Drawing Flies Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Drawing Flies", shot on a 16mm Arriflex camera to save costs, harkens back to the raw, gritty aesthetic of '60s and '70s cinéma vérité documentaries, perfectly suiting its indie slacker narrative. Despite the inherent sharpness and clarity limitations associated with the 16mm format, which are further exacerbated by heavy grain and occasional focus inconsistencies, Kino-Lorber's 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer remains impressively faithful to the original low-budget production values. The image is warm, grainy, and notably free from digital noise reduction or edge enhancement interventions, preserving the film's organic texture. However, viewers should temper expectations concerning detail, as the heavy grain and analog nature of the footage often lead to a softer picture quality, where details can blend or appear somewhat indistinct.

The transfer offers a legitimate black and white experience in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio, complete with moderate print wear signs such as specks, scratches, and vertical lines that enhance rather than detract from the movie's gritty aesthetic. Shadow details are somewhat muddy, and blown-out white levels occasionally contribute to an overexposed look; yet these issues do not substantially diminish the overall viewing experience. Instead, they underscore the film's ultra-low budget ethos and volunteer-based production process.

Acknowledging the film's technical and visual presentation requires an appreciation for its authentically indie spirit. The black and white tonality shows limitations due to its amateurish filmmaking techniques, like inconsistent exposure, but maintains a consistency that many fans of the genre might find appealing. This UHD presentation does not shy away from showcasing the film's inherent flaws, focusing instead on delivering a true-to-source material experience that respects the original intent and charm of "Drawing Flies."

The audio presentation of "Drawing Flies" on the 4K UHD Blu-ray features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio mono track that stays faithful to the original production's lo-fi aesthetic. Given the film's micro-budget origins, it's no surprise that the sound design is somewhat limited, with the dialogue possessing a characteristically soft and fuzzy quality throughout. While there are minor imperfections such as pops, hisses, and occasional crackles, these do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The audio manages to be functional without any harshness in the higher frequencies, which are notably absent, resulting in a soundtrack that leans towards a mid-heavy, somewhat distant feel. This presentation, while far from high-fidelity, adequately reflects the film's indie sludge-pop soundtrack and its overall production values.

The English DTS-HD MA Mono track does exhibit rough edges, especially in terms of dialogue clarity, which is muffled and at times muddled, though generally audible. The audio mix as a whole feels exceedingly flat with a limited dynamic range. The effects work, albeit minimal, and the music tracks are presented well enough given the constraints. Background noise is occasionally present and can overshadow the dialogue, contributing to some auditory challenges. Moreover, a slight hissing is noticeable though it doesn't overwhelmingly impact the viewing experience.

Despite these shortcomings, it's clear that the track's limitations are largely attributable to the original low-budget production conditions. The noticeably rough recording quality of various elements and an audibly flat mix reflect this reality. Though it does fall short in clarity and fidelity at moments, particularly where dialogue is concerned, the track fulfills its role within the context of a budget-constrained production, ensuring that dialogue and music are sufficiently discernible to maintain engagement with the film's narrative.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Drawing Flies" stands out not just for its film presentation but also for its rich compilation of extras, meticulously curated to enhance the viewing experience. From detailed audio commentaries—one providing a deep dive into the low-budget production nuances and another offering a lighter, humorous perspective with cast interactions—to a variety of high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) features, this release covers all bases. The new and original introductions, interviews with key figures such as Jason Mewes and Matt Gissing, and even a trailer for an unrelated Malcolm Ingram documentary, all add layers to the appreciation of this cult classic. The inclusion of deleted scenes and a stills gallery further enriches the context, making this edition a treasure trove for fans and new viewers alike, albeit with a slight drawback of varying audiovisual quality across the extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Insights from the co-directors on production challenges and a humorous cast commentary featuring Kevin Smith.

• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes: A collection of unused footage and bloopers.

• Stills Gallery: A compilation of behind-the-scenes photos.

• Original 2002 Introduction with Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier: A nostalgic look back at the film's origins.

• NEW Introduction with Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes: A fresh perspective on the film's legacy.

• NEW Interview with Jason Mewes: Personal anecdotes about the project's impact.

• NEW Interview with Matt Gissing: Insights into the remastering process and film's re-emergence.

• Trailer for Malcolm Ingram's Bear Nation: Preview of an unrelated documentary.

• Groovy Cartoon Movie Trailer: Introduction to a Jay and Silent Bob animated movie.

"Drawing Flies," a relic from the zenith of '90s indie filmmaking, straddles the line between an ambitious cinematic experiment and an all-too-evident display of its own budgetary and experiential limitations. Originally conceived amidst the creative fervor following Kevin Smith's "Clerks," this film, helmed by Canadian duo Matt Gissing and Malcolm Ingram, attempts to marry slacker comedy with a surreal quest for Bigfoot. Bolstered by Smith's production acumen and a cast peppered with his regulars, the movie exudes a palpable enthusiasm, emblematic of the D.I.Y ethos prevalent in the era. Shot on a shoestring budget around Vancouver, British Columbia, its lo-fi aesthetic is both a charm and a curse, presenting a raw, unpolished veneer that's as much a nod to the grunge generation as it is a reflection of its creators' fledgling craftsmanship.

At its core, "Drawing Flies" is an odd blend of aimless wanderlust and existential questioning. The narrative follows five prototypical Gen-Xers as they divest themselves of societal obligations, embarking on what's pitched as a simple camping trip, only to find themselves ensnared in Donner's quixotic hunt for Sasquatch. This shift from urban ennui to woodland odyssey is jarring, charting a decline into chaos that mirrors Donner's disintegrating grip on reality. Despite Jason Lee's compelling performance and moments of genuine humor, the film struggles to find cohesion. The dialogue, though aspiring to Kevin Smith's trademark witty banter, often lands with a thud, failing to elevate the meandering plot or fully flesh out its thinly drawn characters.

Despite its cult appeal and the curiosity it garners as a "lost" View Askew production, "Drawing Flies" serves more as a curiosity than a masterpiece. Its transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray is commendable for offering aficionados a glimpse into this obscure chapter of indie cinema history, yet the film itself remains an uneven experience. Fraught with amateur execution yet sprinkled with sporadic moments of clarity and humor, it encapsulates the trial-and-error nature of independent filmmaking in the '90s. For those drawn to the allure of Kevin Smith's cinematic universe or the animated nostalgia of '90s youth culture, there's something strangely endearing about this flawed gem. However, as an isolated work divorced from its pedigree, it wavers, often feeling more like an unfinished thought than a coherent statement.

"Drawing Flies," the enigmatic film from the '90s, receives a long-awaited home video revival through its 4K UHD Blu-Ray release, capitalizing on the current nostalgia for that decade's cultural artifacts. Emblematic of its era with a distinct indie feel, the movie navigates the life of aimless twentysomethings interwoven with grunge aesthetics and a lo-fi indie soundtrack, mirroring a Canadian version of "Reality Bites." Its significance is heightened for Kevin Smith enthusiasts, given its placement between "Mallrats" and "Chasing Amy," featuring many from Smith's recurring cast in a unique, albeit directionless narrative. While "Drawing Flies" may not be universally acclaimed—critiqued for its meandering plot and amateur execution—the release is a noteworthy event, offering a deep dive into a particular niche of '90s cinema culture.

The technical aspects of the release underline its low-budget origins; both video and audio presentations are somewhat lackluster, reflecting the film's initial production constraints. Yet, this authenticity might be considered a virtue to purists or those with a penchant for retro film experiences. The addition of a substantial set of supplements enriches this release, inviting further exploration into the film's context and production stories, potentially adding value for collectors and fans alike.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Drawing Flies" serves as a fascinating time capsule and a must-have for aficionados of Kevin Smith's View Askew universe or those intrigued by '90s indie filmmaking. Despite its flaws—a somewhat tedious runtime and low-budget technical qualities—the package compensates with a rich array of supplementary materials and an authentic nostalgia trip into an era defined by its cultural laxity and unique cinematic voices. For those vested in the period or Smith's broader work, this release offers ample reason to explore or revisit an obscure slice of '90s cinematic history.