Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov October 13, 2017

Sam Wanamaker's "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" (1977) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of British label Indicator/Powerhouse Films. The supplemental features on the disc include an original trailer for the film; exclusive new video interview with actress Jane Seymour; archival audio recording of an interview Ray Harryhausen; the documentary "The Harryhausen Chronicles"; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

UPDATE: This release comes from a second pressing that was initiated by Indicator/Powerhouse Films and is sourced from a completely different master, which was struck from the previously advertised 2K restoration of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger. The first release which we reviewed here was mistakenly sourced from an older remaster of some sort. Naturally, there is a pretty substantial gap in quality between the two releases.

There is already an exchange program in progress. Therefore, if you wish to get a proper copy of the release you need to contact Indicator/Powerhouse Films and arrange an exchange. (Since the label is based in the United Kingdom, I assume that there are different requirements for local and international customers, but you will have to provide proof of purchase).

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Sam Wanamaker's Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films.

This review of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger is for a completely different second release -- or second pressing -- which is sourced from the previously advertised by Indicator/Powerhouse Films 2K restoration of the film. The first release was in fact sourced from a remaster of some sort and the label is now replacing the previous discs with the correct discs from the second pressing.

The gap in quality between the first release and this new release is very obvious. Throughout the entire film density is better -- and actually proper, as it should be after a 2K restoration -- and even during the sequences with the special effects where there are native fluctuations the improvements are very easy to see. During close-ups quite often the difference is actually quite dramatic (see screencaptures #1 and 4). I mentioned in the previous review that edge definition was not optimal, and on this transfer this is an issue that is eliminated. You can compare screencaptures #3 and 15 with the matching screencaptures from the previous review to see how edge definition is cleaner, without the ringing from the old remaster, and the images actually have all-around better organic balance. Depth is also superior, and again you will see that there is improved natural sharpness that comes with it (see screencapture #5). I feel that there is more room for improvements in terms of color saturation. but I also like the current grading. Finally, on the previous release there were quite a few white specks, blemishes, scratches, and black marks, but during the restoration they must have been removed because the new transfer looks very healthy. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to access its content regardless of your geographical location).

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 1.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

I again viewed the film with the Mono track. I don't know if it is newly remastered, but if it is, I could not hear any dramatic upgrade in quality over the previous lossless track. I thought that the previous track was just as nicely balanced and clean as this track is.

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

NOTE: All of the supplemental features on this Blu-ray release are perfectly playable on North American Blu-ray players, including the PS3.

• Isolated Score - presented as LPCM 1.0.

• Image Gallery - a large collection of original promotional materials for the film.

• The Guardian Interview with Ray Harryhausen - presented here is an archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Philip Strick at the National Film Theatre in London in 1981. The information that I found most interesting was about the evolution of Ray Harryhausen's style (and the important role that King Kong apparently had) and the final visual appearance of his films. There are also some quite interesting observations about the surrealistic qualities of the Sinbad films. (85 min).

• The Princess Diaries - in this new video interview, actress Jane Seymour recalls how she was cast to play Farah and discusses the shooting of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger. There are also some good comments about Ray Harryhausen's special effects. The interview was produced by Elijah Drenner for Indicator/Powerhouse Films. In English, not subtitled. (12 min, 1080p).

• Ray Harryhausen Interview by John Landis - in this archival interview, Ray Harryhausen discusses Jason and the Argonauts and the various special effects that his films are known for. The interview is conducted by John Landis. In English, not subtitled. (12 min, 1080i).

• The Harryhausen Chronicles - this documentary film focuses on the special effects and many of the exotic creatures that Ray Harryhausen's films have promoted during the years, as well as his illustrious career. The documentary is narrated by actor/dierctor/photographer/singer Leonard Nimoy. In English, not subtitled. (58 min, 1080i).

• Booklet - also included with this release is an 80-page illustrated booklet with new essays and film credits.

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Shortly after we published our review of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger I was made aware that currently there are two different versions of the same release in circulation. The market version that we reviewed was apparently sourced from an older master, but there is a new pressing of the same release that is sourced from the previously advertised 2K restoration of the film. There is already an exchange program in progress. Therefore, if you wish to get a proper copy of the release you need to contact Indicator/Powerhouse Films and arrange an exchange. RECOMMENDED, but only to fans of the film.