Say Anything Blu-ray Review

Say Anything," a classic that has aged like fine wine, makes its way onto Blu-ray with a stunning 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that does the film's original print justice. Standing out among catalog titles, which often suffer from lackluster transfers, this release showcases an admirable balance of clarity, depth, and detail that belies its age. Despite the expected limitations compared to modern films, scenes like Lloyd's conversation on the payphone highlight the transfer's strengths vividly—deep blacks allowing for nuanced shadow detail, discernable textures such as the threading of Lloyd's shirt, and a palpable atmospheric presence thanks to the rain-drenched setting. Color reproduction retains its strength even in dimly lit scenes, bringing out the lush greens characteristic of the Pacific Northwest setting without resorting to digital noise reduction or edge enhancement artifacts.

Careful attention has been paid to maintain the film's original aesthetic, preserving its fine grain structure and avoiding digital manipulation. The result is a visual experience that feels both authentic and enhanced, bringing out details and textures with newfound clarity. While most of the film exhibits a clean and stable color presentation, brief shifts in color timing are observed at a few points, likely tied to the source material rather than being transfer issues. These minor moments aside, "Say Anything" benefits from a carefully curated transfer that respects and elevates the source material.

Contrast and clarity are consistently well-managed, enabling improved visibility of background details and lending a more dimensional feel to the scenes. The black levels are rich, contributing to solid shadow delineation throughout the movie. Color reproduction stands as a highlight; primaries pop with vibrancy while secondary hues are accurately conveyed, ensuring "Say Anything" shines in high definition. Small instances of softness do little to detract from the overall enjoyment, with the film's visual presentation marking a significant upgrade over prior releases.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track included with the Blu-ray release of Cameron Crowe's "Say Anything" offers an exemplary audio experience that both enthusiasts of the film and audiophiles will appreciate. Reflecting Crowe's well-known passion for music, the soundtrack delivers the pop/rock tracks with outstanding warmth, depth, and fidelity. The update to the sound elements is handled with care, avoiding any artificial feel; the bass response is solid yet not overpowering, and the film's iconic music scenes, especially the memorable party sequence, are given a new life with an enveloping soundstage. The main theme's execution is notably praiseworthy, with synth pads and clear guitar melodies thriving in the mix.

Dialogue, the focal point of this dialogue-driven film, is rendered with remarkable clarity and priority, ensuring that conversations are always front and center, complemented by a well-balanced and clean dynamic range. While the narrative is predominantly presented through the front channels, the mix occasionally utilizes the rear speakers to add ambient sounds like neighborhood noises and street sounds, enhancing the overall atmosphere. However, the use of these ambient effects is not consistent throughout, and there are moments, such as during significant downpours, where additional surround sound engagement could have further enriched the scene.

In terms of technical performance, the Blu-ray audio does not overly challenge home stereo setups but manages to produce a sound that is both full and clean. Low-frequency effects are employed judiciously, adding depth where necessary without dominating the mix. Although not a showcase for aggressive surround sound dynamics, "Say Anything" benefits greatly from this thoughtful audio remastering, presenting an auditory experience that complements its narrative and characters wonderfully, making it sound better than ever before on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Say Anything…" for its 20th anniversary by Fox Home Entertainment stands out for its rich array of extras, appealing to fans and newcomers alike. Starting with an engaging audio commentary featuring director/writer Cameron Crowe alongside John Cusack and Ione Skye, viewers are treated to a mix of anecdotes, insights, and behind-the-scenes trivia that enriches the watching experience. The inclusion of "A Conversation with Cameron Crowe" and "I Love 'Say Anything…'" featurettes offers both a reflective and humorous take on the film's legacy. Notably, the collection of alternate, deleted, and extended scenes presents a fascinating glimpse into the film's production process, showcasing different iterations of key moments. The vintage featurette and the beautifully curated photo gallery round out the package, offering a nostalgic trip and a deeper appreciation for the film. Additionally, an array of TV spots and trailers evoke the period's charm, making this release a comprehensive celebration of "Say Anything…".

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion with Cameron Crowe, John Cusack, and Ione Skye.
• An Iconic Film Revisted: Say Anything…20 Years Later: A retrospective featuring interviews with key cast members.
• A Conversation with Cameron Crowe: Insights into Crowe's direction and film creation process.
• I Love Say Anything…: Comedians express their fondness for the film.
• To Know Say Anything… Is To Love It! Trivia Track: Pop-up video style trivia throughout the film.
• Alternate Scenes: Different takes on key scenes.
• Deleted Scenes: Never-before-seen footage adding depth to the story.
• Extended Scenes: Longer versions of selected scenes, showcasing new content in color.
• Vintage Featurette: Behind-the-scenes interviews and clips.
• Photo Gallery: High-quality production and publicity stills.
• TV Spots: Nostalgic promotional clips.
• Trailers: Original theatrical trailers for "Say Anything…

In the transition from high school to adulthood, few films capture the bittersweet turbulence of first love as poignantly as Cameron Crowe's "Say Anything." Set against the emblematic backdrop of Seattle's suburbs, this cult classic follows Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), an average yet compelling high school graduate with a passion for kickboxing and a nebulous future. His romantic pursuit of Diane Court (Ione Skye), the class valedictorian poised to study abroad, is both daring and tender. Despite their contrasting paths—Dobler's aimlessness and Court's ambition—their relationship evolves from a mere crush into a deep, complex love story, illustrating the daunting pressures from familial expectations and personal aspirations.

Crowe's directorial debut stands out for its earnest portrayal of characters that defy the typical teenage stereotype, particularly through its leads. Cusack's Lloyd Dobler emerges as an eternal optimist, his everyman appeal enriched by a resolute idealism, marking him as one of cinema's most endearing teenage protagonists. Similarly, Ione Skye's Diane is portrayed with a nuanced innocence and intelligence, elevating her beyond the archetypical high school achiever. Their on-screen chemistry transcends the clichés of teen romance, capturing the genuine delight and conflict of young love with a remarkable authenticity. The supporting cast, including John Mahoney as Diane's well-intentioned but flawed father and Lili Taylor as the heartbroken yet resilient Corey, further enriches the narrative with their dynamic performances and contributes to the film's sense of realism and emotional depth.

"Say Anything" distinguishes itself within the romantic comedy genre through its insightful script and nuanced direction. Crowe skillfully balances humor with the poignant realities of love and loss, avoiding the indulgent tropes of the '80s teen film landscape. The story resonates deeply with audiences for its relatable depiction of love’s complexities and the poignancy of growing up. Beyond its iconic boombox scene set to Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," the film's legacy lives on as a heartfelt ode to the universal experience of first love, capturing the awkwardness, fervor, and impermanence of youth with timeless grace and authenticity.

In evaluating the Blu-ray presentation of "Say Anything," it's clear this classic film has not lost its charm or relevance, capturing the essence of post-high school experiences with its sweet, funny narrative and relatable characters. The teen romance, led by the compelling duo of John Cusack and Ione Skye, stands out for its authenticity and the freshness of Crowe's script. This release offers a significant audio/visual upgrade from previous versions, which is bound to delight fans and newcomers alike. The inclusion of new material and exclusive extras enhances its collectibility, making it a notable addition to any film enthusiast's library.

The technical details of this Blu-ray presentation are worth noting as they contribute significantly to the overall viewing experience. While it may not rival other catalog titles in terms of content abundance, the quality of the A/V improvement is undeniable, offering a clearer, more vibrant representation of the film's memorable moments. This enhancement enables viewers to experience the film's atmospheric settings and nuanced performances in greater depth, ensuring that its heartfelt narrative and comedic highlights are more impactful than ever.

Conclusively, the Blu-ray edition of "Say Anything" delivers a commendable treatment of a beloved classic, skillfully balancing nostalgic appeal with contemporary technological advancements. Its quality A/V upgrades and thoughtful addition of exclusive supplementary materials make it a must-have for fans and a highly recommended purchase for those looking to explore one of the finest entries in the teen romance genre. This release not only reaffirms the film's enduring legacy but also offers a compelling reason to revisit or encounter its unique charm for the first time.