audiences deeply.

The Blu-ray release of "Somewhere in Time" significantly elevates the viewing experience of this timeless cinematic love story. The new transfer, never before available on video, showcases substantial improvements in picture quality—bringing a newfound clarity and depth to its already lush cinematography. This 1080p transfer ensures fans can relish every intricate detail, from period costumes to the meticulously crafted sets that transport viewers through time. Similarly, the solid 2.0 lossless audio track enhances the viewing experience by providing crystal clear sound, preserving the film's emotional resonance and memorable musical score.

Despite the lack of new bonus materials in this release, the technical advancements more than compensate. The film benefits enormously from the Blu-ray format, with the color grading and sharpness making the viewing feel fresh and immersive. Although the Blu-ray edition could have benefited from more robust features, such as contemporary interviews or a comprehensive making-of documentary, the outstanding visual and audio upgrade itself is a significant boon for both old fans and new viewers alike.

In conclusion, "Somewhere in Time" was rescued by fans, but its durability over the years has elevated it beyond the status of a cult classic. It belongs on anyone's list of great cinematic love stories. Universal's Blu-ray isn't perfect, but it's such a major advance over any version released to date that its shortcomings should be overlooked, especially since a new version is unlikely. Highly recommended.