2010: The Year We Make Contact Blu-ray Review

"2010: The Year We Make Contact," delivered on Blu-ray by Warner Brothers, is presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1, employing their usual VC-1 encoding. The transfer showcases the film in 1080p high definition, offering a vividity that the movie has long deserved, though not without its inconsistencies. The initial sequence featuring explanatory text suffers from unexpected motion, indicative of a less meticulous assembly of the film's master. This does not critically impair the viewing experience but highlights a lack of finesse that might disappoint purists. On a positive note, Warner Bros. seems to have refrained from overusing Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), preserving the filmic texture that defines "2010." This restraint allows the inherent softness and grain of the picture to shine through, offering an image that genuinely reflects its cinematic origins.

The technical merits of this Blu-ray release are commendable in several areas. Notably, the film's darker scenes, replete with the vastness of space and dimly lit interiors, are handled with aplomb. The encode manages these challenging visuals well, with minimal digital artifacts and a color palette that, while slightly muted, remains faithful and attractive. Contrast is consistent, enhancing both the depth and detail across varied scenes. Exceptional detailing is particularly evident in the model spacecraft and celestial visuals, boasting impressive clarity and depth, reminiscent of their original 70mm glory. However, the interior scenes do reflect the era's limitations with softer imagery.

This Blu-ray edition of "2010" respects the film's visual heritage without succumbing to excessive digital manipulation. It stands out for its authentic reproduction of film grain and texture, crucial for maintaining cinematic integrity. While some may find fault with the variable softness and initial text instability, these do not significantly detract from what is overall a commendable high-definition presentation. "2010" enthusiasts and home cinema aficionados will appreciate this release, which manages to toe the line between preserving original aesthetics and embracing modern presentation standards.

Warner has made a commendable choice by incorporating the lossless 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio into the Blu-ray release of "2010: The Year We Make Contact". This decision enhances the film's auditory experience significantly, offering a depth and clarity that breathes new life into its sound design. The choice of lossless encoding not only enriches the film's action sequences but also sharpens its dialogue-driven moments, minimizing the common issues of muffled voices and audio breakup characteristic of lossy formats. This audio presentation ensures that every word is delivered with pristine clarity, a crucial aspect for a film as dialogue-intensive as 2010.

The film benefits immensely from this high-quality audio track, with ambient sounds and directional effects meticulously utilized to convey the eerie silence and sudden dangers of space. Unlike its predecessors, the soundstage in this release is vast, allowing for an immersive experience where subtler sounds contribute significantly to the atmosphere. The exceptional handling of both louder action pieces and quieter moments of tension showcases the soundtrack’s dynamic range, providing an auditory experience that likely surpasses even the original theatrical presentations.

Comparisons with earlier DVD releases reveal a stark difference, particularly against the 1998 MGM DVD's Dolby Digital 5.1 track, underscoring just how much the lossless Dolby TrueHD soundtrack elevates the film’s sound quality. It encapsulates every nuance from the highs of the movie's score to the lows of suspenseful silence, creating a more emotionally engaging and technically superior listening experience. This mix not only adheres to but also enhances the director's vision by using sound to influence the viewer’s emotional state through meticulous mood setting, delivering an auditory experience unmatched by previous versions and likely as close as one can get to experiencing the movie as it was intended.

The Blu-ray release of "2010: The Year We Make Contact" leaves a bit to be desired in terms of supplementary content, containing only a couple of extras that offer a modest enhancement to the overall viewing experience. The highlight of the extras is undoubtedly the "2010: The Odyssey Continues" documentary, which, despite its initial appearance of high definition, is actually a standard definition feature stretched to fit modern screens. This does not detract significantly from its informative value, providing a worthwhile delve into the making of the film. Additionally, the theatrical trailer included mirrors the documentary's quality, presented in stretched standard definition. Given Warner's recent trend towards minimalistic catalog releases on Blu-ray, this sparse selection aligns with expectations, prioritizing a straightforward presentation over a comprehensive bundle of special features.

Extras included in this disc:

• 2010: The Odyssey Continues: A documentary exploring the making of the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.

"2010: The Year We Make Contact" emerges from the colossal shadow of its predecessor, "2001: A Space Odyssey," with a distinctive approach and tone that on its own merits offers a compelling continuation of the odyssey. Directed, edited, and written by Peter Hyams, who also assumed the role of cinematographer, the film is grounded more in the realm of human and political intrigue than in the abstract realms of its forebear. Set nine years after the original, the story reintegrates Dr. Heywood Floyd (Roy Scheider), now wrestling with the guilt and repercussions of the Discovery mission. The uneasy backdrop of global politics between the United States and the Soviet Union, on the brink of nuclear conflict, offers a stark contrast to the isolated coldness of space, setting a more immediate and relatable stage.

Central to this sequel is a joint U.S./Soviet mission, a narrative device that not only progresses the plot but also critiques Cold War tensions. The realism in depicting space travel underscores a meticulous attention to detail, with sequences like the Soviet vessel's sling-shot maneuver around Jupiter serving as thrilling highlights that marry technical prowess with human emotion. Unlike Kubrick's masterpiece which thrived on ambiguity and the poetic, Hyams chooses a linear narrative path that seeks to resolve rather than provoke. This choice, while potentially alienating for fans seeking the philosophical depth of "2001," establishes "2010" as a solid piece of science fiction storytelling that is unafraid to confront big ideas head-on.

Despite operating in the giant leap of its predecessor's shadow, "2010: The Year We Make Contact" manages to find its gravitational pull, offering answers where "2001" left viewers adrift in space. The film's commitment to realism, combined with its exploration of human dynamics against a tapestry of cosmic grandeur and political tension, showcases Hyams' prowess and vision. While it may not achieve the iconic status of Kubrick's work, "2010" admirably succeeds in advancing the narrative journey into new territories, characterized by both its humanity and its quest for understanding.

"2010: The Year We Make Contact," presented on Blu-ray, offers a visually pleasing experience that harmoniously complements its captivating, albeit distinct, narrative from its predecessor. Warner Bros. has adeptly encoded the video in a manner that retains the film's cinematic essence, accompanied by an audio quality that enhances its once pioneering effects. Although the additional content may not fully meet expectations, this release elevates the film’s presentation to levels previously unseen in home video formats, ensuring that viewers receive a commendably high-quality product. Furthermore, the transition from a non-anamorphic DVD version to Blu-ray is depicted as a significant upgrade, justifying the investment for enthusiasts eager to experience the film in superior clarity and detail.

The movie itself, being a product of its era, manages to both intrigue and capture the essence of speculative science fiction without necessarily rivaling the monumental status of "2001: A Space Odyssey." It cleverly constructs a world that, while flawed by certain omissions such as the exclusion of the novel’s Tsien subplot, remains largely faithful and satisfying as an adaptation. This observation emphasizes the film's ability to stand as an enjoyable watch in its own right. Priced competitively, the Blu-ray edition is pitched as a worthwhile addition for collectors and fans looking to enhance their viewing experience with the technological advancements it offers.

In conclusion, "2010: The Year We Make Contact" on Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for aficionados of cinema and science fiction alike. It judiciously balances visual and auditory refinements with a representation faithful to the source material, albeit with some narrative compromises. While it may not ascend to the heights of its iconic predecessor, this edition secures its place as a compelling piece of film history, offering an experience that both respects its origins and embraces the benefits of modern home video technology.