JURASSIC PARK 3D [1993 / 2013] [20th Anniversary Edition] [3D Blu-ray + 2D Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + ULTRAVIOLET] [USA Release] Welcome to Jurassic Park! An Adventure 65 Million Years in the Making!
Experience one of the biggest films in motion picture history with director Steven Spielberg's ultimate thrill ride, Jurassic Park, now in 3D! Featuring Academy Award winning visual effects and ground-breaking filmmaking that has been hailed as “a triumph of special effects artistry” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times). This epic film is sheer movie-making magic that was 65 million years in the making. ‘JURASSIC PARK’ takes you to an amazing theme park on a remote island where dinosaurs once again roam the Earth and five people must battle to survive among the prehistoric predators. Starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough, discover the breath-taking adventure you will want to experience again and again.
FILM FACT: Awards and Nominations: 1993 Awards Circuit Community Awards: Win: Best Achievement in Directing for Steven Spielberg. Win: Best Film Editing for Michael Kahn. Win: Best Sound for Gary Rydstrom, Gary Summers, Richard Hymns, Ron Judkins and Shawn Murphy. Win: Best Visual Effects, Win: Best Original Score for John Williams. Nominated: Best Motion Picture for Gerald R. Molen and Kathleen Kennedy. Nominated: Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Laura Dern. Nominated: Best Adapted Screenplay for David Koepp and Michael Crichton. Nominated: Best Cast Ensemble. Nominated: Best Production Design for Rick Carter. Nominated: Best Cinematography for Dean Cundey. 1993 Bambi Awards: Win: International Film for Ariana Richards and Joseph Mazzello. 1993 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards: Win: Best Supporting Actor for Jeff Goldblum. 1993 Jupiter Award: Win: Best International Film for Steven Spielberg. Win: Best International Director for Steven Spielberg. 1994 Academy Awards®: Win: Best Sound for Gary Rydstrom, Gary Summers, Ron Judkins and Shawn Murphy. Win: Best Effects and Sound Effects Editing for Gary Rydstrom and Richard Hymns. Win: Best Effects and Visual Effects for Dennis Muren, Michael Lantieri, Phil Tippett and Stan Winston. 1994 BAFTA Film Awards: Win: BAFTA Film Award for Best Special Effects for Dennis Muren, Michael Lantieri, Phil Tippett and Stan Winston. Win: Lloyds Bank People's Vote for the Most Popular Film. Nominated: BAFTA Film Award for Best Sound for Gary Rydstrom, Gary Summers, Richard Hymns, Ron Judkins and Shawn Murphy. 1994 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Win: Best Science Fiction Film. Win: Best Director for Steven Spielberg. Win: Best Writing for David Koepp and Michael Crichton. Win: Best Special Effects for Dennis Muren, Michael Lantieri, Phil Tippett and Stan Winston. Nominated: Best Actress for Laura Dern. Nominated: Best Supporting Actor for Jeff Goldblum/ Nominated: Best Supporting Actor for Wayne Knight. Nominated: Best Performance by a Younger Actor for Joseph Mazzello. Nominated: Best Performance by a Younger Actor for Ariana Richards. Nominated: Best Music for John Williams. Nominated: Best Costumes for Eric H. Sandberg and Sue Moore. 1994 Awards of the Japanese Academy: Win: Best Foreign Film. 1994 Blue Ribbon Awards: Win: Best Foreign Language Film for Steven Spielberg. 1994 BMI Film & TV Awards: Win: BMI Film Music Award for John Williams. 1994 Bram Stoker Awards: Nominated: Other Media for David Koepp and Michael Crichton for the screenplay. 1994 Cinema Audio Society, USA: Nominated: Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for Feature Films for Gary Rydstrom (re-recording mixer), Gary Summers (re-recording mixer), Ron Judkins (production mixer) and Shawn Murphy (re-recording mixer). 1994 Czech Lions Awards: Win: Best Foreign Language Film (Nejlepsí zahranicní film) for Steven Spielberg. 1994 Grammy Awards: Nominated: Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television for John Williams. 1994 Hugo Awards: Win: Best Dramatic Presentation for Steven Spielberg (director), David Koepp (screenplay) and Michael Crichton (screenplay and novel). 1994 Mainichi Film Concours: Win: Readers' Choice Award for Best Foreign Language Film for Steven Spielberg. 1994 Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA: Win: Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing and Sound Effects. 1994 MTV Movie + TV Awards: Nominated: MTV Movie Award for Best Movie. Nominated: MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. Nominated: MTV Movie Award for Best Action Sequence for the T-Rex jeep scene. 1994 People's Choice Awards, USA: Win: Favorite Motion Picture. 1994 Yoga Awards: Win: Worst Foreign Director for Steven Spielberg. 1994 Young Artist Awards: Win: Outstanding Family Motion Picture in an Action/Adventure. Win: Best Youth Actor Co-Starring in a Motion Picture Drama for Joseph Mazzello. Win: Best Youth Actress Leading Role in a Motion Picture Drama forAriana Richards. 2014 20/20 Awards: Win: Felix Award for Best Sound Design. Win: Felix Award for Best Visual Effects. Nominated: Felix Award for Best Art Direction forRick Carter.
Cast: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sir Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, B.D. Wong, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight, Gerald R. Molen, Miguel Sandoval, Cameron Thor, Christopher John Fields, Whit Hertford, Dean Cundey, Jophery C. Brown, Tom Mishler, Greg Burson (Mr. D.N.A. voice), Adrian Escober, Richard Kiley (Jurassic Park Tour Voice), Brad M. Bucklin (uncredited), Laura Burnett (uncredited), Michael Lantieri (uncredited), Gary Rodriguez (uncredited), Lata Ryan (uncredited), Brian Smrz (uncredited), Rip Lee Walker (Raptor #1) (uncredited) and Robert 'Bobby Z' Zajonc (uncredited)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Producers: Colin Wilson, Gerald R. Molen, Kathleen Kennedy and Lata Ryan
Screenplay: David Koepp (screenplay) and Michael Crichton (novel/screenplay)
Composer: John Williams
Cinematography: Dean Cundey (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Anamorphic)
Audio: English: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio,
English: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
Running Time: 381 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 3
Studio: Universal Pictures / Amblin Entertainment
Andrew's Blu-ray Review: Along with 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' and Steven Spielberg's ‘JURASSIC PARK’ marks the beginning of the ground-breaking years in computer-generated imagery. Not since the stained-glass knight of 'Young Sherlock Holmes,' has audiences seen digital visual effects used so effectively in a live-action film. By today's standards, the visuals of this fantastically entertaining sci-fi adventure do, admittedly, seem a bit quaint, but twenty years later, it's surprising to see they have actually held up rather splendidly, still delivering that same sense of wonder.
Steven Spielberg is also at his best in building suspense and anticipation, making audiences wait until just the right moment to reveal the colossal, prehistoric creatures. Even as doctors Dr. Alan Grant [Sam Neill], Dr. Ellie Sattler [Laura Dern] and Dr. Ian Malcolm [Jeff Goldblum] finally arrive at John Hammond's Sir Richard Attenborough] island, the narrative takes its time, showing first the huge electrical fences that hint at something dangerous being caged. Later, we see the reactions of three characters, before we're finally allowed to see the once extinct animals for ourselves. The way in which the camera slowly pans to look up at the Brachiosaurus remains just as inspiring and jaw-dropping as ever. Then, we move to a long shot of dinosaurs by a lake which tops it all off.
The story itself is actually rather ordinary, even the inclusion of the two obnoxious children Alexis “Lex” Murphy [Ariana Richards] and Timothy “Tim” Murphy [Joseph Mazzello] seems intended to attract younger viewers. But it must be said, the film intentionally places more emphasis on a sense of adventure and excitement than on the science or the possibilities. Steven Spielberg and company utilised the best available CGI technology of the time and smartly balanced that with the amazing, lifelike animatronics of Stan Winston and his team. The plot is just engaging enough to maintain our attention while being overwhelmed by the visionary and spectacular visuals. ‘JURASSIC PARK’ continues to capture our imagination and serves as proof of what Hollywood magic can truly deliver.
Now in its twentieth year since it originally released, Steve Spielberg's epic fantasy adventure remains the grand spectacle of childhood wonder and endless imagination. Even if I wasn't fortunate enough to enjoy this film as a little boy, the now-legendary director of such splendid classics as 'JAWS,' 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' the 'Indiana Jones' adventures and 'E.T.' was truly at the height of his game because he made feel like a child again. Even more amazing is the fact that this sci-fi classic continues to work its magic not only on me but also younger generations. And somehow, I'm sure it will continue to do so for many future moviegoers as well. It's a terrific and splendid film with the now added enjoyment of 3D, which an amazing transformation and I wonder if future old 2D Hollywood Blockbusters will be turned into 3D, I hope so, as I love these 2D films brought to life in 3D, and I wish more old 2D Blu-ray disc Titles could be released again in this format, as it is totally brilliant.
Blu-ray Image Quality – Universal Pictures presents ‘JURASSIC PARK’ to this 3D Blu-ray in a three-disc combo pack with a code for a Digital Copy and ULTRAVIOLET viewing. The first two discs are Region Free, with the second being an identical copy from the previous release and accompanied by a DVD 9 copy. All three are housed inside the standard blue keep case with a glossy and lightly beautiful embossed slipcover. At start-up, the 3D Blu-ray is a little slow to boot, but it goes straight to a 3D main menu screen with full-motion clips and music, which puts you in the mood for a totally adventurous exhilarating rollercoaster ride. Setting aside the fact that this is simply another completely unnecessary conversion of an already great-looking film, I'm happy to report that ‘JURASSIC PARK’ 3D arrives with a rather surprisingly satisfying 1080p encoded image. While I wouldn't suggest this an improvement over the previous Blu-ray release, the extra dimension does add another layer to the story's sense of adventure and provides a substantially immersive effect to its enjoyment. Overall, however, the 1.85:1 image offers a wealth of 3D goodness. The transfer was made by the same folks who worked on the ghastly 'Titanic’ 3D conversion, which I have viewed and is a totally disgusting sham and should not have been released and should of only been made available in 2D, whereas ‘JURRASIC PARK’ 3D is a hundred times more superior, as is the awesome ‘Predator’ 3D Blu-ray and so the results of ‘JURRASIC PARK’ 3D are consistently great with some really fantastic moments which take advantage of Dean Cundey's original Cinematography. Separation between foreground and background objects is distinct and crystal-clear, often generating some amazing visual delights that penetrate deep into the backdrop. When dinosaurs stand directly in front of the camera, turning their heads from one side to the other, the snouts poke through the screen amusingly, to make you think they are going to enter your viewing area and so make the 3D so much more realistic. Generally, contrast is spot-on and crisp, but there are times when it slightly falls flat. Again, this mostly happens when CGI effects come into play. Black levels are accurate and deep with admirable shadow delineation. The transfer also comes with a thin layer of grain throughout, which tends to be more prominent in poorly-lit interiors, providing the film with a splendid film-like appearance that fans should love.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – As would be expected, the audio for ‘JURASSIC PARK’ 3D offers a truly awesome aural experience which those fans will not soon forget. The 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio conveys a consistent wall of sound that's highly engaging and movement across the soundstage that seems fluid and effortless. Conversations between characters are well-prioritized amongst the film's many action sequences, and dynamic range is wonderfully extensive, providing a rich, sharply-detailed image that listeners can savour. The low-end is authoritative and complex, delivering deep, omnidirectional frequencies that make walls rattle unexpectedly. Some of the best moments are, of course, when the T-Rex stomps its way onto the screen, but viewers can also feel the rumbling snarls of dinosaurs. Rear activity is also at a constant with a sound field full of exotic wildlife, the roars of the T-Rex and John Williams's memorable score. The surround mix for this modern classic is terrifically immersive, one that will give systems a great workout.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: The World of ‘JURRASIC PARK’ 3D [2013] [1080p] [1.78:1] [9:00] Presented here as a recent interview with Steven Spielberg suggesting how he subconsciously envisioned the film with a 3D style in mind. The rest of the documentary is a discussion on the process of converting the film to the new format with interviews of those who participated. Contributors include: Graham D. Clark [Visual Effects], Kathleen Kennedy [Producer] and Steven Spielberg [Director].
Special Feature: Return to Jurassic Park: Dawn of a New Era [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [25:00] The first in a six-part documentary series discusses not only the making of the film but also gives viewers an inside look at the original direction filmmakers were going to take before realising CGI was the way to go. Cast and Crew interviews are mostly recollections on working with Stan Winston's special effects, surviving a real-life hurricane, and working with Steven Spielberg. Contributors include: Steven Spielberg (Director), Michael Crichton (Author and Co-Screenwriter) (archive footage), Kathleen Kennedy (Producer), Stan Winston (Live Action Dinosaurs) (archive footage), John Rosengrant (Art Department Coordinator and Puppeteer), Mark 'Crash' McCreery (Concept Artist and Puppeteer), Jack Horner (Paleontologist Consultant) (archive footage), Phil Tippett (Dinosaur Supervisor), Dennis Muren (Full Motion Dinosaurs), Randal M. Dutra (Dinosaur Motion Supervisor), Tom St. Amand (Animator) (archive footage), David Koepp (Co-Screenwriter) (credit only), Sam Neill (Grant), Laura Dern (Ellie) and Jeff Goldblum (Malcolm).
Special Feature: Return to Jurassic Park: Making Prehistory [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [20:00] The second part takes a much closer at the filming itself, particularly the special effects and acting with the animatronics. Viewers gain a better knowledge and understanding of the extensive work that went into creating the scenes which feature the film's villains: the T-Rex and the Velociraptors. Of great interest is learning where the sounds of the dinosaurs originate, seeing some of the animatronics, and observing how Stan Winston's team made the dinosaurs come alive. Contributors include: Kathleen Kennedy (Producer), Dean Cundey (Direcor of Photography), Steven Spielberg (Director), Randal M. Dutra (Dinosaur Motion Supervisor), Phil Tippett (Dinosaur Supervisor), Stan Winston (Live Action Dinosaurs) (archive footage), Michael Lantieri (Special Dinosaur Effects), Gary Rydstrom (Sound Designer), Ariana Richards (Lex), Fay Wray (Actress) (archive footage), Sam Neill (Grant), John Rosengrant (Art Department Coordinator and Puppeteer), Jeff Goldblum (Malcolm), Michael Crichton (Author and Co-Screenwriter) (archive footage) and Laura Dern (Ellie).
Special Feature: Return to Jurassic Park: The Next Step in Evolution [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [15:00] As one would suspect by the title, the third segment of the exhaustive documentary gives fans a great discussion on the computer-generated images and the digital composites created by Industrial Light & Magic. Very interesting is listening to Steven Spielberg share his thoughts on giving creators his input while in the middle of filming 'Schindler's List.' There is also some talk on the awesome sound effects and the soundtrack. This is a great watch for fans. Contributors include: Steven Spielberg (Director), Kathleen Kennedy (Producer), Dennis Muren (Full Motion Dinosaurs), Dean Cundey (Director of Photography), Gary Rydstrom (Sound Designer and Re-Recording Mixer), John Williams (Composer), Joseph Mazzello (Tim), Laura Dern (Ellie), Sam Neill (Grant), Jeff Goldblum (Malcolm), Ariana Richards (Lex Murphy) and Rick Carter (Production Designer).
Special Feature: Archival Documentaries [1993] [480i] [1.37:1] [66:00] Here you have Four Original Documentaries from the original 2000 DVD release and they are as follows:
Archival Feature: The Making of ‘JURASSIC PARK’ [49:39] This is actually a pretty comprehensive account on the making of the first film, compiled not by Laurent Bouzereau but by John Schultz and narrated onscreen by James Earl Jones. The date on the credits at this feature's end is 1995, indicating this must have been used or intended for something earlier than the DVD where I can first locate it. Some of the footage here is recycled in the more recent Laurent Bouzereau features. Contributors include: James Earl Jones (Host), Steven Spielberg (Director), Michael Crichton (Author of Jurassic Park), Stan Winston (Live Action Dinosaurs), Phil Tippett (Dinosaur Supervisor), Jack Horner (Palaeontologist Consultant), Dennis Muren (Full-Motion Dinosaurs), Mark A.Z. Dippé (Co-Visual Effects Supervisor), Rick Carter (Production Designer), Dean Cundey (Director of Photography), Michael Lantieri (Special Dinosaur Effects), Michael Kahn (Film Editor), Eric Armstrong (Computer Graphics Animator), Tom St. Amand (Animator) and Craig Hayes (Computer Interface Engineer).
Archival Feature: Original Documentary on the Making of the film ‘JURASSIC PARK’ [4:50] This is a brief promo piece that probably ran as a quasi-trailer theatrically to promote the film at the time of its release in 1993.
Archival Feature: Steven Spielberg Directs Original Documentary on the Making of the Film ‘JURASSIC PARK’ [9:07] This is a very brief and interesting look at the director on set and on location.
Archival Feature: Hurricane in Kauai [2:09] This quick feature covers the attack of Hurricane Iniki while the film company was on the island, including videotape of the cast and crew huddled in the entrance of the hotel and then holed up in the main ballroom waiting for the storm to pass.
Archival Feature: Behind the Scenes [1993] [480i] [1.37:1] [26:00] Here we get to view seven special features relating to all aspects of the film ‘JUEASSIC PARK’ and they are as follows: Early Pre-Production Meetings [6:20]; Location Scouting [1:59]; Phil Tippett Animatics: Raptors in the Kitchen [3:04]; Animatics: T-Rex Attack [7:21]; ILM and Jurassic Park: Before and After Visual Effects [6:32]; Foley Artists [1:25]; 6. Storyboards and Production Archives.
Special Feature: Jurassic Park: Making the Game [2011] [1080p] [1.78:1] [4:43] This feature covers the then-upcoming 2011 video game based on the first two films. Other than the obvious nods to various dinosaurs and movie moments, this featurette is notable to me for its inclusion of Dr. Kevin Padian, who taught a dinosaur class I attended while in school some years ago.
Theatrical Trailer [1993] [480i] [1.37:1] [1:00] This is the film's original full-length trailer and is presented here in standard definition. If anything, the trailer is a good barometer for the work done on the Blu-ray.
Finally, ‘JURASSIC PARK’ 3D is a great deal of fun, exciting thrill-ride that imagines an amusement park run amok when its prehistoric live attractions break free. Twenty years later, the sci-fi/fantasy adventure remains an imaginative motion picture of childhood wonder and visceral thrills. Arriving in a new format, the 3D Blu-ray features great video, which adds to the experience by adding a wonderful sense of immersion, and a demo-worthy audio presentation. Supplements may be the same as before, but they're a great collection with one brand new bonus, making the overall package a highly recommended purchase for fans of the third dimension. The new video presentation resolves many of the issues that afflicted the 2011 transfer, but brings with it several additional problems, obvious noise reduction chief among them. The main draw turns out to be something of a toss-up; some will prefer the 2011 transfer, some will prefer the 2013 transfer. You'll have to see both for yourself to make whatever decision is best for you. Thankfully, the 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio remix will blow you away. It's as monstrous as its 2011 counterpart, and has a few welcome tricks up its sleeve. All in all, ‘JURASSIC PARK’ 3D is a well worth the purchase, as if you do not, you will miss out on a most unbelievable experience, that any comments I make, does not portray what you will view with your 3D glasses and again it is another Steven Spielberg film I am honoured to add to my Blu-ray Collection. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
