Wild at Heart Blu-ray Review

"Wild at Heart" is offered on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The vividly diverse palette synonymous with Lynch’s style is effectively captured here, highlighted by particularly intense reds like those of Dern and Ladd’s lipstick. While the imagery at times exhibits noticeable grain, especially in dimly lit scenes, this is partially due to Lynch and DP Frederick Elmes’ use of diffusion filters, which imbue the film with a nostalgic, golden era aesthetic. Although there are distractions such as dirt specks and occasional white marks, these are minor and do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Edge halos are minimal and digital tweaking appears to be negligible.

However, the transfer does falter in key areas. Sourced from what appears to be the same dated master used by Universal for their European releases, the image suffers from frequent speckles and dirt on the film elements. A notable scratch appears at the 1:56:02 mark. On larger screens, these imperfections become more prominent and somewhat distracting. Grain tends to be poorly digitized, presenting a noisy, electronic texture that appears pixilated when paused. Focus issues in certain scenes reduce sharpness and clarity, though for most parts, the image remains reasonably detailed.

Colors on this disc are generally vibrant, but at times lean towards oversaturation; flesh tones can appear pasty under certain conditions. Unlike its European counterparts, this version seems to have a faint yellow tint correction—though differences in color temperatures are subtle and negligible upon close comparison of screencaps. While brightly-lit scenes boast satisfying contrast, dark scenes are plagued with elevated black levels and noise, most notably affecting critical sequences such as the car crash aftermath featuring Sherilyn Fenn. Nonetheless, this transfer renders a visually rich yet occasionally inconsistent presentation that reflects the film's inherent rawness and surreal aesthetic.

The audio presentation of the "Wild at Heart" Blu-ray is a noteworthy enhancement, especially with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 repurposing. The wildly expressive and creatively nuanced sound design receives a significant boost through this format. From the thundering low-frequency effects during the opening title sequence to intricately detailed ambient sounds like the creak of Sailor's snakeskin jacket, every element is brought to life with commendable clarity. The dialogue is impeccably centered and cleanly presented, and Angelo Badalamenti's quirky score also benefits greatly, resonating with excellent fidelity without any issues. There's also a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix available for those who prefer it.

When comparing this Twilight Time release to previous iterations, it stands out due to its robust dynamic range and cleaner soundstage. Earlier European versions had authoring errors leading to an echo issue that is entirely absent here. While David Lynch's aversion to surround sound limits the usage of the rear channels, there is still some subtle activity that enhances the overall listening experience. Although not an action film that will rattle your house, the 5.1 track offers a more satisfying and engaging experience due to its impressive dynamic range and precise audio cues. For viewers looking to experience "Wild at Heart" with the best possible audio fidelity, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is certainly the recommended option.

The Blu-ray extras for "Wild at Heart" present a comprehensive, albeit occasionally redundant, exploration into the film's production and the enigmatic mind of David Lynch. The standout is "Love, Death, Elvis and Oz: The Making of Wild at Heart," an in-depth, well-constructed featurette that delves into Lynch's distinctive directing style through insightful interviews. While the "Original 1990 Making-of EPK" and "Dell's Lunch Counter" offer additional perspectives, they often overlap with other content. "Specific Spontaneity: Focus on David Lynch" attempts to demystify Lynch's eccentricity, although it lacks new revelations. The inclusion of "David Lynch on the DVD" seems out of place for a Blu-ray release. A mix of vintage promotional materials like TV spots and trailers round out the supplementary package. Despite minor flaws, this collection will satisfy enthusiasts eager for a deeper dive into Lynch's idiosyncratic world.

Extras included in this disc:

• Love, Death, Elvis and Oz: The Making of Wild at Heart: A comprehensive documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew.
• Original 1990 Making-of EPK: Promotional material with brief interviews.
• Dell's Lunch Counter (Extended Interviews): Extended interviews intercut with film scenes.
• Specific Spontaneity: Focus on David Lynch: Interviews focused on Lynch’s unique filmmaking approach.
• David Lynch on the DVD: A simplistic DVD introduction by Lynch.
• TV Spots: Promotional TV advertisements.
• Motion Gallery: A montage of still photos.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The original cinema trailer for the film.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebratory trailer for MGM’s anniversary.
• Isolated Score and Effects Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

David Lynch's "Wild at Heart" is an exercise in extreme stylistic audacity and narrative ambiguity that both enthralls and perplexes. At its core, the film is a love story between the volatile Sailor Ripley (Nicolas Cage) and the world-weary yet resilient Lula (Laura Dern). Their quest to escape Lula's domineering mother Marietta (Diane Ladd, Oscar-nominated for this role) drives the film's chaotic road trip narrative. Lynch juxtaposes metaphoric visuals like ablaze matches representing the volatile relationships with scenes of almost hyperbolic violence. The opening sequence, with Sailor brutally assaulting a man, sets an immediate tone of visceral intensity, quite indicative of Lynch’s unapologetically confrontational directorial style.

"Wild at Heart" is a convoluted tapestry of surreal vignettes, thematic digressions, and eccentric side characters that often seem to serve more as Lynchian indulgences than narrative anchors. Characters such as Bobby Peru (Willem Dafoe) and Perdita Durango (Isabella Rossellini) provide gravitational pull away from the central plot, introducing elements that range from the grotesque to the absurdly comic. Lynch's heavy symbolism—with constant nods to "The Wizard of Oz" and overt Elvis Presley references—offers a rich text for those inclined toward academic deconstruction, though it may alienate viewers seeking narrative clarity.

Though divisive in its reception, "Wild at Heart" undeniably showcases Lynch’s unparalleled ability to blend abstract beauty with visceral rawness. Key scenes such as Sherilyn Fenn’s heart-wrenching portrayal of a car crash victim and Bobby Peru’s menacing seduction attempt underscore Lynch’s directorial prowess. Visually, the film is a triumph, saturated with vivid colors and meticulously composed widescreen shots that create an atmosphere thick with mood and tension. Despite its fragmented structure, "Wild at Heart" pulsates with passion, offering a compelling spectacle for those attuned to Lynch's unique brand of cinematic storytelling. The film's highly stylized approach and thematic complexity ensure that it remains a distinctly memorable entry in Lynch's eclectic oeuvre.

David Lynch’s "Wild at Heart" embodies a post-modernist take on classic love stories, infused with the director's signature surrealism and bizarre narrative style. Despite its apparent oddities, the film reveals a surprisingly sweet-natured core, akin to an unconventional Douglas Sirk melodrama. This Blu-ray release offers a solid transfer with enhanced audio quality, featuring a much-improved 5.1 soundtrack over its previous European iterations. While the video transfer retains its prior issues, the overall audiovisual experience is significantly refined.

The Blu-ray disc is supplemented with a variety of extras imported from the MGM version, which include a 29-minute documentary titled "Love, Death, Elvis & Oz," the original 1990 EPK, and extended interviews grouped under "Dell’s Lunch Counter." Additionally, there's a 7-minute featurette on Lynch called "Specific Spontaneity," four TV spots, the trailer, a photo gallery, and Lynch's comments on the DVD restoration. Unique to the Twilight Time disc are isolated music and effects tracks and liner notes by Julie Kirgo. A notable omission is the hour’s worth of deleted scenes found in "The Lime Green Set," making it still valuable for Lynch enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Wild at Heart" may not be Lynch’s most acclaimed work, but it remains an intriguing piece worth revisiting for its distinctive blend of chaos and charm. The Blu-ray’s robust audio upgrade and comprehensive extras present a worthwhile investment for fans and collectors. Despite its quirks and eccentricities, it stands as a testament to Lynch's unwavering creative spark. Recommended.