Fading Gigolo Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Fading Gigolo" presents a 1080p, 1.85:1-framed, film-sourced image that is noteworthy for its heavy warm push, predominantly leaning towards the red and orange end of the spectrum. This was achieved using 35mm film on Arricam equipment, meticulously retaining Director John Tutturro's visual intent. The warmth infuses the scenes with a significant red tint, especially pronounced in darker and interior shots, which can somewhat overshadow other colors. However, exterior city shots benefit from bright splashes of color that maintain vibrancy without being overly dominated by the warmth.

Despite the saturation, fine detail remains consistent and pleasing, with clear texture on wood, wall surfaces, clothing, and facial features. Skin tones, although rendered more reddish than typical, maintain consistency throughout the film. The indoor sequences exhibit a slightly heightened reddish hue and marginally less detail compared to the outdoor scenes. Nevertheless, the transfer handles black levels commendably and displays no visible digital artifacts such as blocking, edge halos, banding, or aliasing issues.

Grain, while present, is subdued and noticeable only on larger screens, suggesting this to be a polished transfer rather than a flaw. Overall, though it may require an initial adjustment period for viewers acclimating to its unique aesthetic, "Fading Gigolo" delivers a quality visual experience that is technically sound and true to the director’s vision.

The audio presentation of "Fading Gigolo" on Blu-ray is anchored by a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that fits the film's subdued tone and dialogue-centric narrative. Given the nature of the film, the sound design eschews heavy, impactful effects, favoring a more nuanced approach. The music, primarily composed of non-original instrumentals and songs, benefits from clear separation and inviting surround support, which enhances the overall auditory experience. The city sounds, including car movements and subtle ambient noises, are effectively implemented to create a relatable urban atmosphere.

Dialogue takes center stage, as expected for a "talking heads" movie, and it is delivered with consistent clarity and smoothness from the central channel. The track handles the dominant conversational elements excellently while ensuring that lesser, yet essential, background effects remain well balanced. Although the soundscape doesn't boast extraordinary directionality or immersiveness, it competently supports the on-screen action without any technical issues such as dropouts or glitches.

In addition to the main track, an English 2.0 stereo option is available, catering to different sound system setups. Subtitles are provided in English SDH and Spanish. Overall, while the audio may not be groundbreaking, it proficiently fulfills its role in delivering an engaging and clear auditory experience for viewers.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Fading Gigolo" offer a rich behind-the-scenes exploration for fans and those interested in filmmaking alike. The audio commentary by Writer/Director/Actor John Turturro and his assistant Cameron Bossert offers a detailed, screen-specific look into the creative process, technical aspects of shooting on 35mm film, character inspirations, music, locations, and overarching themes. This highly informative commentary is particularly valuable for those keen on the technical facets of filmmaking, despite Turturro's somewhat monotonous delivery. Additionally, six deleted scenes provide intriguing alternative takes and enjoyable outtakes, although they must be viewed individually. These extras enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film's creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director/Actor John Turturro and his Assistant Cameron Bossert: Detailed insights into filmmaking aspects and thematic elements.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes six scenes such as 'Alternate Opening' and improv scenes by Woody Allen.
• Previews: Various trailers including the original theatrical trailer for "Fading Gigolo".

"Fading Gigolo," written and directed by John Turturro, delves deep into the unexpected storyline of Fioravante (Turturro) and his close friend Murray (Woody Allen). The movie follows these long-time friends as they embark on an unusual entrepreneurial venture after Murray's bookstore shutters. The inciting incident provides a curious and unlikely premise: Murray's dermatologist, Dr. Parker (Sharon Stone), proposes a paid threesome, leading Murray to suggest Fioravante as the ideal man for the job. This starts their unconventional business with Murray acting as Fioravante's pimp, targeting New York’s upper-crust women.

Despite the implausibility of the setup, Turturro's film captures a whimsical Woody Allen-like essence. The movie is imbued with Allen's iconic light comedy and understated drama, seamlessly melding situational humor with deeper explorations of human intimacy and emotional connection. Turturro’s portrayal of Fioravante is multi-dimensional; he evolves from a reluctant participant to a figure of heartfelt depth, especially evident in his interactions with Avigal (Vanessa Paradis), a widowed woman still mourning her husband. The film dances between lighthearted and serious tones, examining loneliness and nuanced human relationships. However, the movie doesn’t always delve deeply into these themes, instead offering a blend of simple dialogue and precision acting to convey its more profound messages.

Despite some narrative shortcomings, "Fading Gigolo" boasts excellent performances from its cast. Woody Allen and John Turturro exhibit dynamic chemistry, their characters’ interactions both humorous and dramatically engaging. Sharon Stone and Sofía Vergara embody their characters seamlessly, contributing to the film’s engaging appeal. Vanessa Paradis delivers the standout performance, her character's journey marked by genuine emotional depth. While the film doesn't fulfill its potential as fully as it might, hovering on the cusp of a more profound exploration of human nature, it offers an engaging watch with moments of charm and insight, particularly appealing to fans of Woody Allen’s unique cinematic style.

"Fading Gigolo" presents an interesting experiment: a non-Woody Allen directed film that manages to evoke Allen's signature style. John Turturro, who both directs and stars, crafts a narrative that feels familiar yet lacks the polished wit of Allen’s best efforts. While the film offers commendable performances, especially from Turturro and Vanessa Paradis, it ultimately struggles with pacing and focus. The story delves into themes of human connection and the complexities of relationships but fails to explore these ideas as deeply as one might hope.

Technically, the Blu-ray release by Millennium Entertainment excels. The quality of the video is impressive, capturing the film's New York setting with great clarity and vibrant color reproduction. The audio is equally commendable, providing clear dialogue and an immersive soundstage. Special features include an insightful audio commentary track and a selection of deleted scenes, offering additional value to the package.

In conclusion, "Fading Gigolo" is a pleasant comedic drama that will particularly appeal to fans of Woody Allen. However, its inherent flaws prevent it from reaching classic status. The Blu-ray edition enhances the viewing experience with excellent technical quality and useful supplements, making it worth a rental for curious viewers and a potential purchase for die-hard fans at an attractive price point.