Somewhere in Time [Blu-ray]

FORMAT: Blu-Ray + Digital HDUPC: 0-25192-07373-1RELEASED: 2014-03-04TITLE: Somewhere in Time (1980) • PG • 1:43:31Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, Christopher Plummer, Teresa WrightJeannot Szwarc (Director)This is another one of those movies that emphatically reaffirms that the vast majority of so-called professional movie critics are grossly out-of-touch with the average movie goer. The reason being that, this movie was heavily, and widely, panned by critics upon its initial theatrical release; and, subsequently, crashed and burned at the box office, in part, it would seem, because of bad reviews by professional movie critics. Obviously, the theater-going public of the time (or, probably any other time) shouldn't be viewed too highly either — as they didn't overlook the bad reviews by the jaded critics and flock to see this movie anyway.Oh well.These days, as is so often the case with things that are ahead of their time, this film currently enjoys a rather large cult following — presumably, because its release on cable television and various home video formats afforded audiences several more opportunities to embrace its charms — and, finally, they did. In fact I remember reading somewhere that the hotel at which the movie was filmed now hosts an annual ‘Somewhere in Time’ convention — which is well attended.Nowadays, after re-watching this movie (for the who knows how many times), the incurable romantic in me was (as always) tempted to give it a 5+ rating! But, the nit-picking nerd in me could not overlook the relative slowness in developing the story, or the outright bad acting by a few of the minor characters, or the definite made-for-TV feel to the whole proceedings — thus, prompting me to “downgrade” my rating to a 4.5. The less nit-picky among you will, doubtless, think my original inclination of a 5+ rating is justified (and, thereafter, question my taste and/or my sanity). Anyway, aside from my nerdy tendencies, I still find Richard Matheson's story compelling, I still thoroughly enjoy the nearly palpable chemistry between Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, and, I still very much LOVE the music! In closing, I still think this movie is well worth my (and, your) time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.See the other reviews for more detail and/or other opinions regarding the plot of the movie.VIDEO: 1.85:1 • Color • 1080p • MPEG-4 AVC (35.2 Mbps)This movie's image, like its protagonist, is of two worlds. Its scenes in ‘modern’ times, while lacking in apparent fine detail, are mostly sharp, with good contrast, decent shadow detail and natural colors. Its scenes in the ‘past’, however, are a little softer in focus, a little de-saturated in their colors, and they have a (sort of) amber tint to them (which, I'm sure, were all deliberate choices on the part of the filmmakers, to emphasize the difference in time periods). Otherwise, there are no obvious artifacts such as banding, specks, white dots, hair-lines, dropped frames or color fluctuations to detract from the image. Overall, this movie's picture quality should satisfy the vast majority of viewers.AUDIO: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Dual-Mono, 48 KHz, 24-bit)I freely admit that my 2.9 rating of the audio quality of this movie's soundtrack may be a little harsh. Because, if ever there was a movie that BEGGED for a 5.1 re-mix, this is the movie. If one is honest with oneself, then one would have to admit that the musical score for this movie takes, what is, in essence, a fairly interesting story, told in a reasonably competent manner, and elevates it to near greatness! The first time that I saw this movie back in the eighties (very near its theatrical release), I rushed out and bought its soundtrack (on vinyl, and, subsequently re-purchased it, years later, on CD) — and, proceeded to play it everyday for a couple of weeks! The musical score by John Barry is a highly affective, and integral, part of the movie! So, might we ask (of the geniuses at Universal Home Video): why no 5.1 re-mix? Even if all of the sound sources are monophonic, you should have hired an orchestra and re-recorded the music! Anyway, enough of my ranting about what SHOULD HAVE BEEN, and on to what is. For any other movie of this era, this soundtrack would be more than adequate. Its dialog is very clear and natural sounding, with all voices being clearly defined and easily understood. Other than the fact that the wonderful musical score is presented in big, fat, MONOPHONIC sound, this soundtrack has more than acceptable sound quality.EXTRAS: Director's CommentaryDocumentary: ‘Back to Somewhere in Time’Short: The Somewhere in Time Fan ClubProduction PhotographsTrailerNone of the extras were reviewed.

**** MAY 15, 2014****I finally got this beautiful movie on Blu-ray. THIS update has everything to do with the Blu-Ray restore. The Blu-Ray restore SHOULD BE sold as a YELLOW-Ray retore!! Yes. The restore IS clearer. BUT this "blu"-ray copy turns EVERYTHING YELLOW! Jane's beautiful white clothes, the Grand Hotel, the Gazebo etc, etc, ARE ALL YELLOW! Universal? What the heck did you do to my favorite movie?????? What a horrible disgrace you made this!! As professionals, HOW could you let this out and sell it????*** March 4, 2014***I was 13 when this movie came out and fell madly in love with Chris, Jane, John Barry's score and Mackinac Island. I know every word of this movie because like many, I NEVER get tired of this movie and I have seen it MANY, MANY times! Yes - the movie is a fantasy so "circles within circles" plots were fashioned by writer Richard Matheson. Since it came out in 1980, I have visited Mackinac because of it multiple times, I have been in contact with the INSITE founder who was an extra on the film, and most of all have actually talked to Jane Seymour at a book signing about it!! For people who love this film like me, you need to know that 99% of this film was filmed on Mackinac in places you can still visit! The "Hall of History" is a fabricated banquet hall adjacent to the Salle Manger restaurant in the Grand Hotel. The theater where Elise delivers her famous "Man of My dreams" speech still exists at the college on the opposite end of the island AND it still retains the very chair Christopher Reeve sat in when she gave it. For the past 21 years, there has been a commemorative stone from INSITE where the "Is it You" speech took place. Elise McKenna's house as an old woman is still standing on the shore. The gazebo used to be on the Govenors Mansion property but at least as early as 2008 has been relocated on the island and weddings are held on it. If ANYONE is a fan of this movie, get yourself up to Mackinac and see first hand where it was filmed....AND watch in on the island. This is a movie like no other fashioned by a man who was one of the best writers of the Twilight Zone series. I have owned EVERY medium that this movie has come onto since inception. This blu -ray is COMING HOME. :-)