True Love Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "True Love" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber with a 1080p transfer that exudes a fresh and organic appearance. Judging by its visual fidelity, it seems the film was remastered relatively recently. The transfer offers impressive delineation, clarity, and depth, even surpassing the quality of recent remastered titles like "Fletch" and "Fletch Lives." The grain exposure is respectable, with potential for enhancement that would further benefit overall image clarity. The density levels are consistent, and the color balance is reliably convincing. Primaries are well-nuanced and properly calibrated, though certain darker scenes could benefit from improved nuances. Notably, the saturation in a few areas could be enhanced to achieve more vivid results.

Shot on 35 mm film using spherical lenses by cinematographer Lisa Rinzler, "True Love" maintains an engaging and authentic filmic look throughout. The Blu-ray application handles clarity and contrast exceptionally well; details stand out across an array of intricate visuals, ranging from wedding attire and floral arrangements to Bronx store signs and Italian deli setups. Particularly noteworthy is the degree of detail visible in the wedding gown and bridesmaids' dresses. The image stability is solid, without any large cuts, damage marks, warped frames, or noticeable anomalies disrupting the viewing experience. Furthermore, there are no embedded dirt specks or scratches. This cohesive visual presentation undoubtedly enhances the viewers’ immersion, delivering a thoroughly enjoyable representation of the original film aesthetics.

The audio presentation on the "True Love" Blu-ray release is anchored by an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. Notable portions of the film feature several prominent 1980s radio and club hits, and the clarity and sharpness of these songs are commendable, although at times they can feel a bit thin. This characteristic seems consistent with the original soundtrack's production, suggesting intentional preservation of its authentic auditory experience. However, there is room for minor enhancement that could enrich the fullness and roundness of the music, thereby amplifying the listening experience without detracting from its nostalgic essence.

Dialogue throughout the film remains clear and easily comprehensible, a feature bolstered by the meticulous casting of actors who deliver lines with distinctive New York-Italian accents, enhancing the movie's cultural authenticity. The expertly managed blending of ambient noises during bustling scenes, such as the wedding sequence, ensures that dialogue remains the focal point, free from obtrusion by background sounds. The audio track's fidelity extends to its portrayal of songs integral to the narrative, including 'No Pain (No Gain)', 'Return to Me', 'Cupid', and 'Heartbeat', among others. These song choices accentuate the film's emotional and thematic resonance, further propelling the viewer into its richly textured world.

The extras included in the Blu Ray release of "True Love" provide valuable insights into the film's production process, but they exhibit varying levels of engagement. The interviews with key crew members such as music supervisor Jeffrey Kimball and production designer Lester Cohen offer detailed accounts of their contributions, while editor Tim Squyres' comments on sound integration are particularly informative. Additionally, the extensive joint interview with editor John Tintori and script supervisor Mary Cybulski sheds light on Nancy Savoca's directing methods. However, the audio commentary featuring director Nancy Savoca and producer Richard Guay is notably underwhelming, marked by long pauses and a lack of substantial behind-the-scenes information.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Music Supervisor Jeffrey Kimball: Insights into musical choices.
• Interview with Production Designer Lester Cohen: Impressions and contributions.
• Interview with Editor Tim Squyres: Sound editing techniques.
• Interview with Editor John Tintori and Script Supervisor Mary Cybulski: Relationships and directing methods.
• Commentary: Nancy Savoca and Richard Guay.
• Trailer: Remastered original trailer.

Nancy Savoca’s "True Love" (1989) on Blu-ray, presented by Kino Lorber, captures the complex and tumultuous journey of Donna (Annabella Sciorra) and Michael (Ron Eldard) in the days leading up to their wedding. Savoca’s directorial debut stands out for its stark authenticity and raw portrayal of relationship dynamics amidst an Italian-American backdrop. The film eschews the typical romantic comedy formula by delving deep into the pre-wedding anxieties of its protagonists, emphasizing the ongoing compromises essential for a healthy marriage. This sincere examination reveals the innate fears and second thoughts both characters harbor concerning married life, highlighting Donna’s desire for a mature partner and Michael’s reluctance to forego his freedom.

Despite its refreshing narrative approach, "True Love" suffers from uneven direction. Savoca’s inexperience is evident in several scenes where clumsiness and over-exaggeration detract from the film’s authenticity. The portrayal of secondary characters occasionally feels rushed or awkward, which interrupts the film’s cohesive flow. Supporting characters, such as Donna’s friends and Vincent Pastore, aren’t given ample space to develop, resulting in missed opportunities for richer storytelling.

Nonetheless, "True Love" boasts an underlying sincerity rooted in its authentic representation of Italian-American culture, which becomes a cornerstone of its narrative. Lisa Rinzler's cinematography, though not yet matured compared to her later work on "Menace II Society" and "Dead Presidents," still provides a solid visual framework that complements the film's themes. The interplay between heartfelt moments and cultural specificity gives "True Love" an endearing charm, even if it occasionally falters under the weight of its execution.

"True Love," directed by Nancy Savoca, is a film that delicately balances humor and pathos, capturing the transition of its protagonist couple, Donna and Michael, from young singles to newlyweds. Savoca presents wedding preparations as a rigorous test of the couple's compatibility and maturity. The narrative deeply explores poignant themes without resorting to sappiness or cheap sentimentality, making the film more about introspection and the inherent awkwardness of big life events. The strong performances by Annabella Sciorra, Ron Eldard, and an adept supporting cast navigate through moments of clumsiness and passion, reflecting the real tensions and joys of impending matrimony.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "True Love" boasts a commendable transfer from a very good organic master. The image quality is crisp, maintaining the integrity of the film's original visual appeal. This edition is further enriched by an array of exclusive new bonus features that provide additional insights into the film's creation and its thematic depths. Although some elements of Savoca's direction might feel artificially orchestrated, these slight flaws are overshadowed by the film's earnest portrayal of personal and relational challenges.

In conclusion, "True Love" presents an engaging yet realistic depiction of pre-marital anxieties, complemented by strong performances and a truthful narrative approach. Kino Lorber’s release enhances the viewing experience with its excellent transfer and supplementary content. While some directorial missteps involve character management, fans will find much to appreciate in this well-rounded Blu-ray offering. RECOMMENDED to the fans.