Close Encounters Of The Third Kind [4K Ultra-HD] [Blu-ray] [2018] [Region Free]

Forgive me as I slap on the sentimental hat, because watching this glorious film on Blu-ray with a full high definition experience... Well, lets just say it pains me that so few films are released like this anymore.I would even suggest this to be a bold production, given that so much patience is required before the audience can finally witness their reward. But thats largely the mood that Spielberg wants us to fall into - the waiting game that these wonderful characters are feeling. Richard Dreyfuss (playing Roy Neary) steals the show as a father who believes he is all but an lone figure when a mysterious group of flying 'crafts' dazzle him late one night on a car journey, causing his behaviour to become erratic and his motivation to find answers relentless. The problem is, he wants answers to questions that those around him don't believe to exist. After his family leave home when they become more and more concerned, nothing holds him back from making the ultimate journey to where he believes the answers will come...In typical Spielberg fashion, the film is saturated with clever motifs reaction shots - just a couple of the trademarks he would later go on to develop and perfect. But this is a film that is quite contrary to his later efforts, as it excels in confusing the audience as to whether the 'force' that is meddling with the characters has good or bad intentions. The films resolves this at the end, but its exciting to watch because it plays on the idea that alien activity could be either a positive or negative experience, depending on how you view their actions.Before I bought this particular product, I noted that a 'Close Encounters...' Blu-ray was actually already available from Amazon (this one), but I held back from buying for a couple of reasons. Firstly, another 'Close Encounters...' Blu-ray was available for Pre-Order here (the one on this page), so I made my order and received it after a lengthy delay, which Amazon attributed to stock problems. In comparing this particular product to the former U.S version, the only difference is that this is an official U.K release, so it actually doesn't matter which one you buy as they will both play in your Blu-ray player and both are the same price. Over on Amazon US, you also have the option of buying an 'Ultimate Edition' that includes a Bonus Disc and smart packaging... Looks like the U.K has been duped yet again!As for the transfer, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the integrity of the picture. This is a very, very faithful restoration that doesn't look over-processed at all like you get with many Lowry restorations, and certainly hasn't been over laboured. Grain is intact throughout and is never drops out artificially. Matting shots/special effects look like they've come straight off the film. A bit of gate weave is present, but heck, that happens anyway in a theatre. The colours are surprisingly rich and very stable - a surprise to me because 70's films can often look drab or coarse. This is absolutely not the case here. George Lucas should take note; this was released the same year as 'Star Wars: A New Hope', and yet this product looks MILES better than the latter which was recently released on Blu-ray. Spielberg really does care about his films, and the added bonus of course is that this product contains all three versions of the film; the Original, the Special Edition and the Directors Cut. Super Duper!Despite the flawless transfer and option for editions, this product does not contain any special features which is very much disappointing. Although the back of the case states that one is present, this feature is largely irrelevant unless you're interested in the different versions of the film, since it allows small 'graphics' to appear on the bottom corner of the screen (during the film playback) which indicate when a particular scene was not part of the original film. Interesting, but I guess part of the reason this product is so cheap is because you're just getting the film itself.I can't give any less than 5-Stars because this is precisely how a Blu-ray should be released. Its selling at a very affordable price (thats actually cheaper than many new DVDs, which in my honest opinion have become worthless due to file sharing), its got a flawless transfer that looks completely natural and its a classic film. What more you could want? Buy it now!

Great item well packaged fast delivery 5***** seller 👍

All time classic Spielberg extraterrestrial themed sci-fi movie. Having seen all three of the major edits - original, extended and this, the directors cut, I actually prefer the original. Whilst this one has some neat extra touches, such as the shadow of the ufo moving across the fields through which the half cooked Roy Neary is driving and more of him building his sculpture of Devils Tower, none of it actually helps drive the story along with the same pace as the original.Still, it’s a great movie. I liked it so much I had to go and see Devil’s Tower for myself. It was a bit of an anorak thrill to see the scenes where the three “called” characters escape from the helicopter, make their way up the mountain and know exactly where they were.Amongst the many superbly crafted scenes this film has dotted throughout, the highlight of the film for me has to be the “conversation” between the Mothership and the scientists using music. Unadulterated cinematic magnificence. Genius! Worth seeing for this alone.

Having recently watched the older Bluray edition of this film I found the video presentation a little disappointing, effect shots stood the test of time, but regular scenes not so great. Even considering and accepting this would soon be a fifty year old movie, the 1970’s film stock, typical heavy film grain and a very 70’s colour palette for clothing and interior scenes, it had, in places a bit of a VHS vibe, not unwatchable and far better than previous formats but still could be better. Decided to upgrade to the 4k version not just for the format upgrade but more importantly i understood a new scan and master had been created for this edition. Very pleased that I chose to upgrade as this now looks as good as it did in cinemas back in the day. This is not some revisionist upgrade to make it appear to have been filmed in the last few years. Grain is still heavy throughout, though now better resolved and focus can be soft at times, but on viewing this 4k i found myself just enjoying the experience and not picking issue with the presentation and for a film as good as Close Encounters you really just want to sit back and enjoy.

I can watch this film every time it is on the telly. The story line is not massively complex but I just love the bit near the start where the menacing storm clouds start to descend around the the little boy Barry's house and all the home electrical appliances become scarily possessed. The effects still hold up pretty well in the modern CGI age and I love the big mother ship which is lit up like a chandelier. I think we need to discuss mashed potato as well! When Roy starts to suffer his psychic alien induced breakdown I just love the scene where he sculpts the Devils tower out of mashed potato. Every time I have mashed potato with a meal I always make a mini devils tower out of it with the fork. I haven't yet emptied the wheely bin out on the street and made a Devils tower out of that as that would be going a bit too far.

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