ADDITION: Universal Blu-ray - October 14': Firstly, this is the title in the new Steven Spielberg Director's Collection I was most interested in (along with The Sugarland Express and, as a curiosity, 1941 and Always) - as I suspect that the previously released titles - like Jaws, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park etc. would be the same, or very similar, 1080P transfers as the earlier ones. I've always been keen on Duel - a highly memorable TV movie. It doesn't surprise me that Universal have gone to widescreen for this - specifically 1.85:1. You can see what the results are below. We lose information off the top, some from the bottom and gain a bit on the sides. Along with the imbedded timeline feature - the aspect ratio differences made it quite hard for me to get exact frame matches - but I did my best (that 3rd capture was giving me fits). Overall, the image improves in  all the usual areas - skin tones, detail, sharpness, depth - all significantly advance and make the presentation far more film-like than the SD rendering.

The lossless audio also advances and we are given the option (again) or surround or stereo. The truck engines noise, the train sequence and obnoxious horn are quite rich carrying some deep bass. There is a subtle, but bracing, score by iconic TV composer Billy Goldenberg. A Dolby Spanish DUB is included and there are optional subtitles. The Universal Blu-ray disc is region FREE.

Extras mimic the 2004 DVD - which, to be fair, were substantial. Nice to have Spielberg and Matheson talk about the film. I will, probably, cover more of this box set. It has a lot of appeal. I know there will be some purists who are aggravated by the aspect ratio change - and they have a valid case - although it did have a theatrical release in Japan and some European countries a couple of years later.

Anyway, I still love the film and enjoyed the new HD presentation.

***

ON THE DVD (July 2004): Being Spielberg's first film, they didn't hold back too much from this DVD. The image is quite tight and probably even better than it looked on TV those many years ago. Of course, its not the same as an anamorphic modern production would be, but it is more than acceptable. Colors are strong, contrast is very good. Subtitles are excellent as is the audio channels with 3 different options offered. Extras go on with three interesting featurettes (2 with Spielberg). This DVD has everything short of a commentary. Its hard not to give it high marks.  

Gary W. Tooze