This seven-film collection includes both television and theatrical films from director/writer/producer Irwin Allen, the master of the disaster film. From an overturned cruise liner and a bursting dam to collapsing caves, bridges, and more, all seven white-knuckle thrillers are presented with a new 2K scan from the interpositive. The films feature incredible all-star casts including Michael Caine, Paul Newman, Sally Field, Leslie Nielsen, Telly Savalas, Jacqueline Bisset, William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Shirley Jones, Roddy McDowall, and a huge roster of supporting screaming actors and actresses.

DISC 1: FLOOD – 1976 / 1080p High Definition (1.33:1) / English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / Approximate Feature Running Time: +/- 100 Minutes

DISC 2: FIRE – 1977 / 1080p High Definition (1.33:1) / English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / Approximate Feature Running Time: +/- 100 Minutes

DISC 3: HANGING BY A THREAD – 1979 / 1080p High Definition (1.33:1) / English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / Approximate Feature Running Time: +/- 190 Minutes

DISC 4: BEYOND THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE – 1979 / 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.39:1) / English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / Approximate Feature Running Time: +/-114 Minutes

DISC 5: WHEN TIME RAN OUT… – 1980 / 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.39:1) / English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / Approximate Feature Running Time: +/-109 Minutes

DISC 6: THE NIGHT THE BRIDGE FELL DOWN – 1980 / 1080p High Definition (1.33:1) / English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / Approximate Feature Running Time: +/- 180 Minutes

DISC 7: CAVE-IN! – 1983 / 1080p High Definition (1.33:1) / English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono / Approximate Feature Running Time: +/- 120 Minutes

For thoughts on Irwin Allen: Master Of Disaster Collection, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

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Video Quality

Irwin Allen: Master Of Disaster Collection comes to Blu-Ray with seven films spread over seven discs. These films share many of the same qualities, so I will mostly be judging them in groups while pointing out noticeable differences when necessary. All of the films have been presented in their original aspect ratios in their original and complete forms, and a couple of the films have alternate cuts in standard definition included in this set that you can read about below. All seven films come to Blu-Ray with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer derived from a new 2K scan of the Interpositive except for Fire, which is derived from a 4K scan of the Original Camera Negative. The fact that Shout! Studios has not only rescued these somewhat forgotten films from obscurity but has also given them such carefully handled presentations makes us love them all the more.

The remastering work is shown to be first-rate across these seven films, and it is obvious the source elements available were of a higher quality. Print damage has been cleaned up to a nearly nonexistent level with any fleeting blemishes difficult to catch. These transfers retain the natural film grain of the source without any hints of digital tinkering to smooth over the details. The grain presents as organic rather than overwhelmingly noisy, which allows for greater nuance to the image. Overall clarity and detail are incredible with subtle facial features easily noticeable in closeup. You will also take in more of the destruction on display. Skin tones appear to be natural and consistent. Colors are well saturated with distinct hues popping off the screen when it comes to foliage and clothing. Black levels are deep and hold up well with crush not serving as a significant issue. Shout! Studios has done some very good work with this collection.

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray set presents all of the films with DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio Mono tracks in their original English audio. The audio quality across this set remains about as high as the video side of things, meaning audiences are in for a treat with the absence of source deficiencies, Dialogue is a standout aspect for each outing with a presentation that is clear and easily distinguishable without any signs of crackling or any muffled exchanges. These films are usually accompanied by some strong, chaotic sound effects in the mix that are an essential part of the enjoyment. The score for each film showcases a robust fidelity while avoiding age-related wear and tear at the highest amplitudes. Shout! Studios has handled these with great care, and fans will be thrilled by the results. All the films included in this set have optional English SDH subtitles provided.

Special Features

Beyond The Poseidon Adventure Extended Cut: This 145-minute cut of the film runs 30 minutes longer than the theatrical version and is presented in standard definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio.

When Time Ran Out… Extended Cut: This 143-minute cut of the film runs 34 minutes longer than the theatrical version and is presented in standard definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio.

Additional Scenes From The Extended Cut Of When Time Ran Out…: An optional to watch the additional 54 minutes of alternate material separately in standard definition.

Trailers

- Flood (2:46)

- Fire (1:07)

- Beyond The Poseidon Adventure (2:06)

Promos

- Beyond The Poseidon Adventure Sunday Night Movie Promo (1:03)

- Beyond The Poseidon Adventure Sweepstakes Promo (1:24)

Still Galleries

- Flood

- Beyond The Poseidon Adventure

- When Time Ran Out…

Final Thoughts

Irwin Allen: Master Of Disaster Collection is somewhat of a one-note set, but the note is so much fun that one does not really care that they are embarking on the same general journey each time. Irwin Allen knew how to conjure up some chaos, and the special effects still deliver a punch even with their endearingly dated qualities. These experiences are helped along even more by some familiar faces like Sally Field, Paul Newman, and many more. Each endeavor, whether a theatrically released or a TV movie, delivers what you want it to and more. Shout! Studios has bundled these seven films together into a Blu-Ray collection featuring a great A/V presentation and some fun special features. If you are a fan of the disaster movie subgenre, this is an essential addition to your collection. Highly Recommended

Irwin Allen: Master Of Disaster Collection is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Shout! Studios has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.