There have been a massive amount of 4K releases for films that, while not undeserving, feel unexpected or even unnecessary. These are cult films like Vigilante (1982) or I Spit on Your Grave (1978). Both are fantastic examples of cult films, but do they really need the treatment?
Part of what so many people love about these movies is their grittiness or the grime associated with them. On the opposite spectrum, both films looked spectacular and vibrant in 4K. I haven’t seen a 4K release where I wasn’t really impressed with the new transfer, but in the case of Full Moon’s Trancers (1984), they may have been better off just leaving it as it was.
For those who need a refresher on the story, Jack Deth (Tim Thomerson) is a bounty hunter in 2247, tracking down the last followers of Whistler (Michael Stefani), a man with psychic abilities who used those powers to control inferior minds into doing his bidding. Thought dead, Whistler jumps back to 1985 to inhabit his ancestor and use his abilities to take over Angel City in the past. Deth jumps back in time, meeting Lena (Helen Hunt), who will help him confront his arch-nemesis one last time.
When it comes to the film itself, I have nothing but praise for it. Even though it was Charles Band’s answer to The Terminator (1984), it’s every bit as exciting and fun as that one. What’s so perfect about Trancers is Tim Thomerson’s portrayal of the lead character, Jack Deth. You can just tell how much fun he has in Deth’s shoes, and he owns every minute that he’s on screen. There’s a reason why Charles Band has been able to build the empire he has, and he certainly isn’t pulling out all the stops when it comes to money.
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Sadly, much is left to be desired when it comes to this 4K transfer. You can compare this release with the standard Blu-ray, and there really isn’t a difference. I would actually go so far as to say that the standard disc may even look a bit better. Again, I’m not knocking this film in the least; it’s truly a terrific piece of cult cinema, but this transfer is certainly a letdown.
If I had to choose, the standard Blu-ray is enough, but if you must have the Trancers 4K release, proceed cautiously. The special features are basically identical, so you won’t miss anything in that respect. I love the film, but I’m disappointed in this particular release. It really comes down to personal preference. If you don’t own the film already, definitely pick it up. If you do, I see no need to upgrade.
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