John Carpenter’s Starman, originally released as part of Sony’s Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 4, has arrived as a stand-alone release in steelbook packaging.
The Production: 4.5/5
NASA launched the Voyager II probe into deep space in 1977 with a message inviting any alien species it encounters to visit Earth. When the probe is fund by an alien species, they send a representative to Earth, who takes on the form of recently deceased Scott Hayden (Jeff Bridges, who earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for the role) and kidnaps his widow, Jenny (Karen Allen), as they embark on a cross-country trip to Winslow, Arizona in a race against time to meet up with his kind before his cloned body dies. Hot on their tail is SETI scientist Mark Shermin (Charles Martin Smith) who is fascinated by this discovery, hoping to make contact with the alien. However, SETI Director George Fox (Richard Jaeckel) is more cautious, bringing in the military to capture Scott at all costs.
It has been decades since I last viewed Starman, and had forgotten just how moving and touching this story is. The movie was something of a departure for director John Carpenter, best known for horror films like Halloween, The Thing and Christine (his previous film to this one), but one would never know it if this was your only exposure to one of his films. This is a much more character-driven film than Carpenter’s other films (other than his TV-movie Elvis), the real standouts in performances being that of its two leads Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen, and supporting actor Charles Martin Smith. There is a real chemistry between Bridges and Allen, with Bridges bringing a wealth of innocence and an effort to fit in to his role that makes it believable while Allen is at first terrified of this alien Scott but along the way understands his mission and attempts to tech him what it means to be human. Charles Martin Smith carries infectious enthusiasm in his character, even more so when he learns of what Fox’s end game is for the alien.
Video: 5/5
3D Rating: NA
Note: The 2 discs in this release are identical to those found in Sony’s Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 4.
Starman was photographed on 35mm using Panavision cameras and anamorphic lenses in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio and released theatrically in 1984 in 35mm and 70mm blow-up prints. For this release, per the restoration notes by Rita Belda in the included collector’s booklet, Sony has scanned the original negatives in 4K with additional color correction and finishing that included grading for high dynamic range. The 2160p HEVC encode on this disc features both Dolby Vision and HDR10 high dynamic range. This is quite possibly the best Starman has ever looked, although it may appear slightly darker in overall appearance than previous releases (even the included remastered Blu-ray). Contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and strong shadow detail and highlights that never appear blown out. There is a dramatic increase in detail, from fabric textures to items in the far background. Colors are vivid and natural, never appearing overly saturated. This is a very beautiful image overall.
Audio: 5/5
Starman was released theatrically in 70mm “Six-Channel” Dolby Stereo (more likely 4.1 with mono surrounds) and matrixed 35mm Dolby Stereo. The restoration notes make no mention of the new Dolby Atmos mix, but that is phenomenal, adding more depth and ambience to the experience. Panning effects are seamless between speakers, as evidenced early on when Voyager II arrives on screen while playing the Rolling Stones’ (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction as it travels from off-screen left to the right and towards the alien planet. Reverb effects are added here and there to add a better sense of immersion, such as when Mark Shermin enters the empty space capsule or during a conversation in a plane hangar (these effects are not present on the included DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 mixes). Dialogue is clear and understandable throughout.
Special Features: 3.5/5
Although the UHD disc is movie-only, most if not all of the special features from previous Blu-ray and DVD releases of the film by Sony and Shout! Factory are included on the remastered Blu-ray. The only extra that is missing from this release versus the version included with the Columbia Classics Collection Volume 4 is the Starman TV series.
Deleted Scenes (1080p; 18:19): A whopping 21 scenes are included (although many run under a minute), apparently sourced from a 35mm workprint.
Behind the Scenes Time Lapses (1080p): Includes The Light at the Window (4:58) and Pep Rally Prep (4:46).
They Came From Hollywood! Remembering “Starman” (1080p; 23:23): Ported from the 2018 Shout Factory Blu-ray release, John Carpenter, Jeff Bridges, Charles Martin Smith and script supervisor (and current wife of the director) Sandy King Carpenter fondly look back at their experiences making the film.
Audio Commentary: Director John Carpenter and Actor Jeff Bridges reminisce on the making of the film in this mostly scene by scene commentary track.
Making-Of Featurette (upscaled 1080i; 11:24): Vintage EPK behind the scenes short.
All I Have to Do Is Dream Music Video (upscaled 1080i; 3:59): Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen perform the song in this music video from 1984 that also features clips from the movie.
Still Gallery (1080p; 5:44): A non-interactive slideshow (even fast forward is locked out) of movie posters and other promotional materials.
Theatrical Trailer (1080p; 2:09)
Digital Copy: A Movies Anywhere code is included for all six films in the boxed set. Unfortunately, Starman is only available digitally with Dolby Atmos from Fandango at Home:
Movies Anywhere: 4K HDR10, Dolby Digital+ 5.1
Apple TV: 4K Dolby Vision/HDR10, Dolby Digital+ 5.1
Fandango at Home: 4K Dolby Vision/HDR10, Dolby Atmos
Overall: 4.5/5
Finally available as a stand-alone release, Starman has never looked or sounded better.

Post Disclaimer
Some of our content may contain marketing links, which means we will receive a commission for purchases made via those links. In our editorial content, these affiliate links appear automatically, and our editorial teams are not influenced by our affiliate partnerships. We work with several providers (currently Skimlinks and Amazon) to manage our affiliate relationships. You can find out more about their services by visiting their sites.
Similar threads