'The Andromeda Strain' (1971) Arrow Video 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review - A Science-Forward Thriller From Michael Crichton
Before he created Westworld and Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton first blurred the line between science fiction and science fact with his breakout success The Andromeda Strain. Two years after the novel's publication, Robert Wise (The Haunting) directed the film adaptation, a nail-biting blend of clinically-realised docudrama and astonishing sci-fi visuals that ushered in a new subgenre: the 'killer virus' biological thriller. A government satellite crashes outside a small town in New Mexico – and within minutes, every inhabitant of the town is dead, except for a crying baby and an elderly derelict. The satellite and the two survivors are sent to Wildfire, a top-secret underground laboratory equipped with a nuclear self-destruct mechanism to prevent the spread of infection in case of an outbreak. Realizing that the satellite brought back a lethal organism from another world, a team of government scientists race against the clock to understand the extraterrestrial virus – codenamed 'Andromeda' – before it can wipe out all life on the planet. Aided by innovative visual effects by Douglas Trumbull (2001: A Space Odyssey, Silent Running) and an unforgettable avant-garde electronic music score by Gil Melle (The Sentinel), Wise's suspense classic still haunts to this day, and is presented here in a stunning, exclusive new restoration from the original negative.
For thoughts on The Andromeda Strain, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:
Video Quality
Arrow Video presents The Andromeda Strain with an exquisite 2160p transfer in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This restoration was handled by Arrow Films with a 4K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative restored and graded in 4K HDR10/Dolby Vision. The previous Blu-Ray release from Arrow Video in 2019 was derived from the same base master, but we do not have that release to compare directly. By all accounts, that was also stunning release, but this transfer displays it to its full potential and expands the color space.
The benefits of Dolby Vision for increased color output are obvious despite this not being an overly vivid film. You find great nuance in the black levels with nothing in the way of crush present, and highlights are firm with no signs of blooming. The complex lighting schemes and the uniforms make the most of the technology with more depth than ever. The striking compositions within the frame are a delight to observe with this disc. The sterile shades of the lab and the earthy qualities of the vacant town are presented with the appropriate delineation.
This restoration preserves the stunning natural film grain as it resolves perfectly without a trace of clumping or swarming. Everything is completely authentic with no lingering print damage or stray specks. The movie looks exceptional with more subtle details on display than you can believe. The texture present in the uniforms and within the production design is astounding. When it comes to encoding, there are zero digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or other such nuisances. Even bright, open skies avoid any spiking or other stray encoding issues. This presentation from Arrow Video is everything you could want.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of the film comes with an LPCM 1.0 mono track that is everything it should be and more. The label has not stumbled a bit by ensuring the original theatrical audio is presented without any obvious flaws. Dialogue comes through clearly without being overwhelmed by the sound effects. The film bypasses a traditional score in favor of some repeating noises orchestrated to escalate the tension of the situation. The largely mechanical soundscape creeps through to provide some unsettling ambient details. Moments of breathless tension are thrilling without becoming a sonic mess, as everything is distinguished with precision. All of the various sounds in the mix seem accurately rendered so that nothing ever feels inauthentic. Everything is presented with an ideal fidelity that never stumbles. This presentation is free of any hiss, distortion, or other age-related wear and tear. Arrow Video should be proud of what they pulled off. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
Special Features
Audio Commentary:
Film critic Bryan Reesman provides a great commentary track in which he discusses the career of Michael Crichton, the influences of his medical background on his work, the cinematic history of contagion films, the production of this film, the recurring themes in his work, the background of the performers, the science within the film, and much more that is well worth a listen.
A New Strain Of Science Fiction:
A 28-minute interview with critic Kim Newman on the origins of plague dramas, how
The Andromeda Strain
changed up the genre, metaphors within the genre, how the film fares in terms of scientific accuracy, and more.
Making The Film:
A 30-minute featurette from 2001 that features interviews with director Robert Wise, screenwriter Nelson Gidding, author Michael Crichton, and more. This piece delves into the creation of the screenplay, the casting of lesser-known performers, the addition of women into the story, working from storyboards, and more.
A Portrait of Michael Crichton:
A nearly 13-minute piece from 2001 that focuses on the early life and career of the author, his inspiration for writing
The Andromeda Strain,
his work in medical school, the reception of his debut, and more.
Cinescript Gallery:
A gallery is provided that allows you to view the script for the film.
Theatrical Trailer (3:18)
TV Spots (1:50)
Radio Spots (1:49)
Image Gallery:
Galleries are provided for Production Still and Poster & Video Art
Booklet:
The Limited Edition release of the film comes with a multi-page booklet featuring writing by Peter Tonguette and an archival discussion guide for teachers and students created for the film's release.
Final Thoughts
The Andromeda Strain is a somewhat unusual but eerily effective science fiction movie that shows how gifted Michael Crichton was as an author from his earliest days. Director Robert Wise and company play things deathly serious, forcing the audience not to succumb to the ironic detachment brought about by so many modern productions. As evidenced by the last half decade, the scenario is not so far-fetched, and the focus on scientific research as genuine action works like a charm. There are those who might become too restless with only high-pressure exchanges and laboratory testing to perk things up, but those with a little patience will be completely riveted. Arrow Video has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a stellar A/V presentation and a fine assortment of special features. If you are a fan of the film, this release is not to be missed. Recommended
The Andromeda Strain will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray on May 13, 2025.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Arrow Video has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
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