Death Proof

"Death Proof" on Blu-ray presents a meticulously crafted visual feast that intentionally mimics the wear-and-tear of vintage grindhouse cinema, employing a diverse array of effects to achieve its distinctive look. The AVC MPEG-4 encoded 1080p transfer brilliantly conveys this with heavy artificial grain, scratches, and an appearance suggesting it was shot on low-grade seventies film stock. The intentional degradation, including washed-out scenes and fluctuating sharpness, contributes to a unique viewing experience that varies throughout the film. Initially, the video appears soft with faded colors and diminished contrasts, only to shift dramatically to a black & white sequence, suggesting an emergency splice from a different print. This stark transition precedes a final act that enjoys richer saturation and clarity, almost entirely free from the earlier film damage effects.

The film's audio presentation is equally deliberate, featuring a Dolby TrueHD track that captivates with clear dialogue and atmospheric effects. Kurt Russell's robust performance and Zoe Bell's distinct voice stand out against a dynamic backdrop of gripping car chases and a soundtrack peppered with carefully selected songs. Despite a lack of overwhelming bass, the sound design complements the visual style perfectly, enhancing the retro ambiance that Tarantino aims to evoke. This choice of audio track ensures that even amidst the deliberately aged visuals, the auditory experience remains top-notch, enveloping the viewer in the film's thrilling escapades.

Reflecting on the film's visual narrative, "Death Proof" takes viewers on a journey through varying degrees of cinematic decay, culminating in sequences of impressive high-definition imagery during the climactic car chase. This careful modulation of visual quality, from artificially aged to remarkably crisp and vibrant, underscores Tarantino's homage to the gritty essence of grindhouse films. The Blu-ray edition excels in preserving these intended fluctuations in quality, maintaining the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and providing a significantly enhanced detail level over DVD releases, particularly in the high-octane finale that benefits immensely from the high definition format.

The audio presentation of "Death Proof" on Blu-ray receives a meticulous analysis with its Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack playing a crucial role in delivering the film's suspenseful atmosphere and thrilling chase sequences. From a technical standpoint, the audio transitions seamlessly between lengthy dialogues critical to Quentin Tarantino's narrative style and the high-octane action scenes that hallmark the film. The detailed reproduction of subtle environmental sounds and well-curated music selections significantly enhances the cinematic experience, demonstrating a commendable mix of fidelity to the original recordings and dynamic range.

In the first half of the film, the audio deliberately mimics the grindhouse aesthetic with a more rudimentary stereo sound that occasionally leaves dialogue sounding slightly flat and some of the source music coming off as shrill, evoking the sensation of being played from worn vinyl. This is a creative decision that aligns with Tarantino's intention to pay homage to the grindhouse era, despite its potential impact on audio quality. However, the soundtrack evolves substantially in the second half of the movie, particularly during the chase scenes where the audio mix makes full use of the surround channels, resulting in a more immersive and engaging listener experience. The roar of muscle car engines and squealing tires are delivered with a visceral intensity that makes effective use of the subwoofer, enveloping the audience in the action.

The balance between dialogue clarity and the atmospheric sound stage demonstrates the soundtrack's solid engineering. Every spoken word is crisp and distinct, maintaining its priority across the audio spectrum without being overshadowed by the soundtrack or sound effects. This careful balance ensures that the viewer remains engaged in Tarantino's rich narrative without missing out on the subtleties of the characters' interactions or the narrative nuances. Overall, while "Death Proof" may not push the limits of your home audio system like some more aggressive mixes, its TrueHD 5.1 track skillfully encapsulates the film's essence, offering an audio experience that complements its visual counterpart admirably.

The Blu-ray release of "Death Proof" delivers an impressive suite of extras that delve deeply into the making of Quentin Tarantino’s homage to grindhouse cinema. Fans will appreciate the high definition video rendition, which skillfully balances intentional flaws with striking detail and vibrant colors, echoing the film’s unique aesthetic. Though the collection is thorough, it notably lacks the faux movie trailers central to the "Grindhouse" experience, a significant omission that detracts from the complete package. Nonetheless, enriching featurettes like "Stunts on Wheels" and intimate looks at the cast and creative process, particularly through "Finding Quentin’s Gals" and the tribute to editor Sally Menke, offer compelling insights. The extras maintain a professional tone while capturing the enthusiasm behind this cult favorite, making them a treasure trove for aficionados of Tarantino’s work and cinema history buffs alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Stunts on Wheels: The Legendary Drivers of Death Proof: Featurette
• Introducing Zoe Bell: Featurette
• Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike: Featurette
• Finding Quentin’s Gals: Featurette
• The Uncut Version of "Baby It’s You": Performed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead
• The Guys of Death Proof: Featurette
• Quentin’s Greatest Collaborator: Editor Sally Menke: Tribute
• Double Dare Trailer
• Death Proof – International Trailer
• An International Poster Gallery
• Extended Music Cues
• BD-Live: Enabled – Access not yet available

Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof," a feature from the ambitious yet initially underappreciated 'Grindhouse' collaboration with Robert Rodriguez, strikes a unique chord in the realm of car chase cinema. Steering away from his ultra-violent narrative in "Planet Terror," Tarantino opts for a more methodical buildup in "Death Proof," marrying his signature dialogue-driven storytelling with homage to 70s car chase classics. The movie, divided into two distinct acts, navigates through the eerie encounters of Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) - a seemingly charming yet sinister predator - with two separate groups of women. The film blossoms from a slow burner into a high-octane adrenaline rush, particularly highlighted by an 18-minute car chase that refuses to lean on CGI crutches, showcasing real stunts that hark back to the authenticity and rawness of the era it admires.

Set amidst the backdrop of Austin, Texas, and later in a more rural locale, Tarantino takes viewers on a twisted ride that oscillates between lengthy dialogues and terrifying prospects of vehicular manslaughter. While the first half meticulously crafts the suspense through casual yet revealing interactions, the latter half shifts gears, presenting a cat-and-mouse game that escalates into a car chase spectacle. The dichotomy of tone within the film—initially criticized for its indulgence in character-driven narratives over immediate action—ultimately unfurls as its strength upon closer inspection. This structural gamble pays off, cementing "Death Proof" as a compelling blend of suspense and action, albeit one that demands patience and an appreciation for Tarantino’s cinematic language and rhythm.

Despite mixed reactions to its pacing and narrative structure, "Death Proof" emerges as a distinctive entry in Tarantino’s filmography on Blu-ray. Leveraging the clarity and enriched visual detail offered by the format, the movie’s extended cut further embellishes the narrative with additional character depth and extended scenes that were absent from its theatrical release. Although perhaps not Tarantino's magnum opus, "Death Proof" stands as a testament to his skill in reimagining genre cinema with reverence and innovation, rewarding viewers who are willing to immerse themselves in its meticulously crafted world. Amidst criticism and comparison with its "Grindhouse" counterpart "Planet Terror," "Death Proof" secures its position as a fascinating exploration of genre that both challenges and entertains, solidifying its status as an intriguing, if polarizing, cinematic endeavor.

Death Proof on Blu-ray delivers a divisive yet enthralling experience, amplified by the technical prowess of its presentation. Utilizing a stellar range of equipment including the JVC DLA-RS1x 1080p High Definition Front Projector and a bevy of high-end players like the Oppo 970HD and the Sony Playstation 3, this release showcases the film's unique visual style that emulates the aged, gritty texture characteristic of vintage grindhouse cinema. The audio presentation excels, utilizing setups such as the Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor and Canton Ergo Series speakers to craft an immersive soundscape that elevates the film's tension and suspense. Despite the supplements falling short of expectations—lacking original Grindhouse trailers—the technical execution on display here is commendable.

Critiques aside regarding its separation from 'Planet Terror,' Death Proof's Blu-ray incarnation stands out for its commendable video and audio quality. The film, often overshadowed in Quentin Tarantino's catalog and compared unfavorably to Rodriguez's counterpart, is given a fresh lease of life through this release. Its inherent value is enhanced when viewed in conjunction with 'Planet Terror,' albeit this combination still falls short of recapturing the full 'Grindhouse' experience. This aspect, paired with supportive yet critical feedback on extras, paints a picture of a release with missed opportunities yet significant merits.

In conclusion, Death Proof on Blu-ray is a compelling proposition for aficionados of Tarantino’s work and collectors of cinema that pays homage to bygone eras. While it may not fully replicate the original Grindhouse duo experience due to the separation of its components, it commendably stands on its own, fortified by an exceptional transfer that brings Tarantino's vision to life. Notwithstanding its lackluster supplements, this release merits recommendation for its audiovisual fidelity and for preserving a unique piece of cinematic history. Its presentation on high-end home theater equipment underscores the film’s atmospheric depth, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection.