Top Gun – Special Collector’s Edition (1986/Paramount Blu-ray)

 

Picture: B     Sound: B+     Extras: B-     Film: B-

 

 

In a case of finally getting things correct, the Blu-ray edition of Tony Scott’s Top Gun (1986) is a version of the film that finally lives up to it theatrical film presentations, even if the transfer is a bit off.  Here is our previous coverage of the film:

 

DTS DVD Widescreen Collector’s Edition

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/1685/Top+Gun+DTS+set

 

HD-DVD

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/6198/Top+Gun+(HD-DVD)

 

 

Now comes a high definition version and with all the extras of the DVD.  While the picture is still soft more often than it should be, the soundtrack is finally presented correctly.  Though the previous editions had DTS sound, the new DTS 6.1 HD Master Audio (MA) Lossless handily outsides the problematic mixes from the other home video versions, making all of them obsolete.  Surrounds are accurate, rich and pronounced, the direction is now articulate and correct, while editing and detail are all impressive for the film’s age.  Of course, this mix also shows the age of the dialogue recording and sometimes, the hit records are in the (almost ambient) background, so fans who have the Super Audio CD version of the soundtrack will want to hold on to that and it is still in print.

 

It also reminds us how good the audio is on some of the older films, especially when finally remastered and presented correctly in the high definition audio formats that only Blu-ray can offer.  Many films from this time and earlier have audio this interesting and surprising.  Hope more such back catalog titles sound as good.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo