Bound for Glory Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Bound for Glory" utilises an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Unfortunately, the video quality is underwhelming and fails to do justice to the film's Academy Award-winning cinematography. The master provided by MGM reveals noticeable age-related wear and tear, including dirt, debris, black and white speckling, scratches, and nicks. Flesh tones often appear brownish and lacking vitality, although outdoor scenes occasionally offer vibrant blues. The coarse grain and soft detail compromise the overall image clarity, with a persistent murky softness that mutes the film's intended visual grandeur.

The colors in "Bound for Glory" come across as dowdy and uninspiring, falling short of vividness. The generally heavy grain layer contributes to a lackluster image that rarely achieves sharpness, even in closeups. Black levels are shallow, and skin tones appear unnaturally earthy. While the bright light of day renders some exterior shots more favorably, such instances are too sparse to compensate for the overall mediocrity of the transfer. The film’s beautiful scenery is diminished by this subpar video presentation, failing to evoke the resplendence one would expect from such renowned cinematography.

In motion, the viewing experience is more palatable than static screenshots might suggest, providing a marginally better impression; however, it remains far from spectacular. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer does not fulfill its potential and is significantly hindered by a dated master that fails to effectively capture the majesty of the film's original theatrical exhibition.

The Blu-ray release of "Bound for Glory" features an impressive lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track that remarkably supports the film's dialogue, sound effects, and musical sequences. The authenticity of the music, which includes notable adaptations of Woody Guthrie's songs by Leonard Rosenman—the recipient of an Academy Award for this score—adds a palpable richness to the film's audio experience. The mono mix delivers clear and crisp dialogue without any unwanted noise distortions, such as pops, cracks, or hiss. The musical scenes are particularly noteworthy, with each chord resonating beautifully and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Though the DTS-HD MA Mono mix capably captures every nuance of the score and ambient sounds, some may find themselves wishing for a 5.1 surround option to achieve a more immersive audio experience. Despite the absence of a more dynamic range typical of modern action films, the track offers a well-balanced mix. The ambient noises and sound effects are meticulously integrated into the mix, ensuring they compliment rather than overpower the primary audio elements. This blend creates an elegant soundscape suited for the film's musical nature, making "Bound for Glory" not just a visual but also an auditory treat.

The Blu-ray's extras for "Bound for Glory" are concise yet impactful, providing a valuable enhancement to the viewing experience. The Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 offers a superb way to appreciate the film’s musical composition, revealing the intricacies of the original score. The inclusion of multiple Trailers, presented in HD, caters to both nostalgia and historical interest by presenting both the Original Theatrical Trailer and the MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer. Each of these additions brings depth and context to the film, enriching its historical and cinematic appreciation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: Music-only track in DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material in high definition.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Anniversary promotional content in HD.

"Bound for Glory" is a poetic and visually stunning biographical film directed by Hal Ashby, which dives into the life of Woody Guthrie, portrayed with quiet intensity by David Carradine. Rather than focusing on Guthrie's troubled early years, the story begins in the mid-1930s Dust Bowl era. Ashby and acclaimed cinematographer Haskell Wexler, who earned an Academy Award for his work here, create a vividly immersive world of barren landscapes and struggling communities. The film stands out not just for its historical depiction but for how it brings forth Guthrie’s resilience and intuitive ability to connect with diverse individuals, from fellow hobos on the rails to migrant workers in California.

The narrative is anecdotal, emphasizing visual storytelling over conventional biopic melodrama. Wexler’s innovative use of the newly invented Steadicam captures the sweeping, almost dreamlike quality of Woody’s journey. Guthrie’s cross-country trek is depicted with a keen eye for both the beauty and hardship of the American landscape. The film does not deeply delve into Guthrie’s political ideologies but rather portrays his travels as a metaphorical journey through the complexities of American life during that era. His eventual rise to fame, underscored by iconic songs like "This Land is Your Land," provides a poignant conclusion, reinforcing his legacy as a voice for the common man.

Performances throughout are understated and authentic, contributing to the film’s overall realism. The chemistry among the cast, especially between Carradine and Melinda Dillon as Woody’s wife Mary, creates a believable emotional backdrop. The Blu-Ray edition from Twilight Time not only offers superb audiovisual quality but also includes insightful analyses and essay contributions, enhancing the viewing experience. Thus, "Bound for Glory," with its blend of historical accuracy and artistic mastery, remains an exemplary cinematic homage to Guthrie's enduring influence on American folk music and social consciousness.

"Bound for Glory," directed by Hal Ashby and featuring the outstanding cinematography of Haskell Wexler, shines as a beautifully crafted biopic. The film delves into a transformative period of Woody Guthrie's life, portraying his journey with a compelling narrative and evocative imagery. Celebrated for its pioneering use of the steadicam, each meticulously shot sequence elevates the storytelling, rendering a vivid picture of 1930s America. The performances, underscored by a fantastic musical score, garnered critical acclaim and an Oscar win in 1976.

However, the Blu-ray release presents notable challenges. While the soundtrack maintains a robust and immersive quality, the video transfer leaves much to be desired. MGM's provided master to Twilight Time, though watchable, does not fully justice to Wexler's staggering visual achievements. Despite the film’s historical significance and rich cinematography, the lack of a comprehensive restoration means viewers may experience some disappointment with the visual fidelity. The absence of behind-the-scenes content, commentaries, or additional features also detracts from the overall value of this release.

In conclusion, "Bound for Glory" remains a seminal film with enduring appeal thanks to its storytelling and technical innovations. Although this Blu-ray edition has its flaws, particularly in video presentation, its audio quality and the sheer strength of the film itself make it worth watching. Despite these issues, it comes recommended for enthusiasts eager to explore Guthrie’s legacy and the cinematic milestone that this film represents.