Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		2.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		2.5

The Shape of Things to Come Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov October 15, 2016

George McCowan's "The Shape of Things to Come "(1979) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of independent distributors Blue Underground. The supplemental features on the disc include an original French trailer for the film; exclusive new video interviews with star Nicholas Campbell and composer Paul Hoffert; and promotional materials. In English, with optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

On a mission

Someone should make a film about the making of George McCowan‘s 1979 film The Shape of Things to Come. My guess is that it will be a lot more entertaining to watch because I just finished viewing the new interview with Nicholas Campbell that is included on Blue Underground’s release and if even half of what he mentions in it is true then there is no doubt that there is a story that needs to be told. And, honestly, I don’t think that he is making things up. Jack Palance had quite a reputation long before he shot this film and there are some pretty wild stories about producer Harry Alan Towers floating around that have been confirmed by a lot of people that got checks from him.

The original plan apparently was to shoot a remake of William Cameron Menzies’ Things to Come. Towers reportedly liked H.G. Wells’ classic novel a lot and had enough money at the time to fund the project. Once Palance committed to it, which should not have been a stretch for him because he needed work, it looked like things were heading in the right direction. What happened after that, however, is a mystery. McCowan started shooting and according to Campbell everyone knew that the film would end up being a stinker. But no one apparently cared, not even Towers, and McCowan finished what he was paid to do.

There is a part of me that wants to speculate that at some point Towers actually realized that McCowan should have been sacked, but he decided to keep him because it was the cheaper option. At least this theory makes some sense. The film does not. It is a total mish-mash of awkward ideas and underdeveloped subplots and just about the entire cast looks lost while trying to make something meaningful out them.

The special effects and costumes are equally disappointing. Indeed, the space footage actually looks even cheaper than the footage that John Carpenter shot for Dark Star. The maniac’s robots also look like rushed variations of the daleks from Gordon Flemyng’s Doctor Who films.

The one solid aspect of the entire production is Paul Hoffert’s symphonic score. It is almost shockingly good. The orchestration is excellent and today it actually makes the film look like much more expensive and ambitious project than it apparently was.

McCowan shot the film with cinematographer Reginald Morris, whose credits also include the far more respectable Phobia, Murder by Decree, and Black Christmas.

The Shape of Things to Come Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.66:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, George McCowan's The Shape of Things to Come arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Blue Underground.

The transfer is disappointing. It is painfully obvious that the entire films have been heavily filtered and as a result detail and depth suffer a lot. There are a lot of segments where shadow definition is basically non-existent and detail is completely wiped out (see screencapture #11). Close-ups also look very flat and anemic (see screencaptures #7 and 19). Colors are stable, but but the filtering has destabilized entire ranges of nuances. There are no traces of problematic sharpening adjustments. Also, image stability is excellent. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

The Shape of Things to Come Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio (Dual Mono) and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Optional English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles are provided for the main feature.

I viewed the film with the Mono track and was rather impressed with it. It has excellent depth and clarity it outstanding throughout the entire film. Balance is also very good. The special audio effects are modest, but are easy to identify and appreciate. The dialog is stable, clean, and easy to follow.

The Shape of Things to Come Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• French Trailer - original French trailer for The Shape of Things to Come. In French, with imposed English subtitles. (2 min, 1080p).

• TV Spot - original U.S. TV spot for The Shape of Things to Come. In English, not subtitled. (720p).

• Jason's Journey - in this new video interview, star Nicholas Campbell (Jason Caball) recalls how he became involved with The Shape of Things to Come, and discusses the LA and Toronto film scenes, his interactions with producer Harry Alan Towers, his work with director George McCowan and his rather unique personality, Jack Palance and his eccentric behavior, etc. In English, not subtitled. (14 min, 1080p).

• Symphonies in Space - in this new video interview, composer Paul Hoffert explains how he entered the film business and how he was contracted by producer Harry Alan Towers to score The Shape of Things to Come. There are additional comments about the recording sessions and the type of instruments that were used as well. In English, not subtitled. (17 min, 1080p).

• Poster & Still Gallery - a collection of original posters, stills, DVD and book covers, and clips from articles for The Shape of Things to Come. The gallery was compiled by Gregory Chick. (1080p).

• Pressbook Gallery - presented here is the original pressbook for The Shape of Things to Come. The gallery was compiled by Gregory Chick. (1080p).

The Shape of Things to Come Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

I enjoy a lot of the films producer Harry Alan Towers was involved with during the 1960s and 1970s, but George McCowan's The Shape of Things to Come is so silly that it is almost painful to watch. This recent release from Blue Underground has two excellent new video interviews with star Nicholas Campbell and composer Paul Hoffert, but the master that was used to produce it is problematic. RENT IT.