Overview
Total Recall (1990) isn’t the only thing back to the big screen — people are, too! Yes, the long awaited return of the cinematic experience. It’s just not the same at home, no matter how big your television set is! Furthermore, you might have Blu Ray and 4K, etc, but you just can’t beat the big screen. To celebrate 30 years since it’s initial release, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best movie roles, Total Recall has been re-released, and brought back to the big screen. Additionally, it’s like never before, too! Owing to technical digi-magic (SciFiPulse is hereby coining that term as a valid word!), it’s presented in stunning clarity. But, rather just than a straightforward retro-review (another word we coined!), we’ll be highlighting the excitement of finally getting back to the screen . . .
The Film
It’s always good to see classic, and especially so at the cinema. The visuals were incredibly clear, which at times felt a bit odd. For example, seeing every blemish on the actors’ skin. Although, this edition did make the epic visuals of Mars look even more impressive. There are some aspects of the film’s effects and CGI that haven’t aged as well others. Notably, the “futuristic cars”, which look a bit silly, now. But that didn’t spoil things. If anything, it sorted added to the film’s charm, and importantly its sense of fun, too.
One stunt that did hold up was the “false head”, when Arnold Schwarzenegger is disguised as an old lady. It was a truly inventive bit of trickery, at a time when CGI was far from what it is today. Again, it reminded you how fun the film is, at times. And of course, the other creative bit costuming is the now (in)famous “tri-boob” scene, too. It’s only right to give a mention to Lycia Naff’s iconic role.
In this 4K version, the world of Philip K Dick is brought to life, in a sparkling, spectacular manner. What becomes apparent is that Paul Verhoeven certainly had a vision that he wanted to execute. Now, you see that like never before, and it still looks largely impressive.
The Overall Experience
Really, what’s not to love about an “Arnie” action flick? His many antics and stunts inspired one of the earliest May The Verse Be With You poem’s. It was, of course, suitably titled, “Arnie”. Truly, going back to the big screen, seeing his trademark style, was wonderful. The unbeatable combination of explosions, big bangs and camp action is simply unbeatable. It’s just not the same at home. If there’s ever a reason to get back to real movie magic, it’s this 4K edition of an absolute classic. Aside from the improved visuals, what really hit home was quite how lost you can get in a story-world, at the cinema. For the time you’re there, you’re completely engrossed, and the whole experience just felt as big as the massive screen you’re watching. So, get out and there and get supporting the cinemas!
