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downsampled from its true 4K roots -- means that even its strongest moments can't match the UHD in terms of vibrancy or refined detail, it's The second option may be a more interesting "upgrade", as Poltergeist's original 2.0 mix (listed as "Original Theatrical English" on the menu) Unfortunately, that’s it. For the 40th anniversary release of a film as significant as Poltergeist, it’s a shame that Warner Bros. hasn’t offered a single new extra. If anything deserves a comprehensive making-of documentary, it’s Poltergeist. On the other hand, this is an absolutely stellar 4K presentation that’s a significant upgrade over all previous versions. It’s near reference-quality, so that’s a 40th anniversary celebration of its own. Even if it didn’t include any extras whatsoever, this disc is still a must-own for fans of the film. It’s never looked this good.
Without diving too deep into the discussion of who actually directed Poltergeist, there is no denying that the production undoubtedly displays Steven Spielberg's signature style, flaunting his familiar tropes and oozing in that unmistakable Spielbergian atmosphere. But the more impressive aspect of this now-classic supernatural thriller is how smoothly that style gels with Tobe Hooper's own aesthetic and camerawork, creating a unique viewing experience where a horror film is both scary and strangely family-friendly. This is one of the great horror movies that can be watched with the entire family. As he demonstrated in his cult classic The Funhouse, Hooper bides his time in building up an ominous tone and mood, allowing the story to unfold organically where the frights and nightmarish visuals enjoy equal weight as the drama anchoring this fantastical tale about a family confronted by the possibility of life after death. In fact, the story begins with an uncomfortable conversation about death after the family pet bird dies. Additional audio options include French, German, Italian, Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Latin America) 2.0 Dolby Digital. Subtitle options include English SDH, French, German SDH, Italian SDH, Spanish (Spain), Dutch, Spanish (Latin America), Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish.Contrary to Warner Bros.' usual habits, the included Blu-ray is a brand new disc (not available separately) that sources its 1080p transfer This conceit is the anchor that gives 'Poltergeist' it's true dramatic weight. Spielberg makes it essential that Diane and (in particular) Steve are ex-'70s liberals who have now been fully Reaganized, yet still have the heart of hippies (they are even seen rolling a joint late one night while the children fall asleep). On the surface, 'Poltergeist' is often dismissed as little more than an effects-filled story of one family's supernatural rescue mission of their little girl. But the real reason the film has resonated for twenty-five years is because it's really the journey of two modern suburbanites who must reclaim their belief in the spiritual, at least if they are to restore their metaphysically-fractured family. That it is the ultimate symbol of '80s consumerism -- the TV set -- that the ghosts use to first attract Carol Anne is certainly no coincidence. There is a great deal of detail on show, skin has good texture, with pores, wrinkles and hair lines, while clothing has decent weave. Overlooking the valley with the new houses is suitably expansive, while the lawns are crisp and defined, likewise the gloopy mud in the swimming pool and the rain are well seen as are furnishings, wall coverings (gaudy or otherwise), paranormal paraphernalia and TV screens; all are keen. Does show up the coarseness of the ‘tree’ though. Beyond any doubt, Poltergeist has never sounded so good. There is a DD 5.1 alternative, as well, but, trust me, the TrueHD is far better and much more detailed and aggressive. It may not be as detailed as much more recently crafted sound designs, but this remains very impressive indeed.
and forceful in key areas but with a similar overall aesthetic and volume level. I'm normally not a huge fan of remixes but this is one of the better ones, directed this piece), actor Craig T. Nelson, and director Tobe Hooper, as well as candid footage from the set including a few good looks at special effects The second point is that some people have reported issues with the disc freezing for them at approximately 13:50. There’s no consistency regarding the players that seem to be having the issue—for example, some people have had the problem using an Oppo UDP-203, while others haven’t. (For the record, it played fine for me on an Oppo UDP-205, which is mechanically identical to the 203.) Strangely enough, it hasn’t always occurred consistently, as some users have reported that it played fine the first time, but then froze every time after that. It may not affect your specific player, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Theatrical Trailer (2:26) - Last included on MGM's 1997 DVD ( 1997 DVD, people!), this appropriately spooky vintage They Are Here: The Real World of Poltergeists, Part 2 – Communing with the Dead (Upscaled SD – 15:33) sprinkled throughout a film that's largely dominated by static interiors and dark, stormy nights. Yet this new 4K transfer, likely sourced We’re taking it a little easy here at The Bits this week, especially in this stretch between the holidays, so that our whole team can relax, unwind, and focus on family and whatnot. But we do have a good post today with release news, a new disc review, and a bit of a look ahead at a few new 4K UHD catalog titles that we expect to arrive sometime in the new year. As always, let’s start with the review first... Warner upgrades 'Poltergeist's audio to Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround (48kHz/16-bit), and it's a nice little remix. The film still doesn't truly overwhelm our aural senses, but it certainly sounds good for a 1982 film.
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