Total Recall Blu-ray Review

StudioCanal's remastered Ultimate Rekall release of "Total Recall" presents a significant leap in video quality compared to previous editions. The new 1080p transfer, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC and presented in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, was meticulously remastered from the original film negative with the approval of Paul Verhoeven himself. This effort has resulted in an immensely clearer and more detailed picture that maintains a film-like quality without any obvious digital artifacts. The transfer boasts excellent clarity, particularly in well-lit close-ups, where facial textures and minute details, such as pores, wrinkles, and fabric textures, are incredibly distinct.

The color reproduction is particularly noteworthy, with rich and stable hues that bring Verhoeven's vibrant vision of Mars to life. The reds are intensely saturated without bleeding, and other primary colors are equally compelling. Scenes featuring the Martian landscape or neon-lit Venusville are captured with an impressive depth and vibrancy. Furthermore, the grain structure remains intact and well-resolved, ensuring that the high-definition presentation retains a natural look without succumbing to degraining issues. The overall balance of contrast and sharpness is maintained, though some minor fluctuations in contrast can be observed during certain scenes.

One standout improvement is the restoration of fine details across various scenes, making background elements and textures more noticeable. From the complex texture of Verhoeven's costumes to the elaborate set details, viewers are treated to a visual experience that feels both more immersive and precise. There is no evidence of edge enhancement or other digital manipulation that could detract from the film's aesthetic integrity. Overall, this Blu-ray edition of "Total Recall" stands as a definitive upgrade over its predecessors and offers a visual feast that will likely be considered the standard for years to come.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Total Recall" on Blu-Ray offers a commendably clear and stable audio experience, although it does show some limitations from the original sound design. The mix brings out the film's aggressive and percussive main title theme, though not with the full force one might hope for. The shootouts and explosions, essential to this action-packed narrative, pack a reasonable punch but fall short of the immersive, room-filling sonic barrage seen in more recent action films. Bass levels fluctuate, with some impactful explosions and low-level drones offset by less consistent impact in other scenes. Despite these nuances, the dialogue consistently remains crisp, clear, and free of distortions or dropouts.

Surround activity in this mix is rather restrained, with front-heavy soundstage deployment taking precedence over rear channel engagement. Detailed sound effects like bone-crunching skirmishes and metallic ka-chiing are reproduced with fine precision, adding dimension to the intense action sequences. However, instances of cross-channel action are rare and subtle, with minimal use of rear speakers for immersive ambiance. The sound design effectively incorporates environmental sounds in crowd scenes and vehicle movements, but overall, it remains largely front-focused. For its time, this is an authentic-sounding track that remains true to its vintage roots without unnecessary tampering, offering a solid auditory experience best appreciated within the context of its era.

The Blu-ray release of StudioCanal’s Ultimate Rekall Edition of "Total Recall" offers an engaging range of special features that provide both nostalgic and informative insights into the film. The commentary with director Paul Verhoeven and Arnold Schwarzenegger is more conversational than educational, brimming with their lively accents but short on critical analysis. The notable inclusion is the "Total Recall 20 Years After" interview with Verhoeven, which is filled with high-energy anecdotes about the film’s production. Extras such as "The Special Effects of Total Recall" and "Imagining Total Recall" offer in-depth perspectives on the film's groundbreaking visuals and production history. Additionally, there’s a brief yet clear Restoration Comparison that showcases the transfer quality improvements. Overall, this collection of extras effectively combines archival material with compelling new content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Conversational track by Paul Verhoeven and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
• Total Recall: The Special Effects: In-depth look at the film’s special effects.
• Making of: Standard featurette with raw footage and comments from cast and crew.
• Imagining Total Recall: Featurette discussing Philip K. Dick's story and production history.
• Total Recall 20 Years After: New interview with Paul Verhoeven.
• Restoration Comparison: Demonstration of the film's restoration.
• Photo Gallery: Stills from the film.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

Paul Verhoeven’s Total Recall is an exhilarating blend of sci-fi ingenuity, satirical wit, and over-the-top action, laying the foundation for a distinctive breed of 1990s cinema. Drawing inspiration from Philip K. Dick’s short story, the film is a visual and narrative tour-de-force, designed to captivate and challenge viewers. The fusion of Bourne-like thrill, Hitchcockian suspense, and sheer futurism creates an experience that is uniquely multifaceted. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers a surprising depth in his role as Douglas Quaid, a construction worker whose obsession with Mars leads him on a perilous journey of self-discovery, identity crises, and convoluted reality. The screenplay cleverly navigates his struggle to discern between implanted memories and stark reality, thus engaging the audience in a relentless quest for truth.

The visual presentation in the Blu-ray release is noteworthy, showing significant upgrades that cater to fans' high expectations. The invigorated color palette breathes new life into the film's vivid Martian landscapes and futuristic cityscapes, although some viewers might initially resist such enhancements. The image maintains a desirable film-like quality with minimal artifacts, enriching the viewing experience. Additionally, the superior level of detail presents a gratifying improvement despite minor issues with banding in certain scenes.

Complementing its striking visuals, Total Recall boasts an atmospheric score by Jerry Goldsmith and impressive production designs by William Sandell and Erika Edell Phillips. These elements synergize to craft an immersive and engaging backdrop for the unfolding narrative. However, the film's attempt at satire occasionally falters, especially in its more serious undertones. Despite this, Total Recall remains a standout in the sci-fi genre, with its gory yet compelling action sequences and thought-provoking questions about identity making it a must-have in any Blu-ray collection.

Studio Canal's new Blu-ray release of Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall sets a new standard for home video with its meticulously restored high-definition transfer, supervised and approved by Verhoeven himself. Struck from the original negative, this transfer delivers a stunning visual experience that surpasses all previous iterations. The level of detail, color accuracy, and depth presented in this release captures the essence of the film as never before, ensuring a viewing experience that remains true to the director’s vision.

In addition to the remarkable visual clarity, this Blu-ray edition comes loaded with an array of supplemental features that will delight fans and film enthusiasts alike. One of the standout inclusions is an exclusive new video interview with Paul Verhoeven, providing invaluable insights into the making of the film and its enduring legacy. Other bonus materials include behind-the-scenes footage, commentaries, and more, making this package a rich resource for anyone interested in the creative processes behind this iconic sci-fi thriller.

Overall, Studio Canal's Blu-ray release of Total Recall is a benchmark for what home media can achieve. The stunning transfer from the original negative paired with extensive supplementary materials offers viewers both an exemplary visual experience and a comprehensive understanding of the film’s production. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to this classic, this edition is an essential addition to any collection. Buy with confidence—Total Recall has never looked or sounded better. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.