Total Recall

Back in the days when Arnold Schwarzenegger could do no wrong, "Total Recall" features the muscle-bound action star in one of his campiest performances. This 1990 sci-fi smash has the unfortunate Blu-ray title of "Mind-Bending Edition." It comes with a stamp of approval from director Paul Verhoeven ("Basic Instinct," "Showgirls").

Previously released in high-definition back in 2006 with a lackluster transfer, this 2012 edition is the real way to see the futuristic story of Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger), a construction worker in the year 2084 who has dreams of Mars. When he goes to Rekall, a company that grants artificial memories, Quaid slowly remembers who he really is. Sharon Stone has one of her first acting roles as Schwarzenegger's wife and she keeps up with the film's many action sequences.

The scenes on Mars are breathtaking in their restored state, yet "Total Recall" overall has not aged well. Special effects are laughable and the Blu-ray presents the many flaws in the film. The good news is, the plethora of special features, both new and old, will please long-time fans.

The audio commentary by Schwarzenegger and Verhoeven is a holdover from the previous release, as are the many interviews and behind-the scenes. All have been restored digitally thankfully. The new feature "Restoration Comparison" is for the film buff that wants to see the transformation of certain scenes from their previous flat state to Blu-ray flawlessness.

"Total Recall"
Blu-ray
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