Hmmm... What with recently reviewing reference quality high-definition animation features like The Wild - I suppose I was anticipating more from this Spielberg's classic on Blu-ray. I don't think there is any question that this new BRD excels above any of the SD versions in circulation... and it truthfully reports the occasional heavy grain present in the original theatrical presentation. I'm certain that I am just spoiled - the image doesn't jump out at you like many modern films do that are transferred in the new formats. I'll repeat that it still looks very good at times and I only had one issue; in only a couple of instances, I could see a very strange sheen of digital noise in the black, star filled skies. I don't know how to label it as I have never seen it before. It looked like a flattened blanket being slowly immersed in water - it was very strange and I'm certain not an intentional appearance. Other than that - colors, detail and contrast look strong - exceptional at times. I also had my eye peeled for digital noise in other sequences (bright blue skies, or such large monochromatic patches) but I saw none (in all three versions of the film). I expect this, quite handily, is the most faithful representation of Close Encounters for home theatre use. I wouldn't say below are my best captures examples but they should give you some idea of the image on the new Blu-ray DVD. It is the best way to watch this film in your home regardless of the limitations of the film's age. Although this looks no where near as good as Trading Places does on hi-def - a film made only 6 years later. I still think this DVD exports the most pure representation yet (ever?) on DVD. 

 

Screen Captures

 

Subtitle Sample

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine grain is very noticeable in close-ups

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio:

Comes in two 'original language' flavors - English: DTS-HD 'Lossless" Master Audio 5.1 (a first for Sony I believe), and an English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. There are also 2 optional DUBs: in French: Dolby TrueHD 5.1, and Spanish: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. Sound was very good (DTS) - possibly even a notch better than the image. Either/or it still sounds wonderful. No complaints whatsoever.
Optional subtitles support the audio in your choice of English (CC), English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, or Thai.

 

Extras:

Sony offers some very competent supplements (for both the Blu-ray and the SD 2-disc editions simultaneously). Disc one - on top of the three branched version of the film (Original Theatrical Version (1977) - Special Edition (1980) and Director's Cut from 1998) you get an option to receive onscreen cues to distinguish the, often subtle, alternations between the three versions. I suspect only real zealots might utilize it but the option distinguishes the thoroughness of the extras. On disc 2 the "Encounters" button gives you the option of three different documentaries (all from different eras). "Watch the Skies" is a six minute featurette - kinda cute and nostalgic and the perfect short length. "The Making of Close Encounters" is the 1.5 hour documentary with plenty of talking heads and input from many sources discussing conceptual ideas for the film and beyond. I believe it was made in 1997 by Laurent Bouzereau. This was also found on the last SD edition. New for this (and the SD 'Ultimate') release is "Steven Spielberg: 30 Years of 'Close Encounters'". It is given to us in 1080i and lasts about 20+ minutes of Spielberg talking about the film and its importance to his career. Under a new heading there are also 7 deleted scenes (about 10 minutes in total) - probably not entertaining excepting for the die-hard fans. Also included is a very nice 64-page Collectible Book and a small poster with a flow chart on the back. Well - it seems we have everything but a commentary although the film seems not to require that collaboration with all the supplement material provided. Sony went to town with  bells and whistles here. 

Menus

Disc 2

 

BOTTOM LINE: There is a lot to say in favor of Close Encounters although it doesn't seem to hold up as well through the challenge of time that other films do.  But if the positives are enough for you then this is easily the edition you want to own. I recall seeing this in the theatre with my older sister when I was about 15 and I thought it was the greatest film ever for about a 3 years after. So it also holds some real nostalgic value for many as well. I wouldn't ask more from the package even if my atmospheric expectations for image weren't quite met. Fans should get this one - no question.