Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds (Blu-ray Review)
- Review Date: Jun 14, 2023
- Format: Blu-ray Disc
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Director
Alex ProyasRelease Date(s)
1989 (June 27, 2023)Studio(s)
Meaningful Eye Contact Films (Umbrella Entertainment/Vinegar Syndrome)- Film/Program Grade: A-
- Video Grade: A-
- Audio Grade: B+
- Extras Grade: B+
Review
Six years before director Alex Proyas would hit the mainstream with The Crow, and four years after that with Dark City, he cut his feature-length teeth on the DIY Australian production Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds, a film that scarcely made it out of its home country, having never been officially released in the US either theatrically or on home video until now.
The story of Spirits takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where all modes of transportation are either defunct or forgotten. In this world, Felix (Michael Lake) and his eccentric sister Betty (Rhys Davis) live a solitary life in the desert. One day they find an enigmatic figure named Smith (Norman Boyd) on their doorstep. Seemingly on the run, specifically from three mysterious cloaked figures, Felix insists that Smith stay with them. However, it’s against Betty’s wishes as she believes Smith to be a demon, and is intent on getting rid of him one way or another. Felix begins sharing with Smith his plans for a flying machine, which he believes one day will carry him and his sister out of the desert and away from their isolated existence. Smith reluctantly agrees to help build this machine, but time is running out as Smith’s captors are hot on his trail.
Spirits is a Gilliam-esque piece that immediately reminds one of films like Brazil and Time Bandits. Along with the many music videos and TV commercials that Alex Proyas did in the 1980s, Spirits was basically his calling card for bigger things. Besides the extraordinary visuals, there’s also the three characters, all of whom are totally absorbing, particularly Betty who would rather sit in a chair in a barren wasteland and play a large, standing bass-type instrument than deal with change. Felix we’re never quite sure about, and the relationship between he and his sister lets us know right away that one or both of these characters may be off their rocker, and that Smith may be in danger.
On the other hand, we’re also not entirely sure about Smith’s intentions. He seems to do what he wants to do with total disregard for anyone else. It’s basically a world in which anybody can be pushed over the edge at any time, if given the proper leverage. Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds, ultimately, is an art piece rather than a narrative—more thematic than story-driven. With nothing more than sand and sky in his palette, Proyas paints a thematic picture of longing and loss, both almost exclusively intertwined with each other. In a dead world where all hope is lost, glimmers of it might still be found, all within the confines of the earthen floor and the open blue.
Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds was shot by cinematographer David Knaus on 16 mm film using Arriflex cameras, finished photochemically, and presented in the aspect ratio of 1.33:1. Umbrella Entertainment brings the film to Blu-ray stateside via Vinegar Syndrome with a disc containing content that’s identical to their Australian import counterpart (which we previously reviewed). It also contains the same gorgeous 16 mm transfer in 2K quality. As explained in the director’s commentary, almost all instances of blue on the set were removed to further enhance the skyline, meaning that it’s one of the dominate color schemes, aided by the reds and browns the deserted landscape. Grain levels are thick with high levels of detail in both close-ups and wide shots, particularly the vast landscapes with figures sometimes far off in the distance to the left or right of frame with other objects directly in the foreground. Skin tones appear appropriately warm while black levels are deep with good contrast. It’s also a stable presentation with only the mildest of speckling leftover. It’s a stunningly crisp presentation.
The audio is presented on two tracks: English 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio with optional subtitles in English SDH (pressing Play Feature on the main menu will reveal these options). While the 2.0 track is fairly narrow, the 5.1 adds much more shade and substance, particularly when it comes to score and sound effects. Everything sounds much fuller. Dialogue is clear when discernible and there’s no major leftover damage to speak of.
Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds on Blu-ray sits in a clear amaray case with a new booklet containing an introduction by Alex Proyas and the essay Bright Lights, Dark Visions by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas. The outer sleeve features artwork that was used for the film’s soundtrack release, and features a still from the film on the inner sleeve. Everything is housed in a limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Lucas Pervill), which is limited to 2,000 units. The following extras are included on the disc:
- Audio Commentary with Alex Proyas
- Audio Commentary with Peter Miller and Craig Wood
- Interview with Rhys Davies (HD – 7:50)
- Interview with Michael Lake (HD – 36:51)
- Spirits: Making a Post-Apocalypse Western (HD – 23:30)
- Spirits Song Music Video (Upscaled SD – 4:09)
- Image Gallery (HD – 122 in all – 8:31)
- 2018 Re-Release Trailer (HD – 2:17)
- Easter Egg #1 (HD – 4:35)
- Easter Egg #2 (SD – 1:13)
This release also contains a substantial amount of extras, which are identical to the Umbrella Blu-ray release from Australia. They include an audio commentary by Alex Proyas; another audio commentary by composer Peter Miller and editor Craig Wood; an nterview with actress Rhys Davis; an interview with actor Michael Lake; Spirits: Making a Post-Apocalypse Western, which offers various pieces of behind-the-scenes footage; the Spirits Song music video by Peter Miller and Karina Hayes; an image gallery with 122 stills of behind-the-scenes photos, sketches, promotional photos, newspaper clippings, and home video and soundtrack artwork stills; and the film’s 2018 re-release trailer. An Easter egg that can be accessed after clicking left when Alex Proyas’ commentary is selected, which will reveal an eye that takes you to an unrestored version of the film’s opening sequence. Another Easter egg that can be accessed after clicking left when the interview with Michael Lake is selected, which will also reveal an eye that takes you to Alex Proyas’ MTV short entitled In Your Eye.
While I have the feeling that Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds is not going to be celebrated for finally being available, and in such a dynamite package, I urge fans of Proyas’ work to check it out. It’s a beautiful film that’s begging to be rediscovered. Between the 2K transfer and extras, this is an excellent release that’s worth a cineaste’s consumption. Highly recommended.
- Tim Salmons
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