The Usual Suspects Blu-ray Review

While "The Usual Suspects" presented in a 2.35:1 format on Blu-ray doesn't redefine the pinnacle of high-definition home theater, it marks a definitive step up from its DVD incarnations, showcasing an admirable effort to present an older, lower-budget production in the best light possible. The Blu-ray edition, utilizing an MPEG-2 codec, exhibits occasional signs of wear such as speckles and grain, particularly noticeable against bright skies and in darker scenes. Color reproduction does not always pop with vibrancy; notable exceptions include the vivid red of Fenster's shirt and the bright flames on a New York cop car. Despite these inconsistencies, the transfer avoids significant pitfalls like smearing, maintaining a relatively clean presentation. Blacks and contrast are decent but lack depth, contributing to an image that occasionally feels flat, especially in dimly lit interior scenes.

Detail and sharpness present a mixed bag, with certain location shots and close-ups demonstrating commendable clarity, yet overall, the film carries a softness that detracts from its potential definition. This perceived softness is somewhat mitigated by moments of impressive depth, lending a three-dimensional quality to various scenes that enhance the cinematic experience. The use of softening filters mentioned in discussions around the Blu-ray transfer is double-edged; while aiming to minimize noise and enhance smoothness, it arguably diminishes fine detail and overall picture definition. Fans may notice a slight loss in texture and depth, a compromise that might have been avoidable with a more aggressive restoration approach or an upgrade to MPEG-4 on a BD-50 disc.

Despite its shortcomings and without being overly critical, this Blu-ray release of "The Usual Suspects" significantly surpasses previous DVD versions in visual quality. Colors are generally more vivid and lifelike, black levels are improved, and noise is well-controlled. For aficionados of the film and Blu-ray collectors alike, this release offers a solid, albeit not groundbreaking, high-definition experience that brings out new details and nuances in the beloved classic. The image quality may not dazzle those expecting the utmost in modern high-definition restoration, but it provides a pleasant viewing experience that honors its source material.

The DTS-HD 5.1 audio track featured on the Blu-ray release of "The Usual Suspects" provides an impressive auditory experience, especially considering the film's original audio limitations. Stemming from a modest 2.0 set-up, the remastered track elevates the film’s soundscape with a potent bass extension, enriching John Ottman's score and enhancing ambient sounds to achieve a subtle but appreciable spatiality. Dialogue clarity is prioritized, ensuring the film’s iconic lines are delivered with crispness, although the frontal spread leaves a bit to be desired. Notably, the track goes to lengths to bolster the impact of gunfire – a detail that will undoubtedly please aficionados of intense action sequences. Each shot rings out with heightened detail and force, though the mix lacks the encompassing steerage that could have leveraged the full potential of its 5.1 setup.

Despite these improvements, one must temper expectations with the understanding that "The Usual Suspects" remains a product of its original production constraints, marked by a soundstage that doesn’t fully capture the dynamism expected in action-heavy scenes. Voices maintain a sharpness, and the musical score benefits from clearer definition, though it falls short of mimicking the full immersive quality of lossless PCM audio. The Blu-ray’s audio does significantly elevate the film’s presentation from its previous 2.0 mix to a more engaging 5.1 DTS-HD track, enhancing elements like ambient noise and character dialogue, and achieving a more defined low bass and crisper highs which contribute to a more spacious mid-range.

Collectively, while "The Usual Suspects" may not offer an audio experience on par with more modern, high-budget films, its Blu-ray release reflects a commendable effort to enhance and refine its auditory qualities within the constraints of its source material. The remastering succeeds in opening up the soundstage, improving dialogue clarity and deepening the textual richness of key audio elements. This care in augmenting the film's sound, however, does not radically transform it but rather subtly boosts its strengths, making for an enriched viewing experience that fans are unlikely to find disappointing.

The Blu-ray release of "The Usual Suspects" has regrettably come under fire for its notably scant assortment of extras, particularly when juxtaposed against its DVD counterpart's lavish offerings. Critics and fans alike have voiced their dissatisfaction, pointing out the missed opportunity to enrich the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes insights into the film's production, the inspiration behind its story and characters, and the hurdles overcome on a constrained budget. The only supplement to the main feature is the original theatrical trailer, a stark contrast to the potential wealth of material that could have been included. This minimalistic approach, especially for a movie held in such high regard, along with a hefty price tag, has raised questions about MGM's strategy and regard for its audience's desire for a more immersive home viewing experience. It seems this early Blu-ray edition was released with a primary focus on delivering the movie in 1080p, leaving much room for improvement in future editions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: The only extra feature provided, showcasing the film's initial promotional material.

Bryan Singer’s “The Usual Suspects” remains a monumental achievement in the neo-noir genre, lending itself to repeated viewings much like the classics of the past but with a contemporary twist that keeps audiences captivated. The film’s narrative, intricately woven with lies, half-truths, and a labyrinthine plot, has not only earned it an Oscar but also cemented its status as a cult classic. With performances that are as compelling as they are enigmatic, the ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey’s Oscar-winning turn as Verbal Kint, brings to life characters that have become almost mythic. The Blu-ray presentation in 1080p resolution breathes new life into these characters, revealing visual cues and details previously lost in lower resolutions. Despite its age, this release allows viewers to experience the film's dark, compelling atmosphere and its meticulous detail in a way that was never possible before.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray do not entirely escape criticism; the transfer could be better when compared to newer releases on the format. Nonetheless, the enhanced audio significantly elevates the experience, creating a more immersive viewing environment that complements Singer’s masterful direction. The film’s complex storytelling, characterized by its notorious twist ending and its non-linear narrative structure, challenges audiences to engage deeply with the plot, rewarding them for their attention to detail. The brilliance of “The Usual Suspects” lies in its ability to keep viewers guessing, even upon multiple viewings, distinguishing it from single-viewing mysteries while maintaining its allure through captivating performances and a tightly woven plot.

The summer of 1995 saw “The Usual Suspects” emerge as a beacon of intelligent cinema amidst a sea of overblown Hollywood productions. Its success lies not just in its plot or performances but in the way Singer and screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie lay down a challenge for the viewer - to unravel the film’s complexity, akin to folding and unfolding an origami creation. This Blu-ray release gives fans old and new the chance to accept that challenge once more, in higher definition and with better sound than ever, making it an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection. While certain technical aspects of this release may not meet the highest standards set by newer Blu-ray releases, they do little to detract from the film’s enduring appeal and its status as Bryan Singer’s magnum opus.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Usual Suspects" provides an essential yet somewhat underwhelming addition to any collection, highlighting a masterful story and a spectacular array of complex characters. The disc's visual upgrade from its SD counterpart is notable but does not present the significant improvement one might expect, leaving the image quality as something that doesn't fully capitalize on Blu-ray's potential. While the film’s intricate plot and strong performances gain a certain level of new life through heightened definition that accentuates its mythological and epic dimensions, particularly in the portrayal of Kaiser Soze, it falls short due to the lack of supplemental material, leaving enthusiasts longing for the extensive features reminiscent of the Special Edition DVD.

The tight-knit ensemble cast and the dynamic interrogation storyline between Kujan and Verbal are among the highest highlights, capturing a magnetic, almost theatrical essence that's further enriched in this release. Though the film itself is a twisted, modern crime noir classic, the narrative and character depth shine through, supported by crisp action sequences and a keen sense of tension that benefits mildly from the Blu-ray’s technical capacities. However, the peculiar choice of character names and appearances feed into the film's mystique, effortlessly weaving a blend of intrigue and confusion that lends well to its rewatchability—something that remains one of the Blu-ray's saving graces despite its shortcomings in bonus content and a steep price point.

In conclusion, while "The Usual Suspects" on Blu-ray solidifies its standing as a cinematic gem with its enriched visuals and sound, it disappoints in its sparse offerings beyond the film itself. This release fails to fully embrace the capabilities and expectations tied to the Blu-ray format, especially at its premium price tag. Fans may find themselves torn between appreciating the enhanced presentation of this iconic film and yearning for a more comprehensive package that does justice to its legacy. As such, it might be prudent to hold off on this purchase until a more definitive edition is released that adequately matches the film’s revered status with substantial extras and improved visual fidelity.