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

Both 'International' and, 8.5-minute shorter, 'US versions' are 4K restored and are transferred to separate Blu-rays but overall both are so similar it isn't worth mentioning. They have, roughly, the same bitrate and I couldn't identify any major or even moor visual differences. Both Blu-rays are 1080P with and the video presentation is acceptable. I would expect that a higher bitrate may have exported the grain more consistently - it can tend to look a bit blocky. But the colors, contrast and the image quality in-motion are very pleasing. There is depth and no intrusive artifacts.

Kino go with DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel (both 16-bit) for the audio tracks. Effects centre around 'beast' - growls, screeches, breathes etc. or natural sounds (earthquake) or human dialogue-grunts. The score by Mario Nascimbene (The Barefoot Contessa, Barabbas, A Farewell to Arms, Love in the City) gains some benefit from the lossless transfer and supports the film through the adventurous scenes. There are no subtitle options for either version in this Kino Lorber Blu-ray.

The most valuable supplement is the extensive audio commentary by film historian Tim Lucas (on the International Cut only) who leaves no stone unturned in detailing degrees of separation between cast and crew with fascinatingly, links to, literally, over 100 films! He remains one of, if not THE, best, and most prepared commentators. easily my favorite. He adds an entire new layer onto the viewing experience - and One Million B.C. is a film that definitely benefits from his, exported, knowledge. He also identifies many differences between the US and International versions at the specifics points in the film. I was curious. There is also an 8-minute interview with, lovely, Raquel Welch using the uninspired title In the Valley of the Dinosaurs, plus a dozen minutes with legend SFX legend Ray Harryhausen and 17-minutes spent with actress Martine Beswick. Kino include a 3-minute animated Montage of Posters and Images from the film - plenty of Raquel plus trailers for both versions.

To say that One Million B.C. is imperfect is... a, kind, understatment but that doesn't diminish its appeal for this reviewer. And my appreciation went up 5-fold after indulging in the Lucas' commentary. This is unique, and even with partial Harryhausen effects it vaults in an ultra-desirable category of adolescent fantasy-adventure. The Kino a/v Blu-ray transfers work well for a grand HD presentation and the extras have immense value. Despite the film's scientific inexactitudes - I loved seeing it again after many years. Time for a Harryhausen festival! This is absolutely recommended!

 - Gary Tooze