Two-Lane Blacktop Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Two-Lane Blacktop" is visually compelling, highlighting the meticulous care taken in its restoration. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in a 2.36:1 aspect ratio at 1080p, the transfer was supervised by director Monte Hellman. Utilizing a Spirit 2K from a 35mm four-perforation interpositive originally derived from the Techniscope two-perforation camera negative, the restoration process employed MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean for the removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, flicker, and jitter. Image System's Phoenix was used for small dirt, grain, and noise reduction. The color correction contributions by Doug Drake and Greg Garvin ensured a balanced portrayal of Hellman's visual intent.

The resulting image quality stands out when compared to Eureka Entertainment's previous release, presenting greater depth in close-ups and panoramic shots, which is notably free from the filtering artifacts seen in earlier versions. While some light noise is still present, it remains preferable to the previously flatter and filtered appearances. The colors maintain a natural but muted tone, reflective of the original film stock's characteristics, albeit with some limitations in saturation during daylight sequences. Contrast is generally decent, although night sequences exhibit some sharp drop-offs to black. Detail rendition is superb; fine elements such as the knobs and dials on GTO's console and mechanical intricacies of the engine are distinctly visible.

Edge enhancement is minimal, and no significant debris or damage marks detract from the viewing experience. Despite minor areas where improvement could still be made, Criterion's Blu-ray is unmistakably superior, offering an organic and faithful reproduction of this cult classic. This region-A locked Blu-ray remains an essential acquisition for cinephiles and aficionados of Monte Hellman's work.

The Blu-ray of "Two-Lane Blacktop" offers two distinct audio tracks: an English LPCM 1.0 and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. For accessibility, optional English SDH subtitles are included and they appear comfortably within the image frame. The audio preservation and enhancement tasks have been meticulously detailed, with the monaural track remastered at 24-bit from the original 35mm magnetic sources, removing any intrusive clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD.

While the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track supervised by director Monte Hellman provides broader soundstage and dynamic movement, especially during the racing sequences, its use is relatively minimal for the rest of the film. The depth of the racing sounds brings added intensity to those scenes, with a capable LFE track that effectively highlights engines and screeching tires. However, the surrounds are subtle and sometimes offer an over-processed feeling, making the audio pans appear somewhat artificial.

Both tracks exhibit clear dialogue with negligible hiss and clean delivery. The uncompressed LPCM mono track offers a straightforward, balanced alternative that many might find appealing due to a less intrusive blend of ambient sounds compared to the 5.1 mix. The mono track remains loyal to the original film experience, opening up the audio in a way that feels organic and consistent throughout. Ultimately, both tracks ensure a satisfactory auditory experience with each providing their own unique fidelity to the film’s soundscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "Two-Lane Blacktop" offer a deep dive into the film’s production and legacy, making it essential for enthusiasts. Director Monte Hellman revisits filming locations and shares insightful anecdotes in On the Road Again, while the interview Make It Three Yards features Hellman and James Taylor discussing their time on set. Notable is Somewhere Near Salinas, where Hellman and Kris Kristofferson reminisce about their collaboration. The extras also include engaging screen tests in Those Satisfactions Are Permanent and two compelling commentaries providing a thorough understanding of both production and thematic elements. A curated photo gallery and historical essays round out the package, ensuring comprehensive coverage for any cinephile.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for “Two-Lane Blacktop”.
• On the Road Again: Director Monte Hellman revisits filming locations.
• Make It Three Yards: Hellman and James Taylor discuss their work on the film.
• Somewhere Near Salinas: Hellman and Kris Kristofferson recall their time together.
• Sure Did Talk To You: Interviews with key production figures.
• Those Satisfactions Are Permanent:
  • Laurie Bird
  • James Taylor
• Color Me Gone: Gallery of behind-the-scenes photos.
• Performance and Image: Collection of photos of the '55 Chevys with text descriptions.
• Commentary: Two insightful audio commentaries featuring distinct perspectives.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essays and appreciations.

Monte Hellman's "Two-Lane Blacktop" (1971) makes a striking impression on Blu-ray, an offering from Criterion imbued with emblematic features. Set against America's disoriented backdrop in the early ‘70s, the film pivots on the largely silent Driver (James Taylor) and the Mechanic (Dennis Wilson), who traverse forgotten highways in a souped-up '55 Chevy. Their journey is punctuated by a taciturn hitchhiker, the Girl (Laurie Bird), and culminates in a half-hearted race against GTO, portrayed enigmatically by Warren Oates. Amid their race to Washington D.C., the characters' identities unravel through sparse dialogues and shifting personal narratives, echoing themes of alienation and identity crisis.

Hellman’s direction amplifies this narrative through meticulous visual and auditory choices. Shot on the Techniscope format, the film leverages its superior depth of field, resulting in clear, detailed nighttime sequences. The framing is notably precise, especially in close-ups, lending a perceptible sharpness even within dimly lit scenes. The evocative yet occasionally problematic soundtrack, featuring tracks by The Doors, Kris Kristofferson, and more, accentuates the film’s melancholic tone without overpowering it. The dialogue operates partially in a countercultural lexicon that immerses viewers in its unique texture; exchanges are crisp, often as much about what is unsaid.

Contributing to its authenticity is the casting of musicians Taylor and Wilson alongside neophyte Bird, whose raw performances add to the film’s organic feel. Hellman opts for naturalistic direction, allowing each scene to unfold with unpolished authenticity—aided by on-location shooting and some sequences involving unknowing extras. This results in a film anchored by an understated yet profound sense of reality, drawing audiences into its distinctive rhythm. Overall, "Two-Lane Blacktop" stands out as a time capsule of an era’s inner turbulence and fragmented identity, meriting multiple viewings for its subtle complexity.

Two-Lane Blacktop is an enigmatic classic that has continued to captivate audiences for over four decades. The film blends elements of an art film with the raw edge of a b-film, creating a unique cinematic experience. The amateur performances from James Taylor, Laurie Bird, and Dennis Wilson offer a fascinating contrast to Warren Oates’ nuanced portrayal, under the deft direction of Monte Hellman. Through his understated direction, Hellman allows the film’s deeper implications to gradually emerge, making it an intriguing watch. Criterion's Blu-ray release elevates this timeless piece by presenting the film with an impressively strong picture quality and two distinct audio mixes, allowing viewers to delve deeply into this atmospheric time capsule.

In terms of technical quality, Criterion has outdone themselves. The Blu-ray offers a meticulously restored transfer that brings out the grainy texture and distinct visual style that characterize Two-Lane Blacktop. Colors are rendered with striking clarity, and the enhancements heighten the film's atmospheric qualities. The disc is supplemented with informative extras that provide valuable insights into the production and legacy of the film. Whether it is behind-the-scenes footage or critical analyses, these additions ensure a comprehensive viewing experience. Additionally, the dual audio options allow for a customizable auditory experience, accommodating both purist preferences and modern enhancements.

Overall, Monte Hellman's Two-Lane Blacktop stands as a seminal piece of cinema that deserves a place in every film enthusiast's collection. Criterion's Blu-ray release is currently the definitive edition, boasting top-notch picture, impressive audio mixes, and substantial extras. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to explore one of the greatest American films from the 1970s in its best form. This edition is, without question, an essential purchase.