Looker Blu-ray - Albert Finney

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

Directed by Michael Crichton
USA 1981

A plastic surgeon (Albert Finney) gets suspicious when models he has operated on begin to die in mysterious ways. With the help of Cindy (Susan Dey), the next in line to be killed, he traces the deaths to a mysterious corporation which develops new technologies.

***

Crichton once again swaps his novelist's chair for a director's one, writing and helming this frankly duff sci-fi howler about a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon (Finney) who begins to suspect something is up when his clients keep getting murdered. With its risible plot (you can't help wondering whether the nearby technology agency, run by bad guy Coburn, might just have something to do with it), far from adequate acting and script by a man who really should know better, this is the kind of shoddy time-filler that Oscar-calibre actors clearly do only to pay the rent. Plenty of unintentional giggles though.

Excerpt from Channel 4 located HERE

Posters

Theatrical Release: October 30th, 1981

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Comparison

Warner - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC vs. Warner Archive - Region FREE - Blu-ray

1) Warner - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC - LEFT

2) Warner Archive - Region FREE - Blu-ray - RIGHT

Box Cover
Distribution	Warner Home Video - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC	Warner Archive - Region FREE - Blu-ray
Runtime	1:33:21	1:33:28.686
Video	2.35:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.62 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s	2.35:1 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 30,728,550,355 bytes Feature: 28,763,467,776 bytes Total Video Bitrate: 34.99 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Bitrate: Blu-ray
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0), DUB: French (Dolby Digital 2.0)	DTS-HD Master Audio English 1981 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1981 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) Commentary: DTS-HD Master Audio English 1703 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1703 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Subtitles	English, None	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Warner Home Video Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 2.35:1 Edition Details: • Introduction and commentary by Michael Crichton • Theatrical trailer DVD Release Date: January 30th, 2007 Keep Case Chapters: 24	Release Information: Studio: Warner Archive 2.35:1 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 30,728,550,355 bytes Feature: 28,763,467,776 bytes Total Video Bitrate: 34.99 Mbps Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video Edition Details: • Introduction (4:43) and commentary by Michael Crichton • Deleted Scene (8:14) • Trailer (1:33) Blu-ray Release Date: September 18th, 2018 Standard Blu-ray Case Chapters 16

Comments:

NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Warner Archive - Region FREE - Blu-ray - September 2018': The new Warner Archive release of Michael Crichton's Looker, on Blu-ray looks thick - a common appearance for the film stock used in the early to mid 80s. The 1080P transfer has a max'ed out bitrate. It is in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio and shows the heaviness doesn't detract from the appearance that is exemplified by the higher resolution. The colors are a bit dullish but the overall presentation on Blu-ray is consistent and effective. The film was never going to look crisp and glossy - this transfer accurately presents the film's original appearance.

Warner Archive use a DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel mono (24-bit) track in the original English language. There are, science-related, audio effects that carry weight and enhance the film experience as does the score by composer Barry De Vorzon's (Dillinger, Rolling Thunder, Hard Times, The Warriors) that keeps pace with the action sequences and car chase scene. There are optional English subtitles on the Region FREE Blu-ray.

Like the 2007 DVD the Blu-ray has the 5-minute introduction and commentary by writer/director Michael Crichton. He explains his motivations behind making the film and further production details - working without the benefit of CGI - throughout the project. It's very good, if he does sound quite bored at times. He discusses the non-contemporary feel that the film now projects as well as the commonplace topic of plastic surgery in today's society. There is also a trailer but added to the supplements that is not on the DVD is an 8-minute 'escape' deleted scene.

Well, Crichton has some amazing film premises - Looker is not realized to its full potential, although it captures the modeling world aura fairly well but 'not so much' for the manipulative marketing science behind the story. This Warner Archive Blu-ray is a keeper for many as the film has some fascinating layers. It's strengths outweigh the weaknesses and with the commentary it is recommended!

***

ON THE DVD: Although made in 81' the film transfers a very 70's feel - it could be the synthesizer music track. The single-layered image is acceptable if unremarkable. Progressive and anamorphic with dullish colors but I have no reason to believe this is not how the film looked theatrically.

In the commentary director/writer Crichton. He also gives a 4 minute introduction and there is an un-restored theatrical trailer.

I wasn't as down on the film as most critics and enjoyed it a bit more. The DVD is reasonably priced for what it offers. The film exports some nostalgic charm and it may appeal to you if you aren't expecting too much - the commentary helps with appreciation.

Gary W. Tooze

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