A River Runs Through It

The high-definition presentation of "A River Runs Through It" on Blu-ray disc provides an astonishing upgrade over its DVD predecessor, showcasing the film's stunning cinematography with remarkable clarity and detail. This AVC MPEG-4 encode, framed in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, breathes new life into the vivid landscapes and intimate moments captured in this cinematic journey. The lush forests, rolling valleys, and the dynamic Montana scenery are rendered with an exceptional level of detail, from the individual leaves and pine needles to the texture of the river's flow and its surrounding elements. This 1080p transfer achieves a visual fidelity that captures the essence of the American West, inviting viewers into a meticulously crafted visual world where every frame is a testament to the natural beauty of the film’s settings.

Sony's Blu-ray release excels in preserving natural color tones and achieving a fine balance in contrast and brightness, particularly in outdoor scenes where the film’s expansive vistas come alive with a vibrant yet natural palette. Skin tones are consistently accurate, maintaining realism across various lighting conditions. The film grain remains unaltered, presenting a filmic texture that’s authentic without being intrusive, even in darker scenes where it becomes more noticeable. Although there are instances where the age of the source material is apparent, such as in certain aerial shots or darker interior scenes that slightly lack in sharpness and delineation, these moments are few and far between.

Detail retention is extraordinary across the board, ensuring that every fabric texture and natural element is distinctly visible, contributing to a deeply immersive viewing experience. The black levels show commendable depth, enhancing nighttime scenes and indoor sequences without compromising on detail. Despite minor shortcomings in low-light delineation, the overall video quality of this release does justice to the film’s artistic vision, making "A River Runs Through It" on Blu-ray a definitive viewing experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio presentation of "A River Runs Through It" on Blu-ray, although constrained by its original source material, performs admirably in bringing this classic narrative to life. With a main focus on the front channels, the soundtrack manages to construct a wide and immersive soundstage, capturing the detailed intricacies of Mark Isham’s elegant score with clarity and a rich, airy finesse. Dialogue, a critical component throughout the film, is generally well-reproduced, maintaining clarity and intelligibility, though it occasionally struggles with balance issues—certain environmental sounds, such as water and insect chirps, tend to overpower spoken words, leading to sporadic comprehension challenges.

The Blu-ray’s audio excels in its subtle but effective use of ambient sounds that elevate the visual experience, placing viewers amidst Montana’s breathtaking landscapes. The gentle flow of water, the ambient chatter of wildlife, and the specific yet sparingly used surround effects work together to create a convincingly natural atmosphere. Dynamic sequences, like the canoe trip and a fistfight scene, are enhanced with authentic sound effects—from splashing water to the thuds of physical altercation—complemented by a minimal but present low-end response from the subwoofer. Yet, it's evident that the mix does not extensively exploit the surround channels or the bass frequencies, leaning towards a more conservative but effective deployment of these elements.

In all, the audio track adeptly supports the film's storytelling, with its strengths lying in natural ambience and clear dialogue amidst the limitations of occasional balance issues and a subdued use of surround and bass effects. Fine details in environmental sounds and the thoughtful distribution of audio elements across the soundstage contribute to an engaging auditory experience that, while not overly aggressive or dynamic, solidly complements the visual journey through Montana’s serene and untamed landscapes.

Sony's DigiBook release of "A River Runs Through It" on Blu-ray significantly enhances the viewing experience with a well-curated collection of special features, alongside a beautifully integrated 33-page color book. The disc's extras delve into various aspects of the film and its production with noteworthy detail and high-definition clarity. "Deep Currents: Making 'A River Runs Through It'" offers a comprehensive look back at Norman Maclean's story, its adaptation process, and the quest for the perfect filming locations. "The Blackfoot Challenge: Rescuing a River" and "Casting a Line: A Beginner's Guide to Fly Fishing" respectively address environmental efforts to save the Blackfoot River and introduce the art of fly fishing. Further immersion into the film's setting is provided by "On the Blackfoot River in Hi-Def," featuring four serene Montana landscapes. The inclusion of 17 deleted scenes adds depth, while BD-Live functionality introduces interactive capabilities. This release, absent of prior DVD extras, stands out for its rich supplementary content and the elegant packaging that enhances collectibility and insight into the film's creation and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deep currents: Making A river runs through it: A detailed featurette on the adaptation of Norman Maclean's story.
• The Blackfoot Challenge: Rescuing a river: Documentary on environmental efforts concerning the Blackfoot River.
• Casting a line: A beginners guide to fly fishing: An instructional feature on fly fishing basics.
• On the Blackfoot river in high definition: Four selectable Montana landscapes in HD.
• 17 deleted scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut.
• BD-Live enabled: Interactive Blu-ray features for added engagement.

Robert Redford's direction of "A River Runs Through It" elevates the cinematic experience to an art form, capturing the essence of Norman Maclean's classic memoir with an attention to detail that is both precise and passionate. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Montana's wilderness, the film is a visually stunning exploration of life, family dynamics, and the complexity of human relationships, as experienced through the lives of the Maclean family. Redford intertwines the disciplines of writing, religion, and the art of fly fishing, presenting them not just as themes but as metaphors for life's journey. The performances of Craig Sheffer and Brad Pitt, as Norman and Paul respectively, are both nuanced and compelling, embodying the spirit of their characters with a realism that is as breathtaking as the film's scenic landscapes.

The narrative unfolds with a lyrical simplicity, portraying the contrasting paths of the Maclean brothers with a depth that extends beyond the surface beauty of their environment. Norman's introspective nature and aspiration towards academia stand in sharp contrast to Paul's untamed spirit and reckless tendencies, yet both are bound by their love for fly fishing—a passion instilled by their Presbyterian minister father, played with stoic grace by Tom Skerritt. This passion is more than a pastime; it's a spiritual journey, a means to navigate the turbulent waters of life. The film meticulously captures these moments on the Blackfoot River, where the act of fishing becomes a harmonious blend of faith, patience, and self-discovery.

"A River Runs Through It" transcends its period setting to tell a timeless story of familial bonds, personal growth, and the indelible mark nature leaves on us. Its representation of fly fishing as an art form—requiring not just technical skill but also a deeper understanding of life—echoes throughout the narrative. Redford's masterful direction ensures that the film's pacing and tone are reflective of its thematic depth, inviting audiences into a contemplative experience. Far from being just a movie about fishing, it's a profound examination of the human condition, set against the immutable beauty of Montana's riverscapes—an enduring legacy that continues to inspire both seasoned anglers and those new to the sport.

In synthesizing the essence of "A River Runs Through It" Blu-ray reviews, it's evident that this release garners high praise for its visual and storytelling prowess. The film, set in early 20th century Montana, weaves a captivating narrative around the Maclean family, focusing on the divergent paths of brothers Norman and Paul. Their journey back to the familial roots and the river that symbolizes their bond and escapism is presented with a religious nuance and deep commentary on familial values, making it a universally appealing story across generations. The Blu-ray edition by Sony enhances this experience with an impressive 1080p transfer that brings the scenic beauty of Montana to life, complemented by a fine lossless audio soundtrack, though described as average by some reviews, which still manages to effectively carry the film's serene and transcendent tone.

The technical specifications of the viewing setup for this review, including a JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector and an array of high-end audio-video equipment such as the Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player and Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor, ensure that the film's visual and auditory presentation is experienced at an optimal level. Coupled with high-quality speakers from Canton Ergo and Axiom Audio, the screening delivers on both the visual clarity and acoustic depth that "A River Runs Through It" deserves. Additionally, the inclusion of supplements in this Blu-ray release adds value by offering deeper insights into the making and significance of the film.

Conclusively, "A River Runs Through It" on Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of rich storytelling and high-definition cinema. It stands out not only for its poignant narrative but also for the meticulous presentation that respects the cinematic quality of the film. Despite some opinions on average audio quality, the overall package—bolstered by meaningful supplements—ensures that this release is highly recommended. Whether for first-time viewers or longtime fans looking to revisit the Maclean brothers' journey, this Blu-ray offers an immersive experience into their world by the river—a world where every cast and current tells a story as vast and deep as life itself.