Barbarella Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Barbarella" offers a robust 1080p/AVC-MPEG-4 encoded transfer, displayed at 2.35:1 widescreen, and expertly translates this colorful cult classic to high-definition. The image quality is remarkably crisp and stable with an appreciable layer of natural film grain that retains the film’s authentic texture. Fine details emerge distinctly, from skin textures to the assorted materials of the costume and set designs. The color palette, reflective of the production's psychedelic influences, is sharply rendered, bringing out both vibrant and subtle hues, from the pink exterior of Barbarella’s ship to the mossy greens and shaggy browns found within.

Black levels are deep while contrast and shadow detail provide a sense of depth, although some optical shots retain a slight softness inherent in the original photography. Despite minor imperfections such as occasional white speckles and inherent strobe effects during rear projection scenes, the transfer faithfully preserves the film's aesthetic integrity. The enhanced resolution allows for previously unseen details—such as seams in backgrounds and cables suspending Barbarella’s craft—to be visible, evidencing a high degree of fidelity to the source material.

Overall, the Blu-ray presentation excels in delivering a visually engaging experience. Fleshtones remain consistent and lifelike, further amplified by Jane Fonda’s striking screen presence. While some rear projection and special effect shots show their age with scratches and dirt, these moments are infrequent and do not detract significantly from an otherwise impressive high-definition rendering. This transfer is nearly perfect, free from banding and edge halos, making it an ideal presentation for fans and collectors alike.

The audio presentation of "Barbarella" on Blu-ray is delivered through a mono Dolby TrueHD lossless track that, while not acoustically groundbreaking, proficiently captures the essence of the original recording. The soundtrack is free of undesired clicks, pops, or background hiss, maintaining a clean auditory experience. Despite its monaural limitation, it offers an unexpectedly good dynamic range with dialogue intelligibility that remains excellent and unfaltering. The central channel preserves the clarity of speech, ensuring dialogue is perceptible at all times. However, occasional ADR issues are evident, as seen in scenes involving Joan Greenwood’s dubbing for Anita Pallenberg.

While the soundtrack lacks extensive spatial immersion, this limitation imparts a certain nostalgic charm to the audio experience. The track showcases crisp high frequencies and some surprisingly strong elements in the low end, enhancing certain effects and musical notes. The score and sound effects, characterized by typical 1960s sci-fi bleeps and bloops, are delivered with adequate precision and lively fluidity, extending somewhat beyond the track’s limited range due to natural reverberation.

Bass response is particularly notable during scenes with strong basslines, such as the opening credits and moments when Barbarella’s ship crashes through the planetary surface. The film's sound utilizes effects like machinery whines and gentle hookah gurgles to good effect, adding depth to the auditory landscape. Overall, the heritage audio track on this release stands out as a well-preserved, satisfying complement to the visual presentation, effectively balancing between authenticity and technical robustness for a film of its era.

The Blu-ray release of "Barbarella" unfortunately falls short in the extras department, with the sole inclusion being the film's theatrical trailer. This high-definition (1080p) trailer runs for just over three minutes and provides a nostalgic glimpse into the original promotion of the movie. While the trailer is a valuable inclusion and offers a brief, enjoyable look back, the absence of additional supplementary content is notable and disappointing. This minimal effort by Paramount will likely leave enthusiasts and collectors wanting more comprehensive extras to accompany this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer in high-definition.

"Barbarella," directed by Roger Vadim and based on Jean-Claude Forest's comic, is a kaleidoscopic dive into 1960s camp, where Jane Fonda embodies the titular space traveler in a universe both flamboyantly futuristic and shamelessly erotic. Set in the year 40,000 on the planet Lythion, Barbarella is summoned by Earth's President to capture the rogue scientist Dr. Durand Durand, who has devised a dangerous Positronic Ray. The plot, however, serves as little more than a vehicle for outrageous visual spectacle and audacious set pieces. Barbarella's journey is littered with bizarre encounters, such as battling killer dolls and seducing an angel named Pygar to lift his spirits—and his wings.

Despite its absurdity, the film revels in its psychedelic 1960s aesthetics and cheeky sexual liberation. The movie opens with a gravity-defying striptease from Barbarella, setting the tone for a narrative that's as straightforward as it is whimsically nonsensical. Intermixed with hollow dialogue and over-the-top scenarios are scenes that thrust viewers into the depths of sci-fi kitsch. The film’s design features impractical plastic futuristic elements and shag carpeting that evokes a time when the lines between sincere art and intentional parody blurred.

Technically, "Barbarella" falls short in coherence and gravitas, but it compensates with wild imagination and visual audacity. Given its weak characters and flat acting, it is saved only by its set designs and episodic adventures that range from cringe-worthy to comically endearing. As a cinematic device, it invites viewers to suspend disbelief—there’s little effort to disguise the film as anything more than an extravagant spectacle. This Blu-ray release, while illuminating each vibrant scene in high definition, doesn't solve its fundamental flaws but rather showcases them in all their quirky glory. "Barbarella" remains a cult classic for those who appreciate its unique blend of eroticism, humor, and visionary absurdity.

Barbarella endures as a seminal piece of 1960s campy science fiction, embodying cheekiness and a free love spirit primarily through Jane Fonda’s portrayal of the titular character. The film, now over fifty years old, inevitably appears dated and often visually simplistic, reflecting the era's cinematic capabilities and stylistic choices. While it lacks a coherent plot and the imaginative execution expected from its genre, its charm largely resides in its absurdity and playful narrative. Characters such as Dildano and peculiar elements like the zero-G striptease underscore its “so bad, it's good” appeal.

Paramount's Blu-ray release of Barbarella brings considerable improvements in video and audio quality, but it falls short in offering substantial supplementary content. Nonetheless, the high-definition preservation of this cult classic enables viewers to relish its curious aesthetic and outrageous scenarios with far greater clarity. Jane Fonda's performance remains a noteworthy attraction, blending naivety, strength, and sexual allure that captivated audiences upon its original release.

In conclusion, Barbarella on Blu-ray is a purchase worth considering for collectors of oddball cinema or fans of Jane Fonda and 1960s film culture. Despite its numerous flaws and lack of depth, it succeeds as an entertaining piece of cult history that can be particularly enjoyable for those seeking a nostalgic or whimsical viewing experience. While new viewers might find its appeal elusive, existing fans will appreciate this enhanced presentation.