Stormy Monday Blu-ray Review

Stormy Monday on Blu-ray, as presented by Arrow Video, is delivered in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, maintaining the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This release utilizes a high-definition master prepared by Cineserve at Deluxe 142 in 2010 and provided by Pretty Pictures. Though the master dates back over a decade and exhibits some age-induced wear and resolve issues, this disc represents one of the best video presentations the film has received to date. The clarity is significantly improved with strong fine detail and texturing, especially evident in close-ups, while wide shots also benefit from the meticulous cinematography by Roger Deakins.

Colors are naturally reproduced with an emphasis on cool blues and striking primaries like bright reds, both vivid and well saturated. However, certain technical limitations are evident; there are occasional instances of warp and image wobble, particularly noticeable during the opening credits. Additionally, certain dark scenes fight graininess and compression artifacts, a shortfall that a newer scan could have possibly mitigated. The grain structure remains mostly stable, but some scenes feature crushed black levels that obscure shadow detail.

While Arrow Video's presentation does significant justice to the source material despite using MGM's older 2010 HD transfer, it is clear that a contemporary rescan would likely offer remarkably enhanced clarity and color balance. Still, with well-defined black levels and robust shadow detail, this Blu-ray version certainly marks an improvement over previous releases and preserves Deakins' intended aesthetic with its gritty noirish visuals. The overall presentation is very good, capturing the essence of Stormy Monday's original cinematic experience, even if some room for improvement remains.

The Blu-ray release of "Stormy Monday" features an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 audio track that delivers a mixed audio experience. Dialogue is consistently clear and well-prioritized, ensuring all conversational elements are easily understood. Ambient environmental sounds, especially from the bustling urban setting of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, provide decent separation and maintain a consistent sonic energy throughout the film. However, despite these strengths, the track does exhibit some technical shortcomings that may detract from the overall auditory experience.

One of the critical issues with the LPCM 2.0 track lies in its handling of the jazz-infused score, which was crafted by director Mike Figgis. The music, while integral to the film's atmosphere, occasionally suffers from subpar mixing. At times, the score is prominently booming and echoing, giving it an unnatural hall-like quality which can become distracting. The track's primitive stereo mix with hard panning can result in poor balance, sometimes drowning out key dialogue in favor of background music. This fluctuation in audio quality is particularly disappointing considering the film’s setting in a jazz club, where the score and musical elements should shine seamlessly throughout.

Although "Stormy Monday" captures Figgis's jazz score with a sense of directionality and environmental ambiance at times, these moments are overshadowed by an amateurish stereo mix that may not meet expectations for audiophiles awaiting this Blu-ray release. The issues with the music’s presentation could be off-putting to many fans who have anticipated revisiting this film after nearly three decades. For viewers keen on audio fidelity and balance, this discrepancy in the soundtrack may prove to be a critical point of contention in an otherwise engaging cinematic experience.

Arrow's Blu-ray edition of "Stormy Monday" offers a curated selection of extra features that provide deeper insights into the film. The audio commentary by writer-director Mike Figgis, moderated by critic Damon Wise, delivers a rich exploration of Figgis' vision, including contextual information about the unique setting and cast contributions. An engaging video appreciation titled "Just the Same? Stormy Monday 30 Years On" by critic Neil Young provides an in-depth tour of the film's Newcastle locations, shedding light on the history and impact of the film. Additional extras such as the theatrical trailer, image gallery, and a well-designed insert booklet enhance the overall value of the package, making it a substantial upgrade from previous DVD releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring writer-director Mike Figgis, hosted by critic Damon Wise.
• Just the Same? Stormy Monday 30 Years On: Video appreciation by critic Neil Young.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.
• Image Gallery: Collection of still shots from the set.
• Insert Booklet: Includes an essay and stills, reversible sleeve with new artwork.

Mike Figgis's directorial debut, Stormy Monday, emerges as a noirish thriller that intertwines a basic crime narrative with an atmospheric setting in Newcastle, England. In the film, Sean Bean stars as Brendan, a naive young man who finds himself embroiled in a turf war between Brit and Yank gangsters, played by Sting and Tommy Lee Jones, respectively. Brendan's job at a jazz club, owned by Sting's character Finney, inadvertently places him against Cosmo, the menacing American businessman portrayed by Jones. The plot is driven by coincidental meetings and manufactured plot mechanics, leading to a vibe that oscillates between gritty realism and a dreamlike ambiance.

The film's mood is heavily accentuated by its jazz-infused score and the evocative cinematography of Roger Deakins, lending Stormy Monday a unique texture that sets it apart from more straightforward genre fare. However, beneath the stylish veneer lies a narrative riddled with convenient synchronicities and underdeveloped characters. While Melanie Griffith's portrayal of Kate brings a waifish quality to the screen, her character, along with others, suffers from spotty writing that fails to provide adequate backstories. The romance between Brendan and Kate is the central theme that keeps the narrative engaging but doesn't entirely compensate for the film's disjointed structure.

Sting's performance as Finney is surprisingly natural and demonstrates his acting chops beyond his music career. In contrast, Tommy Lee Jones's role as the villain, though fitting within his wheelhouse, leans heavily on stereotypes. Despite these narrative shortcomings, the performances from Bean and Griffith generate enough emotional resonance to make the film watchable. Overall, while Stormy Monday struggles with cohesion and depth, its atmospheric setting and strong cast performances help mitigate its flaws.

Arrow's Blu-ray release of Mike Figgis' British classic debut, "Stormy Monday," presents a visually engaging experience that showcases Newcastle-upon-Tyne's gritty urban atmosphere. The film features a strong ensemble cast whose performances remain compelling throughout, despite a storyline that occasionally ruminates in minimalism and predictable coincidences. Arrow's presentation stands out for its excellent video quality, although the audio track suffers from notable booming echo reverberations, especially during musically active sequences. This imperfection is disappointing but not entirely detractive if you can overlook these flaws.

"Stormy Monday" brilliantly captures the moody essence of its setting, combining a noir aesthetic with a romantic thriller narrative. However, the pacing might be considered a drawback, as it takes significant time to generate intrigue. For those familiar with Newcastle-set films like "Get Carter," this film offers another evocative representation of the city, even if not the most flattering from a tourist perspective. Despite some narrative weaknesses, the film remains a critical part of Figgis' oeuvre and has its fair share of admirers who contend it might be his best work to date.

In conclusion, Arrow's release of "Stormy Monday" boasts an impressive visual upgrade that renders it the best the film has ever looked, though it is somewhat marred by audio issues. The supplemental materials are decent and add value to this edition. Despite its flaws, this Blu-ray is likely the best—and possibly only—available option for fans and collectors, adding appreciably to the home-viewing experience.