“DANGER, WILL ROBINSON!” From the producers of Deep Blue Sea and Poseidon comes Lost in Space, a high-octane sci-fi adventure through time and space, where a family adrift in a distant world must overcome adversity in the face of incredible odds. The year is 2058. With Earth on the brink of collapse, the Robinson family is chosen to lead a critical mission to colonize a distant planet aboard the Jupiter 2 spacecraft. But the mission is sabotaged by the traitorous Dr. Zachary Smith, and the ship veers off course and plunges through a rift in space-time, leaving the Robinsons stranded in an unknown universe. Now lost in a hostile alien galaxy, the family must trek through treacherous environments, battle deadly creatures, and avoid Smith’s unpredictable schemes. As tensions rise and survival becomes uncertain, their greatest challenge may be holding together as a family. Lost in Space is a thrilling tribute to the classic 1960s TV series with dazzling visual effects and an all-star cast including William Hurt, Mimi Rogers, Matt LeBlanc, Heather Graham, and Gary Oldman as the nefarious Dr. Smith. Dive into the epic adventure of the Space Family Robinson, available for the first time on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in a stunning new restoration!

For thoughts on Lost in Space (1998), please check out my previous review of the Blu-Ray here.

Video Quality

Lost in Space comes to 4K UHD Blu-Ray via Arrow Video with a 2160p transfer with Dolby Vision/HDR that is derived from a new 4K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative that has been reviewed and approved by director Stephen Hopkins. This release is a bit of a surprise, given that the film was just newly remastered on Blu-Ray by Scream Factory in 2024 from a 2K scan of the Interpositive. That release was a nice step up from the dated Blu-Ray from 2010 released by Warner Bros. That being said, as much as we enjoyed that upgrade, it has quickly been surpassed by this lovely 4K release. This new transfer is an exceptional representation of the feature with a naturally filmic exhibition that delivers on everything we wished for last year.

One of the major benefits of this release is the implementation of Dolby Vision for expanded color output. There are a lot of subtle elements that really show off when it comes to vibrancy from bits of production design to some of the simulated foliage. The color palette is natural with a pleasing depth when it comes to lighting, fire, and certain special effects. Black levels provide the ideal amount of depth and detail, and highlights never fall victim to blooming, even in the most challenging expanses of space. The transfer comes alive when it comes to showcasing intricate detail as subtle textures emerge from the costumes, production design, and other elements of the background. The only thing that does not look excellent is the dated CGI, but this is inherent to the source and not an issue with the transfer. There is no print damage or digital noise to muddy the waters. The transfer does not succumb to any density fluctuation or other unwanted anomalies. Arrow Video has provided the ultimate release.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that brings great power to this rollicking adventure. The previous Scream Factory Blu-Ray sported the same track, so any enhancements are likely minimal at most. Dialogue comes through perfectly clearly even in the most chaotic moments. From the bombastic opening battle with Don to the gentle moments with the family, this track executes every situation with great care. The low end provides excellent texture that expands the world without being overly aggressive. Environmental noises are very active in making this world feel alive. The rousing score flows through without any hint of damage or distortion. Arrow Video has provided a robust audio experience that handles this one well. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for those who want them.

Special Features

The first pressing of the Arrow Video 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Lost in Space includes a multi-page booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Neil Sinyard, articles from American Cinematographer, and an excerpt from the original production notes. These provide great insights into the film in a thoughtfully written style. The on-disc special features are as follows:

Audio Commentaries: This disc provides two archival commentary tracks from the creative team that tackle the film from a broad and more specialized level. Throughout these two tracks, you get some background information on the production, the challenges of the adaptation, the themes, the casting process, the special effects process, and more.

- Audio Commentary #1: Director Stephen Hopkins and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman

- Audio Commentary #2: Visual Effects Supervisors Angus Bickerton and Lauren Ritchie, Director Of Photography Peter Levy, Editor Ray Lovejoy, and Producer Carla Fry

A Space Odyssey: A new 21-minute interview with director Stephen Hopkins in which he discusses getting involved with the project, the difficulties of translating the TV series to the big screen, creating the look of the film, trying to balance the score with the sound effects, and more.

Lights in the Sky: A new 18-minute interview with director of photography Peter Levy in which he discusses collaborating with Stephen Hopkins, working in the early days of CGI, the custom-made neon lighting in the set design, the complications of the enormous robot, and more.

A Journey Through Time: A new 18-minute interview with screenwriter Akiva Goldsman in which he discusses his journey into screenwriting, his love of the Lost in Space series, his missteps as a producer, the conflicting visions in the conception, the importance of the visual effects, and more.

Art of Space: A new 32-minute interview with supervising art director Keith Pain in which he discusses getting involved with the project, not referencing anything from the series, getting creative with the set design to solve movement issues, and more.

Sound in Space: A new ten-minute interview with sound mixer Simon Kaye and re-recording mixer Robin O’Donohue in which they discuss the challenges of the production process, going over schedule due to special effects, memories of the performers, and more.

Crafting Reality: A new seven-minute interview with former Mould Shop Supervisor at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Kenny Wilson in which he discusses the difficulties of creating various prototypes, making a puppet for a character that was eventually CGI, and more.

Lost But Not Forgotten in Space?: A new 19-minute visual essay from film critic Matt Donato in which he explores the original series, the feature film adaptation, the cult resurgence of the film, the practical crafts on display, the technological limitations of the time, scenes that were cut for time, and more.

Deleted Scenes: A 12-minute collection of unused material is provided in standard definition and with some unfinished special effects.

Building the Special Effects: A 16-minute archival piece that takes you through the creation of the digital effects in the film.

The Future of Space Travel: A ten-minute archival featurette in which scientists and environmentalists discuss the realities imagined in the film and how likely they are to come to fruition.

Q&A with the Original Cast – TV Years: A brief eight-minute interview with original television series stars June Lockhart, Angela Cartwright, and Marta Kristen who discuss the creation of the original series, its enduring popularity, and more.

Bloopers: A three-minute collection of behind-the-scenes goofing around, laughing fits, flubbed lines, and more.

Theatrical Trailer (1:34)

Image Galleries: Collections for Stills, Lobby Cards, and Stills from William Todd-Jones (Puppeteer of The Robot & Spider Smith)

Final Thoughts

Lost in Space starts out as decent sci-fi adventure entertainment, but things become overly convoluted and hollow as you embark upon the latter half of the story. The movie attempts to offer some deeply emotional situations, but it never really feels earned or effective in the way it needs to be. The best part of the film is the impressive practical effects work and production design that aid in transporting you to this world. This is unfortunately somewhat undone by the horrendously dated CGI creations that look worse with every year that passes. The performances are mostly broad and not in line with what these performers could achieve with better material. There are moments of fun to make it worth a watch, but there are too many shortcomings to call it a misunderstood classic. Arrow Video has provided the film with a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that delivers an excellent A/V presentation and a nice amount of new and archival special features. If you like the film, this is the best way to own it.

Lost in Space is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Arrow Video has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.