Total Recall Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Total Recall" from Lionsgate offers a new 1080p video transfer framed in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, reflecting a more contemporary remastering effort. The resulting picture quality, while commendable in some respects, is generally uneven. Grain is present throughout, spiking occasionally but remaining mostly unobtrusive, lending a somewhat film-like feel that aligns with the era of the material. Unfortunately, the transfer lacks the fine detail and vibrancy seen in other high-definition releases, with several scenes, especially those involving Quaid's nightmare, appearing excessively grainy and lacking definition. The neon-lit interiors of Mars fare better in color reproduction, with red hues and vibrant lighting showing improved stability and no apparent noise. However, black levels, while deep, suffer from occasional crushing.

Comparatively, this new transfer shows minimal dirt and blemishes, though some green screen effects reveal glaring flaws such as actor glow. Background and foreground clarity remain inconsistent, with a particularly flat look resulting from what seems to be a softening to reduce grain visibility. This diminishes the sense of depth and three-dimensionality that could have been achieved. Especially notable is the sharper presentation of mundane Earth scenes over the surreal visuals on Mars. Although the film's primary color palette poses challenges, they are generally well-handled here, contrasting sharply with previous standard-definition releases.

Overall, while "Total Recall" benefits from a fresher look compared to its earlier DVD incarnations, it does not match the superior standards set by recent remasters of similar vintage films like 'Stargate' and 'Terminator 2.' The depth and perspicuity are underwhelming, but the Blu-ray still provides an acceptable viewing experience that stands out for its stable color reproduction and lack of major print damage. This release situates "Total Recall" in a middling position among catalog titles in terms of video quality enhancement.

The audio presentation of "Total Recall" on Blu-ray offers dual formats: DTS-HD ES 6.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 EX. While both tracks present merits, they fall short of the emerging standards set by lossless codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The first half of the film, set on Earth, suffers from a lack of dynamic range and punch. The sound mix is notably front-heavy, with minimal use of surround channels and a largely unnoticed subwoofer. Elements like Jerry Goldsmith's score and fight sequences fail to deliver a substantial impact, making the initial 45 minutes feel sonically diminished.

However, the audio significantly improves as the story transitions to Mars. The mix then becomes an action lover's delight, providing deep bass and potent surround effects that enhance the tension and excitement. Explosions, gunshots, and other effects gain intensity, delivering a more immersive experience. Dialog remains clear throughout both halves of the film, ensuring consistent intelligibility. Despite the earlier shortcomings, the latter half boasts impressive .1 LFE action and well-executed surround use, contributing to a more engaging audio environment. Nonetheless, the absence of lossless options slightly detracts from the overall audio score, leaving room for improvement in future releases.

The Blu-ray extras for "Total Recall" are disappointingly minimal and lacking in substance. Most notably, the notable commentary and documentary from Paul Verhoeven and Arnold Schwarzenegger present on the previous Special Edition DVD are absent here. The solitary feature on this disc is "Visions of Mars," a 480p, 5-minute piece unrelated to the film, focused instead on the history and exploration of Mars. The exclusion of richer content leaves the supplemental section feeling as desolate as Mars itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Visions of Mars: A brief look at the history of studying Mars and the state of exploration and scientific knowledge at the time.

"Total Recall," directed by Paul Verhoeven, headlines Arnold Schwarzenegger in a quintessential sci-fi action role that intertwines ultra-violence with jaw-dropping futuristic concepts. Based on Philip K. Dick's short story "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale," the film paints a dystopian picture of the year 2048 where space travel is common, and Mars hosts a rebel faction against a tyrannical corporation led by Cohaagen (Ronny Cox). Schwarzenegger's character, Douglas Quaid, leads a mundane life as a construction worker until he undergoes a memory-implant procedure at Rekall Inc., triggering an identity crisis intertwined with buried memories and a massive interplanetary conflict.

Underneath the high-octane action sequences and compelling, if sometimes chaotic, narrative, "Total Recall" presents profound existential questions that lend the film an enduring complexity. Each viewing seems to alter one's understanding of the film's true nature—is it a vivid dream or an unravelling reality? This narrative ambiguity is punctuated by Jerry Goldsmith's compelling score, which masterfully intertwines heroic horns with industrial beats to enhance the atmosphere of Mars’ decrepit yet fascinating setting. Outstanding performances from a strong cast including Sharon Stone, Rachel Ticotin, and Michael Ironside make the characters memorable and engaging.

Yet, despite its strengths, certain elements may divide audiences. Schwarzenegger's imposing physicality and accented delivery can feel at odds with the everyman character Quaid. The film’s blend of high-concept ideas and visceral violence might appeal to some, while others may find the action sequences uninspired compared to more thoughtful or visually ambitious contemporaries like "Blade Runner." Nevertheless, Verhoeven's nuanced commentary on capitalism and societal escapism weave through the carnage, adding layers of meaning that solidify "Total Recall" as both a significant sci-fi entry and a deeply rewatchable enigma.

The Blu-ray release of "Total Recall" is a solid yet flawed addition to the collections of fans of classic sci-fi and Arnold Schwarzenegger's action-packed oeuvre. The film itself holds up remarkably well with its intriguing exploration of memory and identity, offering an entertaining blend of action and cerebral storytelling. Lionsgate has delivered a serviceable high-definition transfer that significantly improves upon previous DVD editions, showcasing the film's vibrant visuals and detailed environments with noticeable clarity.

However, the Blu-ray falls short in specific technical areas. The absence of a lossless audio track is a glaring omission, particularly for those who prioritize high-fidelity sound in their movie-viewing experience. Additionally, the lack of substantial supplementary content—such as behind-the-scenes features or director commentary—detracts from the overall value of the disc. For a film with such a rich lore and dedicated fan base, these missing components diminish the Blu-ray's appeal, especially when compared to other comprehensive releases in the market.

In conclusion, while the "Total Recall" Blu-ray marks a significant upgrade for those holding onto older DVD or VHS copies, it is not without its shortcomings. The film remains a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and action genres, but the disc's haphazard quality, coupled with minimal extras, prevents it from being an unequivocal must-buy. Consequently, while it's worth considering for die-hard fans looking to update their collection, others might be better off waiting for a more definitive release. Despite its flaws, "Total Recall" continues to captivate with its thrilling narrative and iconic performance from Schwarzenegger.