Whenever laser disc collector's start talking about films they want to see either released or remastered with a widescreen transfer, invariably Disney's name comes up and one the Disney titles that invariably comes up is 'Tron'. Things started looking pretty good for collectors of Disney films with the introduction of the 'Exclusive Archive Collection' series of special edition discs. That is until the abject commercial failure of the ill-timed and ill-conceived box set of black and white Mickey Mouse cartoons. Following this, Disney (in what appeared to be the petulance of a child ignored) seemed to turn it's back on the serious laser disc collector. And this after only three installments in the Archive Collection series, two of which did very well (one can only speculate if the outrageous $125 price tag for the Mickey Mouse box was it's undoing). Fortunately, someone a little more far-sighted at Disney prevailed and the Exclusive Archive Collection is back with what is arguably the most requested of Disney's live-action films.
'Tron' was a technically groudbreaking film released in 1982. Not generally well regarded among critics and not a tremendous box-office success, 'Tron' is, none the less, a sumptuous visual treat combining live actors with computer graphics in a way never seen before that time. The admittedly simple story involves a genius programmer named Flynn (Jeff Bridges) whose work is stolen by a not-so-genius programmer named Dillinger (David Warner). Using his success with the stolen programs, Dillinger rises to the upper levels of the the company, Encom, getting rid of Flynn in the process. Further aided by (or more accurately, used by) the now sentient and megalomaniacal CPU of Encom's computer system, Master Control Program, this disolves into basically another tired old "ruler-of-the-world" story. But, story isn't the real appeal of 'Tron'. When Flynn tries to gain access to the Encom computer system to get evidence against Dillinger, the MCP uses a research device that digitizes physical objects to suck Flynn into the world of the computer and this is the real appeal of 'Tron'. The journey into a world unknown and unseen. A world beautifully rendered and exquisitely realized through computer animation and 65mm photography.
Not since 'Tron's initial theatrical run has this film been seen in anything approaching it's original splendor. All previous video versions were hopelessly inadequate and the severe cropping of the Super Panavision frame all but destroyed the only real strength of the film, it's visuals. If for no other reason, it is the THX approved transfer of 'Tron' that will cause fans to revel in this new Archive Collection release. Though it is not stated if this transfer was struck from 35mm or 65mm elements (prerelease advertising seemed to indicate 65mm), the aspect ratio is what would be correct for a 65mm film, about 2.20:1. Opening up the wide frame gives this film an epic scale completely missing from previous video versions. And that's just the beginning. Most of the computer animation shots are a solid black background with bright, indeed, luminously colored geometric shapes. This bright palatte of color is rendered with suprising precision. Even the most intense reds remain stable with good detail. The blacks are just that, black. The image is silky smooth with virtually no grain or noise. Sharpness and detail are excellent.
The soundtrack of 'Tron' benefits from this remaster almost as much as the video, particularly in the low end. There is some serious bass here (check out the scene where Flynn jimmys the big door at Encom). Overall, this is an unusually (for 1982) lively mix, especially the use of the surround channel, though this may reflect the fact that this film was originally intended for the 6 track 70mm format. Hard pans, agressive surround envelopment and clear, centered dialog are the hallmarks of this terrific soundtrack.
'Tron' runs 96 minutes and contains 29 chapters. The film is spread to 4 sides in CAV with intelligently placed side and platter breaks. Though I usually find the CAV format disruptive of the flow of a film, I was not really bothered by this one. Included in this package is a third two-sided CAV disc devoted to supplemental material. This section is an extensive and well produced look at the production of 'Tron', beginning with early developement and running through publicity and merchandising for the film's release. Included are excerpts from a couple of production documentaries, storyboards, pre-production tests, design sketches, deleted scenes, several trailers and the proverbial "much, much more". During the feature on analog left audio channel you will find running commentary by the Writer/Director Steve Lisberger, Producer Donald Kushner and visual effects supervisors Harrison Ellenshaw and Richard Taylor. Music and effects are isolated on analog right channel. List price is $99.95.
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