Roxanne Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Roxanne" by Sony features a solid 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode framed at 2.40:1. Images appear with good definition and lucid clarity, though there are some inconsistencies. In certain scenes, a heavy layer of grain is noticeable, while others are practically free from it. This transfer can be hit-or-miss with some shots appearing crisp and clear, while others come across as soft and lacking depth. Blacks are mostly dynamic but occasionally crushed, and night sequences exhibit a balance between light and dark content, though shadow delineation can be dull.

The color palette is naturally stable and renders well—be it the pink neon signs, green outdoor foliage, or the red of the town's fire engine. Interior shots, especially within Roxanne's home, present a decent level of visible detail. Fleshtones tend to skew warm, giving complexions a rosy tinge, but overall they are accurate. The source material is clean with minimal dirt and blemishes, and edge enhancement is not an issue.

The video presentation maintains its realism through stable color rendering and adequate sharpness in many scenes, though it does have notable variances. Overall, while the Blu-ray edition of "Roxanne" does not deliver a visually spectacular experience, it remains a decent catalog release with a clean encode that fans will find satisfactory.

The audio presentation of "Roxanne" on Blu-ray features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This track provides crisp and full-bodied dialogue primarily delivered through the front and center channels, with limited but noticeable use of surround channels for light ambience and occasional effects that add subtle dimension to the mix. Despite the film's modest sound design, the dialogue is well-balanced and clear, ensuring that voices remain distinct and easily understandable throughout. The soundtrack also includes understated background music, such as smooth jazz, which fills the room with a soft and spacious quality that enhances the listening experience.

While the audio dynamics are relatively restrained, they are well-suited to the film's content. The lossless track ensures that the sound maintains its clarity without becoming thin or dynamically lacking. Surround channel activity is minimal, primarily providing slight ambiance rather than discrete effects, which aligns with the film's overall subtle approach to sound design. Low-frequency detail is present but limited, offering sufficient support without overpowering the other elements. Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray release of "Roxanne" effectively conveys all necessary auditory information to complement the visual experience, delivering a clean and accurate reproduction of the film's modest yet functional soundscape.

The Blu-ray release of "Roxanne" offers minimal extras, which may disappoint fans hoping for more substantial content. The disc includes 1080p trailers for "The Pink Panther" and "Made of Honor," along with BD-Live (Blu-ray profile 2.0) functionality. Unfortunately, there are no additional features such as a commentary or retrospective featurette, which would have provided a deeper appreciation for this cult favorite.

Extras included in this disc:

• HD Previews: Trailers for "Made of Honor" and "The Pink Panther" (2006).
• BD-Live enabled: Access Blu-ray profile 2.0 functionality.

Steve Martin's "Roxanne" presents a whimsical and heartfelt reimagining of the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac, perfectly pivoting around Martin's signature comedic prowess and screenwriting talent. The film, set in a quaint town where Martin stars as charismatic fire chief C.D. Bales, explores themes of love and individuality through the lens of physical appearance versus intrinsic worth. Majorly character-driven, the narrative thrives on an engaging series of romantic misadventures as C.D. coaches the comically inarticulate yet handsome fireman Chris (Rick Rossovich) to woo the beautiful Roxanne (Daryl Hannah). The film successfully extracts humor from C.D.'s exaggerated nasal feature while never undermining its core message about the essence of true love that transcends mere physical traits.

Throughout the film, Martin showcases his exceptional range both in acting and writing, building a multi-dimensional character in C.D. who is endearing and relatable. Hannah’s performance also shines as she brings an infectious spirit to the role of Roxanne, creating palpable chemistry with Martin that uplifts the film's romantic undertones. Fred Schepsi’s direction compliments the script’s wit with a balanced approach that manages to keep slapstick elements from devolving into camp. Ian Baker’s cinematography further enriches the viewing experience by subtly evoking classic French farces with vibrant color palettes and picturesque widescreen shots. Additionally, supporting roles by Shelley Duvall, Michael J. Pollard, and Fred Willard add layers of charm and eccentricity that bolster this enchanting narrative.

Despite some dated aesthetic elements, "Roxanne" endures as a delightful romantic comedy, praised for its intelligent humor and emotional depth. Each viewing reveals more of its multifaceted metaphors and intrinsic warmth, making it an endlessly rewarding classic. The film remains a testament to Martin's artistry and stands out for its compelling exploration of inner beauty and authentic connections amid comedic storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "Roxanne" provides an overall solid presentation for Steve Martin's beloved romantic comedy. The narrative, based on Cyrano de Bergerac, masterfully blends humor and poignant moments, delivering a sweet exploration of love and self-acceptance. Steve Martin's performance stands out, with his iconic portrayal of C.D. Bales, showcasing both his comedic talents and emotional depth.

From a technical perspective, the 1080p video transfer offers an adequate visual experience, preserving the film's charming aesthetic. However, it is not without some inconsistencies in sharpness and color balance which might be noticeable to discerning viewers. The lossless audio soundtrack maintains clear dialogue and pleasing musical scores but lacks the dynamic range that could elevate key scenes.

The glaring omission of special features on this Blu-ray release may disappoint ardent fans and collectors. Without any additional content such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, or commentary tracks, the disc feels incomplete. Therefore, this release is best suited for viewers who prioritize the film itself over supplemental material.

In conclusion, "Roxanne" on Blu-ray is a worthy investment primarily for its enduring narrative and classic Steve Martin performance. While the technical execution is satisfactory, the lack of extras makes it more appropriate for rental or purchase by die-hard enthusiasts rather than casual viewers or Blu-ray collectors seeking comprehensive editions.