RoboCop Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "RoboCop" has elicited a range of opinions regarding its video transfer, yet upon close examination, it presents a significant improvement over its predecessors, including the original Criterion DVD and the MGM Trilogy set, despite not reaching the high standards set by contemporary blockbusters. This release is recognized as the best visual presentation of "RoboCop" to date, offering an enhanced level of detail that was previously obscured in older editions. For instance, finer details like the texture of Robocop's uniform and facial features are now distinctly visible, demonstrating the upgrade from SD to 1080p resolution. The color palette shows improved saturation, although it occasionally suffers from variability in skin tones and occasionally subdued hues. Nonetheless, the film, originally produced on a modest budget, presents a commendably clean print with reduced graininess, except in certain night scenes where grain is still perceptible, albeit less intrusive than in past versions.

Aspect ratio variations have also been a point of contention among purists, with the film's theatrical release at 1.85:1 and a director-approved cut at 1.66:1, whereas this Blu-ray opts for the wider aspect. Despite this discrepancy, the choice of 1.85:1 in MPEG-2 1080P format does not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The transfer exhibits sporadic issues like slight speckles and occasional muddy blacks due to source material defects, but these do not overshadow the overall enhanced clarity and depth brought to the film's gritty aesthetics. However, it's worth noting that certain scenes suffer from sharpness inconsistencies and noise in darker areas, alongside some edge enhancement.

While this edition of "RoboCop" on Blu-ray markedly surpasses previous releases in terms of picture clarity and detail, it is not without its flaws. The transfer still showcases instances of film grain and color balance issues, with some scenes appearing overly dark or with a slight red cast affecting flesh tones. Despite these imperfections, it is indisputably a noteworthy upgrade that revitalizes the visual experience of this classic film. Fans hoping for an immaculate remaster might find these improvements somewhat underwhelming, yet this rendition undoubtedly offers the most refined version of "RoboCop" to date, making it a valued addition for collectors and enthusiasts eager to witness the film in its best possible home video format thus far.

The audio presentation of "RoboCop" on Blu Ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround track, represents a significant improvement over previous versions, making it a treat for audiophiles. The use of a 48kHz/16-bit source ensures that every channel is leveraged to its fullest, creating an immersive experience that skillfully envelops the viewer in both action-packed and quieter scenes. Gunfire and explosions activate the surround sound capabilities, making the audience feel as though they are in the middle of the action, while more subdued environments, such as boardrooms, benefit from multi-directional dialogue and background noise. Despite these advancements, the mix isn't without its faults; notably, the LFE channel feels underutilized, failing to deliver the room-shaking bass expected of intense scenes, and the audio fidelity reveals its age with limitations in both the low and high ends of the spectrum, lacking the full dynamic range and clarity found in modern mixes.

Technical assessments highlight the soundtrack's inconsistencies, with original stems exhibiting a somewhat band-limited sound. The score by Basil Poledouris fares better than other elements, offering a pleasant wrap-around quality through the surrounds that enhances the immersive experience. However, dialogue and sound effects occasionally suffer from peaking issues, leading to a slight unnaturalness. Gunshots and explosions lack the expected visceral impact, feeling somewhat anemic. Moreover, while the design offers effective split channel effects and maintains a consistent atmosphere of engagement, it reveals physical limitations with no output below 40hz or above 15khz noted.

In sum, MGM’s "RoboCop" audio presentation shines as a robust attempt to modernize a classic film's auditory experience. It demonstrates commendable efforts to utilize every speaker in creating a surround sound environment that significantly elevates immersion during both high-octane and quieter moments. However, it simultaneously contends with inherent weaknesses stemming from its original audio materials, leading to some discrepancies in dynamism and depth when compared to contemporary standards. The mix might not shake the room as some might hope or deliver in terms of low-frequency effects and high-frequency clarity, but it remains an undoubtedly above-average remaster that respects its origins while embracing the benefits of modern audio technology.

The Blu-ray reissue of "RoboCop" has arrived with a shockingly spare extras package, especially when compared to its Standard Definition counterparts, which came loaded with features. In an unexpected and disappointing move by MGM, this release only includes the high-definition theatrical trailer for "RoboCop" and previews for "The Bulletproof Monk", "To Live and Die in LA", and "The Usual Suspects". This scarcity of supplemental content is particularly puzzling given the wealth of extras, including an audio commentary, a documentary, and deleted scenes, found in previous releases. The stark contrast between this Blu-ray edition's bare-bones offerings and the richly featured SD versions underscores a missed opportunity to celebrate and explore the movie's legacy and production in greater depth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer of "RoboCop".
• Previews: High-definition previews of "The Bulletproof Monk", "To Live and Die in LA", and "The Usual Suspects".

"RoboCop," presented in Blu-Ray format, stands as a testament to the film's enduring legacy, both in terms of its technical achievements and its thematic depth. The Blu-Ray edition boasts the highest quality visuals and audio the film has ever seen, promising an unmatched viewing experience that, until now, was only dreamed of. However, it's important to note that the film is presented in an aspect ratio that has stirred some controversy among purists; nevertheless, this does not detract from the overall excellence of the film's presentation.

Delving into the rich tapestry of "RoboCop's" narrative and thematic concerns, the movie transcends its era and genre, weaving a complex story that explores corporate greed, the mechanization of law enforcement, and the erosion of human ethics in a dystopian future. This Blu-Ray version further embellishes these themes by including the unrated cut, which integrates a few seconds more of extreme violence and gore, deepening Paul Verhoeven's critique of American consumerism, media sensationalism, and a corrupt legal system. Despite the enhancements in violence, the film’s sharp satire and dark humor resonate more profoundly in this uncut format, making the societal parallels it draws eerily prescient in today's context.

The film’s portrayal by a stellar cast under Verhoeven's direction manages to preserve its biting satire with an ironic tone, balancing the over-the-top violence with moments of genuine human struggle and introspection. "RoboCop" remains a brilliantly subversive piece of cinema that challenges viewers through its portrayal of a cyborg officer navigating a world stripped of humanity. Overall, this Blu-Ray edition not only celebrates the technical brilliance and forward-thinking vision of Verhoeven’s work but also invites new audiences to engage with its deeply relevant themes.

The Blu-ray presentation of "RoboCop" delivers a mixed experience that caters predominantly to avid fans of the iconic action-thriller flick. The film, renowned for its sharp satire and graphic violence that serves a greater narrative purpose, benefits from a noticeable upgrade in picture quality on Blu-ray, though it is marred by limitations. The visual fidelity, while an improvement over past releases, isn't as stellar as one might expect from a modern Blu-ray disc. Despite these shortcomings, the transfer manages to capture the essence of the '80s masterpiece with a satisfactory level of detail and color accuracy, making it a worthwhile watch for those who prioritize film quality over additional content. The audio presentation is similarly competent, offering an immersive experience despite being constrained by band limitations. It provides enough auditory engagement to draw viewers into the dystopian world of RoboCop, albeit without reaching the auditory heights achievable with today's technology.

A significant drawback of this release is the stark absence of extras, which undeniably detracts from the overall appeal of the Blu-ray, especially for collectors and enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive package. This omission is particularly disappointing given the film's influential status and rich history, suggesting a missed opportunity to enhance appreciation through behind-the-scenes content, commentaries, or documentaries. For viewers primarily invested in the technical reproduction of the film itself, this aspect might be of lesser concern. However, those who value the added depth and context provided by supplementary materials will likely find this release lacking.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray version of "RoboCop" offers a serviceable upgrade in video and audio quality that will please fans wanting to experience the film in a better light than previous releases, it falls short of being a definitive edition due to the complete omission of additional content. This release is best suited for die-hard fans of the franchise who are content with the core viewing experience and willing to overlook these missing features. Potential buyers seeking a more enriched package may want to consider other options or previous editions that strike a different balance between film presentation and extras.