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Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on December 03, 2020, 05:46:21 PM

Title: Total Recall (UHD Blu-ray) review
Post by: David Vaughn on December 03, 2020, 05:46:21 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/7Xeq3iR.jpg)

Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: December 8, 2020
Rating: R
Film: 3.5/5
 
Plot
Arnold Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast as Quaid, a 2084 construction worker haunted by dreams of Mars in this crowd-pleasing science fiction spectacle. Against the wishes of his sexy blonde wife, Quaid goes to Rekall, a company that implants artificial memories, so he can "remember" visiting the red planet that is now being settled by human inhabitants. However, Quaid is actually a secret agent from Mars—or is he?
 
My Thoughts
This was released on Blu-ray back in 2012 when the remake with Colin Ferrell in the lead role replacing Arnold. Needless to say, the remake was a box office flop compared to the original and there’s only one real version of the film you should watch—this one. It’s your typical nineties far with plenty of action, a plethora of F-bombs, cheesy dialog, and a lot of bloody violence. I think what makes the movie work is its premise, which is very good, and Arnold excels in the lead role. He was definitely “THE” action star of his generation.
 
While the 4K transfer isn’t going to blow you away, it’s a vast improvement on the 2012 Blu-ray. The newly minted master has been given a director approved HDR pass and while it won’t look as good as a modern film, it’s the best I’ve ever seen the film look. There’s greater depth to the image although the special effects and prosthetics stick out a bit due to the higher resolution. The Atmos audio track is commendable with intelligible dialog and Jerry’s Goldsmith’s score resonates.
 
Video 8/10
 
Audio 8/10 (Dolby Atmos)
 
Special Features:
 
Disc 1 (4K Feature Film and Special Features):
  
 
 Disc 2 (Blu-ray Feature Film and Special Features):
  
 
 Disc 3 (Blu-ray – Special Features):
                                                                              
 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFMLGEHdIjE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFMLGEHdIjE)
 
 
Conclusion
Based on Phillip K. Dick’s short story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale,” Total Recall is an entertaining nineties sci-fi/action film with memorable characters and some great one liners from Arnold. The 4K restoration is outstanding and if you’re a fan of the film this is the definitive version to own. Recommended.  
 
 

Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays (https://portrait.com/))
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor 
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed ChannelsATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player 
 System Controller: URC MX-980M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
 HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
 SVS SB-3000 SubwooferJL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (configured as tandem mid bass modules)Mini DSP controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
Title: Re: Total Recall (UHD Blu-ray) review
Post by: Ralph P. on December 04, 2020, 12:35:07 PM
Greetings,

Thanks Dave. I rated the video higher but, we are on the same page with the Atmos track. All in all a solid catalog effort.


Regards,
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