Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		2.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		2.5

The Arrival Blu-ray Movie Review

'The Arrival' lands on Blu-ray without extras.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman May 6, 2009

If I can confirm this signal, if we can find it again, then we will finally, finally know we are not alone.

There's something special about alien invasion and end-of-the-world feature films and television series. No matter how good (Independence Day, Signs, "V"), or how bad (Dolph Lundgren's I Come in Peace, The Final Days of Planet Earth) they may be, the danger, the novelty, and the varied takes on the appearance of the aliens and reasons behind the invasions always make for fascinating and enthralling subject matter at best, and morbid curiosity at worst. However, these visitors from beyond rarely come in peace, for the immediate and unparalleled-in-potential threat of devastation mankind faces from technologically and, generally, intellectually superior beings makes for more riveting cinema than does a group of aliens sipping tea at the United Nations. A film that falls neither at the top end nor the bottom of the spectrum of Alien Invasion films is Director David Twohy's (Pitch Black) The Arrival, a 1996 film starring Charlie Sheen (Major League) as a radio astronomer who finds himself in the center of a conspiracy to change Earth's climate for the benefit of an extraterrestrial race with a bad case of Osteoarthritis.

Zane turns his attention to searching for bonus materials.

Zane Zaminsky (Sheen) is a radio astronomer who puts his work ahead of his personal life. Somewhat paranoid, focused on the search for extraterrestrial life, and hoping to make the big discovery that will alter the course of history, Zane rarely sees his girlfriend, Char (Teri Polo), much to the detriment of their relationship. When Zane and his co-worker Calvin (Richard Schiff) late one night stumble upon a signal originating from the distant planet Wolf-336, they believe they have made the ultimate discovery -- until their work is rejected by their boss, Phil Gordian (Ron Silver, Timecop). Zane is unceremoniously let go, Gordian citing budget cuts and the political climate as excuses for the firing. Nevertheless, Zane finds himself determined to prove the importance of the signal, even when Gordian denies its existence. Using his technical expertise, Zane builds a listening post in his attic and, with the help of his next-door neighbor, Kiki (Tony T. Johnson), Zane discovers the same signal -- this time originating from Earth. The scientist travels to Mexico where he meets Ilana Green (Lindsay Crouse), a scientist studying Earth's shifting climate. His life in constant danger, Zane moves forward with his investigation, eventually unearthing an extraterrestrial plot that could forever change history -- and destroy mankind.

Though not atop the heap of Alien Invasion pictures, The Arrival enjoys upper-tier status thanks to a relatively smart script, solid direction (both courtesy of David Twhohy), and mostly believable and somewhat enthusiastic performances by veterans Charlie Sheen and the late Ron Silver. Serving as both writer and director, Twohy brings to the project an understanding of and passion for the art of filmmaking that is so often reflected in the director's commentaries and interviews (though, unfortunately, neither are provided on this Blu-ray release). Though one of his earliest directorial outings, Twohy writes and shoots The Arrival with a confident air, seemingly understanding that the film need not be the next great masterpiece to earn the respect of moviegoers. The Arrival accomplishes all its sets out to do nicely; the film never panders to the audience, keeps its secrets close to the vest, and offers a story that may be out-of-this-world but not completely out of the realm of believability. In fact, the film plays as accessible to those without the scientific backgrounds of its leads, and it never becomes bogged down in too much technological jargon or winks and nods to other films of its kind that only those with an obsession for the genre will understand. The Arrival represents the positive aspects of commercial moviemaking in that it never sacrifices its integrity for cheap laughs or unbelievable plot contrivances, nor does it show a dispassion from those involved in the moviemaking process.

The Arrival Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Arrival makes its Blu-ray debut with disappointing results. Presented in 1080p high definition and presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film never achieves the level of excellence expected of the release. Black levels could stand to be darker and deeper. As it is, they take on a brightness that lends to them a grayish appearance. Most of the image, too, appears washed out, often as if a thin layer of film covers the screen. There are a few pops and speckles seen over the image. It's also smooth and seemingly grain-free. As a result, the image takes on a flat, almost video-like, made-for-TV appearance, looking like anything but a quality cinematic presentation. Fine detail levels range between adequate and above-average but are, generally, far from extraordinary. Background details often appear unusually soft and occasionally smeared. The Arrival's transfer is a disappointment to the say least. Given Lionsgate's history of quality releases, one may hope that this transfer represents the film's intended look, though without anything in the way of bonus materials or access to an original print, there is no way of knowing for sure.

The Arrival Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Arrival features a loud and aggressive DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack that makes use of all the speakers in its arsenal. One thing is for sure, this track is extraordinarily loud at reference volume. Sound effects are heard distinctly throughout the entirety of the soundstage. The signal Zane receives at the beginning of the movie pours throughout both the front three and back four channels to practically devastating effect on the ears at reference volume. The sound effects plays as creepy and chilling, and accompanied by a small bit of bass, the effect, and by extension the scene, makes for a complete and impressive sonic experience. The track doesn't revel in the utmost clarity, but its aggressive presentation impresses nevertheless. Such loud and boisterous sound effects may be heard throughout the picture, and from the radio signals to the use of an alien technology, all will bring a smile to the face. Music, too, plays loudly and distinctly around the soundstage. The Arrival also features sufficient dialogue reproduction. While not the clearest and most lifelike of presentations, The Arrival bombards the listener with music and effects from every corner of the soundstage, making for an enjoyable experience that far overshadows the rather poor picture quality.

The Arrival Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Blu-ray release of The Arrival features only 1080p trailers for Crank 2: High Voltage, The Spirit, Transporter 3, and Hulk vs..

The Arrival Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Arrival is far from the best movie ever made, but it does just about everything right. Offering a plot that never sinks into complete unbelievably, sure-handed direction, a quick pace, and solid performances from the lead characters, The Arrival enjoys a place in the upper-echelon of its genre. Unfortunately, this release from Lionsgate seems like a missed opportunity to introduce new audiences to the film and allow established fans to experience it all over again in the best presentation possible. While the lossless soundtrack is loud and aggressive, the video lags far behind, and the absence of any film-related bonus materials disappoints. Despite the quality of the movie, this Blu-ray release of The Arrival earns only a recommendation to rent.