Why So Blu?

Westworld – Arrow Limited Edition (4K UHD Blu-ray Review)

It’s great to know that the original Westworld from 1973 isn’t being forgotten. Between the heady HBO series and the “what if the same but dinosaurs” approach that turned into its own massively popular franchise, this quick-paced sci-fi western that almost feels like a proto-Black Mirror movie really does work quite well on its own terms. And keep in mind, the film was a critical hit and successful enough to get a sequel and a TV series back in its day as well. Now the film has arrived on 4K, with a handful of new extras, and boy, have we got a cool package for you!

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Film: ★★★★

The film is set in a world where an amusement park for the super-rich lets them live out fantasies of visiting Ancient Rome, medieval Europe, or the American Old West. Each of these worlds is populated by highly realistic androids that can engage in everything from sex to duels to death. We largely follow Peter (Richard Benjamin) and John (James Brolin), and they indulge in their visit to the old West, which includes an encounter with the android in black known as the Gunslinger (Yul Brynner, perfectly cast). Wouldn’t you know it, things take a turn for the worse when a virus infects the parks, causing a systemic breakdown, which includes giving the androids autonomy, making them very deadly to deal with.

Westworld comes from the mind of Michael Crichton, who directed and wrote the film (there was no original book, which always surprises some). Obviously, Crichton’s written work would lead to a variety of successful adaptations. Still, as a filmmaker, this certainly sent a signal that he had the goods if he were given the right material to work with. The film is patient and clever in how it lays out its premise. Benjamin and Brolin make for solid leads, leaning into the sort of charms of a nebbish man who gets to turn a bit loose with his Playboy pal. The threat of the androids is appropriately alarming. Yet, with all of that in mind, the film still knows how to get to the point, hit some key themes, and get out in under 90 minutes.

Obviously, the HBO series wanted to go down a much deeper series of rabbit holes to understand the androids and dive into the notion of AI and self-actualization, while playing with the linear structure of things. The original Westworld doesn’t have those sorts of concerns, but it’s enough to inspire some deeper thinking. This shouldn’t be that surprising for a guy coming off of The Andromeda Strain, but while Westworld does ride on being a high-concept movie, clearly, many thought of all the possibilities that could come from this sort of amusement park.

Regardless, the film is well-made and delivers on being a solid mix of satire and thrills. The extra layer of having Brynner on board only adds to the eeriness that should emerge once everything goes haywire. Over 50 years later, the film still works well as a bleak fable that feels relevant enough given our current trials regarding the increased use of AI. Whatever the case, those interested should surely give this original feature a chance, as it has plenty to offer.

 

Video: ★★★★½

Encoding: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: 2160p

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1

Clarity/Detail: For this release, the original 35mm camera negative was scanned at 4K / 16-bit resolution at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging. The film was restored in 4K resolution and color graded at Duplitech. As a result, we have another example of how good a 70s studio film can look when given a proper polish. Early scenes set indoors allow for great clarity in the production design and costumes. The way the androids play with this level of scrutiny easily highlights the subtle work done to show they are not human. And seeing the “old West” look this great in terms of detail works well for this transfer.

Depth: Dimensionality at play looks decent enough. Enough is going on in crowd scenes, like those inside a saloon, to allow depth to register well.

Black Levels: Black levels are mostly strong here—no sign of crushing.

Color Reproduction: Colors are often quite strong here, representing all the ways this film can shine with its bright palette. Considering the “worlds” we visit, the color temperatures feel appropriate given the circumstances. Seeing how the Gunslinger fits into a bright world around him, in particular, shines a light on both the black levels and the strong use of color.

Flesh Tones: This movie features a few close-ups, and the facial details are well rendered on both humans and androids.

Noise/Artifacts: Some doses of grain here and there, which is understandable based on how things like HDR have been applied mostly for the better.

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Audio: ★★★★½

Audio Format(s): English DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

Subtitles: English SDH

Dynamics: Looking at all the sound options, there’s certainly plenty to appreciate in the work that creates various compelling audio mixes. Sampling each of them, it’s going to be the best the film has sounded at home, whichever way one goes, but that surround track is a real joy as far as building atmosphere in a more encompassing manner.

Low-Frequency Extension: Given the nature of the production, the subwoofer is not used as a factor to hit hard, but there is a decent amount of bass that comes through well enough.

Surround Sound Presentation: The 5.1 track is engaging enough to provide plenty of atmosphere, helping round out the experience of being in these worlds.

Dialogue Reproduction: Everyone is loud and clear.

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Extras: ★★★1/2

While it would have been nice to hear more about Crichton, there are plenty of new interviews that provide a good amount of detail about the production, along with a full pilot episode of the original TV series. Plus, being Arrows, this set also includes a unique collectors’ booklet featuring several new essays, a double-sided fold-out poster, and the keepcase’s reversible sleeve.

Features Include:

• Commentary by Daniel Kremer – Not the most engaging time spent with this film historian, but he does share some unique trivia and other insights about the film.
• Cowboy Dreams (HD, 11:42) – A new conversation between Richard Benjamin and screenwriter/producer Larry Karaszewski.
• At Home on the Range (HD, 17:04) – James Brolin recalls his experience on the film’s production.
• HollyWorld: Producing Westworld (HD, 34:17) – An interview with producer Paul N. Lazarus III.
• Sex, Death and Androids (HD, 13:13) – A video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas that covers the film’s gender roles.
• On Location with Westworld (HD; 9:08) – An archival EPK.
• Beyond Westworld (HD, 49:19) – The pilot episode of the original 1980 TV series.
• Image Galleries
• Theatrical Trailer (HD, 3:08)

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Summary: ★★★★

I really like Westworld. If anything, I’m a bigger fan of it now than when I first watched it, as it plays really well with what it has, without having to go too far overboard or stretch much of what it’s doing out. It’s an efficient sci-fi western. This new release from Arrow is great. The video and audio presentation do a terrific job of making the film play as well as it ever has. Plus, the new slate of extras do a fine job of further expanding on everything. We only have some many very solid sci-fi westerns, and this is certainly one of them, pardner.

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