Stick Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray presentation of "Stick" maintains an impressive fidelity to its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, employing an MPEG-4 AVC codec for its 1080p transfer. Sourced from an older but solid master provided by Universal, the transfer exhibits a fine organic appearance with minimal digital corrections. This ensures that close-ups retain impressive clarity, and colors are stable and healthy. While there are few small white flecks and occasional sub-optimal background nuances, the overall image stability is commendable. Additionally, the fluidity of visuals persists even on larger screens, further enhancing the viewing experience.

Notably, the 1080p transfer showcases strong detail in facial features, clothing, and set design right from the outset. The film's grain is consistent and film-like, contributing to a desirable cinematic texture. Although some sequences exhibit noisier grain, likely due to optical zooming in those shots, the overall presentation is unaffected by undue softness or edge enhancement issues. Colors appear bright and bold, befitting the 80s Miami setting, with flesh tones maintaining natural consistency and black levels remaining robust without any instances of crushing. Minimal speckling hints at the film's age, but it is far from distracting.

This Blu-ray release is Region-A locked, requiring a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access. However, a fresh master could potentially expand on some of the current visual nuances to provide an even richer experience. Nonetheless, Kino Lorber's effort delivers a satisfactory transfer that honors the original aesthetics of "Stick."

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Stick" features a robust English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented well by optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The audio mix is impressively clean and stable, with an impressive array of dynamic nuances that provide a distinct '80s vibe, reinforced by the stylish electronic soundtrack. Notably, there are no detectable technical issues such as hiss, pops, or age-related artifacts, ensuring a smooth auditory experience.

While the mix is limited to two channels, it compensates by delivering a substantial amount of audio depth and dimensionality. The balance between dialogue, music, and sound effects is meticulously maintained, making each aspect immediately discernible. The nuanced spatial elements allow outdoor sequences to feel expansive and natural, while scenes set in confined spaces convey a potent sense of claustrophobia. However, some instances of overdubbed ADR—particularly with Burt Reynolds' lines—are noticeable, adding a layer of wit but sometimes standing out against the otherwise seamless mix. Despite this, overall levels remain perfectly calibrated, providing an engaging and immersive auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Stick" features a curated selection of extras that are both insightful and historically rich. The highlight is the new audio commentary by film critic Nick Pinkerton, who offers a deep dive into Burt Reynolds' directorial endeavors and acting career. The inclusion of behind-the-scenes and promotional material provides a fascinating glimpse into the film's production process. The package is rounded out by a vintage trailer and additional trailers for Kino Lorber titles, enhancing the overall value of this release without overwhelming the viewer with content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "Stick" in English.
• Commentary: Critic Nick Pinkerton deconstructs the film and Burt Reynolds' career.
• Image Gallery: A collection of behind-the-scenes and promotional materials.
• Additional Trailers: Includes trailers for Navajo Joe, 100 Rifles, Sam Whiskey, Fuzz, White Lightning, Gator, Semi-Tough, and Malone.

Burt Reynolds' "Stick" (1985) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. This release includes supplemental features like a vintage trailer and an exclusive new audio commentary by critic Nick Pinkerton. One cannot overlook the compelling yet perplexing mix of elements that define this film. Burt Reynolds' attempt at directing matches his signature flair but falls short in capturing Elmore Leonard’s intricate character nuances and linguistic rhythm, reminiscent of the adaptations by Quintin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh.

Set in Miami, Reynolds embodies Ernest Stick Stickley, who, fresh from prison, navigates the chaotic world of crime and retribution. The storyline's fundamental flaw lies in its inconsistent tone, juxtaposing an atmospheric electronic score against a rustic macho thriller backdrop. This duality causes the film to struggle with its identity, often feeling like a cocktail with mismatched flavors. Fascinating characters like the albino hitman Moke (Dar Robinson) and the oddly endearing drug dealer Chucky (Charles Durning) add layers of unexpected humor and quirkiness that both entertain and disrupt the narrative flow.

"Stick" shines through its varied elements, albeit imperfectly blended. The film culminates in a standout stunt fall sequence that reinforces Reynolds' knack for physical action scenes. Despite its shortcomings, this mid-tier thriller manages to captivate with its unpredictability and stylistic charm. While it may not fully honor Leonard's original vision, it offers a unique viewing experience that continuously surprises. The Blu-ray presentation by Kino Lorber does justice to this flawed yet intriguing film, ensuring it remains a noteworthy piece in Reynolds' directorial repertoire.

Stick, directed by and starring Burt Reynolds, offers an uneven yet thoroughly engaging viewing experience. While it may not hit the heights of some other thrillers of its era or Elmore Leonard adaptations, it remains a captivating film anchored by Reynolds' undeniable charisma. The plot, albeit somewhat predictable, keeps you invested through its intriguing characters and unexpected twists. Kino Lorber Studio Classics delivers a Blu-ray release that captures the essence of the film with a commendable A/V presentation. However, the extras are limited, though the inclusion of an insightful audio commentary adds value to an otherwise feature-light release.

Visually, this Blu-ray presentation sourced from an older master holds up remarkably well. The detail is crisp, colors are well-balanced, and the transfer does justice to the film's visual style. The audio mixes are robust, presenting dialogue and soundtrack with clarity, which enables viewers to appreciate the fine nuances in Leonard's dialogue and the atmospheric score. Although fans might wish for more substantial bonus content, the existing commentary provides valuable context and interesting behind-the-scenes insights into Reynolds' creative process.

The hotshots at Universal definitely wanted Stick to be a very different film, not the one that Burt Reynolds had in his head. But you know what? I think that as it is, Stick is often seriously unpredictable, which is why I enjoyed it quite a bit. Kino Lorber's release is sourced from an old but pretty good master, so ignore vintage reviews that have argued that Stick is a trainwreck and consider picking up a copy of it for your collection. I am certain it will put you in a good mood and even inspire you to revisit some other older films from Reynolds' body of work. RECOMMENDED.