The Cutting Edge Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer of "The Cutting Edge" on Blu-ray offers a solid, if not outstanding, presentation. The AVC-encoded transfer respects the original film's natural, filmic appearance without any overwhelming digital noise reduction, which is commendable. While the detail is appreciable, it must be noted that the image has a predominantly soft and flat look, characteristic of the original cinematography. The source print is in good condition, showing only minor speckles. Despite the film's relatively subdued color palette, dominated by whites and blues reflecting its wintry setting, the Blu-ray captures these hues faithfully without any oversaturation. Black levels are adequate but not exemplary, with some slight crushing noticeable in darker scenes.

Moreover, the transfer highlights the lighting effects used in many skating sequences. These were intentionally crafted with diffusion to mask edits between actors and skating doubles, but the increased resolution now makes these transitions more apparent than in previous home video versions. The grainy texture present throughout is more a reflection of the source material than an issue of video noise, lending a genuine filmic quality to the presentation.

The film's visual contrasts are also well represented in this Blu-ray edition. Warmer tones in specific scenes, such as interiors of the bar 'Dorsey's Penalty Box' and the Chicago nightclub, stand out nicely against the cooler-principled scenes. This nuanced color grading enhances both the intimate settings and the elaborate costumes of tournament scenes effectively. While "The Cutting Edge" may not be a visually stunning film, the Blu-ray transfer delivers a clean, respectful presentation that remains true to its original aesthetic.

The audio presentation of The Cutting Edge Blu-ray sticks faithfully to its original format, providing an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. This decision to maintain the stereo surround sound originally released with the film is commendable and ensures that the mix remains effective and true to the initial experience. The results are clear dialogue, occasional immersive surround effects like camera shutters clicking and sparklers at a New Year’s Eve party, and a punchy soundtrack that keeps all the training and workout montages lively and engaging.

Dynamic moments do make an appearance in this otherwise straightforward mix, which also includes Spanish and French Dolby Surround tracks for added accessibility. Optional subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French support the audio tracks. Directionality between the left and right channels is present but doesn’t offer an expansive scope. The dynamic range remains relatively flat with minimal bass presence, yet the soundtrack’s moments of cheesy grandeur add some interesting variance. Despite these limitations, the effects, music, and dialogue are well-balanced throughout.

In sum, The Cutting Edge's audio track, while basic, is successful in preserving the film’s original character without unnecessary enhancements. It’s a straightforward mix that honors the original audio intentions of the movie and delivers a well-rounded auditory experience without any glaring flaws.

The Blu-ray release of "The Cutting Edge" features a minimalistic menu system but boasts some compelling extras. Users might find the absence of a main menu and the inability to set bookmarks somewhat inconvenient. Playback commences directly upon loading, and after the film concludes, it restarts automatically. However, the BD-Java encoding adds a layer of professionalism despite the lack of bookmark functionality.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Cutting Edge: Reflections from the Ice: Actors D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly discuss their experiences making the film, including skating training and on-set camaraderie. (SD, 11 min)
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The movie's trailer in high definition, accompanied by LPCM stereo sound.

"The Cutting Edge" is a formulaic yet charming romantic comedy set against the world of competitive figure skating. The story follows Kate Moseley (Moira Kelly), a talented but difficult figure skater, and Doug Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney), a headstrong hockey player whose career ends due to a freak injury. Their paths cross when Kate's coach proposes an unusual partnership, leading these two opposites to reluctantly team up in pursuit of Olympic glory. The film thrives on their fiery chemistry and the obstacles they must overcome, from personal clashes to romantic entanglements, to reach both professional success and an expected destination: true love.

Tony Gilroy’s script, known for its sharp dialogue and well-paced, character-driven action, underpins the movie’s appeal. Director Paul Michael Glaser, leveraging his experience from "Starsky and Hutch" and his dynamic approach from "The Running Man", keeps the narrative energetic and visually engaging. The skating sequences are particularly noteworthy, with Glaser utilizing varied shutter speeds and rapid editing to create a dynamic visual style. Additionally, the performances by Kelly and Sweeney, along with strong supporting roles from Terry O’Quinn and Ray Dotrice, anchor the film with effective and memorable portrayals, allowing viewers to invest emotionally in the characters’ journey.

Though it adheres to genre conventions, "The Cutting Edge" distinguishes itself through its endearing character dynamics, witty humor, and engaging direction. The mix of clichéd romantic tropes with genuine charm turns predictable moments into delightful ones. In essence, while it may not redefine the romantic comedy genre, it offers a nostalgic and entertaining experience that underscores the enduring appeal of light-hearted, feel-good cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "The Cutting Edge" delivers a solid presentation for fans of this beloved romantic comedy. The video transfer maintains the film's original grain structure, presenting a clean and sharp image with a natural color palette. Skin tones appear lifelike, and the overall clarity remains consistent throughout the film. The audio track performs competently, ensuring clear dialogue and a good balance of the soundtrack, which is crucial for this particular genre.

However, the lack of substantial special features is a notable downside. Though the included documentary provides some interesting trivia, it only scratches the surface of what fans might hope for. Additional content, such as a director's commentary or full-length commentary with stars D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly, would have elevated the package significantly. The disc feels somewhat bare-bones, a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the film’s production and legacy.

In conclusion, it's a shame that there isn't at least a director's commentary or even a full-length commentary with Kelly and Sweeney (who are obviously still friends and enjoy talking about the film). Still, aside from the scant special features, there is little to fault in the Blu-ray presentation of "The Cutting Edge." If you're a fan of the film, you won't be disappointed.