Fat City Blu-ray Review

"Fat City" is presented on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, derived from a new 4K scan by Twilight Time. The results are notably impressive, especially if one appreciates the deliberate artistic choices made by director John Huston and cinematographer Conrad L. Hall. The film embraces a subdued palette to reflect the gritty, dusty streets of Stockton and the bleak interiors of various boxing environments. When scenes shift to more vivid settings, such as the fields where characters toil as migrant workers, the transfer truly shines, showcasing deep blue skies and lustrous golden fields. Fine details are exceptionally clear in close-ups, revealing elements like individual hairs and beads of sweat, which, while highlighting makeup imperfections, add to the authenticity of the visuals.

The film maintains a consistent grainy texture, which is expected and appropriate for its gritty tone. At times, this grain can appear chunky and even multicolored, but it never feels overly digital or processed. The optical zoom at the film's conclusion does exaggerate the tendency of the grain to splotch and attain a yellowish cast, but this artifact remains within acceptable limits.

Overall, while "Fat City" may not possess the razor-sharp clarity of contemporary presentations, it succeeds in offering excellent detail and well-balanced colors. Black levels are deep and inky, and skin tones appear natural throughout. The presentation demonstrates no major compression issues, securing high marks for this Twilight Time release.

The audio presentation of "Fat City" on Blu-ray includes both a repurposed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, ensuring adherence to the original theatrical experience for purists while also providing a more enveloping contemporary surround sound option. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, though not overly dynamic in the traditional sense of modern action films, enhances the viewer's experience through strategic utilization of crowd sounds and ambient effects distributed across the surround channels. This mix adeptly inserts discrete sound effects into various channels, contributing to a robust level of immersion particularly notable during fight sequences. The dialogue is consistently clean and intelligible, free from any unwanted audio artifacts such as pops, cracks, or hiss. Kris Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through the Night" and other music cues are presented clearly within this track, adding emotional depth to scenes without overshadowing dialogue or effects.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track also performs admirably, maintaining clarity and precision throughout. While it features a slightly reduced low-end impact in action sequences compared to the 5.1 mix, it boasts excellent fidelity and a very wide dynamic range. This stereo option serves well for those seeking a more authentic replication of the film’s original audio presentation. Both audio options provided exhibit substantial LFE presence and are devoid of any notable distortional elements, ensuring a quality auditory experience regardless of the selected track. This dual-track offering ensures that "Fat City" maintains its auditory integrity while catering to contemporary sound design sensibilities.

The Blu Ray of "Fat City" offers a selection of extras that provide a deep dive into the film's creation and legacy. The Audio Commentary featuring screenwriter and film historian Lem Dobbs with Twilight Time's Nick Redman delivers an engrossing discussion on the production nuances and John Huston's life. The Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 allows an appreciation of the musical score in isolation, showcasing its contribution to the film's atmosphere. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer is included in quality HD, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the film's promotional efforts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Lem Dobbs discusses production insights with Nick Redman.
• Isolated Score Track: Music-only version of the film in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Nostalgic HD trailer.
• Booklet: Six-page illustrated essay by Julie Kirgo.

In 1972, John Huston, an iconic figure in 20th-century filmmaking, delivered a compelling narrative with "Fat City." Known for classics like "The Maltese Falcon" and "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," Huston had his share of both monumental successes and periods of stagnation. By the end of the 1960s, the film community largely saw him as a faded star. Yet, with "Fat City," Huston proved he still had creative vigor, receiving critical acclaim and financial success. This gritty tale, adapted from Leonard Gardner's 1969 novel, centers on the lives of small-time boxers in Stockton, California, capturing their struggles with visceral precision. The main characters, Billy Tully (Stacy Keach) and Ernie Munger (Jeff Bridges), embody the despair and fleeting hope prevalent in their pugilistic endeavors.

"Fat City" distinguishes itself from conventional boxing narratives by eschewing the typical underdog triumph plotline. Instead, it offers a raw depiction of its characters' inner battles and socio-economic woes. Tully, a seasoned but washed-up fighter grappling with addiction, sees promise in the young and naive Munger, whose own journey is fraught with hardship. The film interweaves various subplots featuring their relationships with women—Tully with the somber Oma (Susan Tyrrell) and Munger with the young Faye (Candy Clark)—while maintaining an unwavering focus on their boxing careers. Huston's direction underscores the stagnant lives of these men through methodical pacing and a bleak yet authentic atmosphere, often punctuated by dark humor.

Though steeped in a melancholic tone, "Fat City" also harbors moments of sardonic wit that resonate deeply. The performances of Keach and Bridges are particularly noteworthy for their authenticity, convincing audiences of their characters' perpetual state of decline and determination. Huston's film serves not just as a boxing saga but as an evocative character study, detailing the harsh realities faced by those on society's fringes. "Fat City" stands out as one of Huston's more overlooked yet profoundly impactful works, rich in thematic depth and cinematic execution.

John Huston's "Fat City" stands out as a poignant exploration of ambition and despair, deftly navigating the intricacies of its characters' lives. Stacy Keach and Jeff Bridges deliver exceptional performances as Tully and Munger, embodying the duality of hope and melancholy their characters face. Susan Tyrrell and Nicholas Colasanto provide memorable support, ensuring that each character feels deeply realized. Huston masterfully captures the essence of his protagonists' existence, painting a vivid portrait of those clinging to dreams amid inevitable struggles. The film resists typical underdog sports clichés, opting instead for a narrative rich in authenticity and emotional depth.

The Blu-ray release ensures that this classic is presented with the respect it deserves. While the video and audio quality are decent, they may not be groundbreaking; however, they suffice to convey the gritty realism of the film. The included commentary track adds value, offering insight into the production process and enriching the viewing experience. Supporting characters and secondary cast members bring added charm and color to the story, creating a vibrant, albeit somber, tapestry.

In conclusion, "Fat City" is an unmissable entry in John Huston's illustrious career. It doesn't shy away from its inherent sadness, but instead, it embraces it with a strange defiance, culminating in a bittersweet yet hopeful resolution. For those interested in authentic character studies set against the backdrop of boxing, this film is highly recommended.