The Edge Blu-ray Review

Fox presents The Edge on Blu-ray with a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that stands as a significant improvement over the old DVD release. The 2.35:1 framed image maintains a sharpness and depth that highlight the splendid cinematography by Donald McAlpine. Despite some early softness, especially in the introductory plane scenes, the transfer excels once the characters enter the lush Alaskan wilderness. The imagery becomes much more vivid and detailed, with finely resolved edges and pronounced depth, particularly during high-altitude shots and close-ups. Grai is faithfully rendered throughout, and black levels are deep, enhancing nighttime sequences with realistic and evocative shadows. Some minor imperfections, such as slight aliasing and occasional telecine wobble, do persist, but these are minimal and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

Color presentation is another strong point of this transfer, even if the film's palette is intentionally muted. The disc handles subtle tones accurately while injecting vibrancy where intended—such as in the reds of a float-plane or the greens of forest foliage. Remarkably, fine detail remains consistently visible, revealing minute textures such as facial pores, the knobby weave of clothing, and surface details on tree bark and bear fur. Contrast is finely balanced with bright highlights that stand out without crushing blacks, and there are no issues with overcranked edge enhancement.

Overall, while not without minor flaws, The Edge on Blu-ray is an excellent upgrade from previous DVD versions. It faithfully respects the film’s original photography while enhancing crucial visual elements. This release will undoubtedly satisfy fans who had been disappointed by earlier home video presentations.

The audio presentation of "The Edge" on Blu-ray delivers a ferocious and immersive experience through its DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, ensuring that viewers fully engage with the film's primal intensity. Jerry Goldsmith's score stands out, offering full speaker wraparound that engulfs the listener, particularly during action sequences. When the bear appears, Goldsmith's savage animal themes dominate the soundscape, while the more serene moments are filled with sweeping orchestral tones that provide a welcome respite. The film’s sound effects are strategically positioned, with notable highlights being the intricate layers of a plane crash scene where the sounds of shearing metal and water gurgling from all directions create an enveloping effect. Positioning and panning play crucial roles, particularly in scenes like the abrupt thunderclap transition or the ambient noise of the Alaskan wilderness.

Dialogue clarity is a consistent strength throughout this track. The voices are well-balanced, free of any muffling or dropouts, and always perfectly clear even during high-intensity sequences. This balance permits every layer of the mix—from Hopkins' expletives to L.Q. Jones' grizzled speech— to be heard distinctly. The environmental sounds are rich and diverse; as wind whistles through rear channels and rainfalls from above, the Alaskan setting is brought to life. Helicopters swooping from side to side and Bart the Bear’s growls bursting from the front channels add thrilling, dynamic elements that enhance audience immersion.

Subtle soundscapes such as cracking twigs, snapping branches, and falling rain provide an atmospheric depth that reinforces the film’s setting. This richly layered ambience ensures that viewers feel centered in the rugged wilderness throughout the film's duration. Overall, "The Edge" boasts an exceptionally detailed and engaging DTS-HD MA 5.1 track that masterfully captures the film's intense and atmospheric moments.

The Blu-ray release of "The Edge," a compelling man-against-nature thriller, unfortunately lacks substantial bonus materials. With a limited offering of trailers, this release does not fully capitalize on the film's potential for in-depth exploration through extras. Such scanty additions may disappoint enthusiasts looking for behind-the-scenes content or insightful commentaries that typically enrich the viewing experience of classic films.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for "The Edge."
• Other Trailers: Includes trailers for 'The Siege,' 'Broken Arrow,' 'Flight of the Phoenix,' and 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.'

In "The Edge," celebrated for its intense man-versus-nature narrative, three standout performances elevate the film above your typical survival drama. Anthony Hopkins imbues billionaire Charles Morse with a calculated coolness that hides a primal ferocity, while Alec Baldwin portrays photographer Bob Green as a concoction of confusion, anger, and self-loathing. Particularly unforgettable, Bart the Bear adds a layer of terror as a relentless Kodiak bear symbolizing nature’s unyielding cruelty. The depth of the human dynamic, marked by distrust and rivalry, pairs seamlessly with the relentless external threat to keep viewers constantly engaged.

David Mamet's script and Lee Tamahori's direction masterfully blend psychological tension with the sheer physical ordeal of surviving the harsh Alaskan wilderness. The plot thickens as Morse and Green find themselves stranded after their seaplane collision, facing not only environmental threats but also their simmering animosities. Charles' extensive book knowledge aids their survival, illustrating his resourcefulness through clever improvisations like making a compass from a paper clip. Meanwhile, Baldwin’s Bob brings an insecure skepticism, relying on Charles despite underlying mistrust. These elements yield a film that thoughtfully balances cerebral character study with visceral thrills.

Technically, "The Edge" shines with an impressive high-definition transfer, bringing Alaska's majesty vividly to life. Detailed visuals enhance the harrowing scenes of man versus beast, immersing the audience in a rugged, unforgiving landscape. The lossless audio track significantly boosts the realism—the growls of Bart the Bear and Jerry Goldsmith's formidable score contribute to nail-biting tension. This blend of compelling performances, intelligent writing, and technical excellence makes "The Edge" a noteworthy entry in the survival genre, delivering both thoughtful drama and exhilarating action.

"The Edge" on Blu-ray delivers a solid home entertainment experience, showcasing the intrepid adventure in a high-quality format. The film stars Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin in a gripping tale of survival against the elements and a menacing bear named Bart. The upgraded audio and visual specifications are commendable, presenting the scenery with sharp clarity and the intense score with immersive depth. This release notably improves upon the previously underwhelming non-anamorphic DVD version, ensuring that fans receive the cinematic presentation this film deserves.

While the movie itself successfully combines thrilling action sequences with intelligent dialogue and complex character interactions, the Blu-ray release falls short in terms of supplementary content. The absence of special features is a notable omission that may disappoint some collectors and film enthusiasts seeking more insight into the production. Despite this drawback, the film remains a compelling watch, offering an exciting and thought-provoking story that holds up well for repeat viewings.

In conclusion, "The Edge" on Blu-ray is a worthy addition to any movie collection, particularly for fans of adventure thrillers. The improved audiovisual experience significantly enhances the movie's impact, despite the lack of bonus material. Recommended for those seeking an engaging and well-acted survival drama, making it a fitting choice for an entertaining movie night or a thoughtful gift.