Futureworld 4K Blu-ray Review | Is This 1976 Sci-Fi Sequel Worth the Upgrade?

Michael Crichton was a prolific novelist who brought us such stories like The Andromeda Strain, Congo, and Jurassic Park that were made into blockbuster movies. In 1973, he made his theatrical directorial debut with the sci-fi thriller Westworld.

Earlier this year, Arrow Video released Westworld on 4K UltraHD, and what a release it was. But what about its sequel? Well, Wonder No More FutureWorld is also coming to 4K UltraHD. Now this double feature is complete in 4K!

Synopsis: When reporters Chuck Browning (Peter Fonda, Easy Rider) and Tracy Ballard (Blythe Danner, The Great Santini) are invited to inspect the newly reopened Delos resort, they find a futuristic paradise promising safe, sanitized entertainment. But beneath the polished surface, troubling inconsistencies begin to emerge - and as suspicion turns to terror, the pair uncover a sinister conspiracy with consequences far beyond the park itself. Stylish, suspenseful and packed with all-star turns - including the return of Yul Brynner's implacable Gunslinger - Futureworld spins a compelling web of sci-fi intrigue, serving as a timely reminder that progress always has its price.

For better or worse, FutureWorld doesn't try to be WestWorld. Micheal Crichton did not return for the sequel, that didn't help. Plus the producers moved the story into more of a mystery instead of the thriller that was Westworld. In doing so a lot of the fun that was Westworld was lost. Plus, the loss of Yul Brynner as the man baddie did not help this film's cause either. He only appears briefly in this film. What a waste!

If you love mysteries, FutureWorld is a good one. It would probably be a great stand alone mystery film. But when watching Westworld and then this sequel, you can tell how much of a superior film Westworld truly is.

Arrow Video has restored and transferred FutureWorld to 4k in 2160p in widescreen format. The audio track is the original restored lossless mono audio. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Arrow Video's restoration of FutureWorld is a thing of beauty. The colors are bright and vibrant. The picture is crisp and clean with no signs of damage to the print that I saw when screening this film. The audio is as clear as a bell. Arrow Video has done a wonderful job restoring this film.  

Bonus Features:
* Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and film historian Daniel Kremer
* "Future Present", a brand new video interview with producer Paul N. Lazarus III
* "NASA: Science Fact and Fiction", a 1976 behind-the-scenes short film chronicling filming at the Johnson Space Center, presented in high definition for the first time on home video
* Theatrical trailer
* TV and radio spots
* Image gallery
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jeff Marshall
* Collectors’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by David Michael Brown, Barry Forshaw and James Rose

Arrow Video made sure to add some cool new bonus features to this 4K disc. A wonderfully insightful audio commentary and a brand new interview with Paul N. Lazarus III. these along with archival bonus features make for a nice little 4K release.   

It is hard to believe this film is 50 years old. But what better way to celebrate than with a brand new 4K release. If you enjoy this cult classic Futureworld than you need to add this 4K release to your home video library. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today.



Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the 4K of Futureworld receives....