Cliffhanger Blu-ray Review
Score: 61
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
High-tech home cinema setup reviews 'Cliffhanger' Blu-ray; action-packed yet with video flaws.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 56
Sony's Blu-ray release of 'Cliffhanger' impresses with natural colors and detail but lacks the high-def dazzle of newer films, offering a solid yet imperfect transfer.
Audio: 68
Cliffhanger's DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack impresses with dynamic clarity, immersive action, and nuanced ambience, outperforming prior versions.
Extra: 51
Cliffhanger's Blu-ray release delights with HD glory, enhanced extras like BD-Live and MovieIQ, intriguing director and cast commentaries, insightful deleted scenes, a light-hearted making-of featurette, technical special effects breakdowns, storyboard comparisons, and a mix of HD and SD trailers, satisfying both fans and cinephiles.
Movie: 76
'Cliffhanger' thrills with high-altitude action, spectacular stunts, and Stallone's impactful return to form, celebrated for its intense storytelling and visual splendor.
Video: 56
Sony and Tri-Star's Blu-ray release of "Cliffhanger" presents a markedly improved AVC transfer, maintaining the film's original 2.40:1 aspect ratio with a solid and stable print that deeply respects the source material without succumbing to unnecessary digital enhancements. The transfer exhibits a robust clarity and color fidelity that, while not boasting the vibrancy of more recent high-definition transfers, remains faithful to the film's natural palette. Noteworthy is the balance achieved in preserving the film’s colors—particularly the reds of the rescue chopper and the nuanced hues of flames and blood—which stand out against the snowy backdrop without appearing oversaturated. Furthermore, the detail in facial textures, clothing, and environmental elements like rock faces and icicles is significantly sharper, bringing a new level of immersion to the viewing experience.
The high-definition upgrade notably enhances depth and shadow detail, especially evident in scenes showcasing the Italian Alps' breathtaking vistas and in darker sequences where the balance of light and dark is meticulously maintained. Blacks are deep and pure, contributing to an appreciable depth in low-light conditions without crushing details. Grain presence varies, suggesting a transfer that remains true to the original filming conditions rather than falling victim to overzealous noise reduction. Some visual effects and composite shots betray their age, appearing more pronounced amidst the otherwise solid resolution and textural definition. However, these moments do little to detract from the overall impressive quality of the transfer.
Despite occasional softness and a few instances of background noise and banding, the Blu-ray presentation of "Cliffhanger" is arguably the best this film has looked since its theatrical release. Color reproduction is natural with well-represented flesh tones and a consistent presentation of the film’s varied and dynamic color scheme, from the bright reds of helicopters to the subtler earth tones and primaries. While not reaching the pinnacle of current high-definition possibilities, owing partly to the source material’s original qualities and age-related limitations, this release delivers a commendably clean, sharp, and engaging viewing experience that fans will undoubtedly appreciate.
Audio: 68
Cliffhanger's Blu-ray release boasts an auditory experience that's as muscular and relentless as its high-stakes, action-packed narrative. With a high bitrate, lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, the film roars to life in a spectacle of sound that transcends its visuals. The soundscape of Cliffhanger is intricately layered, marrying the harshness of explosive action sequences with the subtlety of nature's quietest whispers. From the rotors of a helicopter intricately moving across the soundstage, mimicking its presence with a realism that's almost tangible, to the enveloping orchestral score by Trevor Jones that sweeps across the channels with smooth, refined dynamism, the audio presentation is a testament to the power of lossless audio in enhancing cinematic immersion.
The sonic fidelity extends to capturing the raw ferocity of gunfire, the catastrophic roar of avalanches, and the chilling whisper of snow underfoot, each benefiting from an exceptional dynamic range that lends palpable energy and concussive impact to the action, while ensuring dialogue clarity amidst the chaos. The surround mix actively engages the entire sound field, seamlessly integrating ambient effects and directional cues that add layer upon depth to the experience. An impressive low-end frequency response ensures that every explosion and natural disaster hits with room-shaking intensity, anchoring the high-octane visuals with weight and depth.
Despite its prowess in delivering an auditory tapestry rich in both bombastic spectacles and nuanced details of the environment, Cliffhanger’s audio mix occasionally allows these dynamic sequences to overshadow dialogue clarity. This minor quibble aside, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track exemplifies audio mixing and design at its most visceral and enveloping. It stands as a definitive upgrade over previous formats, offering viewers not only an improvement but a complete transformation of the viewing experience, ensuring that every moment, from the quietest to the most explosive, is nothing short of gripping.
Extras: 51
The Blu-ray edition of "Cliffhanger" packs a commendable array of extras, faithfully porting over the features from its special edition DVD while introducing BD-Live and Movie IQ functionality for an enhanced viewing experience. The disc features two commentary tracks; one with insights from director Renny Harlin and star Sylvester Stallone, offering a fascinating glimpse into the production's challenges and triumphs, albeit with Stallone's input feeling somewhat minimal. Harlin's technical acumen shines through in both his solo commentary and a detailed personal introduction to the film. Viewers will also appreciate the inclusion of two deleted scenes, accompanied by Harlin's explanatory remarks on their omission, alongside a vintage making-of featurette, "Stallone on the Edge," which provides a lighter look at the production. Special effects analyses and storyboard comparisons delve deeper into the movie's visual storytelling. The original theatrical trailer and a selection of HD previews for other titles round out the package, making for a robust supplement to the film's Blu-ray release.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentaries: Two tracks featuring director Renny Harlin and Sylvester Stallone among others, covering extensive ground on the film’s production.
- A Personal Introduction from Renny Harlin: A brief insight into the director's perspective.
- Deleted Scenes: Two scenes not included in the final cut, with director's introductions.
- Stallone on the Edge: The Making of 'Cliffhanger': A 20-minute featurette focusing on the film’s creation.
- Special Effects: Breakdowns of key sequences such as Sarah's Fall and the Helicopter Explosion.
- Storyboard Comparisons: Visual comparisons for significant scenes against their initial storyboards.
- Theatrical Trailer: With an optional introduction by Renny Harlin, sharing thoughts on trailers as marketing tools.
- BD-Live / MovieIQ: Features that provide real-time facts and trivia about the film’s cast and crew during viewing.
- Previews: High definition previews of films like 'Snatch', 'The DaVinci Code Extended Cut', 'Ghostbusters', and more.
Movie: 76
Renny Harlin's "Cliffhanger" remains a pinnacle of the action genre, consistently thrilling viewers with its high-altitude suspense and visually striking set pieces, despite some dated visual effects. Sylvester Stallone’s portrayal of Gabe Walker provides a compelling blend of agility and grit, facilitating a more nuanced and vulnerable action hero that stands apart from his roles in "Rocky" and "Rambo". The supporting cast, including John Lithgow's deliciously villainous performance and Michael Rooker's steadfast loyalty, elevate the narrative, making "Cliffhanger" not just a Stallone showcase but a robust ensemble effort. The Blu-ray presentation magnifies this cinematic experience with impeccable AV quality that breathes new life into the icy slopes and treacherous cliffs of the Italian Alps doubling for Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
The storyline taps into a timeless action trope – a straightforward battle of wits and wills against a backdrop of perilous terrains and high stakes. Yet, it distinguishes itself with its relentless pace and ingeniously staged set pieces that rival the best of its genre. The film's awe-inspiring opening scene sets a high bar for tension, a level that Harlin skillfully maintains throughout, leveraging both the stark beauty of the natural landscape and the raw physicality of its actors’ performances. Notably, the commitment to real stunts and minimal reliance on digital effects grants "Cliffhanger" an authenticity that enhances its spectacle and dramatic tension, making every leap and explosion feel all the more perilous.
Action connoisseurs will appreciate the film's adherence to genre hallmarks while pushing the boundaries with its breathtaking location work and harrowing survival scenarios. The Blu-ray's audiovisual clarity underscores Trevor Jones' dynamic score and the intricately choreographed action, ensuring "Cliffhanger" endures as a hallmark of '90s cinema. While the extras might not break new ground, they offer valuable insight into the film's creation, with deleted scenes and commentaries enriching the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike. In essence, "Cliffhanger" not only reinvigorated Stallone's career but also stands as a testament to Harlin’s directorial prowess and the enduring appeal of well-crafted action cinema.
Total: 61
In evaluating the Blu-ray presentation of "Cliffhanger," it's clear that while the film itself may not rival some of its contemporaries for script or performance, it stands out with its sheer spectacle and auditory experience. Utilizing an impressive array of equipment—including the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector calibrated by Jeff Meier and the Anthem AVM50v THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor—the transfer conveys the film's breathtaking locations and stunts with a commendable level of detail. However, the 1080p video quality, despite expectations, slightly underdelivers, failing to match the high standards set by the audio's dynamic lossless presentation, which successfully immerses viewers into the action through systems like Canton Ergo and Axiom Audio QS8 speakers.
Regarding the technical setup that facilitated this review, it heavily features top-tier components such as the Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player and Sherbourn Technologies' 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier, complemented by high-quality cabling solutions from Wireworld and Audioquest. This robust configuration underscores the testing environment's capability to discern and evaluate the finest audiovisual details. The auditory experience, powered by equipment capable of delivering a striking lossless soundtrack, notably stands in contrast to the video presentation. Despite these capabilities, enthusiasts might find the video performance less thrilling, which slightly diminishes the overall high-definition experience.
In conclusion, "Cliffhanger" on Blu-ray finds its strength in its sound presentation rather than its visuals. Though it may not fully satisfy purists hoping for a flawless transfer, the engaging lossless audio compensates significantly, supported by an enviable home theater setup. With plenty of extras to sweeten the deal, this release remains recommendable for fans seeking to relive the adrenaline-pumping action with superior sound, making it a valuable addition to a Blu-ray collection. However, its full potential is somewhat restrained by the video quality, marking a missed opportunity for an unequivocal home run.
avforums review by Chris McEneanyRead review here
Video: 80
That noise I mentioned earlier does make a slight appearance in some of the shadows, though, but check out the depth of the blacks as opposed to the clarity and vividness of the falling snow when one unlucky...
Audio: 80
Jeez, what is not to love about this?As some of you will already know, the UK Region B-locked version of Cliffhanger that came out some time ago, had a few problems with its audio mixing, with some channels...
Extras: 60
Alongside a Personal Introduction to the film, that is pure pop-jazz material, but dealt with in an entertaining fashion, Renny Harlin stamps his authority all over the two Deleted Scenes with lengthy...
Movie: 80
Tough action, daft machismo, explosive derring-do all the way, this packs more set-piece mayhem into its running time than you may remember, and genuinely leaves you happily knackered by the end of it!Cliffhanger...
Total: 80
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 70
There's a noticeable lack of visible grain, and while Cliffhanger features smoothness about the image, the film has always featured something of a slick and clean visual appearance, particularly considering...
Audio: 90
From the get-go, listeners will find plenty of sonic goodness to enjoy, and much like the film's amazing opening segment sets a visual and thematic tone for the film, the DTS track -- with a helicopter...
Extras: 60
Stallone on the Edge: The Making of 'Cliffhanger' (480p, 20:03) is an extended basic piece that recounts the plot and features plenty of interview clips (including Stallone speaking from the set of Demolition...
Movie: 80
Indeed, there's probably no genre with a wider appeal and a more diverse set of pictures than Action, but whether such a film incorporates elements of the Western, Science Fiction, War, or even Horror,...
Total: 80
Cliffhanger may not be the better scripted or acted of the two, but its expansive and unforgiving locations, incredible stunts, gorgeous cinematography, and aggressive violence make it a can't-miss Action...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 60
Muted contrast, of course, is a huge culprit, but the prevailing softness keeps background details sketchy and prevents fabrics from exhibiting proper texture....
Audio: 80
Active, immersive, and filled with both bombastic and subtle surround accents, the lossless audio perfectly complements this high-octane thrill ride and trumps the Superbit's lossy DTS track but good....
Extras: 40
"A Personal Introduction from Renny Harlin" (SD, 5 minutes) – The 'Cliffhanger' director recalls how he initially turned the project down, cites the various natural disasters that hampered shooting in...
Movie: 80
The expressive Turner also asserts herself well, combining sensitivity with spunk, and creating a more comfortable romantic chemistry with Stallone than many of his other leading ladies....
Total: 60
One of Sylvester Stallone's best films, 'Cliffhanger' remains a wildly entertaining, thrill-a-minute action-adventure that keeps attention riveted despite a far-fetched story and disappointing 1080p transfer....
AVSForumRead review here
Video: 84
Bright exterior sequences tend to look the best as contrast and brightness achieve an excellent balance that when coupled with the video's high resolution has a resplendent quality that can be eye catching....
Audio: 90
The music is spread throughout the entire soundstage with excellent channel separation and imaging....
Extras: 50
This title includes Sony's Movie IQ features which requires a BD-Live connection and allows fans the option of viewing continuously updated details on the cast and crew and to explore relevant trivia such...
Movie: 70
Against explosive firepower, bitter cold, and dizzying heights, Walker must outwit Qualen in a deadly game of hide-and-seek....
Total: 74
THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)...
Director: Renny Harlin
Actors: Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow, Michael Rooker
PlotA seasoned mountain climber and rescue worker is haunted by the memory of a friend's fatal fall, which he feels responsible for due to a failed rescue attempt in the Rocky Mountains. Suffering from this trauma, he withdraws from his profession and becomes estranged from his colleagues and friends. Despite his attempts to leave that life behind, a distress call from an imperiled group pulls him back into action, forcing him to confront his past failures and fears.
As the climber ascends the treacherous mountain to conduct the rescue, he unexpectedly stumbles upon a dangerous situation far beyond a typical mountain rescue mission. A group of thieves, after a heist involving U.S. Treasury bills, has crashed their getaway plane in the mountains. Struggling to recover the scattered loot and escape, the criminals coerce the climber into guiding them. Amidst the perilous high-altitude terrain and ruthless adversaries, he must use his climbing skills and wits to survive, protect other innocents in harm's way, and thwart the thieves’ plan.
Writers: John Long, Michael France, Sylvester Stallone
Release Date: 28 May 1993
Runtime: 113 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, Italy, France, Japan
Language: English