One from the Heart 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD presentation of Francis Ford Coppola's "One from the Heart" is a technical marvel, showcasing a meticulously restored transfer that brings new life to this visually captivating film. Presented in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the 2160p HEVC/H.265 encoded transfer completely revitalizes the 1982 classic, with remarkable enhancements in color accuracy, sharpness, and depth due to Dolby Vision HDR. The film boasts an exquisite reproduction of colors, from vibrant neon signs to both cool and warm tones, that pop with an incredible luster. Blacks are inky and rich, flesh tones appear natural under appropriate lighting, and grain is preserved with cinematic integrity, despite some moments where it may feel heavy.

This new 4K master rectifies many of the visual issues that plagued previous releases, such as the scrim-like crosshatched anomalies and digital artifacts. Detail levels are notably improved, revealing intricate elements like facial pores, individual hairs, and even the intentional imperfections of matte paintings. Some minor blemishes do remain but are barely perceptible. Enhanced HDR grading effectively brings out the film's psychedelic lighting and grading choices, particularly notable in scenes with resplendent blues and greens. The transfer is both cooler and more vibrant compared to an already excellent 1080p version, making it the best the movie has ever looked.

Overall, this latest 4K UHD release stands as a testament to Coppola’s commitment to his cinematic vision, offering a finely tuned visual experience that honors the film’s original style while leveraging modern restoration techniques. This release not only elevates the overall presentation but also serves as a definitive visual representation of "One from the Heart," preserving its artistic essence for contemporary audiences.

The audio presentation of One from the Heart offers an exceptional remastered DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, providing an enriched, full-bodied, and fluid sound experience. Additionally, a 2.0 LPCM stereo track is available, but the 5.1 track is evidently the superior choice, thanks to its dynamic range and expansive soundstage. Notably, Tom Waits' Oscar-nominated score translates beautifully across the surround channels, and the duets with Crystal Gayle feature impressive separation. The surround track offers good immersion during crowd scenes, though it maintains a narrower sound field than expected from a musical of such flair. Dialogue clarity is impeccable, largely center-based but sometimes mixed lower than the music and ambient effects.

This release's sound design brilliantly highlights the film’s theatricality and surreal nature. Each note of the score resonates with high fidelity, making full use of the spacious soundstage. Despite being originally released in stereo, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 remix captures ambient sounds robustly during bustling sequences like those on the Las Vegas strip. The musical cues breathe freely, aided by strong low-frequency extensions that add a noticeable yet era-appropriate thump on certain sound effects and musical segments. Optional English subtitles are well-implemented and available to accommodate various viewing preferences. Overall, while predominantly dialogue-driven, this remastered audio delivers a rich auditory tapestry that significantly enhances this visually lavish film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "One from the Heart" presents an expansive and meticulously curated selection of extras that provide comprehensive insights into the film's production and legacy. The collection encompasses both new and vintage materials, anchored by a highly engaging commentary from Francis Ford Coppola. The featurettes delve into various aspects such as cinematography, casting, choreography, and musical influences, with standout contributions from notable figures like Gene Kelly and Kenny Ortega. Baz Luhrmann’s segment on reinventing musicals adds contemporary relevancy. Additionally, a fascinating restoration comparison showcases significant visual improvements. Overall, this is an essential gathering of supplements for any cinephile or Coppola enthusiast.

Extras included in this disc:

Francis Ford Coppola Feature Commentary: An enthusiastic solo track by the legendary director.

The Look of One from the Heart: Cinematography and production design insights.

The Cast of One from the Heart: Focuses on the eclectic group of performers.

The Choreography of One from the Heart: Featuring contributions from Kenny Ortega and Gene Kelly.

Reinventing the Musical: Baz Luhrmann on One from the Heart: An analysis by the director of Moulin Rouge.

One from the Heart: Reprise, Restoration Comparison: A split-screen look at the 2003 and 2023 restorations.

2024 Trailer: A teaser for the remastered cut.

The Making of One from the Heart: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

The Dream Studio: Insights into Coppola's American Zoetrope studio.

The Electronic Cinema: Explores Coppola's innovative filming techniques.

Tom Waits and the Music from One from the Heart: An interview with Tom Waits.

Deleted Scenes: Various scenes that didn’t make it to the final cut.

Videotaped Rehearsals: Raw rehearsal footage.

Francis Ford Coppola Speaks to the Exhibitors: Early pitch to potential buyers.

Press Conference at the Studio: A brief discussion with cast and crew.

This One’s from the Heart Music Video: Music video of the film's main song.

Stop-Motion Demo: Making of the title sequence.

The Tom Waits Score: Alternate Tracks: Audio supplements featuring alternate score tracks.

2003 Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.

1982 Theatrical Trailer: Initial release trailer.

Francis Ford Coppola's "One from the Heart" is a visually arresting yet narratively uneven blend of dreamy visuals and romantic fantasy. Filmed entirely on constructed sets, it celebrates the artifice of cinema with a stylized recreation of Las Vegas that's both ambitious and nostalgic. The story follows Hank (Frederic Forrest) and Frannie (Teri Garr), a couple whose breakup leads them to pursue new romantic interests in the vibrant yet illusory world of Vegas on the Fourth of July. Despite the starry cast, including Raul Julia and Nastassja Kinski, and the Oscar-nominated musical contributions by Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle, the film struggles to harmonize its unconventional musical numbers with its thin narrative threads.

The film's primary appeal lies in its stunning production design by Dean Tavoularis and evocative cinematography by Vittorio Storaro. The neon-infused sets and Technicolor dreamscapes evoke a whimsical yet palpably artificial atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the grounded reality Coppola aims to infuse into his characters’ relationships. However, the film falters in its character development and storytelling, presenting protagonists who are defined more by their aesthetic surroundings than by any substantial narrative depth. The result is a series of visually captivating yet emotionally disjointed scenes that oscillate between dazzling dance sequences and mundane character interactions.

Coppola’s vision for "One from the Heart" as an innovative homage to classic musicals is both its strength and weakness. The film’s music serves as a narrative backdrop rather than an integral part of the unfolding story, rendering some of the emotional beats less impactful. Despite its uneven execution, "One from the Heart" remains an intriguing piece of cinema history—a testament to Coppola's relentless pursuit of artistic innovation, even at great financial and critical risk. The recent 4K restoration enhances its visual splendor, yet the film’s core issues remain, making it a fascinating yet flawed cinematic experiment.

Francis Ford Coppola’s "One from the Heart" represents a daring yet flawed experiment that straddles the line between musical and narrative film, and despite its commercial shortcomings, it has developed a unique following over four decades. The 4K UHD release from Studiocanal breathes new life into this divisive piece, offering stellar technical quality across both its 4K and 1080p versions. The new Dolby Vision enhances its visually rich palette, while the DTS-HD 5.1 audio track ensures Tom Waits's haunting score sounds exquisite. The supplementary materials, both new and legacy, are robust and provide a comprehensive look into the film’s troubled production history.

The restoration work is commendable, with the 4K visuals appearing superbly detailed and vibrant, even if one cannot ascertain the exact fidelity without prior viewings for comparison. The film’s narrative may falter at times, overshadowed by Coppola’s focus on visual brilliance. Still, it is a captivating spectacle that showcases his eclectic storytelling ambitions. The release also addresses previous technical glitches noted in earlier editions, thus delivering a much-improved cinematic experience.

In conclusion, while "One from the Heart" remains polarizing—with its non-musical musical format and at times lackluster story—this Studiocanal release is a significant win for fans and collectors. Its impressive 4K restoration, combined with a rich array of bonus features, makes it a must-have for Coppola aficionados and those interested in experimental cinema. Consider it a visual and auditory treat that warrants at least one viewing, although it may best suit those already inclined towards this type of avant-garde filmmaking. This edition is available on UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray from March 5th.