One from the Heart Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "One from the Heart" on Blu Ray, encoded in AVC at 1080p resolution and housed in a 1.34:1 frame, presents a unique set of challenges that impact the viewing experience. Keen observers may notice anomalies such as parallel vertical lines that do not seem to be related to color gradation, consistently spread across the film’s imagery. Furthermore, viewers might detect alternating bands of shading, creating a variance in brightness that traverses the screen. While initially these defects might not be visible during regular playback, upon closer inspection, especially with enlarged screenshots, the flaws become apparent, casting a shadow over what should have been a pristine visual spectacle.

Our technical team delves deep into the source of these visual disturbances, hypothesizing issues ranging from a potential scanner miscalibration to other unknown causes. Despite input from original co-cinematographer Vittorio Storaro and investigations by both the Coppola organization and Lionsgate, a definitive cause remains elusive. Besides the puzzling banding effect, which occasionally gives the film a pinstriped appearance (notably around the 49:08 mark in a smoky nightclub scene), the transfer also struggles with contrast inconsistencies, producing somewhat milky blacks and contributing to an overall softness that aligns with the film's original theatrical presentation.

While some might overlook these video imperfections during casual viewing, once identified, they can become distractingly noticeable against lighter backgrounds or in scenes where they manifest more clearly. The original charm and aesthetic of "One from the Heart" are undeniably present, yet these video quality issues present a significant obstacle for viewers seeking a visually flawless experience. The Blu Ray edition faithfully replicates some of the film’s inherent visual characteristics but is marred by technical anomalies that detract from what could have been a stellar home cinema presentation.

The audio presentation of "One From the Heart" on Blu Ray offers a nuanced auditory experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mixes, presenting both the original soundtrack and an isolated score option. While one might expect a broader soundstage from such a visually and musically rich film, the actual audio envelope is somewhat more confined. However, this does not detract from the overall quality; Tom Waits' iconic score, along with his harmonious duets with Crystal Gayle, are rendered with impressive clarity and separation across the channels. The fidelity of these recordings is remarkable, ensuring a clean and detailed listening experience that is both immersive and emotionally resonant.

In terms of spatial audio dynamics, the Blu Ray manages to create a convincingly immersive atmosphere in certain sequences, such as the bustling energy of the Las Vegas strip, capturing the essence of the scene's lively ambiance through effective surround sound deployment. However, it's noteworthy that "One From the Heart" largely pivots around more intimate and subdued moments, characterized predominantly by dialogue. Due to this, the sonic landscape doesn't always exploit the full potential of the 5.1 setup, focusing instead on ensuring clarity and nuance in the verbal exchanges between characters. Despite this, the wide dynamic range exhibited ensures that both the subtleties of quiet conversations and the vibrancy of musical components are delivered with precise fidelity.

This Blu Ray edition excels in providing an audio experience that complements the film’s unique aesthetic, balancing between the straightforward delivery of dialogue and the more complex, layered musical expressions. While it might not consistently leverage the expansive capabilities of a 5.1 surround system to their fullest extent, it succeeds in offering a high-quality auditory experience, underpinned by excellent fidelity and dynamic range. The reproduction of Tom Waits’ score alongside Crystal Gayle’s contributions stands out, making for an enriching listening experience that forms an integral part of appreciating this cinematic work.

In this comprehensive Blu-ray extra presentation for "One from the Heart," enthusiasts are treated to a deep dive into the creative process behind this cinematic endeavor. Francis Ford Coppola's feature commentary is particularly noteworthy, offering valuable insights into the film's production and his visionary approach to filmmaking. The extras also offer a rich tapestry of background material, including an homage to American Zoetrope and a detailed look at the film's music by Tom Waits, alongside technical discussions that shed light on the innovative techniques used during production. The added content, which ranges from deleted scenes to videotaped rehearsals and a variety of behind-the-scenes featurettes, not only embellishes the film's narrative but also serves as a testament to Coppola's pioneering spirit in foreseeing the digital age. Viewers will find themselves engrossed in the wealth of material that paints a fuller picture of the film's artistic ambitions and challenges.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary by Francis Ford Coppola: An engaging commentary shedding light on the film's production and challenges.
• The Dream Studio: A reflection on American Zoetrope, blending Coppola’s biography with his conflicts during the film's production.
• The Electronic Cinema: A look at Coppola’s forward-thinking about the digital age.
• Tom Waits and the Music of One From the Heart: Focuses on Tom Waits’ unique contributions to the film's soundtrack.
• The Making of One From the Heart: Behind-the-scenes glimpses into the making of the movie.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes offering more depth to the narrative.
• The Tom Waits Score – Alternate Tracks: Variations and early demos of Waits’ music for the film.
• Press Conference at the Studio: Documentation of a press conference related to the movie.
• Francis Coppola Speaks to the Exhibitors: Coppola’s address to film exhibitors.
• This One's From the Heart Music Video: A music video for one of the film’s tracks.
• Stop Motion Demo: A demonstration of stop-motion techniques used in production.
• 1982 Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer released in 1982.
• 2003 Theatrical Trailer: Trailer for a re-release or anniversary edition.

Francis Ford Coppola's "One from the Heart" represents a stark departure from both the director's previous triumphs and the strategic norms of New Hollywood's cinematic revolution. Positioned within the broader context of Coppola’s illustrious and varied career—a journey chronicled with highlights such as "The Godfather" series and "Apocalypse Now"—this 1982 release emerges at a curious juncture. Notwithstanding Coppola’s prowess in weaving narrative tapestries, this film conspicuously diverges into the domain of the musical, albeit with a notably disjointed execution. Extracted intriguingly from the traditional narrative and stylistic fibers of Hollywood musicals, the film attempts to marry the sweeping artificiality of musical theatrics with the grounded, intimate storytelling reminiscent of New Hollywood's blueprint.

Thematically and stylistically, "One from the Heart" ventures into an oddly juxtaposed cinematic terrain where its musical ambitions seem at odds with the narrative’s heartstring tugs. The plot, centered around Teri Garr and Frederic Forrest's character's relationship turmoil amidst the neon-drenched vistas of Las Vegas, is thinly veiled and scarcely provides a sturdy foundation for the film's more grandiose artistic inclinations. Choices, such as enlisting Tom Waits for the film's musical score, reflect Coppola's inclination towards integrating elements of contemporary music culture with cinematic storytelling. However, this blend results in a peculiar disharmony, where Waits’ gritty lyrical essence contrasts with the film’s attempt at capturing a more universally emotive chord.

The endeavor to reinvent the musical genre within the framework of "One from the Heart" embodies both the ambition and the paradox of attempting to fuse New Hollywood's grit with the extravaganza typical of traditional musicals. Despite its pioneering intent and some elements of intellectual intrigue, the film struggles to reconcile Coppola’s vision with its execution, resulting in a presentation that captivates more in theory than in emotional resonance. This confluence of ambition and ambivalence paints "One from the Heart" as a curious entity within Coppola's oeuvre and an illustrative case of the complexities inherent in genre experimentation.

The release of "One from the Heart" on Blu-ray has been an anticipated event for fans of Coppola’s unique storytelling, cherished by many including those who have nurtured a long-standing affection for the film. This release, heralded by the involvement of Coppola archivist James Mockoski, suggested a noteworthy upgrade from prior editions. It's commendable that Coppola and Lionsgate have dedicated efforts to transfer all the special features from the deluxe DVD edition to high-definition, aiming to offer a comprehensive and immersive viewing experience for aficionados and new audiences alike. The commitment to preserving and enhancing the content for HD is evident in the meticulous handling of supplementary materials.

However, despite the anticipated enhancements and high expectations, the Blu-ray release exhibits a significant downfall in its video transfer quality. Such a discrepancy between anticipation and reality leaves much to be desired and raises concerns over the potential oversight or technical mishap during the transfer process. The excitement of seeing "One from the Heart" in its reinvigorated form is marred by the visual presentation which does not align with the high standards expected from a restoration project backed by notable figures in cinema and technology. The enthusiasm of fans and reviewers, keen to recommend this release, is tempered by the unexpected flaws in video quality that distract from the film's artistic merits and narrative.

In conclusion, while "One from the Heart" Blu-ray embodies an earnest attempt to elevate the film's accessibility and enjoyment through HD upgrades and comprehensive special features, the execution falls short in its central aspect—the video transfer. This flaw substantially undermines the overall presentation, making it difficult to endorse this release unequivocally. Fans may find value in the enriched content and effort made to preserve this cinematic piece, but until the video quality issues are addressed, viewers might approach this Blu-ray with caution. The blend of anticipation and disappointment serves as a reminder of the complexity involved in adapting cinematic art for contemporary formats, underscoring the necessity for meticulous quality control in such endeavors.