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Blu-Ray : For Fans Only
Ranking:
Sale Price: $36.99 Last Price: $ Buy now! 3rd Party 27.49 In Stock
Release Date: April 7th, 2023 Movie Release Year: 1990

Jacob's Ladder (1990) – Imprint Films Limited Edition

Overview -

Jacob's Ladder is one of those underrated films from the '90s that tackle PTSD in a grisly and wonderful way with some amazing performances from Tim Robbins and his co-stars. There haven't been many movies to navigate this traumatic subject in this genre quite like this. Imprint's release doesn't do anything new with the video or audio presentations here, but there are a few new extras to watch. For Fans Only.

 

THE MOST FRIGHTENING THING ABOUT JACOB SINGER’S NIGHTMARE IS THAT HE ISN’T DREAMING

Divorced Vietnam veteran turned postman Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) is disturbed when he begins to be plagued by bizarre and violent hallucinations, both of the family he has abandoned and a bloody battle he could not previously remember. So strong are the images that the line between past and present, real and unreal, begins to dissolve. Desperate for help, Jacob turns to his ex-wife, Sarah, and chiropractor Louis (Danny Aiello).

From visionary director Adrian Lyne, Jacob’s Ladder is a terrifying psychological horror.

Starring Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Pena, Danny Aiello & Jason Alexander.

Special Features and Technical Specs:

  • 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
  • Audio Commentary by director Adrian Lyne
  • Building ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ – featurette
  • 3 Additional Scenes (with optional commentary by director Adrian Lyne)
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • More special features TBC
  • Original Aspect Ratio 1:85:1
  • Audio English DTS-HD 5.1 Surround + LPCM 2.0
  • Optional English subtitles
  • Limited Edition slipcase on the first 1500 copies with unique artwork

OVERALL:
For Fans Only
Rating Breakdown
STORY
VIDEO
AUDIO
SPECIAL FEATURES
Tech Specs & Release Details
Technical Specs:
Limited Edition slipcase on the first 1500 copies with unique artwork
Video Resolution/Codec:
1080p/AVC MPEG-4
Length:
113
Aspect Ratio(s):
1:85:1
Audio Formats:
English DTS-HD 5.1 Surround + LPCM 2.0
Subtitles/Captions:
English
Release Date:
April 7th, 2023

Storyline: Our Reviewer's Take

Ranking:

There was something about postmen in the '90s for sure, but Jacob's Ladder really focuses on the traumatic experience and PTSD of one war veteran who is having violent hallucinations that blur the line between fiction and reality. Revisiting this movie after several years comes to a big realization that this film was way ahead of its time in navigating the horrors of PTSD with war veterans. There are a lot of films today that deal with this issue, but none quite like this. 

For the full review, Click Here to read our previous thoughts

 

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray
Jacob's Ladder hallucinates its way to Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint. The sole disc is housed inside a clear plastic case with a hard cardboard level with spine number 207. The artwork on the sleeve is of the original poster. The reversible artwork inside features the many blurred faces of Jacob, while the reverse side has an image of Tim Robbins from the movie. There is no insert or digital code. 

Video Review

Ranking:

Jacob's Ladder from Imprint Films comes with a 1080p HD transfer from ViaVision Entertainment. This movie was released back in 2010 on Blu-ray and oddly seems to be the same exact transfer on this Imprint release. It looks like one of those 1st editions Blu-ray releases when Blu-ray was first on the market and not like one of these new 4K masters. It's still a good image, but there hasn't been a new transfer in years and nothing has been cleaned up really. 

So check out the original video review here. 

Audio Review

Ranking:

This release comes with both a DTS-HD MA 5.1 and an LPCM 2.0 option. The 5.1 track was on the previous 2010 release and seems to be the same one. The 2.0 track is offered for those who like it kept in stereo. It sounds good enough with great audio effects and versatility, but again, this is a thirteen-year-old master and a new makeover would serve this well.

Click here for the audio review of the previous version.  

Special Features

Ranking:

There are about 159 minutes worth of bonus features included here. Some are new and some are vintage, along with two commentary tracks. There are new interviews with film critics and a new interview with the writer. These are worth the time for fans of the film. 

  • Commentary #1 - A brand new commentary track from the host of The Projection Booth podcast Mike White (no relation) as he talks about the tones, themes, casting, cinematography, and war films. 
  • Commentary #2 - This is the archival commentary from director Adrian Lyne who focuses on the screenplay, characters, and tone of the film. 
  • Prepare The Way (HD, 21 Mins.) - Here's a brand new interview with writer Bruce Joel Rubin, recalling his career, talks with the director, and how the story morphed into the one ultimately on screen.
  • The Locations of Jacob's Ladder (HD, 18 Mins.) - Journalist Michael Gingold reveals some of the locations in New York where the film was shot and what they look like now. 
  • Video Essays (HD, 52 Mins.) - Two film critics give two brand new takes on the film in their visual essays presented here. 
  • Building Jacob's Ladder (HD, 27 Mins.) - This vintage featurette includes interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and takes from the story and production of the film. 
  • Archival Interviews (HD, 24 Mins.) - Three separate interviews with Adrian Lyne, Tim Robbins, and Elizabeth Pena are included and are from years ago. 
  • Additional Scenes (HD, 14 Mins.) - There are three different deleted scenes here all with optional commentary from the director. 
  • Trailers (HD, 3 Mins.) - Trailers for the film are included. 

Final Thoughts

One of the ultimate movies about PTSD or "shell shock" as it was called where war veterans are plagued by anxiety from their trauma in the war is full frontal in Jacob's Ladder with some grisly horrifying moments. It's one of the more underrated movies from the '90s with some amazing performances, specifically from Tim Robbins. This Imprint release doesn't add a new video transfer or remake the audio track, but it does come with some new bonus features, mostly with film critics. If you didn't pick up the previous release and need this for the collection, it's a good one to get, but if you've already got it on the shelf, you're all set unless you really need that new commentary track. Ultimately, it's For Fans Only