Clue Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray transfer of "Clue" is an impressive high-definition presentation offering a consistent sharpness and natural filmic quality. The retained grain structure accentuates fine details, giving the image a true-to-source appearance. Textures within the mansion, such as wooden surfaces and background details, are exceptionally rendered, showcasing intricate wood grains and physical makeup. The skin textures bring a lifelike dimension, with fine details like smile lines, pores, and wrinkles clearly visible. Colors are cleanly rendered with no signs of bleeding or excess saturation, maintaining a warmish tint that complements the film’s dark red and brown palette.

Although blacks and shadow details exhibit some limitations, with occasional muddling and dominant shadows in darker scenes, the low-light sequences maintain adequate depth without transitioning to grey. The overall image stability and natural sharpness are consistently impressive. Brighter scenes, particularly those in the kitchen, display marginally better detail than warmer scenes, yet both environments maintain high standards of visual fidelity. Notably, there is no significant banding or blocking observed, demonstrating the care taken in this transfer.

In summary, "Clue" sees its best visual representation yet on Blu-ray. Paramount’s effort ensures fans will appreciate the detailed and film-like image, with flesh tones appearing natural and wooden interiors rendered in deep mahogany browns and dark cherry wood. The transfer’s integrity is preserved without aggressive DNR, providing a high-quality viewing experience that showcases the film's aesthetic nuances while keeping technical imperfections at bay.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack for "Clue" falls short of its potential, leaving much to be desired in terms of immersive audio experience. Though the track delivers basic clarity and intelligibility, ensuring that dialogue is front and center, it fails to take full advantage of the audiovisual medium. The audio presentation is notably free of clicks, pops, and background hiss, ensuring a clean auditory experience. However, several elements sound hollow and tinny, detracting from the overall viewing experience—most notably Mr. Green's introduction scene on the rainy doorstep which lacks depth and realism.

While the dialogue is generally clear and at an appropriate volume, some scenes suffer from poor audio balancing and a lack of spatial depth. The track does not offer much in terms of dynamic range or sonic realism. Elements such as gusty winds and thunderclaps fall flat, lacking the vigor and space that modern surround sound formats could provide. Additionally, specific sound effects, like the over-pumped slurping of soup, come across as harsh and unrefined. Overall, the track feels functional but uninspired, leading to a somewhat sterile auditory experience.

Perhaps the most significant disappointment is the lack of a surround sound remixing. Considering the movie’s popularity and its action-packed sequences, a 5.1 track would have greatly enhanced the viewing experience. The absence of such a mix means that even exciting scenes, like Tim Curry’s frantic run through the great hall, do not achieve the dynamic, enveloping quality they deserve. Instead, all elements compete for attention in the limited 2.0 channels, resulting in a mixed and somewhat disappointing audio presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Clue" deliver an engaging experience, offering fans a robust blend of nostalgia and insight. The stand-out feature allows viewers to explore all three alternate endings, playable individually or as a continuous trilogy, with the option to randomize the ending during movie playback. Additionally, the set includes a high-definition theatrical trailer. The alternate endings span approximately 25 minutes altogether and provide a satisfying exploration of the film's multiple conclusions. This thoughtful compilation of extras enhances the viewing experience and deepens appreciation for this classic movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Endings: Access all three endings separately or randomized.
• Trailer: High-definition theatrical trailer.

"Clue," based on the eponymous board game, expertly translates the spirit of conspiracy and humor into a film format. Directed by Jonathan Lynn ("My Cousin Vinny"), the film is an eccentric and entertaining whodunit that seamlessly blends suspense with comedy. The narrative kicks off within a sprawling mansion on a stormy night, where six guests – Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull), Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn), Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd), Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren), Mr. Green (Michael McKean), and Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan) – gather for an enigmatic dinner party. The cast delivers stellar performances, particularly Tim Curry, whose role as the butler, Wadsworth, connects and propels the plot with impeccable comedic finesse.

The production values stand out, with the mansion's intricate and slightly ominous design amplifying the atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The set rightly balances expansive and intimate spaces, facilitating both character interactions and suspenseful reveals. Complemented by period-appropriate yet subtly humorous wardrobe choices, the setting becomes an essential character in itself. Lynn's direction is adept, allowing the visual narrative to flourish through simple yet effective camera work that highlights each character's quirks and the story's unfolding mystery.

"Clue" might initially seem constrained by its single storyline relative to the dynamic nature of its board game origin; however, the film compensates with its replayability through multiple endings – a unique feature on this Blu-ray release. Presenting three alternative conclusions, this format revitalizes repeat viewings, keeping the mystery fresh even for familiar audiences. The humor remains captivatingly timeless, ensuring that each viewing experience unveils new comedic details. Overall, "Clue" on Blu-ray adeptly captures the lively essence of its game counterpart while providing a high-value, family-friendly entertainment option that will undoubtedly endure through the years.

"Clue" is a delightful cinematic adaptation of the beloved board game, brimming with humor and charisma. The film's high-quality production design and well-executed source material offer a whimsical and engaging experience, as the talented cast effortlessly embodies their roles with evident enjoyment. While the movie may lack the multiplicity of endings inherent to the game, it compensates with its authenticity and spirited portrayal of pop culture nostalgia. Paramount's Blu-ray release delivers commendable video quality, ensuring that every detail of the film's vibrant and intricate set designs shines through.

The Blu-ray’s video transfer is a highlight, presenting a crisp and clean visual experience that does justice to the film’s colorful palette. However, the audio presentation does not meet the same standard, falling short of what one might expect from a modern high-definition release. This disparity between audio and video quality is somewhat disappointing but does not critically undermine the overall enjoyment of this comedy classic.

In conclusion, despite its shortcomings in audio quality and the lack of supplementary materials, Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Clue" remains a solid recommendation for both dedicated fans and new viewers. The film's timeless humor and re-watch value make it a worthwhile addition to any collection.