RoboCop Blu-ray Review

The latest Blu-ray release of “RoboCop,” an unequivocal classic in the science fiction genre, has undergone a transformation that promises to redefine the viewing experience for its legion of fans. Striking a balance between reverence for the original material and leveraging modern remastering techniques, this edition presents a 4K remaster based on the original camera negative (OCN), resulting in a visual feast that respects the gritty, grainy texture characteristic of its initial release. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio is preserved with an AVC encode, ensuring that the film’s iconic graininess is not only acknowledged but celebrated, maintaining its filmic integrity while enhancing clarity and detail.

Detail enhancement is commendable across the board. From the intricate design of the RoboCop suit to the visceral realism of blood squibs, viewers are treated to a level of definition that honors both Rob Bottin’s original costume design and the film’s unabashed embrace of 1980s action gore. Flesh tones gain a healthier hue, adding vibrance to human elements against the dystopian backdrop, highlighting the contrast between humanity and the mechanized enforcement protagonist. Textures in costumes and environments are now more discernible, contributing to a richer visual tapestry that invites viewers to explore every frame.

Despite the significant improvements in clarity, color, and texture, the remaster remains faithful to its roots. The presentation maintains a stable contrast with crisp whites and rich blacks, contributing to an image with appreciable depth. The warmer and more saturated color palette enhances the visual dichotomy between the sterile environments of OCP labs and the chaotic, neon-lit streets of Detroit. Primaries pop with a new vibrancy while keeping secondary hues bold and engaging, ensuring that even in its most visually chaotic scenes, “RoboCop” retains a coherent and aesthetically pleasing visual narrative. While the occasional scenes might betray their age through minor noise or dated effects, these instances do not detract from the overall enhancement this remaster brings to home video, presenting “RoboCop” in a light that not only pays homage to its original release but elevates it for contemporary audiences.

RoboCop's audio presentation on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, yields a nostalgically powerful yet slightly dated auditory experience. The track succeeds in preserving the iconic, Oscar-nominated sound design, offering clear and detailed dialogue, with Peter Weller's nuanced performance as RoboCop shining through. The audio landscape is densely populated: from the meaty thwack of bullets and the thunderous roar of explosions to the more subtle sounds such as the mechanical whir of RoboCop's movements and the distinctive clank of the ED-209's tank-like tread. Sound effects like these are cleverly constructed and awarded special recognition, underscoring the film's innovative auditory achievements. Despite its age, the mix delivers vigorous action sequences and engaging atmospherics, with directional sound that, while not as refined or flexible as modern offerings, effectively immerses the listener in its technologically fraught world.

However, the mix shows its limitations in detail and depth within its more bombastic elements, resulting in a somewhat muddled execution of high-velocity gunfire and explosions. The bass is described as heavy but lacks delineation, indicating constraints likely attributable to the era of its original design rather than to the remastering process itself. Noteworthy is the handling of Basil Poledouris’s epic score—while it brings emotional depth and vigor to the soundscape, certain crucial moments seem drowned out by competing sound elements. This oversight suggests potential areas for enhancement, indicating that a contemporary remix could realize improvements in clarity and balance without detracting from the original composition.

The Blu-ray release leverages a recent 4K transfer yielding not just visual but auditory refinement. Despite its vintage, the soundtrack remains robust and engaging, with appropriately used surrounds and a satisfactory low-frequency presence. The brilliance of Poledouris’s score is given due respect, although opportunities to elevate its integration were noted. Overall, RoboCop's audio on Blu-ray strikes a commendable balance between honoring the source material and presenting it with the clarity and dynamic range afforded by contemporary technology, crafting an experience that respects its origins while acknowledging the advancements in audio presentation.

This Blu-ray edition of "RoboCop" markedly improves upon previous releases with an extensive array of both new and ported-over special features, making it a must-have for fans and scholars of the film. While it misses an exploration of Basil Poledouris' iconic score, the disc compensates with a comprehensive selection that blends insightful retrospectives and amusing anecdotes with technical explorations of the film’s innovative effects. Highlights include a lively commentary track from Verhoeven, Neumeier, and Davison, a detailed making-of documentary, and a 2012 Q&A session that provides fresh perspectives. The inclusion of storyboard comparisons, deleted scenes, and a focused look at both the villains and the special effects underscore the release's depth. Additionally, the package benefits from quality-of-life features like a main menu and bookmarking, addressing previous format criticisms. However, the overall presentation could be improved by upgrading certain extras to high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Paul Verhoeven, Writer Ed Neumeier and Producer Jon Davison: Insightful behind-the-scenes information and anecdotes.
• Q&A with the Filmmakers (2012): A panel discussion offering fresh insight into the film's production.
• Flesh and Steel: The Making of RoboCop: A comprehensive documentary on the movie's creation.
• 1987 Featurette: Shooting RoboCop & Making RoboCop: On-set footage and interviews from the time of filming.
• The Boardroom: Storyboard with Commentary with Animator Phil Tippett: A detailed look at one of the film's key scenes.
• Deleted Scenes: Four cut scenes offering additional context but minimal impact to the overall story.
• Villains of Old Detroit: Retrospective insights from the actors behind the film's memorable antagonists.
• Special Effects: Then and Now: A look at the visual effects achievements and how they compare to contemporary methods.
• RoboCop: Creating a Legend: Focuses on the titular character's design and portrayal.
• Paul Verhoeven Easter Egg: A quick nod to the director's unintended cameo.
• Theatrical Trailer & TV Spot: Promotional materials for the original release.

In Paul Verhoeven's seminal 1987 film, "RoboCop," the grim future of Detroit serves as a backdrop for an incisive satire on corporate greed, consumerism, and the loss of humanity in an age dominated by technology. The film, through its protagonist Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) - a dedicated police officer who, after being brutally dismembered, is resurrected as a cybernetic enforcer - intricately blends themes of resurrection, redemption, and identity amidst a narrative rich with commentary on societal decay. The intertwining of Murphy's quest for vengeance and his struggle to reclaim his humanity forms the emotional core of a story that is as much a critique of Reagan-era America as it is a complex superhero myth. The technical brilliance of the movie is underscored by Basil Poledouris’ rousing score, enhancing the visceral impact of Murphy's journey against both criminal scum and the dehumanizing forces of corporate interests.

"RoboCop" transcends its action-packed premise, delivering a multi-layered experience that is startlingly prophetic in its depiction of a future where corporations supersede public interest, encapsulated in the dystopian vision of Detroit's rebirth as Delta City. This bleak envisagement, coupled with the film’s darkly comedic elements – including satirical advertisements and news broadcasts that eerily mirror modern reality TV – broadens its appeal and underscores its critique of media manipulation and public apathy. The utilization of cutting-edge practical effects and prosthetics exemplifies the film's innovative approach to science fiction, cementing its status as a landmark in cinematic history.

Yet, at its heart, "RoboCop" remains profoundly human, a testament to Verhoeven’s layered direction and Weller's performance. The character's gradual reclamation of his past life showcases the film's nuanced examination of identity and self-awareness amidst the backdrop of its more overt social commentaries. This, combined with razor-sharp wit and explosive action sequences, ensures that "RoboCop" endures not merely as a product of its time but as a timeless critique of society's trajectory toward dehumanization and corporate dominion. Its prescient vision of a world where technology blurs the lines between man and machine, coupled with its exploration of corporate overreach, makes "RoboCop" a pivotal piece of cinema that continues to resonate deeply in contemporary culture.

In the realm of science fiction and action, "RoboCop" stands as a monumental achievement that has endured the test of time, blending bold thematic ambition with a visceral thrill ride through a dystopian landscape. Paul Verhoeven’s iconoclastic masterpiece merges satire, violence, and emotional depth in a narrative ripe with socio-political commentary on corporate hegemony and urban decay. The Blu-ray release heralded as long overdue, delivers a technological rejuvenation to this classic, enhancing its visual and thematic potency for both new audiences and devoted fans. The remastering process has meticulously addressed previous issues, presenting a refined image quality with enriched textures and contrast, alongside a comprehensive collection of extras that are both enlightening and entertaining.

Peter Weller's embodiment of Alex Murphy/RoboCop, under the confines of Rob Bottin's now legendary suit, is a feat of acting that remains unmatched in its complexity and nuance. His performance is a centerpiece, offering a profound human connection amidst the film's stark critique of Reagan-era excesses. This Blu-ray not only revitalizes the film's technical aspects but also pays homage to Weller's and Verhoeven's contributions, enriching the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes insights that underscore the film's enduring relevance and innovative spirit.

The conclusion is unambiguous: this Blu-ray release is the definitive edition of "RoboCop," warranting its place in the collection of cinephiles and fans alike. Serving both as an upgrade for those familiar with its previous iterations and a compelling introduction for newcomers, the release underscores the film’s status as a genre-defining work that continues to resonate. With its unparalleled visual restoration, rich supplementary content, and reverent acknowledgment of the film’s legacy, it secures "RoboCop"’s position in the pantheon of science fiction cinema. This is not merely a recommendation but a declaration that owning this version is essential for appreciating the full depth and brilliance of Verhoeven’s vision.