Sorcerer Blu-ray Review

Warner’s restorative process on “Sorcerer” has yielded a remarkable 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation, derived from a 4K scan. The video quality maintains the film’s original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and impressively balances colors, providing a clean and inviting visual experience. Primary colors appear vibrant with secondary hues well-rendered, even discernible in complex scenes. Fleshtones exhibit lifelike textures and natural depiction, while facial details, hair, and clothing close-ups are notably sharp. Not every wide-angle shot is equally detailed, but the overall visual depth remains commendable, manifesting a filmic quality that enriches the viewing experience. Blacks are noise-free, stable, and deep, while contrast and brightness adjustments enhance visibility and dimension across different lighting conditions. Film grain is present and appears undisturbed, adding to the authentic filmic texture.

The imagery displays notable clarity, depth, and detail not typically expected from films shot four decades ago. Each element—from the worn trucks and lush jungle undergrowth to the rotting suspension bridge—reveals refined levels of detail previously unseen in older home video versions. The controlled color palette ensures that specific scenes pop with vivid colors, such as the bright hues in Paris and Jerusalem, contrasted by the duller tones in New Jersey and Veracruz. The oil well fire’s bright orange and the dense jungle’s greens are particularly striking. The film’s visual complexity is well-served despite an average bitrate of 17.99 Mbps, seemingly low for its length and intricacy. However, no compression errors were noted during viewing on a 72-inch screen.

Overall, this Blu-ray offers an impressive visual presentation that respects the film’s original aesthetic while highlighting technical advancements through restoration. Fans will appreciate the careful balance of grain, contrast, and color fidelity that solidifies the visual authenticity of this classic thriller.

The audio presentation of the "Sorcerer" Blu-ray delivers a highly immersive experience, primarily driven by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 channel mix. The sound design capitalizes on Tangerine Dream’s eclectic score, providing a rich and multifaceted auditory backdrop that enhances the film's intense atmosphere. The dialogue is clear and well-balanced against other sound elements, with appreciable vocal character that ensures intelligibility in both English and foreign languages, which are appropriately subtitled. The front-oriented soundstage is complemented by judicious use of the rear channels, which provide effective atmospheric extension, particularly noticeable during sequences involving planes, rain showers, and explosions.

The dynamic range presented in this mix is quite extensive, capturing both subtle sounds like crackling fires and conversations happening off-screen, and the thunderous impact of explosions and machine gun fire. The depth of the bass is substantial, ensuring that the lower frequencies resonate deeply without overwhelming the nuanced layers of the score and effects. The engines of the two trucks have distinctive roars that move impressively across the soundstage, highlighting Randy Thom's original sound design efforts. The surround channels contribute a solid ambiance, notably in scenes like the bustling Jerusalem marketplace where voices and bells seamlessly fill the space.

Aaron Levy’s remix work ensures that action sequences remain at the forefront audibly, preventing the electronic score from overpowering pivotal moments. The rear channel usage is sparing but impactful, featuring sound panning that effectively immerses the audience – whether it’s a plane moving from rear to front or the enveloping crash and roar of vehicles. Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray is a noteworthy enhancement from the original stereo release, enriching the viewing experience by faithfully representing the film’s soundscape with clarity and depth.

The Blu-ray of "Sorcerer" offers a single but substantive extra, the DigiBook packaging, which showcases stills from the film and a significant excerpt from William Friedkin's memoir, "The Friedkin Connection." It also includes a letter from Friedkin himself, paying homage to his restoration team and expressing gratitude towards fans. The lack of additional content, such as interviews or behind-the-scenes material, is likely due to Warner Bros.' limited involvement in the film's original production and resultant lack of access to archival material. This omission represents a missed opportunity for fans longing for deeper insight into this classic film’s production process.

Extras included in this disc:

• 40-page Blu-ray DigiBook: Includes stills from the film and an extensive excerpt from Friedkin's memoir, "The Friedkin Connection."

William Friedkin’s "Sorcerer," starring Roy Scheider, is a gripping action-adventure set against the harsh backdrop of a South American jungle. The film follows four desperate men tasked with transporting highly unstable nitroglycerine over 200 miles of treacherous terrain to extinguish an oil well fire. The journey is fraught with peril, featuring intense sequences such as a harrowing suspension bridge crossing and confrontations with bandits. Tangerine Dream’s outstanding score adds to the film's taut atmosphere, elevating the tension to almost unbearable levels. Friedkin’s commitment to realism results in an immersive experience that modern CGI cannot replicate.

Originally released in 1977, "Sorcerer" was a commercial failure, overshadowed by the success of "Star Wars" and marred by its own production challenges, including severe weather and on-location hazards. Over time, however, the film has gained cult status, appreciated for its raw physicality and existential themes. The narrative introduces four morally compromised characters from diverse locations, each seeking refuge in a rundown village in South America. Their backgrounds are intricately woven into the plot through prologues that span global locations from Jerusalem to Paris. Screenwriter Walon Green collaborated with Friedkin on this adaptation, drawing loose inspiration from Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1953 classic "The Wages of Fear," yet making it distinctly original.

The minimal dialogue underscores the movie's focus on physicality and survival, with each scene meticulously crafted to heighten the suspense. The film's authenticity is underlined by its practical effects and real-life danger faced by the cast and crew—an approach that lends a visceral edge rarely seen today. Though plagued initially by misconceptions and unfortunate timing, "Sorcerer" stands as one of Friedkin's most personal and impactful works. Now restored and available on Blu-ray, it allows a new generation of viewers to experience its high-octane thrills and brooding atmosphere in high definition.

"Sorcerer," directed by William Friedkin, has finally received a worthy Blu-ray release, presenting a high-definition transfer that captures the harrowing visuals and taut atmosphere of this cult classic. Despite initial casting disappointments—where stars like Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood were prime candidates—the film shines with a cast that has seamlessly embodied the desperation and intensity of their characters. Roy Scheider, although initially considered secondary material by Friedkin, delivers a compelling performance as Scanlon, who embarks on a perilous journey, driving trucks loaded with nitroglycerine through treacherous terrain. The film’s believability and tension are key elements that make "Sorcerer" a fascinating watch.

Notably absent from this Blu-ray release are special features, which is a missed opportunity given Friedkin's high regard for the film and the intense production challenges it faced. However, this does not overshadow the exceptional quality of the audio-visual presentation. The restoration ensures that viewers can appreciate the film's striking cinematography, vivid landscapes, and precarious adventures with remarkable clarity. This polished transfer manages to transcend the limitations of previous substandard releases, rekindling admiration for this often unfairly maligned masterpiece.

In conclusion, while "Sorcerer" might have benefited from star power during its initial release, its enduring appeal lies in the authenticity and grit of its performances. The Blu-ray version serves as a revelation for both long-time champions of the film and new viewers. Its revitalized presentation sets the stage for "Sorcerer" to be re-evaluated and embraced by a broader audience, cementing its place as a significant entry in Friedkin's storied career and the annals of cinematic history.