Electra Glide in Blue Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Electra Glide in Blue" presents a frequently stunning AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.34:1 aspect ratio. The source elements appear in pristine shape, offering well-detailed imagery with saturated and accurate colors. The cinematographic nuances of Conrad Hall, notably the shifts between shallow and deep focus, lend the film an authentic 1970s aesthetic. This may lead some to perceive moments of softness, but the overall presentation maintains a natural and filmic quality. The depth of field, especially in highway footage, is immaculate, balanced by exceptional fine detail in close-ups. Despite the cinematographer’s tendency to push interior scenes, shadow detail remains consistent, showcasing fine details even in dimly lit sequences.

However, the image quality does display a somewhat uneven performance throughout the viewing experience. Early scenes exhibit deliberately washed-out colors to evoke the searing heat of the Arizona sun, which may initially seem like a flaw but quickly proves to be an artistic choice. Despite this stylistic decision, intermittent issues such as screen flicker and noise are noticeable and could have benefitted from more thorough remastering. Additionally, low-light sequences suffer from reduced clarity and fine detail presence. Nevertheless, the disc excels during daytime shots of Arizona's sprawling vistas and desert expanses, which retain their initial beauty and visual impact.

Overall, while the transfer occasionally falters with technical distractions, it mostly succeeds in preserving Hall's exquisite cinematography. The well-rendered visuals of broad landscapes and carefully detailed footage ensure that fans will still appreciate this release greatly, solidifying its status as one of Shout! Factory's more commendable catalog outputs.

The audio presentation for "Electra Glide in Blue" on Blu-Ray features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that underscores the film's dialogue and Guercio's evocative score admirably. Fidelity is generally excellent, boasting a wide dynamic range and effective stereo separation, particularly evident in the film’s extensive foley effects and music sequences. However, moments of slight distortion, such as during the early confrontation scene with the police sergeant, can detract from the overall experience.

Despite these strengths, the mix reveals some inconsistencies. The balance between dialogue, music, and sound effects isn't always optimal, leading to occasional difficulties in clearly discerning dialogue without being overpowered by the score. Certain scenes, like Jeannine Riley’s bar monologue, can sound tinny and strained in enclosed spaces. Thankfully, the mix is largely devoid of hissing or scratches, preserving a clean listening experience. Nevertheless, finding a volume setting that accommodates both dialogue and background elements for ideal listening may require fine-tuning by the viewer. Overall, while each individual element of the track usually performs robustly on its own, achieving a harmonious balance between them remains a challenge.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Electra Glide in Blue" provide comprehensive insights into the filmmaking process, with Director James William Guercio’s involvement being a standout. The Introduction by Director James William Guercio is a fascinating recount of his early exposure to cinema and the serendipitous recruitment of renowned cinematographer Conrad Hall, highlighting the dedication and sacrifices made during production. The Audio Commentary by Director James William Guercio is both laid-back and highly informative, detailing technical challenges and sharing personal anecdotes about the film's creation on a shoestring budget. Guercio draws intriguing parallels between this film and traditional Westerns, enriching the viewer's understanding of thematic and symbolic elements. Additionally, the Trailer offers a succinct preview of this unique cinematic experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Director James William Guercio: Personal insights and production anecdotes.
• Audio Commentary by Director James William Guercio: In-depth discussion on technical and thematic aspects.
• Trailer: A brief preview of the film.

"Electra Glide in Blue" (1973), directed by James William Guercio, is a compelling yet divisive film that has journeyed from early criticism to achieving cult status over the years. This criminal drama plays against the unique backdrop of 1970s Arizona and offers a deep dive into the era's cultural and political tensions. Robert Blake, who portrays Officer John Wintergreen, delivers a multifaceted performance, balancing intensity and vulnerability. Wintergreen is a motorcycle cop with ambitions far beyond the mundane routine of patrolling the rural roads, confronted with an apparent suicide that he suspects is a homicide. His quest for truth leads him into conflict not just with suspects but with the very institution he serves.

An intriguing aspect of the film is its subtle yet impactful homage to the work of John Ford, noticeably in the beautifully crafted montages and the sweeping cinematography masterfully executed by Conrad Hall. The film opens with a potent visual narrative set to the music from Ford's "Stagecoach," showcasing Monument Valley in an unforgettable visual style. Hall's capable hands turn the sun-baked desert into both a picturesque and haunting environment, effectively enhancing the film’s emotional landscape.

Guercio's debut stands out as a noteworthy, albeit singular, foray into directing due to its audacious narrative and underlying social commentary. The film critiques both sides of law enforcement and counterculture, embodied in Wintergreen's moral struggle amidst a period of significant unrest and change in American society. Harve Poole (Mitchell Ryan), a senior detective, represents the grizzled establishment and adds layers to Wintergreen's narrative by challenging his ideals and exposing systemic corruption. While initially misunderstood and even labeled as fascist, "Electra Glide in Blue" revealed itself over time as a critical examination of disillusionment and integrity within law enforcement, highlighted by its devastating conclusion. A rich assemblage of cameos adds further texture to this complex and visually captivating film.

"Electra Glide in Blue" is a captivating film that has garnered renewed appreciation in recent years, bridging the gap between societal subtext and individual character depth. Initially lambasted upon its release, this compelling narrative has been re-evaluated through modern lenses, revealing intricate layers and directorial prowess. The lead performance by Robert Blake stands out, rendering the character of John Wintergreen both believable and sympathetic—a testament to Blake's acting caliber. The film’s supporting cast is equally commendable, contributing to a cohesive and engaging cinematic experience. Conrad Hall's cinematography, which captures the film's evocative essence, is particularly noteworthy and resplendent in this high-definition Blu-ray presentation.

However, while the Blu-ray transfer offers an improved visual experience, some aspects of the technical presentation fall short. The picture quality, although generally impressive, could have benefited from more meticulous upgrades. Similarly, the audio track leaves room for improvement, failing to deliver a uniformly flawless auditory experience. Yet, these minor shortcomings do not significantly detract from the overall impact of the film’s narrative and aesthetic achievements.

In conclusion, "Electra Glide in Blue" exemplifies a sophisticated blend of character study and societal commentary. Although initially misunderstood by critics, it has become a film worthy of rediscovery. Hall’s masterful cinematography shines in this high-definition release, despite minor technical flaws in the audiovisual components. Not to wallow too much in irony, but there's no accounting for some critics' tastes. This film was lambasted upon its release, but I have to say I was more struck by it watching it again on Blu-ray than I initially was when I first saw it in a so-called Art House probably back in the 1980s. Overall, this Blu-ray release comes highly recommended for both new viewers and those revisiting this underappreciated gem.