AVS Discussions
  Go Down

Time Bandits (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

Time Bandits (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« on: June 18, 2023, 12:19:01 PM »


Studio: Criterion Collection
Release Date: June 13, 2023
 Rating: Not Rated
 Film:  4/5
 
 Plot
 In this fantastic voyage through time and space from Terry Gilliam, a boy named Kevin (Craig Warnock) escapes his gadget-obsessed parents to join a band of time travelers. Armed with a map stolen from the Supreme Being (Ralph Richardson), they plunder treasure from Napoleon (Ian Holm) and Agamemnon (Sean Connery)—but the Evil Genius (David Warner) is watching their every move.
 
My Thoughts
Time Bandits is a visually stunning film, with imaginative sets and costumes. The film's humor is often dark and surreal, but it is also heartwarming and full of wonder. The film's cast is excellent, and the dwarfs are particularly memorable. I remember seeing the film when it was released over 40 years ago and wasn’t sure what to make of it. As time has gone on, I’ve actually increased my appreciation for the imaginative story.
 
Even after all of these years, the film’s visual imagination is stunning, and the sets and costumes are very detailed and creative and the special effects have held up pretty well. I love the dark humor, which probably went over my head when I was young, but I definitely appreciate it more today. Furthermore, the time travel aspect is lot of fun and is certainly thought-provoking.
 
The film boasts a new 4K master and its visually stunning from beginning to end. The practical special effects don’t lose any of their luster with the added resolution either, which isn’t the case with a lot of CGI in today’s films. The color palette is well saturated and finer details in clothing and facial pores are extremely revealing. The audio is based on the 24-bit audio mix from the theatrical release and while I would have loved to have seen a modern-day remix, I can’t say I was disappointed with the stereo track.
 
Video 10/10
 Audio 9.5/10 (PCM 2.0)
 
 Special Features: 
 
  • Audio Commentary
  • Trailer
  • Creating the Wolds of Time Bandits
  • Terry Gilliam and Peter von Bagh
  • Shelley Duvall
  • Stills Gallery
  • Leaflet


 

 Conclusion
 if you’ve never seen this film, you’re definitely missing out. While it can be a bit bizarre at times, it’s also a lot of fun and regardless of how many times I’ve seen it over the years, I always have a good time. The 4K presentation is outstanding and Criterion has hit another home run. Highly recommended.     
 

 Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&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
SVS SB3000
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
Blu-ray Reviewer / Technical Writer
Sound & Vision Magazine

Re: Time Bandits (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #1 on: June 18, 2023, 01:27:05 PM »
Thanks for the review, David.  My wife and I just watched the old Blu-ray a few months ago and were disappointed with the video quality.  Sounds like Criterion really improved that with this version, so we'll be adding it to our collection.

John Cleese is fantastic in his role as Mr. Hood, and a great example of how this movie puts new twists on old tropes.  Gilliam is one of those gifted directors that can blend creative quirkiness with a modest budget and still put his vision on the screen.  Part of that creativity might be a bit too much for a general audience, but this is probably his most accessible title. 

Did you use an upmixer on your Trinnov for this movie?  Just wondering how much that might have improved the stereo track.

Scott
My Room:  26’-1” X 17’-4” X 10’
Equipment:  Monolith HTP-1 feeding X7 and X9 amps, JVC RS3100, Elite Screens 135"", JBL Studio 590 for L, C, R, W, R, 580s for sides and four SCS8 for tops, JTR Captivator 1400 x 4, Panny DP-UB420K, Toshiba HD-A35. Nvidia Shield, Sonos Connect, MX-780 remote

See Youthman's actual tour of my room here: https://youtu.be/PHEaG2xKVhg

Re: Time Bandits (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2023, 01:54:51 PM »
Thanks for the review, David.  My wife and I just watched the old Blu-ray a few months ago and were disappointed with the video quality.  Sounds like Criterion really improved that with this version, so we'll be adding it to our collection.

John Cleese is fantastic in his role as Mr. Hood, and a great example of how this movie puts new twists on old tropes.  Gilliam is one of those gifted directors that can blend creative quirkiness with a modest budget and still put his vision on the screen.  Part of that creativity might be a bit too much for a general audience, but this is probably his most accessible title. 

Did you use an upmixer on your Trinnov for this movie?  Just wondering how much that might have improved the stereo track.

Scott
I used native for this one (for PCM tracks I have the Trinnov default to the native track). 
Blu-ray Reviewer / Technical Writer
Sound & Vision Magazine

Re: Time Bandits (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #3 on: June 18, 2023, 02:58:52 PM »
An all time favorite of mine. Great to see this release and that it's high quality, as would be expected of course given a Criterion release. Along with The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, probably my favorite 2 Gilliam works. Just watched TAoBM a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed revisiting that so I very much look forward to this.

Barry

  • *****
  • 850
Re: Time Bandits (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2023, 03:03:11 PM »
I just ordered it baased omn David's review and all your comments. Also, Criterion always does a great job.
McIntosh MX170 Controller: Projector JVC DLA-RS4100; Screen: Stuart StudioTek130: Amps: McIntosh MC-611(center),MC1.25KW (lf&rt);  Krell S-1500 Atmos/Surround; 4kDVD Panasonic UB9000; Speakers: Revel Ultima Salon 2, Ultima Voice 2, (Surround) W 990, Atmos C763L; Subs: SVS SB-13 Ultras;  Cable: 4K Verizon; Broadcast: Mediasonic HW-150PVR; Wiring: Shunyata; Apple TV,

bmoney

  • *****
  • 2593
Re: Time Bandits (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2023, 09:00:55 PM »
Never seen or heard of it. But I’ll giver her a rip
SadieMax 2,0 Build thread

Nad t758v3 
7.4.4 diysoundgroup 1099's (3) 
Volt 6 (8 ) 
18" SI subs (4) 
diy 130" 2.40 spandex screen
minidsp 2x4HD
JVC rs600
Lumagen radiance pro 4242
Nvidia shield pro
Emby NAS media player

  Go Up
 

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal