Predator Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of John McTiernan's Predator continues to show significant flaws despite efforts to enhance its visual appeal. The transition from the initial release, hampered by a low bitrate and outdated MPEG-2 codec, to the Ultimate Hunter Edition—which brightened the image and employed a higher-bitrate AVC encoding—came with the considerable drawback of excessive Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). This new edition appears to be a minor adaptation of the Ultimate Hunter Edition, adjusted to a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. While its brightness and color intensity are improved, the absence of film grain detracts from its original cinematic texture, giving it a more artificial appearance. The AVC-coded 2D and MVC-coded 3D editions likewise suffer from these issues, with grain conspicuously missing even in the expected filtered scenes.

The 3D conversion of Predator offers a mixed bag of visual enhancements. While some depth and dimensionality are notable—particularly in jungle scenes and through director John McTiernan’s use of foreground objects—the overall experience is inconsistent. Notably, many sequences exhibit minimal post-conversion effects, and elements like the opening spaceship scenes show a lack of depth, although the credits appear prominently. Conversely, scenes shot against the sky benefit from increased brightness, allowing for better 3D effects. Despite this, much of the film remains dark, limiting the 3D effect’s effectiveness. Moments such as the Predator’s first camouflaged appearance manage to stand out for their visual impact but remain exceptions rather than the rule.

In conclusion, although the effort is appreciated and some viewers may find certain aspects rewarding—especially compared to other Fox 3D conversions like I, Robot and Jumper—this Blu-ray release does not fully realize its visual potential. The recycled transfer from the Ultimate Hunter Edition is marred by synthetic textures and boosted contrasts at the expense of authentic black levels. Overall, Predator's high-definition presentation remains unimpressive, notwithstanding the marginal gains in dimensionality brought by the 3D format.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of Predator retains the familiar DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that was featured in the Ultimate Hunter Edition. While it may not reach the immersive levels of modern action movie soundtracks, it delivers a formidable auditory experience, particularly during the film’s many explosive set pieces. The LFE elements and well-placed foley effects contribute to a dynamic soundscape that enhances the visual intensity. Noteworthy is the low-frequency sound effect accompanying the Predator's thermo imaging viewpoint, potent enough to evoke a startle response in some viewers.

Alan Silvestri's score remains a standout component, interlacing cool percussive elements reminiscent of Lalo Schifrin's work on Mission: Impossible. The score fills the surround channels effectively, elevating the overall listening experience. Though typically overshadowed by powerful sound effects, Silvestri's music significantly augments the auditory appeal of the film.

Despite its strengths, the mix falls short of being entirely immersive. Some atmospheric elements appear sporadic and inconsistent, impacting the overall cohesion. Additionally, the low-end frequencies feel slightly undernourished, often cutting off prematurely and thereby flattening certain action sequences. The front-heavy presentation, however, demonstrates clean mid-range frequencies with strong fidelity and balanced channel separation. Dialogue reproduction remains stable throughout, ensuring clarity even in louder segments. Overall, while Predator sounds commendable on Blu-ray, it doesn’t quite achieve the impactful auditory punch required to elevate it further.

The Blu-ray's extra content for "Predator" is chiefly housed on the included standard definition DVD, though the 3D Blu-ray lacks any supplementary material beyond a 2D version of the film. The extras encompass a broad range of behind-the-scenes features and retrospectives, providing an enriching experience for fans and cinephiles. These include an audio commentary by director John McTiernan, which, while informative, may seem monotonous at times. Especially noteworthy is the making-of documentary "If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It," offering comprehensive insights into the production process. Furthermore, the assortment of bite-sized featurettes under "Inside the Predator" and "Predator Special Effects" delve into various technical and creative aspects, highlighted by a poignant tribute to Kevin Peter Hall.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director John McTiernan's solo track.
• If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It: Making-of documentary.
• Inside the Predator: Seven featurettes covering different aspects of the production.
• Predator Special Effects: Brief looks at special effects.
• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes: Assorted removed scenes and bloopers.

"Predator," directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a film that masterfully blends the gritty machismo of 1980s action cinema with the suspenseful tension of horror and sci-fi genres. Originally released in 1987, its premise—a group of elite commandos hunted by an alien in a dense jungle—is deceptively simple but becomes increasingly complex and engaging as the plot unfurls. Schwarzenegger, in his prime, anchors the film with his formidable physical presence and undeniable screen charisma, while the supporting cast, including notable figures like Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura, deliver performances that enhance the group's camaraderie and subsequent peril.

One of the film's crowning achievements is its effective use of suspense. McTiernan skillfully withholds the full revelation of the extraterrestrial antagonist, instead opting for fleeting and distant glimpses. This clever directorial choice not only preserves the mystery but also heightens the tension as viewers are kept on edge, awaiting the creature's next move. The first act cleverly establishes a conventional action narrative—a raid on a rebel encampment—before seamlessly transitioning into a survival thriller, subverting audience expectations. This shift is handled with remarkable deftness, turning what might have been dismissed as a mere summer action flick into a well-structured "cat and mouse" chase that transcends genre clichés.

The supporting characters, though ostensibly fodder for the alien predator, are given enough depth to make their fates impactful. Their demise one by one serves not just as spectacle but to underscore the formidable threat posed by their alien hunter. The film's blend of muscular bravado, innovative creature effects by Stan Winston, and a clever screenplay make “Predator” an enduring classic. While some elements now may feel like an artifact of their era, the film's relentless pace and innovative approach to genre blending ensure it remains a high point of 1980s cinema.

John McTiernan's "Predator" stands out as a quintessential blend of action and sci-fi, showcasing animated machismo and exceptional graphic action that ultimately translate into a thrilling cinematic experience. The film cleverly subverts genre expectations, transitioning from a conventional action setup to an adrenaline-pumping suspense ride. The recent 3D Blu-ray release certainly elevates the visual experience with a surprisingly robust 3D presentation, contributing positively to the immersion. However, it simultaneously suffers from persistent issues plaguing the previous releases, particularly the digitally manipulated video quality that doesn't do justice to the original material.

Moreover, the audio remains unchanged from earlier editions, which may come as a disappointment to audiophiles seeking an upgrade in sound fidelity. The bonus features, though prolific, are merely ported from older versions and are accessible solely via the accompanying DVD, adding little value for those hoping for fresh supplementary content. While the 3D post-conversion is competent, it doesn’t reach the heights expected from modern standards, making it a middling addition rather than a transformative one.

Overall, while "Predator" is undeniably a fun and exhilarating film, this Blu-ray release falls short of delivering a sought-after high-definition transfer. The combination of enhanced 3D visuals with subpar video quality and unimproved audio makes it a mixed bag. Therefore, this release may appeal primarily to the most ardent fans and curious viewers, but casual audiences might find it lacking.