The Rocketeer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Rocketeer" boasts a 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that impresses overall, standing as a significant improvement over the prior 1999 DVD release. Disney's digital restoration highlights clean, well-depicted colors that offer a good mix of secondary hues, which are faithfully reproduced to harmonize with the source material. Earth tones appear natural, with green grass and period clothing looking particularly accurate. High-saturation reds and rich yellows add a visually enticing palette. While the image resolution is generally commendable, it displays varying degrees of refinement depending on the scene, with sharpness and edge definition occasionally wavering.

Black and white levels are adeptly managed, providing a stable and pop-infused balance in brighter scenes while maintaining crisp, gradational detail in darker segments. The film's grain structure is intact, adding a prominent texture that never becomes obtrusive. Moreover, the encode is robust with no apparent issues such as artifacting, banding, or aliasing. Nonetheless, some inherent flaws linked to Hiro Narita's original cinematography persist, especially in scenes filmed in low light or involving extensive special effects, leading to minor instances of crush and ringing.

Despite minor inconsistencies such as sporadic softness and limited delineation in darker sequences, "The Rocketeer" delivers an impressive high-definition viewing experience. The film shows off exquisite detail and dimensionality, particularly in close-up shots and daylight exteriors. Skin tones are even and vividly rendered, and Jennifer Connelly appears particularly radiant. While there's room for further enhancement, fans will find this version of "The Rocketeer" the best it has ever looked on home video.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "The Rocketeer" delivers a commendable audio presentation that successfully brings the film's soundtrack to life despite its age. Dialogue is generally clear and discernible, with excellent room penetration and refining clarity, although it occasionally veers towards thinness during outdoor scenes. The front-oriented presentation leverages robust dynamic range, ensuring that both speech and sound effects have substantial presence and impact. James Horner's memorable score stands out, as it fills the soundstage with stirring orchestral elements that elevate the auditory experience.

The surround activity, though not constant, adds significant spatial ambience and discrete effects when applied, enhancing the listener's immersion without overwhelming the primary audio elements. Directional effects from the rear speakers provide additional layers to the soundscape, but their movement can feel somewhat artificial at times. Low Frequency Effects (LFE) are used sparingly, giving weight to low bass frequencies, although some may find the output somewhat weak for a genre film with numerous action sequences. Notably, panning in the front channels is precise, adding a nice dimensionality to the audio.

Despite its limitations and occasional muffled dialogue, this track remains a highlight for fans, largely due to Horner's engaging score which compensates for some of the mix’s shortcomings. While it may not compete with modern action-adventure soundtracks, it offers a nostalgic and enjoyable listening experience. The additional 2.0 French Dolby Digital track provides an alternative, yet less immersive, listening option for viewers. Overall, the audio presentation of "The Rocketeer" on Blu-ray delivers a capable and faithful representation of the film's original charm.

While the Blu-ray release of "The Rocketeer" features incredibly restored picture quality, the extras section is highly underwhelming. Despite being an Anniversary Edition, the sole special feature is the theatrical trailer. This omission is particularly egregious given the availability of vintage interviews and the involvement of key figures like Joe Johnston, Billy Campbell, and others who would likely have contributed to new material or commentary. The decision to exclude any substantial extras, especially in a commemorative release, reflects poorly on the home video department, which missed a significant opportunity to enrich this edition with meaningful content for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer of the film presented in standard definition 4:3 format.

The Rocketeer, directed by Joe Johnston, is an exhilarating homage to the Saturday matinee serials of the 1930s and '40s, capturing the feel of adventure films like Raiders of the Lost Ark. Based on Dave Stevens' comic series, the story follows Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell), a down-on-his-luck stunt pilot who stumbles upon a jetpack prototype stolen from Howard Hughes (Terry O'Quinn). With a spirited ensemble including Jennifer Connelly as his actress girlfriend Jenny Blake, Alan Arkin as his mechanic Peevy, and Timothy Dalton as the charming yet sinister Nazi spy, Neville Sinclair, Johnston crafts a narrative filled with stratosphere-scraping stunts, Nazi plots, and thrilling escapades. The film’s production design and cinematography by Jim Bissell and Hiro Narita are exceptional, creating a vivid portrayal of 1938 Los Angeles, complemented by James Horner's classic Hollywood score.

Despite its budget constraints and mild box office performance at the time of release, The Rocketeer has aged into a beloved cult classic. Its practical visual effects handled by Industrial Light and Magic retain a nostalgic charm when contrasted with modern CGI. Certain elements do appear dated, such as the occasionally noticeable matte lines and over-the-top character portrayals like Tiny Ron Taylor’s Lothar. However, these perceived flaws add to its retro allure and unapologetic embrace of its roots. Campbell delivers a stellar performance, embodying the all-American hero with conviction, while Dalton’s portrayal of Sinclair provides an optimal blend of suaveness and menace.

Johnston’s directing prowess ensures a fast-paced flow without faltering, leveraging a talented cast to deliver memorable performances. Although not without its inconsistencies—namely moments that verge into ‘cartoony’ territory—the film’s spirit prevails. The Rocketeer stands as a testament to an era of glorious high-flying adventures, echoing nostalgia while also drawing parallels to influential modern superhero films such as Iron Man and Captain America: The First Avenger.

Disney's Blu-ray release of "The Rocketeer" is an impressive tribute to one of the best comic-book adaptations of the '90s. The film, although not as polished as some contemporaries like the 'Indiana Jones' franchise, remains a thrilling superhero adventure with its unique blend of Indiana Jones-style escapades and Iron Man-esque aerial sequences. The video transfer on this Blu-ray is impeccable, breathing new life into this period piece with sharp visuals and vibrant color grading, while the lossless audio track delivers a robust and immersive sound experience.

Viewing "The Rocketeer" again is akin to rediscovering a long-lost treasure. Despite its age, it continues to captivate with its excellent cast, engaging storytelling, and classic ILM special effects. The high definition Blu-ray format ensures that the film looks and sounds better than ever, providing both fans and newcomers a chance to appreciate the quality restoration work. However, the absence of a substantial set of special features is a notable drawback for collectors.

In conclusion, "The Rocketeer" remains a worthwhile addition to any collection, providing a nostalgic yet refreshing viewing experience. While not filled with extras, the superior video and audio quality make this Blu-ray release highly recommended for those looking to relive Joe Johnston's masterful prelude to his work on "Captain America." For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, the film offers a delightful journey into old-style filmmaking that stands the test of time. Disney, it's never too late to think about sequels!