Not having been a fan of the original “TRON,” when it originally played in theaters decades ago, expectations for this newly released blu-ray were far from high. But, at least it had a vision, and while much of that vision feels very dated by today’s standards, especially in comparison to the new “TRON LEGACY” advancements in special effects, it’s still surprisingly entertaining.

Jeff Bridges stars as Kevin Flynn, a software genius, whose advanced programs have been stolen by a less gifted software tech, Ed Dillinger(David Warner).  Dillinger passed Flynn’s work off as his, and due to its giant sales, has been promoted to the top of the company, ENCOM. Pissed off, Flynn, now a “former” employee, breaks into ENCOM, along with his friends, causing an advanced program to somehow transport him into the virtual world belonging to its mainframe.  Here, in a twisted, “Wizard of Oz,” type of atmosphere, an archetype of Dillinger(Sark) is in pursuit of Flynn’s alter-ego/program. In the meanwhile, “Tron,” a security program developed by Alan(Bruce Boxleitner)a colleague/friend of Flynn, does his utmost to aid Flynn avoid Sark’s nefarious plans. The beautiful Cindy Morgan) plays “Yori,” a program and alter-ego of Lora, another friend of Flynn and Alan, on the outside. Yori, while still attractive to look at even in the animation limitations of the period, doesn’t serve much of a real purpose to the story or move it along. And, “that” is one problem that still sticks out these manyyears later. “TRON” feels much longer than it is. It’s as if the filmmakers back then felt they were on the cutting edge of something, so the audiences would be in as much awe of an image as they were. These repeated images become old very quickly.

Still, the various challenges and computer games wherein these characters must take on, hoping to find a way back to the real world “outside” of the program, are entertaining, for a while. And, the cast, really standing out with a lot to do, amidst so many special effects around them, is great. Bridges, in particular, had made even what should have rightfully been a so-so character, memorable. In comparison the dvd version, this blu-ray offers notable improvement.  Signs of the film’s nearly 30 year old age, have been cleaned up, so scratches aren’t apparent. The film’s original grain feels untouched, giving it the film-like appearance it deserves. Colors have always been problematic, due to the film’s design. However, at least in the non-computer world of the film, they are more vibrant than before. Blacks are inky as well, providing even more impressive depth, regardless of the setting.  In the computer world, noise is intrusive at various moments, and contrast is less impressive than what one expects to find on high-def format.

Still, while far from perfect, the newly remastered image, is as good as one can expect it to look for any time in the near future.

DISNEY has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. While effects are limited by their original design, there are some fun, immersive moments, especially during the cycle tournament and other chase sequences. However, most of the surround effects feel dated and forcibly unnatural.  Heavily front channel focused, dynamic range is generally impressive and dialogue is always free from distortion.

DISNEY has provided some extras for fans, including an audio commentary with the director, visual effects supervisors and producers. While die-hard fans may really enjoy it, the rest will become bored after the first 20 minutes.

“THE MAKING OF TRON” is carried over from the dvd release. At nearly 1 ½ hours, there’s little not touched upon regarding the film’s production, and any fans should be pleased, although it’s only offered in standard resolution.

“THE TRON PHENOMENON” is offered in HD, providing cast and crew interviews from the “TRON LEGACY” film.

“PHOTO TRONOLOGY” offers an HD look at original art from the original film, with its director, producer and producer’s son. An exclusive for this blu-ray.

“DIGITAL IMAGERY” is a short featurette looking at the “digital imagery” for the film, in standard resolution.

Other extras include, brief deleted scenes, storyboards and short featurettes, all in standard resolution.

In “TRON LEGACY,” an opening intro explains in 1989, after building his company, ENCOM, to great success, Kevin Flynn, chose to retire to spend time with his son, Sam. Unfortunately, without explanation, Kevin goes missing one night, never to be heard from again. The film jumps to 2011. Sam is now a young man, more interested in breaking into ENCOM to thwart the overly commercial direction they’ve taken. He hopes to offer a new software program, destined to be huge, at a great cost to consumers, entirely free, by posting it everywhere with free links. He’s a rebel! A former colleage, now executive of ENCOM, Alan Bradley(Boxleitner) informs Sam that he’s received a page from Kevin, leading young Flynn to his dad’s abandoned video arcade store. As Sam ventures within, he finds a secret area and is quickly pulled into the digital domain wherein his father once ventured. Upon arriving into the new environment, the advancements of special effects is on display, as Sam is met by beautiful semi-robotic entities, whom outfit him for the first of many physical, fight-to-the-death challenges awaiting him. He will meet his real father as well as a cyber-replication(but an evil one!), and a beautiful special girl, Quorra(Olivia Wilde) along the way. There is a lot more “metaphysical” dialogue given by Kevin Flynn to his son, and it’s a mish-mash between interesting and gibberish. The film deserves credit for creating a more ominous world than the first film managed to, however, it still falls short of reaching the kind of wonders one would hope over 20 years in advancement of special effects could offer, along with a clever script.

“TRON LEGACY” moves at a decent pace, but the digital domain making up most of the film’s duration has a doom and gloom feel, in spite of colorful neon displays. Even when the viewer is brought into the white, sterile world for Sam to meet his father, the lack of attachment for an audience to hold onto, disconnects one from the film even more.  There are some great effects, and there’s some feel-good, metaphysical commentary given by Bridges and the script as a whole, but all this leaves the viewer feeling mildly amused, rather than feeling satisfied when it has ended.

BUENA VISTA has provided a reference quality image for the blu-ray3d.  As noted in the opening, the aspect ratio switches between 2.35:1 and 1.78:1, when preserving the IMAX scope of the theatrical presentation. While there’s not a jarring effect when switching, some may be annoyed that there are large portions of the film wherein the image is strictly 2d. So as not to distract viewers with a “put on your glasses, now” type of intrusion, viewers are expected to keep their glasses on for the entire film. Sorry, but the weight of the glasses, however advanced, still makes them uncomfortable to wear, just for the point of wearing them!

While there are plenty of stunning images wherein an object jumps off of the screen, most of the 3d is utilized in creating great depth!  The digital world presented is really immersive due to the layers of depth presented. Perhaps to the filmmaker’s credit, even the 3D portions seem casually restrained for the most part. Depth is obvious and impressive, however there isn’t a barrage of jump-off-the-screen moments, that one would predict for such a film. The detail to the light cycles, remnants of violent crashes and resulting fragments, etc., are presented with staggering definition.  There’s a dark overtone throughout the film, even in the outdoor natural setting, wherein the richness of color, is made even more impressive. Blacks aren’t as inky as on some superior blu-ray releases, preventing the darkest moments from maintaining the level of flawless contrast expected. However, the blending of CGI, natural imagery and the background, are seamless. No artifacts are to be found, and overall, it’s a great transfer.

DISNEY has provided a DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix. Yes, “7.1!!!”  Disney has made the most of this lossy mix, providing non-stop, immersive effects, blending light cycles and the nuanced cyber world’s ambient effects increasing in tone, with wonderful fidelity.  Bass is used creatively and with great impact, in key scenes. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. This is a reference quality release, and certain to impress even the most critical of listeners.

Along with the blu-ray of the original “TRON,” the blu-ray3d version, blu-ray(non-3d)version and dvd, various extras are also included.

“DISNEY SECOND SCREEN” offers viewers the option to download an app for interactive features to be used alongside the film. A tutorial(yes, this reviewer needed it!)is also offered.

“THE NEXT DAY: FLYNN LIVES REVEALED” is a pseudo look at the world of TRON, offering video segments that can be seen individually or together.

“FIRST LOOK AT TRON: UPRISING DISNEY XD ANIMATED SERIES” is a far too short preview of an animated series, inspired by the film.

 Other featurettes, run between 12 and 3 minutes, offering interviews and looks at effects, how they were achieved, the 3d process for the film and more.