Sex, Lies, and Videotape Blu-ray Review

Steven Soderbergh's "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" has been meticulously restored and presented on Blu-ray by Criterion, now boasting an impressive 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The restoration, a collaboration between the original director and a dedicated team, utilized a 4K resolution scan from the 35mm original camera negatives, ensuring an unparalleled clarity and richness in the film's visual presentation. This painstaking process involved removing thousands of instances of damage such as dirt, debris, scratches, and warps using advanced restoration techniques, along with managing jitter, flicker, small dirt, grain, and noise to enhance the overall image quality. The detailed and dedicated effort by the team, including transfer supervisors Lee Kline and Steven Soderbergh, colorist Joe Gawler, along with Deluxe for 4K scanning, speaks to the high standards set for this release.

Audio-wise, the Blu-ray benefits greatly from a remastered sound that dates back to 2009 with further refinements in 2018, including a complete remix of the film's dialogue. Sound editor/re-recording mixer Larry Blake utilized the original stems and premixes transitioned to 96 kHz files for a fresh mix that included music upmixed to 5.1 surround, enhancing the auditory experience to match the visual enhancements. The concerted effort to refine the dialogue and overall audio presentation underscores the meticulous attention to all aspects of this cinematic experience.

The result of these efforts is a breathtaking visual and auditory experience that sets a new standard for home entertainment releases. Comparisons with previous releases reveal significant improvements—elimination of black crush, revealing more detail in dark areas, enhanced color schemes with better primaries and more nuanced hues, alongside improved image stability. Especially noteworthy is the increased depth and density of images that are now visible on larger screens. This release is not only a testament to the film's enduring impact but also to the dedication of all involved to preserving and presenting it in the best possible quality. It is a must-have for aficionados and collectors alike, though it is Region-A locked, requiring a compatible player.

The Blu-ray release of "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" presents its audiences with an exceptional auditory experience, encapsulated by the singularly available English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track (96kHz, 24-bit). The meticulous remastering process undertaken for this edition elevates the audio quality to impressive heights. Noteworthy is the enhanced richness of Cliff Martinez’s ambient soundtrack, which now blooms with newfound clarity and depth, thanks to the dedicated efforts in audio restoration spearheaded by sound editor and re-recording mixer Larry Blake. This endeavor successfully addressed inherent audio limitations, effectively minimizing background noises that previously marred the listening experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles serves as a thoughtful addition, ensuring the film's nuanced dialogue remains accessible to all viewers.

Discussions about technical specifications aside, practical feedback from the remastering process indicates a substantial improvement in overall audio presentation. Listeners can revel in a pristine auditory landscape free from frustrating dropouts or digital distortions, hallmarks of a carefully curated remastering work. The dialogue, a pivotal aspect of the film’s storytelling, benefits immensely from this upgrade—emerging more stable and clearer than ever, thereby bolstering the narrative’s potency without sacrificing the original atmospheric essence.

This high-caliber audio remastering not only complements the film's visual fidelity but significantly enriches the emotional resonance and engagement of viewers with its finely tuned soundstage. It’s a testament to the collaborative effort between technology and artistry to preserve and enhance the cinematic legacy of "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" for modern audiences and audiophiles alike. Through these advancements, both enthusiasts and newcomers to Steven Soderbergh’s pivotal work are assured an immersive and uninterrupted auditory journey into the film’s provocative and introspective exploration of human relationships.

The Blu-ray release of "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" notably enriches the viewer's experience with an assortment of carefully curated extras that delve into the making of this landmark film. These range from insightful interviews with director Steven Soderbergh spanning from right after the film's release to more recent reflections, to fascinating contributions from key cast members and the creative team behind the film’s distinct sound and musical score. The inclusion of both types of trailers, Soderbergh and Miramax cuts, offers a unique glimpse into the film’s marketing evolution. Moreover, the detailed discussions regarding the meticulous sound editing and restoration processes shed light on the technical challenges overcome to preserve the film’s auditory integrity. The deleted scene with optional director commentary and the comprehensive audio commentary round out a package that goes beyond mere background, offering a deep dive into the film’s artistic and technical journey from concept to screen.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailers: Two different cuts, showcasing the film's marketing evolution.
• Interviews with Steven Soderbergh: A series containing both archival and new interviews discussing the conception, themes, and production of the film.
• Something in the Air: Making Sex, Lies, and Videotape: A documentary featuring actors from the film discussing their experiences working with Soderbergh.
• James Spader: An excerpt from an interview detailing Spader's thoughts on the film and its success.
• Larry Blake and Cliff Martinez: A conversation on their collaboration with Soderbergh and their roles in sound editing and scoring the film.
• Deleted Scene: Featuring Andie MacDowell, with optional commentary by Soderbergh.
• Generators, Noise Reduction, and Multitrack Audiotape: A documentary focusing on the technical aspects of sound editing in the film.
• Audio Commentary: Featuring Steven Soderbergh and Neil LaBute discussing various aspects of the film.
• Booklet: Containing critical essays, excerpts from Soderbergh’s diaries, and technical credits.

Steven Soderbergh's "Sex, Lies, and Videotape," a pivotal film of the late 1980s, receives a commendable Blu-ray release from Criterion, which is particularly noteworthy for its presentation of the movie itself. Distinguished by its acute dissection of interpersonal relationships and a distinctive dark humor, the film blurs the lines between comedic escapades and serious exploration of the dynamics between men and women. The transfer to Blu-ray retains the film's original essence, while offering enhancements that breathe new life into its visual and auditory aspects. The technical finesse of this release—complete with English SDH subtitles and region-A locking—ensures that the purity of Soderbergh’s vision is maintained, making it a valuable addition to any cinephile's collection.

At the core of the movie are four intricately drawn characters, entangled in webs of deceit that delicately unfold under Soderbergh's directorial gaze. The narrative delves into the superficiality and authenticity of relationships, using sex as a pivotal element to scrutinize the lies we tell ourselves and others. This thematic exploration is backed by Cliff Martinez’s ambient soundtrack, which complements the film's tone perfectly. The performances of Peter Gallagher, Andie MacDowell, Laura San Giacomo, and James Spader are pivotal, bringing to life the complex emotional landscapes their characters navigate. This Blu-ray edition does justice to their performances, ensuring clarity and depth are preserved in this high-definition format.

The Criterion release further enriches the viewing experience with a slew of extras, including a new documentary featuring the main cast, archival audio commentary by Soderbergh and Neil LaBute, deleted scenes, and more. The inclusion of a 46-page illustrated booklet with an insightful essay and excerpts from Soderbergh's diaries during the film’s production provides context and depth, allowing viewers to engage with the film on multiple levels. The technical dedication in transferring this iconic film to Blu-ray pays off by offering a pristine viewing experience that highlights both its narrative strengths and stylistic innovations.

Steven Soderbergh's "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" remains a cinematic tour de force, blending a darkly humorous narrative with a brilliant deconstruction of interpersonal dynamics. This film, now nearly three decades old, retains its relevance and style in an age radically transformed by social media, offering insights into communication and relationships that are as poignant today as they were at its release. The Criterion Collection's latest Blu-ray edition presents the movie in an exemplary fashion, boasting a new 4K restoration supervised and approved by Soderbergh himself. This ensures that the film's aesthetic integrity and immersive storytelling are preserved, delivering an experience that rivals its initial impact on audiences.

The technical specifications of this Blu-ray release are nothing short of impressive. The 4K restoration brings to life the film's unique visual style and intricate details, making it a reference-quality disc within Criterion's extensive catalog. Viewers can expect vivid textures, enhanced depth, and a clarity that breathes new life into Soderbergh's directorial vision. The audio presentation complements this visual upgrade well, ensuring that every line of dialogue and ambient sound is rendered with precision. These elements combine to create a viewing experience that is not only nostalgic for those who remember the film's original release but also inviting to newcomers discovering it for the first time.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" is highly recommended for both fans of the film and cinephiles looking to explore one of the seminal works of modern cinema. The dedication to technical excellence in the restoration process, coupled with the film's undiminished thematic relevance, makes this edition a must-have. Criterion has once again proven its commitment to preserving cinematic history while enhancing the viewing experience for today's audiences, solidifying this release as the definitive version of Soderbergh's groundbreaking debut.