The Player Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray edition of Robert Altman's "The Player" showcases a significant audiovisual improvement, rooted in a meticulous 4K scan of the original 35mm negative. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p, the transfer process utilized a Scanity film scanner, complemented by MTI Film's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix for dirt and noise management. The transfer greatly enhances the visuals, creating a crisper and more focused image that reveals immensely finer details and textures compared to previous releases. Primary colors display a more vivid spectrum and are better balanced, offering deeper saturation that aligns well with the film’s sunny Californian setting.

The visual presentation benefits from improved grain distribution and enhanced contrast levels, eliminating prior issues of crushing in darker scenes and ensuring a stable image throughout. Despite some minor zooming reducing frame visibility on all four sides, this does not detract from the overall viewing experience, which now boasts superior depth and fluidity. Overall image stability is maintained excellently. However, certain sequences display highlights that may appear slightly overexposed.

Altman’s characteristic wide-angle group shots and frequent use of zoom lenses result in some variability in sharpness and focus across scenes; grain levels can also fluctuate, sometimes appearing overly noisy with a thatched texture when paused. Nonetheless, these imperfections are minimal and do not overshadow the overall stunning visual fidelity of this Blu-ray release. Criterion’s dedication to staying true to the film’s original vision yields an edition that's markedly superior to its predecessors, making it essential for aficionados who appreciate high-quality restorations.

The Blu-ray release of "The Player" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, designed to capture the fidelity of the film's original 1992 Ultra Stereo mix. This audio track is faithful to the film's primary focus on dialogue, ensuring that voices are rendered crisp and clear, although the recording quality may occasionally vary due to Altman's use of wireless microphones and overlapping dialogue. The dynamic range is moderately restrained, reflecting the film's dialogue-driven nature, but separation and clarity are commendable, especially in key sequences such as the murder scene. There are no reports of audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions.

Despite being a 2.0 track, users with access to Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Surround decoding technology will find that the sound mix retains its matrixing cues, delivering a surround experience not far removed from a 5.1 setup. The surround channels are primarily utilized for music bleed, with Thomas Newman's infrequent but memorable score adding depth and a pleasing robust body to the audio presentation. While bass extension is limited, suitable for a film lacking in high-action sequences, it maintains a musicality that complements the overall sound design. Noteworthy scenes such as the sex scene at 1 hr. 44 min., and the 'Habeus Corpus' climax are highlighted for their aggressive and immersive qualities, enhancing the viewing experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided for accessibility.

The Blu-ray of "The Player" delivers an enriched viewing experience with a selection of insightful extras that delve deep into the film's creation and thematic elements. Director Robert Altman, writer Michael Tolkin, and cinematographer Jean Lepine provide an exceptionally detailed audio commentary, discussing the film's origins, Hollywood's toxic ambiance, and numerous double-layered jokes. Additional content such as trailers, deleted scenes, press conferences, and documentaries offer a comprehensive look at the movie's behind-the-scenes process and its substantial cultural references.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion by Altman, Tolkin, and Lepine.
• Trailers and TV Spots: Includes U.S. and Japanese trailers.
• Opening Shot: Analysis with dual commentaries.
• Deleted Scenes/Outtakes: Five additional scenes with outtakes.
• Map to the Stars: Interactive map identifying celebrity cameos.
• Robert Altman's Players: Short documentary on the celebrity fundraiser scene.
• Cannes Press Conference: Footage from the 1992 Cannes Film Festival.
• Robert Altman Interview: Archival interview with director Altman.
• Planned Improvisation: Documentary on the novel’s adaptation and film production.
• Leaflet: Featuring an essay by Sam Wasson.

Robert Altman's "The Player" (1992) is an incisive commentary on the Hollywood machine, shedding light on the darker, less glamorous facets of the industry. Tim Robbins stars as Griffin Mill, a studio executive embroiled in a high-stakes game of survival amid professional turmoil and personal vendettas. Mill receives threatening postcards from a disgruntled writer, escalating his paranoia and leading to drastic actions. A tension-filled narrative dovetails into satire, revealing the absurdity and cynicism underlying Hollywood's power dynamics. The stellar cast, peppered with celebrity cameos, underpins Altman's biting portrayal of a morally bankrupt terrain.

Technically, "The Player" impresses with its fluid cinematography that channels a quasi-documentary style, enhancing the film's realist lens on Tinseltown's chaos. This stylistic choice renders it visually striking and thematically resonant. Michael Tolkin's script adaptation from his novel serves as the foundation, albeit with thin character dimensions and a formulaic plot. Yet, Altman's direction elevates the material, veering into whimsical tangents that keep the narrative engaging. Noteworthy is the improvised dialogue, which injects humor and authenticity into this black comedy.

Key cinematic sequences, including the opening eight-minute tracking shot, exhibit Altman's mastery in blending meta-narratives and satire. The film’s climax humorously critiques Hollywood's creative decisions, particularly through the subplot regarding the studio’s Oscar bait project, "Habeas Corpus". Despite its strengths, the thriller components fall short of inducing suspense, and certain plot threads, such as Lyle Lovett’s red herring role or the romance subplot with Greta Scacchi, lack convincing execution. Nonetheless, "The Player" remains a significant entry in cinema, marking Altman’s triumphant return and underscoring his critical eye on the industry's machinations.

'The Player' remains an incisive and entertaining satire of Hollywood, deftly directed by the late Robert Altman. With its sharp wit and engaging narrative, the film offers a piercing critique of the film industry that still resonates today. The Criterion Collection's new Blu-ray edition of 'The Player' significantly elevates the viewing experience with a pristine 4K remaster that showcases the film with exceptional clarity and detail, surpassing previous releases.

The audio quality on this release is just as impressive, with a robust and clear soundscape that brings Altman's dynamic scenes to life. The inclusion of a comprehensive suite of bonus features — including new interviews, commentary tracks, and behind-the-scenes footage — provides valuable context and depth, making this edition an indispensable addition for fans and cinephiles alike.

It is unfortunate that Robert Altman is no longer with us because it would have been fascinating to hear his thoughts on the current state of the film industry. There is a new wind blowing through Hollywood now, but its elite's current obsession with political correctness has actually strengthened and expanded the hypocrisy the great director targeted in 'The Player.' The industry isn't better now — it has evolved a bit but there are even more players with much bigger egos and larger agendas. Criterion's upcoming Blu-ray release of 'The Player' is sourced from a lovely new 4K remaster that will surely remain the film's definitive presentation on the home video market. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.