Truck Turner Blu-ray Review

The 1080p HD transfer of "Truck Turner," presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, successfully captures the vivid essence of its 1970s setting. The AVC encoded image displays bold colors and intricate costuming that burst onto the screen, delivering a visually striking experience. The hues maintain their vibrancy throughout, extending to natural-looking skintones. The level of detail is commendable, offering sharp close-ups that reveal remarkable facial features and detailed stitching on the wardrobe, while wider shots encapsulate the urban landscape with all its gritty authenticity without any notable softness.

Moreover, the grain structure remains consistent and filmic, contributing to the movie’s authentic texture. Black levels are inky and deep, ensuring contrast is well-maintained across various lighting scenarios. Set decorations and cityscapes appear well-defined, immersing viewers in the film’s meticulously crafted environment. While some speckling and minor instances of print damage are present, they are minimal and infrequent, barely detracting from the overall quality. Notably, there are no significant issues with compression, reinforcing the high caliber of this video presentation.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Truck Turner" features a DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo mix that showcases some noticeable volatilities, particularly in the balance between dialogue and the score composed by Isaac Hayes. Instances where the music surges in volume result in the dialogue and sound effects becoming markedly softer, an imbalance that momentarily affects the listening experience. Despite this, the dialogue remains crystal clear and free from hiss, pops, or cracks when isolated from the score.

Group dialogue and atmospheric sounds are delivered with reasonable clarity, particularly in scenes depicting street life, where location changes are effectively handled, lending a sense of place. The audio mix maintains a wide dynamic range, particularly evident in the full stride of Hayes's score, offering a robust and deep auditory experience. However, while the sound effects might lack realism, they exhibit sufficient depth most of the time, contributing to an overall acceptable audio experience despite occasional unevenness.

The Blu-ray of "Truck Turner" comes with a solid assortment of extras, providing an insightful retrospective and some entertainment value. The Audio Commentary by Director Jonathan Kaplan is particularly engaging, offering detailed stories about the production, cast, and the film's legacy. The Q&A at the New Beverly, featuring Kaplan, Joe Dante, and stuntman Bob Minor, brings additional behind-the-scenes anecdotes focusing on cast dynamics and Isaac Hayes' involvement. The Trailers From Hell segment, hosted by director Ernest Dickerson, falls short due to a lack of preparedness but does provide some context. The Radio Spot and the Theatrical Trailer offer nostalgic promotional material that rounds out the package nicely.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Jonathan Kaplan delivers insightful commentary.
• Q&A at the New Beverly: Excerpt from a 2008 discussion with Kaplan, Joe Dante, and Bob Minor.
• Trailers From Hell: Segment hosted by Ernest Dickerson.
• Radio Spot: Audio promo for 'Truck Turner' and 'Foxy Brown'.
• Theatrical Trailer: A long trailer for the film.

In 1974, Truck Turner emerged as a prime example of the blaxploitation genre, once again elevating Isaac Hayes following his Oscar-winning success with the Shaft soundtrack. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, the film features Hayes as Mack "Truck" Turner, an ex-football star turned bounty hunter in Los Angeles, joined by his loyal partner, Jerry (Alan Weeks). The narrative is uncomplicated but engaging; after a career-ending injury, Truck seizes a particularly challenging assignment to capture Gator (Paul Harris), a ruthless pimp shielded by his madam girlfriend Dorinda, played spectacularly by Nichelle Nichols. The resulting vendetta leads to a gripping manhunt, punctuated by exhilarating chases and intense streetwise action.

Truck Turner's characters are vividly drawn against a flashy, dangerous backdrop. Hayes’s Turner is a multifaceted anti-hero: deeply flawed yet comically relatable, particularly when dealing with the mundane indignities of life such as his cat's misbehavior. Turner’s charisma is magnetic, drawing in women effortlessly, while director Kaplan effectively uses this to blend humor and action. The film radiates a vibrant, almost surreal energy, heavily depicted through the stylized portrayals of pimps clad in flamboyant furs and hats, contributing to an outlandish 'Legion of Doom' atmosphere. This exaggerated world creates an ideal platform for the standout performances: most notably Nichols’s scene-stealing Dorinda, whose explosive fury and venomous dialogues make her a memorable antagonist over Kotto’s calculating Harvard Blue.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its pacing and action sequences, compensating for Hayes’s limited acting range with continuous momentum. The mid-movie chase sequence, transitioning from high-speed car action to a gritty foot pursuit empowered by undeniably energetic fights, exemplifies Kaplan's deft directorial touch. Complementing the visual dynamism is Hayes’s evocative soundtrack, rich with funk and personality, echoing Shaft’s musical prowess and enhancing Turner's heroic appeal. Truck Turner serves as a time capsule reflecting the raw essence of the blaxploitation era, sustaining its vigor and entertainment value even decades later.

The Blu Ray release of "Truck Turner" delivers an intriguing blend of action, humor, and dramatic elements that continues to captivate audiences even after 41 years. The engaging characters, snappy dialogue, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences underscore the film as a quintessential example of the blaxploitation genre's allure. Notably, performances, especially by Isaac Hayes, Nicolas Nichols, and Yaphet Kotto, bring significant charisma and depth to the screen, making up for the film's occasionally uneven pacing. The video transfer is commendable, offering a sharp, vibrant presentation of the film's distinctive visual style. However, the audio quality does present some minor issues which might detract slightly from an otherwise immersive experience.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu Ray excels in preserving the gritty yet stylish ambiance originally crafted by director Jonathan Kaplan. The film’s visuals have been meticulously restored, enhancing the overall enjoyment without compromising the authentic feel of the 1970s cinematography. The package also includes a few insightful extras, which offer valuable context and enrich the viewing experience. Despite a few audio imperfections, the restoration work is impressive and worthy of acclaim.

In summation, "Truck Turner" stands as a monumental piece within its genre. It captures the essence of the blaxploitation movement with energy and flair. This Blu Ray release successfully preserves its infectious fun while offering a technical presentation that should please both long-time fans and new viewers. While not without its flaws, it is a highly recommended addition to any collection.