Blue Velvet Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Blue Velvet," enriched through a process personally supervised by David Lynch, brings forth an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.35:1, which never fails to astonish with its vibrancy and depth of colors. Lynch and cinematographer Frederick Elmes' signature surrealist palette is on full display, showcasing deeply saturated hues that intensify the film's atmospheric density. Observably in scenes bursting with light, the sharpness and detail reach impressive heights—elements such as Rossellini's iconic blue velvet attire and the nuanced textures in Dern's sweater are strikingly vivid. Despite this, the transfer does wrestle with some softness, possibly an intentional nod to the film’s thematic underpinnings, and a smattering of edge enhancement issues in specific backlighting scenarios underscore some technical quirks that don't severely mar the viewing experience. However, an element of black crush in darker scenes might disconcert those sensitive to such intricacies, though it plays into the literal and metaphorical darkness the film navigates.

In terms of overall fidelity, this Blu-ray edition faithfully reflects the original cinematic texture. Notably absent are signs of revisionist tampering or unnecessary digital intervention—film grain remains unobtrusive, permitting the picture to retain its organic, filmic quality. Some anomalies, like minimal glare spots and a transient pinstripe pattern, hint at either native filming eccentricities or unique transfer artifacts but do not detract significantly from the movie's visual charm. Shadow details are meticulously preserved, ensuring that even in its most visually somber moments, 'Blue Velvet' loses none of its haunting allure.

While examining the technical aspects of this Blu-ray presentation, one cannot overlook its capacity to unearth previously unnoticed details due to its enhanced clarity—like Jeffrey's subtle earring—thereby enriching the viewing experience. This transfer maintains a delicate balance between honoring Lynch and Elmes' original artistic vision and leveraging high-definition technology to deliver a visually arresting rendition likely to satisfy both long-standing aficionados and newcomers to Lynch's enigmatic world. Between the few scenes marred by softness and rare technical inconsistencies, this Blu-ray still stands as a testament to how carefully handled remasters can breathe new life into classic films, presenting 'Blue Velvet' in arguably its most compelling visual form since its initial release.

The audio presentation of "Blue Velvet" on Blu-ray, encoded in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio format, showcases a meticulously crafted 5.1 mix that plays a pivotal role in enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere. Angelo Badalamenti's score, with its simultaneously serene and foreboding tones, demonstrates an exquisite use of the LFE channel to subtly unnerve the audience. This track, originally remixed from Dolby Stereo to 5.1 by David Lynch for the 2002 Special Edition DVD and retained for this Blu-ray release, underscores the film’s unsettling vibe through both its musical elements and its sound design by Alan Splet. Despite David Lynch's later aversion to surround sound, leading to a soundtrack that functions more like a 3.1 mix with minimal rear channel activity, the audio remains engaging with its clear dialogue, immersive sound effects, and the strategic use of music and ambient sounds.

Notable is the soundtrack's fidelity to details, bringing forth elements like the nuanced spray of water or the chillingly iconic songs "Blue Velvet" and "In Dreams" with haunting magnificence. The dialogue delivery is crystal clear, artfully positioned across channels to enhance realism, while environmental sounds and Badalamenti’s score envelop the listener. However, it's important to note that while the soundtrack excels in clarity and musicality, it might not satisfy those in search of an aggressive bass experience. The low-frequency effects are present yet restrained, prioritizing nuance over power.

While the audio mix stands out for its adherence to Lynch’s vision, incorporating both subtlety and specificity in sound design—from the whisper of wind to the mechanical noises of a troubled town—a minor critique touches upon moments of intense yelling that seem to slightly clip at the high end. Despite this, such instances do little to mar an otherwise compelling auditory experience. The absence of a main menu and bookmarking capability as mentioned by some reviewers does not detract from the overall excellence of the audio presentation on this Blu-ray edition of "Blue Velvet," which remains a testament to the power of sound in amplifying narrative tension and emotional depth.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "Blue Velvet" is a treasure trove for aficionados of David Lynch's enigmatic masterpiece, offering a wealth of supplementary content that deepens the understanding of the film's creation and lore. The highlight is undoubtedly the "Newly Discovered Lost Footage," providing fans with nearly an hour of previously unseen material, which, while not essential to the film's narrative, enriches the universe of "Blue Velvet" and offers new insights into its characters. "Mysteries of Love," a comprehensive retrospective, blends vintage and newer interviews with key cast members and Lynch himself, though it's marred by technical oversights in its upconversion. The inclusion of lighthearted "A Few Outtakes" juxtaposes the film's darker themes with on-set levity, and the condensed "Siskel and Ebert 'At the Movies'" segment encapsulates the film’s polarizing reception upon release. Despite these riches, the omission of some previous DVD extras, like the Julee Cruise music video, is noticeable, though not detracting from the overall value of this edition for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mysteries of Love: A detailed look at the making of "Blue Velvet," featuring interviews with cast and crew.
• Newly Discovered Lost Footage: Nearly an hour of deleted scenes that expand on the film's characters and story.
• A Few Outtakes: Light moments and flubbed takes from the set.
• Siskel and Ebert 'At the Movies': A brief clip of the critics' differing opinions on the film.
• Vignettes: Additional interview clips that were not included in the "Mysteries of Love" documentary.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original HD movie trailer, despite its grainy quality.
• TV Spot 1 & 2: Short television advertisements for the film.

David Lynch's "Blue Velvet," released on Blu-ray by MGM Home Entertainment through 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, remains as provocatively enigmatic and deeply disturbing as it was upon its original premiere in 1986. In this meticulously crafted presentation, the movie's haunting narrative and Lynch's unparalleled artistry are given new life, highlighting the director’s unique ability to weave a tale that blithely dances across the blurred lines between idyllic suburban life and the dark, pulsating underbelly of human existence. Lynch, already known for his keen eye in dissecting the facade of normalcy in works like "Eraserhead" and "Twin Peaks," delves into a seemingly straightforward mystery that quickly spirals into a complex analysis of voyeurism, violence, and the darker corners of the human psyche through the journey of Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan), who becomes entangled in a sordid tale far beyond his expectations.

The film effortlessly combines elements of neo-noir with a brooding meditation on the duality of man, favorably standing out among Lynch's filmography for its linear narrative yet maintaining his trademark for the abstract. The stark juxtaposition of the mundane against a backdrop of unspeakable horrors explores themes of innocence lost and the seductive lure of the forbidden, capturing a chilling portrayal of small-town America rife with hidden secrets. Performances by MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, and Laura Dern add depth and nuance to the disturbingly surreal narrative, encapsulating the essence of Lynch's vision. The Blu-ray presentation accentuates these performances with stunning clarity, alongside enriching the film’s striking visual and auditory elements, from its iconic swaying velvet curtains to the eerie suburban soundscape, offering an immersive experience that is as visually arresting as it is thematically profound.

Despite its polarizing reception, with critics like Pauline Kael praising its audacity and others like Roger Ebert condemning its darker themes, "Blue Velvet" secures its place as a cinematic masterpiece through this Blu-ray release. The presentation pays homage to Lynch's meticulous attention to both sound and image, while preserving the film's integrity and enhancing its impact. Though devoid of a traditional menu, this choice reflects an intention for immediate engagement with the film's uncompromising vision, ensuring that Lynch's masterpiece remains an unforgettable exploration of the complexities of human nature and the sinister realities lurking beneath the veneer of everyday life.

David Lynch's "Blue Velvet" has long been a polarizing masterpiece, revered by many for its stark, disturbing portrayal of the underbelly of suburban American life, while alienating others through its unflinching dive into dark and troubled waters. The Blu-ray release brings this complex narrative into stunning visual and auditory clarity, presenting Lynch's vision with an unprecedented level of detail. With the inclusion of nearly an hour of newly-discovered deleted footage, this edition invites both longtime fans and newcomers to explore deeper into the enigmatic world Lynch has crafted. Despite a minor hiccup in the form of a technical glitch within the documentary feature, the overall quality of this release surpasses expectations, making it a commendable addition to any cinephile's collection.

The restoration and presentation of "Blue Velvet" on Blu-ray have indeed done justice to the film's intricate blend of beauty and horror. The visual and sound enhancements highlight Lynch's unique ability to juxtapose the ordinary with the grotesque, further intensifying the viewer's experience of the narrative's unsettling themes. The performances, especially that of Isabella Rossellini as the disturbed Dorothy Vallens, gain new depth and nuance with the enhanced clarity, underscoring the film's exploration of depravity and innocence lost. This release not only celebrates Lynch's distinctive vision but also provides an enriched context for the film's enduring relevance.

In conclusion, MGM's Blu-ray edition of "Blue Velvet" is a significant achievement in the preservation and appreciation of David Lynch's controversial yet compelling work. While not without its minor flaws, this release demonstrates a deep understanding and respect for the film's legacy, offering both fans and critics an opportunity to revisit and reassess its place in cinematic history. Highly recommended, this Blu-ray not only excels in technical quality but also enriches the viewing experience, solidifying "Blue Velvet" as a crucial piece of film artistry for generations to come.