Being There Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Being There" boasts a 1080p/VC-1 transfer that marks a significant improvement over the prior DVD editions. The video presentation is framed at 1.85:1 and showcases a mixture of refined and problematic visual elements. Skin tones are rendered with impressive accuracy, and colors generally appear vibrant and well-contained, though the blacks occasionally present as gray, leading to some loss of detail in darker scenes. Contrast levels are adequate, and whites remain crisp without spillage. While film stock displays minimal dirt and blemishes, the image is unfortunately marred by noticeable Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), which strips away natural grain and imparts a waxy texture to faces, particularly during close-ups.

Post-processing efforts are evident, with DNR leading to a slight softness in textures and some smearing, particularly with fast-moving objects. The noise reduction detracts from fine detail, resulting in a compromised visual clarity that can appear inconsistent throughout the film. Despite these issues, primary colors and deeper shadows combine to give the picture a reasonable amount of depth, albeit somewhat flat in dimensionality. Enhancement artifacts like edge enhancement are sparsely present but minimally intrusive.

Overall, while the Blu-ray transfer captures much of the film's visual appeal, including the lush photography by Caleb Deschanel and the distinct cinematography tailored to natural lighting, it falls short in delivering a pristine restoration due to overzealous DNR application. Nevertheless, it remains a feasible upgrade for fans of the film seeking better fidelity over previous home video releases.

The audio presentation of "Being There" on Blu Ray offers a choice between an original mono track and a Dolby TrueHD 2.0 track, both essentially presenting the same monaural sound experience. Despite the TrueHD encoding being technically 2.0, it doesn't contribute much beyond what the standard Dolby Digital 1.0 presents. The lack of rear speaker support and a dedicated LFE channel results in a soundfield that is front-heavy and devoid of ambiance. Dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized, albeit occasionally thin and subject to tonal limitations inherent to the source material. While the score subtly enhances the listening experience, it remains backgrounded with only occasional sound burst highlights.

Though technically remastered in Dolby TrueHD 2.0, the audio mix feels dated and somewhat uninspiring compared to modern remixes of similar vintage films. Some scenes, particularly those featuring television sound effects, are laden with harsh, shrill tones intended to mimic tinny TV speakers from the '70s, creating moments of discomfort. Despite the lack of immersive audio qualities, certain musical cues — like the funked-up version of "Also Sprach Zarusthra" from "2001: A Space Odyssey" — manage to maintain clarity and warmth, offering isolated segments of auditory pleasure. However, persistent issues such as air hiss, warbled anomalies, and normalization irregularities detract from an otherwise consistent dialogue delivery.

In summary, while diehard fans of "Being There" might find nostalgic value in its authentic audio presentation, the soundtrack's fidelity is thin and somewhat lacking by today's standards. The lighthearted score largely avoids getting lost despite these inconsistencies, but overall, the audio tracks fall short of delivering a fully satisfying experience for modern home theater enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray edition of "Being There" offers a modest, yet notably enjoyable, collection of special features. The standout extras include a heartfelt retrospective by Illeana Douglas, who reminisces about her experiences on set with her grandfather Melvyn Douglas and Peter Sellers. Although the "Additional Scenes" and "Alternate Ending" don't add much depth to the narrative, they provide an interesting glimpse into the film’s production choices. Topping the list is a highly entertaining "Gag Reel," showcasing Peter Sellers' comedic prowess and behind-the-scenes antics. While fans might miss comprehensive documentaries or commentaries, these extras offer valuable insights and re-affirm the film's charm.

Extras included in this disc:

• Memories from Being There: Illeana Douglas reminisces about her experiences on set.
• Additional Scenes: Two brief deleted scenes.
• Alternate Ending: A different, less impactful conclusion.
• Gag Reel: Amusing outtakes featuring Peter Sellers.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.

Hal Ashby's 1979 film, Being There, delivers a masterclass in satirical storytelling, driven by an exceptional performance from Peter Sellers as Chance the Gardener. Based on Jerzy Kosinski's 1971 novel, the narrative follows the innocent and intellectually limited Chance, who, having only ever known the world via television, steps into society for the first time. Sellers embodies Chance with unparalleled precision—his childlike serenity and simple utterances are mistaken for profound wisdom by the wealthy and powerful individuals he encounters. Supported by stellar performances from Shirley MacLaine and Melvyn Douglas, Being There subtly critiques societal and political arrogance, presenting a unique blend of whimsy and incisive satire.

The film meticulously explores themes of ignorance and simplicity in juxtaposition with the complexities of societal dynamics. Chance's journey into the real world under Ashby's direction underscores society's tendency to project meaning onto the mundane. This is evident when Chance, misinterpreted as "Chauncy Gardner", inadvertently rises to national prominence through a series of serendipitous encounters with influential figures, including the President of the United States. The narrative's sharp commentary on wealth, privilege, and modern politics is as relevant today as it was upon its release. Despite some viewers finding the film's tone somewhat cold and some narrative elements overly convenient, the brilliant interpretations and flawless performances hold the story together, making it an essential viewing experience.

Overall, Being There remains a classic thanks to Sellers' nuanced portrayal of Chance and the film's biting yet insightful critique of societal norms. Although aspects like Shirley MacLaine's performance may waver into campiness for some tastes, the central themes resonate deeply. The clever satire targets the often ludicrous nature of human behavior in high societal echelons, showcasing how simplicity can be misinterpreted as genius. It's a film that continues to garner appreciation for its witty examination of human nature and societal constructs.

Being There, newly released for its 30th anniversary in HD Blu-ray, retains its timeless charm, driven by Peter Sellers’ masterful portrayal of Chance the Gardener. Sellers’ performance single-handedly elevates the film, making it indispensable for any classic cinema collection. Regrettably, the Blu-ray's video transfer doesn't do full justice to the cinematography, with noticeable artifacts and a lack of sharpness in some scenes. The audio tracks, offered in both stereo and mono, are functional but fail to impress, lacking the depth and clarity of more recent restorations.

The disc's supplementary materials are disappointing, featuring minimal bonus content that doesn't enhance the overall package. Despite these technical shortcomings, the film's narrative and the sheer brilliance of Sellers' acting make it a significant addition to any connoisseur’s library. It's clear the movie's artistic importance outweighs the medium's deficiencies, but potential buyers should be aware of what they’re getting.

With its 30th anniversary earning it a high-definition release, there's no better time than the present to discover Being There. Peter Sellers single-handedly dominates the screen with a memorable performance that will find a fitting home in your collection. Its Blu-ray debut isn't as strong as the film itself -- its video transfer suffers from a few issues, its stereo and mono tracks are underwhelming, and there aren't many special features to be had -- but such shortcomings shouldn't dissuade anyone from giving this disc serious consideration. Spend two hours with Chance the Gardener... you won't regret it.