Capricorn One Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Capricorn One" by Imprint Films delivers two versions: a Theatrical Version at 124 minutes and an Extended Cut at 129 minutes, both encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at a 1080p transfer. Presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the Theatrical Version distinctly surpasses the Extended Cut in terms of visual fidelity. It provides superior delineation, clarity, and depth, alongside a more balanced and vibrant color reproduction. While the shadows and panoramic vistas maintain high standards, sporadic issues with softness in darker scenes and occasionally unconvincing daylight highlights suggest room for improvement through potential full restoration. Conversely, the Extended Version suffers from visible artifacts like minor cuts, scratches, and blemishes.

Shot on 35mm film using Panavision Panaflex cameras and lenses, the Blu-ray's master seems inherited from prior releases, retaining some legacy issues like light bleed during the opening credits and scratches throughout. The consistency across releases, such as those from the 2007 ITV and 2015 Timeless Media Group/Shout! Factory, brings certain pixelization artifacts to light, notably during sequences like Elliott Gould’s scene at Flat Rock. Overall, while image stability and color balance are commendable, especially in the Theatrical Version, limitations arising from dated masters highlight the necessity for a refreshed, more meticulous remastering to do justice to Bill Butler's cinematographic efforts.

The Blu-Ray release of "Capricorn One" presents its audio primarily in English 2.0 stereo LPCM, subtly highlighting the film's historical context and technical heritage. Each version of the film is accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles, designed to enhance the viewing experience without compromising image integrity. These subtitles ingeniously divide the frame and the black bar below it, maintaining spatial awareness on-screen.

In reviewing the Theatrical Version, the lossless audio track shines with clarity and strength. Particularly impressive are the dynamic intensities captured during high-action sequences—such as the desert choppers trailing a dingy aircraft—and composer Jerry Goldsmith's soundtrack, which skillfully crafts contrasts throughout the film. Dialogue exchange retains crispness and clarity, ensuring that no detail is lost even amidst complex audio scenes. While there is minimal room for enhancement, future remixes might explore slight rebalancing to further elevate sound distribution.

Historically, "Capricorn One" was released theatrically with various audio formats, including 4-track mag stereo and 6-track mag stereo for its 70mm prints. Notably, it did not utilize the matrix encoded 4-channel optical Dolby Stereo available at the time, nor were Dolby noise reductions applied in its mag tracks. The original dialogue, music, effects tracks, and surround tracks found later facilitated the creation of a new 5.1 AC-3 mix for previous releases like the 1997 Pioneer Special Edition LaserDisc. Although this specific 5.1 mix is absent from contemporary Blu-Ray offerings, the intricate LPCM track impressively bridges past technical accomplishments with present-day auditory expectations.

The Blu-ray release of "Capricorn One" offers a robust collection of intriguing extras that appeal to both film enthusiasts and scholars. Disc one features an archival director commentary by Peter Hyams, who provides deep insights into the film’s technical nuances, production challenges, and narrative crafting. "Flights of Fancy: The Politics and Paranoia of Capricorn One" provides a context-rich exploration of the Cold War era, touching on conspiracy theories surrounding the Space Race. The making-of featurette "What If?" and the extensive behind-the-scenes footage in "On Set with Capricorn One" further enrich the viewer’s understanding of the film’s production. Disc two includes exclusive content, such as Elliot Gould's reflective "Conspiracy Busting" and Brenda Vaccaro's personal anecdotes in "Confessions of an Astronaut's Wife." This Blu-ray is a comprehensive package that delves deeply into various facets of the film, making it a valuable addition for any collector.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival audio with Peter Hyams; offers production insights.
• Flights of Fancy: The Politics and Paranoia of Capricorn One: Explores Cold War-era conspiracies.
• What If?: The Making of Capricorn One: Discusses the film's plausibility and themes.
• On Set with Capricorn One: Behind-the-scenes and on-location footage.
• Trailer: Remastered vintage trailer for the film.
• Photo Gallery: Global promotional materials.
• Conspiracy Busting: Elliot Gould on his collaboration with Peter Hyams.
• Confessions of an Astronaut's Wife: Brenda Vaccaro on her acting experience.
• How the Capricorn Was Won: Getting the Greenlight: Producer insights on film production.
• A Lady of Wondrous Abandon: Remembering the Incomparable Karen Black: Tribute to Karen Black.
• Orchestrating a Conspiracy: Analysis of Jerry Goldsmith's soundtrack.
• Commentary: New audio by Daniel Kremer and Daniel Waters.

Peter Hyams' "Capricorn One" (1977) is an intriguingly crafted paranoia-driven thriller that deftly explores the theme of hoaxes orchestrated by powerful figures within the U.S. government. The film hinges on a wild, albeit logically founded, conspiracy theory suggesting the Apollo 11 moon landing was an elaborate ruse. It invites comparisons to classic paranoia thrillers like "The Parallax View" and "The Conversation," though it stands out with its unique blend of action and comedy, which somewhat dilutes the intensity of its paranoia but engages the audience in what-if scenarios that challenge perceptions of historical events. Elliot Gould's portrayal of Robert Caulfield, a newspaper reporter who uncovers discrepancies in NASA's Mars mission and faces deadly repercussions, is central to unraveling the narrative's complex speculations.

The plot thickens as astronauts, played by James Brolin, Sam Waterston, and O.J. Simpson, are drawn into a cover-up, targeted by their own government after a failed mission. The film’s action sequences are meticulously shot by Hyams and cinematographer Bill Butler, capturing the harsh beauty of California and Arizona's desert landscapes. Jerry Goldsmith's compelling soundtrack enhances the film's atmosphere, bringing a touch of class to the thrilling cinematics.

Despite its initial moderate success and overshadowed release during the declining years of the 70s paranoia thriller cycle, "Capricorn One" has gained traction over time. In the era of widespread internet-driven conspiracy theories, its narrative feels pertinent and compelling. Imprint Films' Blu-ray release features both theatrical and extended versions, adding depth with supplementary content. This release underscores the film's underappreciated impact as a sci-fi conspiracy thriller exploring potential government deceptions and fueling broader audiences' intrigue about historical authenticity.

The Blu-ray release of "Capricorn One" by Imprint Films is a commendable tribute to the classic thriller genre, offering a lavish two-disc set that does justice to Peter Hyams' cult classic. It masterfully encapsulates the narrative tension and thematic depth comparable to esteemed films such as "The Parallax View" and "The Conversation." The set includes two versions of the film, enriching viewers' experiences with a blend of new and archival bonus features that cater to die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Despite the absence of a new transfer of the original film and missing multitrack audio mixes, the release compensates with a robust collection of extras, notably the extended Japanese cut, which significantly enhances its value. The collection reflects serious efforts to provide nearly every significant archival extra available, save for a few omissions, underpinning the frustrating gap that "Capricorn One" historically faced in home video content.

In conclusion, "Capricorn One" on Blu-ray from Imprint Films is a praiseworthy addition to any collection. Even without certain technical upgrades, it is an essential purchase for fans of the film, Peter Hyams enthusiasts, and aficionados of paranoiac thrillers. It effectively provokes intriguing what-if scenarios, which are essential for uncovering concealed truths. This set is highly recommended for its comprehensive content and its unique ability to stimulate reflective thought on speculative themes.