While 20 years later Independence Day doesn’t quite hold up, the entertainment and cheese factor at least still is there and makes for an enjoyable disaster flick, not to mention President Whitmore’s call to action speech still gives me goose bumps to this day.
Independence Day
— 20th Anniversary Edition —
(1996)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Action, Science Fiction
Fox | PG13/Unrated – 145 min. / 153 min. – $19.98 | May 3, 2016
Date Published: 05/18/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE – 3.0/5 |
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“We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!” Plot Synopsis: The ultimate encounter begins when mysterious aliens launch an invasion against the human race. Massive spaceships appear overhead, but wonder turns to terror as they blast down powerful fire beams. Now a determined band of survivors must unite to defeat the invaders — and save mankind!
Quick Hit Review: The 1996 classic disaster film, which arguably started the summer blockbuster, though Jurassic Park could lay claim 3 years prior, is an entertaining fluffy sci-fi actioner but there’s really not much more than that. Despite a nearly two and a half hour running time, I never was bored and seeing it again after several years, the visual effects still hold up fairly well, but many of the pieces of dialogue was god-awful but at least the likes of Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum were amiable enough to carry the film. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 4.25/5 |
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This two-disc release comes with a semi-reflective slip cover. Inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Disc 1: ID4 Datastream Trivia Track is a feature that provides info while watching the movie. (Theatrical Version Only) Independence Day: Resurgence Theatrical Trailer (2:07; HD) Disc 2: Original Theatrical Ending (4:16; SD) is an extended scene involving Quaid’s character as he tries to convince the military he can fly and eventually shows up in the bi-plane. Creating Reality (29:19; SD) – This is an older featurette on the visual effects work done on the movie. ID4 Invasion (21:57; SD) is a mock feature as if the invasion/attack was real, basically cobbling together news footage, some of which seen in the movie. The Making of ID4 (28:29; SD) is an old behind-the-scenes featurette. Combat Review (9:04; HD) are a collection of random destruction clips. Monitor Earth Broadcasts (51:08; SD) – Here we get a sampling of the news clips used in the film. Also included: Gag Reel (2:05; SD), Gallery of storyboard sequences, conceptual artwork, production photos, Teaser Trailers (5:09; SD), Theatrical Trailer (2:30; HD) and TV Spots (3:57; SD). |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| This 20th Anniversary boasts a “newly restored” transfer and from my reading, this might’ve been culled from a 4K transfer in which case, the movie probably has never looked better. The detail throughout is incredible and has that cinematic feel one looks for, especially a film of its age, with fine grain particles and an absolutely clean transfer, free of dust marks, scratches, artifacts, aliasing and other flaws. The blacks are nice and stark and the colors themselves look natural without appearing oversaturated or artificially pumped up. |
AUDIO – 4.5/5 |
| According to the back cover, the disc is supposed to be a 7.1 channel DTS-HD MA but instead is *only* 5.1 channels. For whatever reason, the audio didn’t get a big upgrade (like DTS:X or the promised 7.1 channels), yet it’s still a robust track that will blow your socks off when the action goes into all gears, starting with the explosions of America’s landmark structures. Dialogue levels also sound crisp and clear and there’s some nice ambient noises protruding from the rear channels. |
OVERALL – 3.75/5 |
| Overall, while 20 years later Independence Day doesn’t quite hold up, the entertainment and cheese factor at least still is there and makes for an enjoyable disaster flick, not to mention President Whitmore’s call to action speech still gives me goose bumps to this day. This latest, and much needed, Blu-ray release offers great audio/video transfers and a fine selection of bonus material including a well done retrospective documentary. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.