Starcrash Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory delivers an admirable transfer with the Blu-ray release of "Starcrash." Utilizing AVC MPEG-4 encoding in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the image often displays impressive clarity and vibrant colors with excellent saturation, absent of banding or smearing. Importantly, Shout Factory has avoided excessive DNR or artificial sharpening, preserving the film's original grain and maintaining a film-like texture throughout. Though print damage and occasional frame wobbles are present, the image remains remarkably cleaner than anticipated. Fine details are well highlighted, but the inherent flaws of the film’s shoddy effects, matte shots, and composites are also emphasized, showcasing both the charm and limitations of its low-budget production.

Colors are rich and appropriately garish, enhancing the psychedelic aesthetic of the film. Black levels are notably impressive, contributing to a deep and atmospheric visual experience, particularly in space scenes with stars and nebulae. However, certain sequences exhibit soft or fuzzy visuals due to the original special effects techniques, with evident disparities in quality when live-action is juxtaposed against visual effects. Some minor background noise and slight compression artifacts do make an appearance but remain unobtrusive.

Detailing is another forte of this transfer, bringing out textures in faces, costumes, and sets, while also exposing the inherent cheapness of props and model kits used in the practical effects. Embroidery on costumes and ice particles on frozen faces are notably clear. Although contrast tends to fluctuate, black levels maintain consistency and strength. Therefore, while “Starcrash” is not a benchmark for Blu-ray visuals, Shout Factory has done commendable work in presenting this cult classic with significant respect to its original look and feel.

Shout Factory's Blu-ray release of "Starcrash" offers two audio tracks: a DTS-HD 2.0 stereo option and a DTS-HD MA 5.1. The latter, unsurprisingly, provides a more dynamic and expansive auditory experience. While the DTS-HD MA 5.1 isn't the most aggressive mix available, it effectively stretches bass across the channels, with notable moments during scenes such as a metal giant falling and a significant space explosion. Directionality in the sound design is commendable, particularly in the portrayal of spacecraft movements and laser blasts, the latter predominantly appearing in the frontal array. The mid-range is stable, adding clarity to action sequences, while John Barry’s lush score is naturally energetic, benefiting substantially from this remaster.

Despite the original’s limitation with its Dolby Stereo soundmix, the remaster generates an immersive environment. The lossless track holds notable low-end realizations when needed, like the stalking giantess scene on the Amazon planet. Dialogue remains generally clear but occasionally succumbs to being buried under layers of sound effects. The track does face minor lip-sync issues and some unnatural bleeding into the front speakers, which are typical of ADR-heavy Euro tracks. Rear channels contribute minimally beyond scoring and ambient details but do add delicately to the overall sound palette.

Overall, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix enriches "Starcrash" with vitality and depth, even if it lacks the precision of top-tier audio tracks. Barry’s score particularly shines with impressive sweep and vigor, significantly enhancing the soundfield. While it may not set new standards for audio perfection, it offers an entertaining and robust listening experience that complements the film’s eclectic and vibrant visual style.

Shout Factory’s Blu-ray release of "Starcrash" is a definitive collection for fans of the cult classic. The standout feature is the duo of enthusiastic and deeply informative audio commentaries by Starcrash historian Stephen Romano, who shares a wealth of trivia and critical analysis. This is complemented by an engaging 41-minute interview with director Luigi Cozzi and a 13-minute commentary on John Barry’s score from Deadhouse Music's Mars. Disc Two offers an extensive interview with Caroline Munro, rare deleted and alternate scenes, and a unique look at the film’s special effects by Armondo Valcauda.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Two tracks by Stephen Romano covering the making and impact of "Starcrash."
• Interview with Luigi Cozzi: Insightful discussion about the film's creation and legacy.
• The Music of John Barry: Commentary by Mars on the film's score.
• Photo Galleries: Extensive stills including storyboards, promotional artworks, and fan art.
• Trailers: Theatrical previews with commentary by Joe Dante and Eli Roth, plus TV and radio spots.
• Interview with Caroline Munro: Comprehensive career retrospective focusing on "Starcrash."
• Making of the Special Effects by Armondo Valcauda: Behind-the-scenes exploration of the film’s special effects.
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes: Seventeen scenes including those cut for the American release.
• Original Screenplay (PDF): Includes storyboards and concept art accessible via PC/Mac.

"Starcrash" is fundamentally a love letter to the delirious creativity of low-budget science fiction from the late '70s, an era that surged with efforts to capitalize on the smash success of "Star Wars." Directed by Luigi Cozzi and released in 1979, this film was crafted under intense pressure to deliver a sci-fi adventure in the mold of George Lucas' groundbreaking work, yet its production values and execution fall bewilderingly short. Despite woefully shoddy effects, laughably poor acting, and a meandering plot that borrows shamelessly from its predecessors, "Starcrash" manages to carve out a niche for itself as a marvelously entertaining disaster.

The plot centers on the adventures of Stella Star (Caroline Munro) and her companion Akton (Marjoe Gortner), who are tasked with rescuing the Emperor's son and thwarting the megalomaniacal Count Zarth Arn's (Joe Spinell) plans for galactic domination. The narrative is a chaotic blend of "Star Wars" pastiches and Ray Harryhausen-inspired sequences. Notably, the special effects stand out for their inadequacy, with miniature starships sporting visible strings and awkward animations that create a surreal, almost psychedelic visual experience. Complementing the visual quirks is John Barry's score, which provides an oddly grandiose backdrop to the unimpressively executed space battles.

Performances in "Starcrash" range from the hysterically over-the-top (Joe Spinell's flamboyant villainy) to the perplexingly wooden (Marjoe Gortner's perpetually dazed Akton). Even seasoned actor Christopher Plummer cannot escape unscathed, his usually compelling presence diluted into a phoned-in portrayal of the Galactic Emperor. However, it’s Caroline Munro’s Stella Star, clad in strikingly minimal costumes, that steals the show and provides the film's primary appeal. Her scenes are interspersed with unintentionally humorous lines, robot characters with incongruous accents, and an Amazonian showdown that collectively enrich "Starcrash" with a campy allure. For aficionados of historic cinema oddities, "Starcrash" is essential viewing—capturing a period when ambition and desperation collided to create something uniquely memorable.

Review of "Starcrash" Blu-ray

"Starcrash" stands out as an inadvertently hilarious, low-budget attempt to cash in on the "Star Wars" phenomenon. The film, starring Caroline Munro, David Hasselhoff, and Christopher Plummer, is infamous for its abysmal acting, laughably ineffective special effects, and a plot that seems haphazardly thrown together. Despite these evident flaws, or perhaps because of them, the movie exudes a peculiar charm. It's one of those rare films that is so atrocious it becomes oddly appealing. Watching "Starcrash" is akin to uncovering new layers of absurdity with each viewing, drawing comparisons to a hideously ugly kitten that unexpectedly wins your affection. There's an unexplainable heart underneath its myriad shortcomings that has cultivated a cult following.

The Blu-ray release from Shout! Factory dramatically outshines the film itself. The transfer quality is exceptional, boasting a fantastic picture and a remarkably good 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This release is clearly a labor of love, evidenced by the extensive array of extras included. The painstaking effort to present "Starcrash" in the best possible light is evident and praiseworthy. While the movie remains a quintessential example of ugly filmmaking, the care taken in this Blu-ray release elevates the entire package, making it an irresistible offer for fans and collectors alike.

Ultimately, this Blu-ray edition encapsulates more "Starcrash" than most would ever deem necessary. However, the attention to detail and expansive supplemental material make it an endearing proposition for aficionados of cult cinema and those who revel in the spectacle of truly bad movies. Whether it's one of the best "Star Wars" rip-offs remains debatable, but when compared to other dubious inspirations like the Turkish "Star Wars," "Starcrash" might indeed be considered a masterpiece. This release is highly recommended not only for the incredible quality of the Blu-ray package but also for that inexplicable something that makes "Starcrash" worth watching, even in its blatant ineptitude.