The Hudsucker Proxy Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray release of "The Hudsucker Proxy" features an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer that effectively captures the unique visual style of the film. The delicate lighting and pastel-driven palette of Deakins' cinematography, along with Gassner's meticulous production design, are presented with commendable clarity. Despite being compressed onto a BD-25 without obvious artifacts, the film maintains a fine, film-like grain texture. While black levels are solid and detail is very good, allowing for an appreciation of the exaggerated period costumes and hairstyles, the contrast might appear slightly understated. This trade-off, however, arguably benefits the overall visual experience by avoiding overblown highlights.

The presentation remains faithful to the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio through an open-matte 1.78:1 transfer, exposing a negligible amount of extra image at the top and bottom of the frame. This choice, while perhaps unconventional, does not detract from the overall viewing experience. The master likely stems from a pre-existing video source, possibly dating back to the 1999 DVD release, without a subsequent new film scan. The image may lack razor-sharp precision but offers a satisfying level of detail and texture. Additionally, the colors often lean towards drab tones which harmonize well with the film's storybook vision of New York, making the few instances of vibrant color—such as during the unveiling of Norville's invention—stand out strikingly.

In summation, while not without minor flaws, Warner Archive's video presentation of "The Hudsucker Proxy" offers a loyal and commendable reproduction of the film's stylized aesthetic, with a solid handling of its nuanced lighting and period-specific design elements.

The audio presentation of "The Hudsucker Proxy" on Blu-ray, encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, aligns well with the film's original Dolby Stereo mix. Notably, discrete 5.1 soundtracks were not the standard when the film debuted in 1994. Consequently, its stereo track is a faithful reproduction, adeptly capturing the playful execution of Carter Burwell's eclectic score interwoven with selections from Duke Ellington, Georges Bizet, and Aram Khachaturyan. This 2.0 track, while not a full 5.1 remix, provides an immersive experience with commendable dialogue clarity and effective use of surround decoders to enhance the rear speaker presence subtly.

However, some reviewers expressed a desire for a more sophisticated 5.1 remix, which could have potentially enriched the depth and fidelity of the soundtrack. The current 2.0 format does have its limitations, particularly when played at higher volumes, where the sound may appear strident and bass extension feels somewhat lacking. Despite these constraints, the stereo mix delivers a generally enjoyable listening experience. When processed through a modern Dolby Surround Upmixer decoder, certain scenes, especially those within the clockwork room, achieve surprising levels of envelopment, showcasing inventive sound design that complements the film's whimsical aesthetic.

The Blu-ray release of "The Hudsucker Proxy" includes just one extra feature, significantly improving upon the original 1999 DVD release that had no bonus material. This single addition is a trailer presented in 1080p high definition, although it appears to be sourced from a standard-definition or VHS-origin lackluster visual quality. While this leaves much to be desired in terms of added content and presentation fidelity, the mere inclusion of any extra distinguishes the Blu-ray as an exclusive over the basic DVD. Despite the trailer's suboptimal appearance and the poor marketing insight it represents, it remains a welcome enhancement for collectors and aficionados of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Presented in 1.33:1 full frame format, sourced from standard definition or VHS, giving away key jokes from the movie.

"The Hudsucker Proxy," a product of the Coen Brothers' unique creative vision, represents a high-budget homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930s and '40s. Co-written with Sam Raimi, the film's production involved significant investment from Joel Silver and Warner Brothers. Despite its financial failure upon release in 1994, the movie has garnered a loyal cult following over the years. The film excels as a parody that accentuates and exaggerates classic screwball tropes: speedy dialogue becomes cartoonishly rapid, the innocent protagonist turns into an outright bumpkin, and villains transform into almost grotesque caricatures.

The narrative follows Norville Barnes (Tim Robbins), whose naivete elevates him to unlikely corporate success before plotting forces aim to bring him down. Paul Newman shines as Sidney J. Mussberger, the scheming antagonist, while Jennifer Jason Leigh's portrayal of Amy Archer, a rapid-talking reporter, channels the essence of classic actresses like Rosalind Russell and Katharine Hepburn. The Coens' film stands out with its intricate miniatures, surrealistic touches, and homage-driven aesthetic, which together create a distinctively dreamlike 1958 setting.

Technically, the Blu-ray release under the Warner Archive Collection preserves the film's visual and audio integrity despite modest packaging. Given the complexity of the film's visual elements—ranging from choreographed scenes to elaborate special effects—the high-definition format reveals the meticulous craftsmanship put into every frame. While the minimalist presentation might leave some wanting in terms of supplementary features, the core cinematic experience remains uncompromised. This release ensures that "The Hudsucker Proxy," a nuanced blend of reverence and satire, continues to be accessible to both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "The Hudsucker Proxy" by Warner Archive is a much-needed revival of what many consider an underrated gem in the Coen brothers' filmography. Though it does not include the extensive extra features one might expect from a modern collector’s edition, the high-definition transfer is commendable. The visual and audio quality offer a faithful presentation of the film's original aesthetics, capturing the nuanced details and rich color palette that underscore the movie's stylistic homage to classic screwball comedies.

The film itself, blending meticulous production design with sharp wit, often draws criticism for being more style than substance. However, this perspective overlooks the Coens’ deliberate embrace of comedy as both form and purpose. "The Hudsucker Proxy" offers a delightful pastiche of 1950s corporate Americana, with exaggerated characters and farcical situations driven by an insightful satire on ambition and greed. The performances, particularly by Tim Robbins and Jennifer Jason Leigh, offer an engaging dynamic that underscores the film’s humor and thematic core.

In conclusion, "The Hudsucker Proxy" is a film that should be appreciated on its own terms, as a cleverly crafted comedy. The Warner Archive's Blu-ray version salvages this film from relative obscurity, presenting it with solid technical fidelity. For both longtime fans and newcomers to the Coens’ work, this release is highly recommended. Enjoy it for what it is: an artful ode to comedy with an underlying critique of corporate absurdity—an experience best savored without the expectation of serious moral undertones.