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

Lionsgate Films and American Zoetrope present "One from the Heart" in 4K UHD with an HEVC/H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 1.37:1, complemented by a Dolby Vision HDR grading. This new edition eradicates the visual issues of previous releases, replacing the bizarre crosshatched anomaly present in older 1080p editions with a pristine, vibrant image. The 4K restoration enhances the neon-lit Las Vegas set design, making reds, pinks, blues, greens, and purples dazzle with emotional intensity. The optical effects maintain a consistent filmic quality with rich, inky black levels and natural skin tones in properly lit scenes.

The detail in this release is strikingly sharper, exposing facial pores, individual hairs, makeup applications, and intricate set designs. Notably, the fine texture of costumes and props, such as metallic vehicle finishes, is clearly visible. However, the heavy grain resulting from old school opticals remains noticeable, especially in complex sequences, which some may find too pronounced. Despite this, the HDR/Dolby Vision enhancement breathes new life into the lighting and color grading choices by Francis Ford Coppola, providing a visually dynamic experience with exceptional blue and green hues.

This 4K release also includes a reimagined "Reprise" cut of the film, extending its length to 93 minutes with additional footage previously thought lost. The restoration process has managed to retain minimal blemishes and maintains a soft focus aesthetic preferred by Coppola. Depth of field is excellently handled throughout the film, ensuring nothing appears out of focus while preserving the director’s stylistic choices. In summary, "One from the Heart" achieves a visual renaissance through this 4K UHD release, transforming it into an essential addition to any film lover’s collection and marking it as the best-looking version to date.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "One from the Heart" offers a solid auditory experience with both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 stereo tracks. The 5.1 track, in particular, provides a rich soundscape, ensuring clarity and depth in its audio presentation. Despite a front-heavy mix, dialogue remains impeccably clear and clean, situating itself firmly in the center channel. The dynamic range is notably wide, giving Tom Waits' score and duets with Crystal Gayle an immersive presence. Environmental sounds in scenes like the bustling Las Vegas strip sequence utilize the surround channels effectively, delivering a full-bodied yet fluid auditory experience that complements the film’s visual richness.

The sound design prioritizes fidelity and authenticity, maintaining the balance appropriate for a film of its age. While the bass extension is reserved, it aptly supports music and essential sound effects without overwhelming the primary audio elements. Ambient noises and sound effects within crowded settings, like restaurants or downtown streets, fill the surround channels convincingly, offering moments of notable immersion. This meticulous attention to detail in sound reproduction ensures that every musical note strikes perfectly, contributing significantly to the film's overall atmosphere.

Though some might find the sound field narrower than expected for a musical, the audio mix remains true to the original soundtrack's intent, delivering each aspect with precision. There are no significant issues to note; optional subtitles in English and German are available for accessibility. Overall, this release’s audio quality does justice to Francis Ford Coppola's vision, underscoring the importance of sound in enhancing the cinematic experience of this visually and musically captivating film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "One from the Heart" is brimming with extensive extras, making it a must-have for Coppola enthusiasts. The commentary track by Francis Ford Coppola offers an insightful journey into the film’s unique production. The featurettes capture an in-depth look at various aspects of the film, from its stunning cinematography to the eclectic cast and intricate choreography. Baz Luhrmann's engaging take on the musical's modern relevance adds a fresh perspective. The restoration comparison showcases the remarkable visual improvements, emphasizing the transition to 2160p and providing a clearer representation of the film's vibrant scenes. With over four hours of additional content, this release deeply immerses viewers into the universe of "One from the Heart."

Extras included in this disc:

Francis Ford Coppola Feature Commentary: An insightful journey into the film’s production. The Look of One From the Heart: Focus on cinematography and production design. The Cast of One From the Heart: Analysis and interviews on the movie’s eclectic cast. The Choreography of One From the Heart: Kenny Ortega and Gene Kelly’s contributions. Reinventing the Musical: Baz Luhrmann on One From the Heart: Baz Luhrmann’s perspective on modern musicals. One From the Heart: Reprise Restoration Comparison: Split-screen comparison of restorations. 2024 Trailer: Trailer for the 4K release.

Francis Ford Coppola’s "One from the Heart" emerges as a unique and ambitious cinematic experiment, blending elements of gritty televisual melodrama with Technicolor Broadway musicals in an innovative, if uneven manner. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a stylized, studio-bound Las Vegas, the narrative follows Hank (Frederic Forrest), a down-to-earth pragmatist, and Frannie (Teri Garr), an adventurous dreamer, as their relationship disintegrates over the course of a fantastical Fourth of July evening. Coppola’s decision to have most of the film’s music narrated by Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle rather than performed by the actors themselves adds an additional layer of narrative detachment. The film’s visual design is audaciously artificial, with meticulously constructed sets and miniatures enhancing its theatricality. Despite these bold artistic choices, the characters often feel like secondary players in their own story, struggling to connect amidst the opulent production.

Technically, "One from the Heart" showcases Coppola’s flair for innovation, particularly noted in his development of the 'video village' to streamline filmmaking processes. However, these advancements do little to mask the disconnect between the film’s musical aspirations and its character-driven drama. The cast, including luminaries like Raul Julia and Nastassja Kinski, deliver notable performances, but the screenplay offers minimal backstory or depth, leaving their actions and emotions feeling erratic. The film oscillates between stunning set pieces, such as Garr’s strip dance and Kinski’s circus performance, and more mundane character interactions that lack coherence.

In retrospect, "One from the Heart" stands as a testament to Coppola’s relentless pursuit of cinematic innovation and storytelling against the grain of traditional filmmaking norms. Its legacy is one of artistic risk-taking that has influenced contemporary filmmakers, despite its commercial failure and critical ambivalence. The film’s restored 4K UHD release captures the vibrant aesthetics and meticulous set designs with newfound clarity, offering a fresh appreciation for Vittorio Storaro's stunning cinematography and Tom Waits' Oscar-nominated score. Nonetheless, the revised “Reprise” version attempts to resolve structural issues but may still leave some viewers disconnected from the core narrative—a love story both familiar and radically reimagined.

"One from the Heart" comes to 4K UHD Blu-ray with a divisive mix of admiration and disdain, reflective of its reception over the years. The film represents Francis Ford Coppola’s bold attempt to reinvent the musical genre, though it occasionally stumbles in narrative execution. Despite these shortcomings, Coppola's unique approach creates a captivating visual and auditory experience. The restoration efforts put forth by Studiocanal result in a stunning 4K presentation, further enhanced by Dolby Vision, which showcases the vibrant visuals and intricate set designs in their full glory.

The audio quality is equally impressive, featuring DTS-HD 5.1 tracks that deliver Tom Waits's iconic voice and the film's soundtrack with exceptional clarity and depth. The inclusion of both 1080p and 4K versions ensures accessibility for different viewers while maintaining consistent technical excellence across formats. The release also boasts an array of supplemental materials, including legacy features and new additions, providing comprehensive insights into the film's production and historical context.

In conclusion, "One from the Heart" may not resonate with everyone due to its unconventional storytelling and somber musical style. However, for fans of Coppola or those with an appreciation for experimental cinema, this 4K release is an invaluable addition. The meticulous restoration and rich bonus content make it a highly recommended purchase, ensuring that Coppola’s vision receives the high-quality presentation it deserves. This is a must-have for collectors and cinephiles eager to explore Coppola’s elaborate but flawed masterpiece.