Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Criterion's 1080p transfer of Terry Gilliam's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas offers a remarkable improvement over Universal's previous release. The high-definition transfer looks notably more natural and balanced, with fine grain appearing consistent throughout. The harsh digital look and aggressive sharpening seen in Universal's version are absent here, replaced by a more refined image. Criterion has effectively reduced brightness and contrast levels, mitigating the artificial visuals from the previous transfer. Additionally, background color pulsations and flecks have been carefully cleaned up, particularly enhancing desert scenes.

The video quality accurately represents the film's visual explosion of style. Criterion preserves the natural layer of grain, maintaining the director's intentional look of the movie. Colors are faithfully reproduced, varying wildly to express the film’s deliberate choices. While some scenes offer excellent detail and depth, others retain a more murky and deliberate aesthetic. High contrast and deep blacks are constants, contributing to the film’s intentionally manic look. Overall, Criterion's meticulous attention to detail ensures that the transfer not only captures but also respects Gilliam’s vision, making it a definitive visual presentation for enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

(Note: This Blu-ray is Region-A locked, requiring a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access.)

The Blu-ray release of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas offers two audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with both tracks supplemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The 2.0 track excels with dynamic amplitude, delivering crisp, clear, and stable dialogue that is exceptionally easy to follow. Johnny Depp's narration is notably well-balanced on this track, alongside Ray Cooper's music score, which maintains a potent, punchy bass without overwhelming high frequencies. The directional audio in the 2.0 mix enhances the film significantly by sending nuanced left and right audio cues that add depth to the experience.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track presents a different dimension by incorporating surround sound elements to heighten the chaotic ambiance of Las Vegas and the film’s hallucinatory scenes. This track employs more dynamic range with pronounced bass during livelier sequences and uses the surrounds to project the bustling casino atmosphere and surreal sound effects throughout the room. However, it does suffer from a thin quality, lacking the expected fidelity and immersion for a film characterized by wild and creative sound design.

Notably, previous discrepancies between dialog and effects on Criterion's original DVD release are largely absent in this Blu-ray edition, attesting to a smoother and more consistent audio experience. Both formats faithfully represent the movie with no major technical flaws. While the 5.1 track adds an extra layer of immersion, the 2.0 track's clarity and balance make it a preferred choice for purists seeking a more natural listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" from Criterion Collection offer an extensive and rich complement to the main feature. Included are three insightful audio commentaries featuring director Terry Gilliam, the film’s stars Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro, and author Hunter S. Thompson, providing a deep dive into the film’s production, adaptation process, and thematic explorations. The 11-minutes of restored deleted scenes with optional commentary, while rough in quality, add extra layers to the narrative. The disc features a robust selection of storyboards and production designs, offering a detailed glimpse into Gilliam’s visionary direction. Extensive galleries include stills by Peter Mountain and Ralph Steadman’s iconic artwork. Further highlights include Johnny Depp’s readings of his correspondence with Thompson, Wayne Ewing's "Hunter Goes to Hollywood," and compelling documentaries like "Fear and Loathing on the Road to Hollywood,” showcasing unseen facets of Thompson’s life.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Terry Gilliam: Director's insights on adapting the book and production challenges.
• Audio Commentary with Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro: In-depth look at character development and production anecdotes.
• Audio Commentary with Hunter S. Thompson: Eccentric commentary by the author.
• Deleted Scenes: Three cut sequences with optional director commentary.
• Storyboards: Visual pre-planning for seven key scenes.
• Production Designs: Illustrations detailing the film's aesthetic.
• Stills Gallery: Ninety-five behind-the-scenes photographs.
• Depp-Thompson Correspondence: Readings of their letters during production.
• Hunter Goes to Hollywood: Footage of Thompson’s set visit.
• Not the Screenplay: Discussion on script adaptation disputes.
• A Dress Pattern: Gilliam's short film on script credits.
• A Study in Marketing: Trailer and seven TV spots with optional commentary.
• Oscar Zeta Acosta: Dr. Gonzo: Biographical photo essay and readings.
• Ralph Steadman Art Gallery: Collection of illustrations by Ralph Steadman.
• Breakdown on Paradise Boulevard: Audio excerpt from a spoken word album.
• Fear and Loathing on the Road to Hollywood: 1978 BBC documentary featuring Thompson and Steadman.

Terry Gilliam's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is an ambitious adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's renowned novel, and its Blu-ray release by Criterion showcases this complex film in exceptional visual and auditory quality. Gilliam's direction captures the frenetic, disorienting, and intensely hallucinogenic journey of Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) as they navigate through a surreal, drug-fueled Las Vegas. The film is a seamless blend of erratic visuals and eccentric performances, accurately reflecting Thompson's chaotic prose. Gilliam utilizes a range of innovative cinematographic techniques, including wide-angle lenses, neon lighting, and hyper-real compositions, to unsettle viewers and plunge them into the protagonists' distorted and paranoid psyche.

Johnny Depp delivers a stand-out performance, embodying Duke with an uncanny resemblance to Thompson himself. His portrayal oscillates between manic intensity and introspective cynicism, creating a character both comically unhinged and profoundly disillusioned. Benicio Del Toro matches this energy as Dr. Gonzo, bringing a volatile yet controlled madness to his role. While the narrative lacks traditional structure and character development, it ties together through episodic events that echo the disordered state of the characters' minds.

Ultimately, Gilliam's film retains the dark humor and biting satire of Thompson's work while crafting a cinematic experience that stands distinctly on its own. Though some viewers might struggle with its seemingly disjointed scenes and excessive stylistic flourishes, these elements are instrumental in conveying the underlying themes of rebellion and existential despair. The Blu-ray edition enriches this psychedelic journey with high-quality visuals and audio and includes valuable supplemental features for aficionados and new audiences alike.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," directed by Terry Gilliam, showcases exceptional quality and attention to detail. The video transfer is meticulously done, presenting an impressive enhancement over previous editions. The chaotic and surreal visuals of the film are rendered with remarkable clarity and vibrancy, capturing the absurdity and psychedelic essence of the story. The audio presentation is equally commendable, with a well-balanced mix that supports the film's tumultuous narrative. This release offers a comprehensive and immersive viewing experience.

The supplementary features included in this edition are noteworthy and add substantial value. An outstanding audio commentary by Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, and producer Laila Nabulsi offers deep insights and compelling narratives about the film's production. Additionally, the BBC-produced documentary "Fear and Loathing on the Road to Hollywood" provides an excellent retrospective context, making it an essential feature for both fans and new viewers. Criterion’s meticulous curation of the special features ensures that this release stands out.

To be honest, I find the various supplemental features Criterion have included on this Blu-ray release of Terry Gilliam's controversial "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" a lot more appealing. The audio commentary with Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro and producer Laila Nabulsi, for instance, is outstanding. The BBC-produced documentary "Fear and Loathing on the Road to Hollywood" is also excellent. As expected, Criterion's Blu-ray release looks better than the one Universal Studios produced last year. If you are a fan of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," this is the Blu-ray release you want to have in your collection. RECOMMENDED.