‘Innerspace’ 4K UHD Review (Arrow Video)
Stars: Dennis Quaid, Martin Short, Meg Ryan, Kevin McCarthy, Fiona Lewis, Vernon Wells, Robert Picardo, Wendy Schaal, Harold Sylvester, William Schallert, Henry Gibson | Written by Jeffrey Boam, Chip Proser | Directed by Joe Dante
In the 1980s, director Joe Dante brought some fun features to cinemas that, over the years, have become classics and cult classics. These films include The Howling (1981), Gremlins (1983), Explorers (1985), Innerspace (1987), Amazon Women on the Moon (1987) and The Burbs (1989).
Arrow Video has now selected one of these Joe Dante gems for a deluxe 4K Ultra HD restoration and release – specifically the ultra-fun sci-fi adventure Innerspace, directed by Dante and produced by the great Steven Spielberg (Poltergeist, Back to the Future).
Maverick pilot Tuck Pendleton (Dennis Quaid) is about to make history as part of a scientific experiment to be miniaturized and injected into the body of a rabbit… but when rogue scientists steal the new technology, he finds himself injected into hypochondriac grocery clerk Jack Putter (Martin Short) instead. Together with ace reporter Lydia Maxwell (Meg Ryan), Jack must find the stolen tech that will get Tuck back to regular size and out of his body – before the bad guys extract him by force!
Innerspace showcases Joe Dante’s signature genre mash-up of action and comedy, resulting in a genuinely fun, entertaining ride. Martin Short is hilarious as ever, while Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan play perfect foils to his off-the-wall antics. The special effects still impress, and even nearly 40 years on, Innerspace remains hugely entertaining: a true timeless piece of cinema.
Arrow Video has transferred Innerspace to 4K in 2160p, presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible – the transfer comes from a brand new restoration from the original 35mm negative by Arrow Films, which is also approved by director Joe Dante. The audio tracks are a newly restored original lossless 2.0 stereo, original 70mm 6-track mix in DTS-HD MA 4.1 surround and newly remixed Dolby Atmos audio. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
The colours on this new transfer are bright and vibrant, with natural-looking skin tones throughout. The image is crisp and clean, with no visible signs of print damage. Which means, obviously, Innerspace looks fantastic in 4K. Alongside this impressive restoration, Arrow Video has included a solid selection of bonus features, making this a must-own for fans of ’80s sci-fi, including:
Special Features:
- Brand new audio commentary by film critic Drew McWeeny
- Archive audio commentary with director Joe Dante, producer Michael Finnell, visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren and actors Kevin McCarthy and Robert Picardo
- Shrinkage: The Making of Innerspace, a brand new hour-long documentary featuring newly filmed interviews with director Joe Dante, producer Michael Finnell, visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren, visual effects artists Harley Jessup and Bill George and actor Robert Picardo
- Behind the Scenes with Joe Dante, previously unseen video footage shot during the production of Innerspace
- Behind the Scenes at ILM, previously unseen footage shot by visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren during production
- Original storyboards
- Continuity and Behind the Scenes Polaroids
- Production stills gallery
- Posters and Promo stills gallery
- Theatrical trailer
Bonus Materials:
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Doug John Miller
- Double-sided fold-out poster featuring two original artwork options
- Collectors’ perfect-bound booklet featuring new writing by film critics Charlie Brigden, Michael Doyle, Josh Nelson, Jessica Scott and Andrea Subissati, a short guide to Joe Dante’s stock company by Scott Saslow, plus the original exhibitors’ pamphlet
A brand-new audio commentary and a superb new making-of featurette really help this release stand out, but it’s the inclusion of archival material that rounds everything out nicely. This is exactly the kind of package fans want, and one I’m genuinely glad to add to my collection – chances are, you will be too.
***** 5/5
If you love ’80s sci-fi or the hilarious antics of Martin Short, this release delivers the best of both worlds with Arrow Video’s 4K Ultra HD of Innerspace. And if you’ve yet to make the jump to 4K, Arrow has you covered with a Blu-ray edition as well. Either way, this is a release well worth picking up – head over to Amazon and pre-order your copy now!
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