Invasion of the Body Snatchers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Don Siegel’s "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is presented in a 2.00:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in 1080p. Despite being touted as a new high-definition digital restoration by Olive Films, this release is built upon the same master used for their 2012 edition. Consequently, inherited source limitations are evident, affecting overall visual quality. Notably, darker and nighttime scenes lack nuanced detail, and there is observable black crush throughout. The image also suffers from occasional softness and a somewhat flatter overall appearance than a proper new master would provide. However, it does have positives; the image stability is solid, grading convincing, and despite aforementioned issues, numerous decent nuances and a pleasing grain exposure are retained.

Comparing the bitrates, the 2012 release peaked around 25mbps while this newer one runs steadily at 32-34mbps. The higher encoding bitrate helps maintain a notable grain field that improves facial details, clothing patterns, and minute textures, particularly in close-up shots. While wide panoramic scenes may not deliver significant improvements in clarity or depth and still appear somewhat flat, close-ups now exhibit improved skin textures and finer detail. Black levels remain inky, contributing to an acceptable sense of depth, and the greyscale demonstrates natural gradation from whites to deep blacks. While not a transformative upgrade from the 2012 Blu-ray, this transfer showcases subtle but appreciated refinements that elevate the viewing experience without drastically altering the visual characteristics of the film. This Blu-ray release does not revolutionize the film’s aesthetic presentation but delivers a reasonably enhanced high-definition experience within the constraints of its source material.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers features a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on this Blu-ray release. The lossless track exhibits proper depth, excellent clarity, and a stable overall balance. Notably, the transition from the previous 1.0 mono mix to the present 2.0 mono mix enhances the audio experience by utilizing the extra channel to add texture and oomph. Despite the absence of a vintage audio mix, the current offering proves to be highly satisfying.

The audio presentation remains free from background anomalies, maintaining a clean and crisp dialogue with no detectable age-related hiss or hum. The score by Carmon Dragon amplifies the chilling atmosphere of the film, contributing significantly to the overall ambiance. This mix may not signify a groundbreaking improvement over its predecessor but upholds an already high standard. The sound levels are impeccably balanced, providing a consistently engaging auditory experience throughout.

In summary, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on this Blu-ray edition of Invasion of the Body Snatchers offers a significant improvement in depth and texture. The clarity and balance are top-notch, making it a solid choice for audiophiles and movie enthusiasts alike. Optional English subtitles are also provided, appearing within the image frame for added convenience.

The Extras section of the Blu Ray release of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is comprehensive and meticulously curated, offering both a wealth of archival content and new insights from contemporary filmmakers and historians. The inclusion of thought-provoking audio commentaries by Richard Harlan Smith and a vintage one featuring Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, and Joe Dante provide deep dives into the film's production history and enduring impact. The new video programs with contributions from directors Larry Cohen and Joe Dante, as well as the in-depth discussions on producer Walter Wanger, further enhance the understanding of this classic. The archival interviews, visual essays, and meticulous location featurettes all contribute to a rich additional content package, making it a must-have for fans and film scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary One: In-depth production and socio-cultural analysis by Richard Harlan Smith.
• Audio Commentary Two: Technical details and historical anecdotes by Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, and Joe Dante.
• The Stranger in Your Lover's Eyes: Visual essay with Kristoffer Tabori reading from Don Siegel's book.
• The Fear is Real: Directors Larry Cohen and Joe Dante discuss the film's impact.
• I No Longer Belong: The Rise and Fall of Walter Wagner: Examination of producer Walter Wanger's career by Matthew Wanger.
• Sleep No More: Invasion of the Body Snatchers Revisited: Interviews with cast and filmmakers on the film's significance.
• The Fear and the Fiction: Archival featurette with interviews discussing the film's cultural impact.
• Interview with Kevin McCarthy: Archival interview from 1985 with insights on his role.
• Return to Santa Mira: Location tour of key filming spots.
• What's In a Name?: Short piece on the film’s title changes.
• Gallery: Collection of rare production documents.
• Essay: Kier-La Janisse’s text-format essay on the film's themes.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: 6-page booklet featuring Kier-La Janisse’s essay and vintage stills.

Don Siegel's 1956 sci-fi classic "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" arrives on Blu-ray under Olive Films’ Signature collection. This atmospheric horror-thriller, adapted from Jack Finney’s novel, eschews the prevalent 1950s trend of showcasing giant creatures and space invaders. Instead, it introduces a subtler yet more insidious form of threat - an alien invasion lacking any spectacular visual effects, employing no spaceships or ray guns, but infiltrating through intangible seeds that covertly take over human bodies, stripping them of emotion and individuality. Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Santa Mira, the protagonist Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) gradually realizes the eerie transformation of the townsfolk, starting with the appearance of a featureless body mirroring his friend, Jack Belicec. A rekindled romance with Becky Driscoll (Dana Wynter) grounds the narrative in human emotion amidst growing paranoia.

Pacing and timing elevated by Don Siegel's deft direction convert the quiet town into a crucible of suspense and dread. The meticulous incremental buildup, notably effective with the discovery of the anonymous body on Jack's table, transitions seamlessly from everyday tranquility to sheer terror, engaging viewers from curiosity to mortification. Over decades, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" has captivated audiences with its timelessness, adaptable to myriad political interpretations—be it an anti-communist allegory or an anti-conformity tale—thanks to its deliberate ambiguity. Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter deliver exceptional performances, making this depiction of creeping dread resonate on a personal level.

Regardless of several remakes, the 1956 original remains peerless in its genre due to Siegel’s mastery in suspenseful filmmaking. The carefully balanced pacing allows viewers to contemplate deeply unsettling implications about identity and autonomy. The movie is further enhanced on Blu-ray with various enriching supplemental features: commentaries by film historians and cast members, insightful new video programs, and rare production documents. An informative booklet by Kier-La Janisse adds depth to the classic experience. This Blu-ray release is a definitive way to appreciate Siegel's meticulous craftsmanship in one of cinema’s most enduring sci-fi horror narratives.

The Blu-Ray release of Don Siegel's Invasion of the Body Snatchers delivers an impressive viewing experience complemented by a myriad of bonus features tailored for both die-hard fans and classic film aficionados. The foundation for this remaster was derived from the Olive Films’ 2012 release, ensuring a high-definition presentation that, while not groundbreaking, still offers noteworthy improvements in image clarity and audio quality. The film's suspenseful narrative and political undertones continue to enthrall viewers, proving its timeless appeal.

A significant highlight of this special edition is its comprehensive suite of extras. Fans will be particularly pleased with the inclusion of two insightful audio commentaries. The first features actors Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter, moderated by Joe Dante, alongside several retrospective featurettes and an essay from the previously unreleased 2006 50th anniversary edition. Accompanying these are new materials such as another audio commentary by film historian Richard Harland Smith, several HD featurettes, an additional essay, the film’s trailer, and a gallery of archival documents sourced from the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research. The voices of numerous luminaries, including Kristoffer Tabori, Larry Cohen, and Matthew Bernstein, provide valuable context and perspectives.

This upcoming special edition of Invasion of the Body Snatchers offers a very impressive selection of bonus features that I think cover everything that a fan of the film would be interested in. The two audio commentaries in particular provide a tremendous amount of historical information that any serious film fan would appreciate. The foundation for the new remaster that was used to produce this release is actually the old master that Olive Films worked with when they prepared the first release of Invasion of the Body Snatchers in 2012. So, the film can look even better in high-definition, but I still think that this release is well worth picking up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.