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

ADDITION: Eureka Classics Region 'B' Blu-ray November 15': The new Eureka Classics Robinson Crusoe on Mars is very similar in appearance to the 2011 Criterion BD. Both are dual-layered with a max'ed out bitrate. If forced to choose, I might give a slight edge to the Eureka as I prefer the way it handles the grain looking a shade rougher and more textured. Audio - both linear PCM tracks in original English and the UK disc is slightly more robust but my ears couldn't differentiate - and both offer optional English (SDH) subtitles and my Oppo has identified the Eureka disc as being region 'B'-locked.

So differences boil down to the Extras. Eureka add their own exclusive new audio commentary with special effects designer and Robinson Crusoe on Mars historian, Robert Skotak and it's pretty good with the discussion veering off into interesting areas. It should be noted that Mr. Skotak has been a special visual consultant on over 50 films. Nice to hear - beyond the 2007 Criterion commentary. There is also an original theatrical trailer and the package has a 28-page liner notes booklet featuring a new essay by author Paul McAuley, and rare archival imagery. This is dual-format and has a second disc DVD included.

The more I see this film, the more I appreciate it - and the new commentary added further in that regard. A great, if less-stacked releaser, than the Criterion. We still give the Eureka Blu-ray a very strong recommendation!

***

ADDITION: Criterion Region 'A' Blu-ray December 10': Firstly, I LOVED revisiting Robinson Crusoe on Mars in 1080P. This is not in the same genre mold as the exploitive 'Drive-in style' creature features of It Came from Beneath the Sea, Earth vs. the Flying Saucers or 20 Million Miles to Earth that came before it in the 50's (and are also now on Blu-ray). This was the next generation of science-fiction film with more realism and well thought-out technicals although still carrying heavy nostalgia in that particular vein and the effects seem slightly more transparent in the higher resolution - but not disturbingly so. Actually the image quality, with a very high bitrate, looks even better than I was anticipating. The effects and visuals looks quite video-like on the flatter DVD but certainly jump to a new life on the Blu-ray transfer. Colors are more vibrant, detail rises and there is even a smidgeon of depth. Grain and film textures are also apparent and contrast is at Criterion's usual high standards. These factors really enhance the appearance bringing it much closer to how it may have appeared theatrically - over 45 years ago. I doubt it will ever look much better for your home theater consumption.

Audio remains faithfully 1.0 channel mono but gets the lossless treatment and produces a slightly cleaner/crisper track with some perceived depth. It's not a big boost but there is some superiority - notable in a few scenes. There are optional English subtitles and, predictably, my Momitsu has identified it as being a region 'A'-locked.

Extras appear duplicated (see descriptions below) in my brief checking although absent are the script excerpts from Ib Melchior’s original via computer accessibility in Adobe Acrobat Reader format that was put on the DVD root (at least I couldn't find it on the Blu-ray). The commentary, booklet and other supplements are all retained.

I really enjoy older films like this coming to Blu-ray. The improved resolution and lossless sound establish the sci-fi adventure aura so much better than the DVD. I felt much more like I was watching this in a theatrical setting in the early 60's. This is such a cool film - one I was thoroughly entertained by - certain in the knowledge that I will repeat the pleasure of the experience again and again. This Blu-ray is strongly recommended!