Goin' South

The presentation of "Goin' South" on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Cinematographe sets a new standard for the restoration of classic films, leveraging a pristine 4K restoration from its original camera negative. The 1978 western is revitalized through vibrant color reproduction and meticulous attention to detail. The natural landscapes, from blue skies to lush greenery, are rendered with clarity, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the film's remote settings. Costume design benefits significantly from this upgrade, with period-appropriate hues coming to life alongside detailed portrayals of fabric textures. The softer cinematography inherent to the film's era does little to diminish the overall sharpness, ensuring that skin textures, clothing fibers, and both exterior and interior settings are conveyed with a palpable sense of depth and realism. The film grain is handled with care, maintaining the filmic essence without compromising on image quality.

In terms of technical excellence, Cinématographe’s 2160p presentation strikes a perfect balance between honoring the film's original aesthetic and embracing modern restoration techniques. Color grading remains faithful to the director's vision, avoiding modern pitfalls such as overzealous digital noise reduction (DNR) or unnatural color boosts. The result is a cohesive visual experience that celebrates the rich palette of the Old West, from the dusty oranges and browns of the desert landscapes to the nuanced skin tones of its characters. Enhanced contrast levels amplify these visual elements without distorting the natural beauty captured by Néstor Almendros's cinematography.

Viewers will appreciate the stability and fidelity offered by the high bitrate encode, ensuring that both interiors and exteriors are presented with equal clarity. Special attention to black levels adds depth to scenes with limited lighting, accentuating details in darker segments without losing definition. This careful handling of source material extends to the standard Blu-ray edition as well, which benefits from the same 4K restoration in a 1080p format, promising an upgraded viewing experience across different platforms. Despite minor source damage noted around the 42-minute mark, this release represents a significant leap forward in preserving and presenting classic films for contemporary audiences, showcasing "Goin' South" in arguably the best light since its original release.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray for "Goin' South" offers a refined auditory experience that meticulously preserves the film's original essence while enhancing clarity and balance. Featuring a 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix, the audio handling is competent, with dialogue taking the forefront, ensuring that every line is delivered with unmistakable clarity. The cast's performances are especially highlighted, with even the most heated arguments conveyed without any hint of distortion. The mix excels in maintaining a harmonious equilibrium, where the somewhat twangy but crisp scoring complements the on-screen action without overwhelming it. Instrumentation within the score emerges sharp and supportive, enriching the dramatic moments of the film without detracting from its auditory authenticity.

On closer examination, the technical execution of the audio track is noteworthy. The choice to present the original mono soundtrack utilizing the DTS-HD MA codec pays off by delivering a sound quality that is impressively clean and free from any hiss or sibilance, a remarkable feat considering the age of the source material. This decision ensures that the film’s distinctive, vintage charm is retained, perfectly encapsulating its dusty, old-time atmosphere through a very front-focused track. While it operates within these nostalgic confines, it never sacrifices clarity or immersion, presenting the film's soundscape with precision.

In terms of sound effects, they may be categorized as basic yet are executed in a way that they contribute significantly to the overall auditory landscape, adding depth and context to scenes without becoming obtrusive. The meticulous attention to preserving the film's original audio characteristics, coupled with enhancements for clarity and balance, results in a sound presentation that respects the film’s heritage while providing a pleasurable listening experience for contemporary audiences.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Goin' South" distinguishes itself with a comprehensive suite of extras that cater to both cinephiles and Nicholson enthusiasts. The highlight comes in the form of a meticulously crafted 40-page booklet, which includes insightful essays from Marc Eliot and Chris Shields, alongside striking art by Adam Maida, providing a rich contextual backdrop to the film's production and its place within cinema history. The commentary by film critic Simon Abrams affords an analytical dive into the movie's nuances. Daniel Kremer's video essay, "Jack of Three Trades," starts as a captivating reflection on Nicholson's early career before evolving into a broader examination of 1970s cinema and Nicholson's directorial undertakings, enriched by personal anecdotes and industry insights. Samm Deighan's "Nestor Almendros: A Man with a Camera" adds depth by focusing on the legendary cinematographer's impact. However, the omission of a trailer is a notable gap in an otherwise stellar collection of supplements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Booklet: Essays by Chris Shields and Marc Eliot, art by Adam Maida.
• Commentary: By film critic Simon Abrams.
• Jack of Three Trades: Video essay by Daniel Kremer.
• Nestor Almendros: A Man with a Camera: Video essay by Samm Deighan.

1978's Goin' South stands as a peculiar intersection in Jack Nicholson's illustrious career, encapsulating both the zenith of his acting achievements from the 1970s and his return to the director's chair. This Western comedy-drama, amidst a landscape populated by characters who navigate the blurred lines between lawfulness and roguery, showcases Nicholson’s multifaceted talents as both a leading actor and a director. The screenplay, a collaborative effort involving four screenwriters including Charles Shyer, delves into the tumultuous relationship dynamics in the Old West with a story that is at once sprawling and intimate. However, the film often struggles with tonal consistency, appearing at times as if the production was perhaps too leisurely, giving off the sense that viewers are watching extended rehearsals rather than a tight narrative. Despite this, the ensemble cast brings a palpable energy to the screen, albeit within a structure that sometimes meanders without fully engaging its audience.

Nicholson's portrayal of Henry Lloyd Moon, a ne'er-do-well facing execution who finds an unorthodox route to freedom through marriage to Julia Tate (played by Mary Steenburgen), anchors the film. Their journey from necessity-based partners to potential lovers introduces complexity and humor, particularly as they navigate the challenges of mining for gold beneath Julia's property. The narrative steers through various setups and payoffs that explore themes of freedom, partnership, and survival against the backdrop of the American West. Yet, despite these potentially rich veins of drama and comedy, Nicholson's direction occasionally allows the story to drift, prioritizing actor improvisation over narrative momentum.

Goin' South’s blend of genre elements—from Western tropes to romantic comedy undercurrents—paired with its visual homage to the stark beauty of the Old West, courtesy of cinematographer Néstor Almendros, results in a film that feels simultaneously entrenched in and detached from its period setting. While not achieving the countercultural impact perhaps intended by Nicholson, the film does provide moments of insight into the dynamics of marriage and partnership in a lawless land. Its comedic elements, enriched by a cast that includes Christopher Lloyd and John Belushi in memorable side roles, contribute to a mood that oscillates between light-hearted farce and piercing character study. Nonetheless, Goin' South’s ambition is at times undermined by its loose narrative structure and an uneven focus that challenges viewers to look beyond surface-level incongruities for its more nuanced undertones.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Goin' South" brings a nuanced revival to Jack Nicholson's unique western, a film that intermittently bursts to life with its embrace of classic genre conventions from gunfights to stunt work. This new edition, courtesy of Cinématographe, shines a fresh light on the film with an outstanding 2160p transfer bolstered by HDR, ensuring the dusty trails and old western towns are more vivid than ever before. The encoding by Fidelity in Motion ensures a flawless visual experience, capturing the essence of the Old West with remarkable clarity. Even more compelling is the chemistry between a nasally Nicholson and a debutant Steenburgen, whose raw performances add a layer of authenticity to the film's occasionally drifting narrative.

Amidst its narrative meanders, "Goin' South" finds its stride in the performances and the dynamic between the characters, with Nicholson's portrayal as a feral outlaw searching for gold being particularly memorable. The film, while criticized for its lack of narrative power and tendency to sidetrack, benefits greatly from this high-definition restoration. The efforts to preserve and enhance the movie’s native charm are evident, with a special mention to the robust collection of supplements provided by Nicholson experts, which are likely to enrich the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Goin' South" stands as a testament to the film's undervalued place within the genre of westerns and Jack Nicholson's filmography. With its superb technical specs, including an exceptional visual transfer and an array of insightful extras, this release from Cinématographe not only pays homage to the film's original allure but elevates it, making it an essential addition to the collection of western aficionados and cinephiles. Highly recommended for those looking to explore the lesser-known corners of Hollywood's representation of the Old West.