The Pelican Brief Blu-ray Review

Warner's Blu-ray release of "The Pelican Brief" showcases a commendable 1080p/VC-1 transfer that significantly elevates the film's visual presentation over its previous DVD incarnation. The studio has opted for a more natural and filmic approach, eschewing artificially boosted colors and contrast for a palette that, while sometimes appearing lifeless, offers nearly flawless skin tones, notably deep black levels, and an array of relatively vivid primary colors. Detail levels vary, appearing softer in wider shots but improving markedly in close-ups. Textures retain their integrity, and edge definition is generally pleasing, ensuring that the transfer reveals considerably more in the shadows than what was visible on DVD. Despite the inclusion of some digital noise reduction (DNR) and edge enhancement that slightly detract from the overall quality, these adjustments seem to be part of Warner's broader strategy for catalog titles, impacting the grain field with a sporadically soupy appearance.

The remastering effort also brings forth a cleaner source with minimized artifacting, source noise, and banding, making for a cleaner overall image. Nighttime scenes occasionally suffer from black crush, but such instances are few. Contrast has seen a welcome improvement, resulting in brighter images and better shadow details that enhance the visibility of finer details. The color reproduction benefits from enhanced saturation, leading to smoother primaries and more accurate flesh tones. While this transfer may not reach the pinnacle of high-definition presentation, especially in terms of depth and pop, it represents a significant upgrade from the standard DVD release, making "The Pelican Brief" Blu-ray a notably strong entry in Warner's catalog offerings. Fans of the film and newcomers alike will find much to appreciate in the visual upgrade provided by this Blu-ray release.

The audio presentation of "The Pelican Brief" on Blu-ray is bolstered by a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track that provides an immersive if not reference-level experience. This track shines in quiet, dialogue-heavy sequences, creating an engaging atmosphere, whether in the hushed confines of a cramped hotel room or the bustling environment of the Washington Herald offices. While the film primarily relies on whispered conversations between characters, the audio manages to envelop the listener with exacting sound effects and a soundscape that, despite its subtlety, captures the essence of each setting. The low-frequency effects channel (LFE) and dynamic range show restraint but are effective during the film's sporadic action sequences, providing adequate if not groundbreaking support.

The remastered audio improves upon the DVD's limitations, offering clearer and more pronounced discrete sounds alongside a better-integrated score by James Horner, which benefits significantly from the update, presenting a fuller presence within the mix. However, it's the treatment of dialogue that stands out, showcasing well-recorded, balanced, and presented interactions that serve as the focal point of the audio experience. Despite these improvements, there remains a lack of consistent fidelity and precision in certain scenes, leading occasionally to cluttered and overwhelmed soundscapes that detract from the overall clarity.

In sum, while the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track of "The Pelican Brief" on Blu-ray represents a solid effort to enhance the auditory experience, it demonstrates both the limitations and possibilities inherent in remastering audio for older films. The soundtrack provides an enveloping experience that excels in delivering dialogue and key environmental sounds with precision, though it falls short of delivering the sort of dynamic range and seamless ambiance that modern audiences might expect. Nonetheless, for fans of the film looking to experience it with improved audio quality, this release offers a commendable upgrade.

The Blu-ray release of "The Pelican Brief" remains consistent with its DVD counterpart in terms of supplementary content, or the lack thereof. Warner Bros. has chosen not to enhance this catalog title with significant special features, opting instead for a minimalistic approach. The extras are confined to a standard definition theatrical trailer, mirroring the barebones aspect of previous releases. This decision might disappoint enthusiasts hoping for a more elaborate presentation or behind-the-scenes insights into the film's production. The inclusion of a digital copy provides a modicum of additional value, although it hardly compensates for the overall scarcity of bonus materials. Given this context, fans and collectors might find the release underwhelming in terms of extra content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer in standard definition.
• Digital Copy: A digital version of the film.

"The Pelican Brief," directed by the late Alan J. Pakula, attempts to dive into the thrilling world of John Grisham's legal fiction with a narrative that intertwines political maneuvering, environmental concerns, and a high-stakes chase. However, despite the presence of Hollywood titans Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts, the film fails to deliver the gripping suspense expected from such a potent combination. Washington and Roberts, portraying investigative reporter Gray Grantham and law student Darby Shaw respectively, embark on a perilous journey to uncover a conspiracy linked to the assassination of two Supreme Court justices. Yet, their performances, possibly hampered by a lack of chemistry or the film's direction, fall disappointingly flat, offering little in the way of emotional depth or compelling engagement.

Pakula’s adaptation struggles under the weight of its own ambitions, with a plodding pace and a narrative that often feels disjointed and lacking in coherence. Comparisons to Pakula's earlier, more deftly handled works reveal a stark decline in his ability to craft suspenseful, politically charged narratives. "The Pelican Brief" thus presents as a glossy yet soulless endeavour; its screenplay heavy-handed and its plot twists both predictable and uninspired. Despite a storyline ripe with potential intrigue—centering around Darby’s theory that ignites a dangerous chain of events—the film’s execution remains mired in conventionality, failing to captivate or thrill.

Moreover, the film's aesthetic does little to compensate for its narrative shortcomings. The absence of Pakula's once-celebrated visual and editorial ingenuity renders "The Pelican Brief" indistinguishable from other early-'90s Hollywood productions. Action sequences, intended to punctuate the film with suspense, feel forced and lack the pulse-quickening excitement one might expect. In the end, despite its ambitious setup and the inclusion of revered actors alongside a talented supporting cast, "The Pelican Brief" is emblematic of missed opportunities. It stands as an example of how even the most promising elements can falter in the absence of dynamic direction and a coherent, engaging script.

"The Pelican Brief" on Blu-ray delivers a clear upgrade in terms of visual and auditory experience when compared to its DVD counterpart, with both the richness of the video transfer and the fidelity of the lossless audio track being highlights. However, the film itself, clocking in at a laborious 141 minutes, seems to struggle with pacing, leading viewers to potentially find the plot dragging despite the star-studded cast of Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts. The narrative, much like its original John Grisham novel source, has moments that engage but ultimately leaves the audience with a sense of forgettability post-viewing. This pattern of fleeting engagement is mirrored in the Blu-ray release’s lack of additional content or special features, which could have provided valuable insights or enhanced the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray edition, despite its technical merits, echoes the sentiments found within its filmic content—sufficiently engaging yet lacking elements that might have otherwise made it a standout release. Fans of Grisham's work or the leading actors might find the purchase justifiable, driven by a loyalty or completeness for collection's sake. However, for the casual viewer or Blu-ray collector, the absence of enriching extras or compelling reasons to revisit the story beyond its aesthetic improvements marks this as a likely candidate for rental rather than a permanent addition to one's library.

In conclusion, while "The Pelican Brief" on Blu-ray presents a noticeable enhancement over previous versions in terms of audiovisual quality, it doesn’t fully overcome the inherent issues of the film’s pacing and story engagement. The lack of bonus materials further positions this release as somewhat underwhelming. Unless one is a dedicated enthusiast of the stars involved or Grisham's work, this Blu-ray might not offer enough value to warrant a place in a personal collection, making it more suited for a one-time viewing rather than a must-have.