"Let me tell you of the days of High Adventure..."
1982 was a mind fuck for a kid of any age. That year saw the U.S. release of The Road Warrior, Tron, Poltergeist, Blade Runner, The Thing, Fast Times, E.T., Wrath of Khan and of course, Conan The Barbarian.
Is that something? These films are still so alive it seems like yesterday. Have you ever seen the like? ;)
I read a lot of comments from obviously younger viewers today who dismiss some or all of these films as being anachronisms from a bygone era, better left by the roadside of forgotten dreams and dated wistfulness.
That's a shame.
For me these films and that time still stand second to none in the cinematic order of the universe. I can't imagine another time or place that realized so many of my celluloid dreams and nightmares so beautifully.
When Team Blu's project arrived via DJ's steadfast efforts, I couldn't help but feel a little melancholy. I realized that this would be the first time in a long time, perhaps even decades, that I would experience Conan the Barbarian in perfect visual and aural fashion... maybe the very first time if you really think about it.
So in went the disc, out went the lights and on went the show. The chronicler's voice resonated with crackling bravado and the room began to fill with that thunderous operatic masterwork we have all come to know and love...
WOW. Just fucking WOW.
Basil Poledouris' soundtrack boomed and bristled like never before and its relentless power shook the walls and the critters and my core. Many refer to his score as the greatest ever composed and they may be right. All due respect to John Williams and that glorious era of film music.
The molten fire and ash began to illuminate the room in white hot amber hues and the striking color splashed across Conan's mother's face as she struck a steely gaze beyond the rising flames that cooked the steel.
Fuck Me Running.
Am i really seeing this? Hearing this? Can it be?
And it just kept getting better. I chose the DTS-HD MA 5.1 version of the newly rebuilt sound design and boy am I glad I did. I haven't heard the others yet but if this one is any indication, I'm sure the others are beyond reproach.
The warmth and vibrancy of every shot absolutely breathes new life into the formerly cool and lifeless blu-ray version we all know and hate. Forget the screwed up sound on that abortion (don't even get me started). What Team Blu has achieved here is nothing short of staggering, earth-shattering and seismic. Did they put the official release to shame? That's not even scratching the balls of this Juggernaut. I propose this... Team Blu should remake every blu-ray I've ever seen. Okay good.
It is without question that what Team Blu has achieved here is simply astounding and if I had the ability I would see to it that everyone who wished to experience what I have now experienced would do so immediately. I am but a humble nimrod who doesn't even own a blu-ray burner so that's gonna be a tough trick. My advice is to beg the members of Team Blu to somehow make at least the core film with the 5.1 soundtrack available via the spleen or the like so you can experience this revelation too.
I will continue this review soon and in further detail but for now my friends, it's back to the domains of the great kings that once glittered like the light on a windy sea. And yes... fire does burn there still.