Michael Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Michael" marks a significant upgrade from its previous DVD edition, boasting a new 2020 master that appears to be sourced from a recent 2K scan of the interpositive. Given the film’s relatively young age, the source material remains in excellent condition, providing a solid foundation for this transfer. The Midwest locations, spanning from Chicago to Iowa, are showcased with remarkable care in their rustic and urban charm, courtesy of cinematographer John Lindley's use of natural light and practical compositions. Skin tones and fine details maintain accuracy within the film's visual context, although they tend to vary with lighting conditions. This release exemplifies Warner Archive Collection's trademark quality, featuring natural film grain, a stable presentation, consistently high bit rates, and an absence of dirt, debris, or excessive noise reduction.

The technical specifications reinforce this exceptional presentation, with the film encoded in MPEG-4 AVC with a resolution of 1080p and an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on a BD-50 disc. The high definition image is supported by a healthy grain that contributes to a comforting cinematic texture. Details are crisp and clear, revealing patterns and textures effortlessly. Colors are both bold and well-saturated, achieving a near-natural black level that enhances the film’s dark, shadowy scenes without any noticeable crushing. The depth of field is impressive, offering a distinct separation between foreground characters and background settings, with smooth motion free of blurring or jittering.

Color reproduction stands out with natural, rustic hues and occasional vibrant bursts from neon signs or flashy fabrics. The film’s overall aesthetic is beautifully captured on celluloid, with well-saturated colors providing a visually appealing image. Flesh tones are faithfully rendered throughout the film, bringing out facial features and textures with clarity. Additionally, the transfer is remarkably clean, devoid of noise or artifacts, cementing this Blu-ray as an exemplary upgrade for any collector or cinephile.

Warner Archive's DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track successfully recreates the theatrical experience of "Michael" on Blu-ray. Dialogue is clear and the dynamic score by Randy Newman shines, with exceptional range. Diegetic music, including Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools" in Michael's Pied Piper dance scene, fills the sound stage effectively, enhancing their respective scenes. Additionally, the soundtrack features an impressive array of classic cuts from Van Morrison, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, all of which sound outstanding.

Although the film is not audio-intensive, the mix maintains a strong focus on dialogue, which is captured wonderfully at the forefront. Everyday foley effects are lifelike, particularly noticeable in scenes with utensils clanging or coffee pouring. The subwoofer complements the score and enhances natural sounds like doors closing or engines running. While the surround sound is not overwhelmingly active, it adds light crowd ambiance and enhances settings like restaurants and bars. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and well-integrated into its environment, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are also well-formatted within the 1.85:1 frame.

The Blu-ray extras for "Michael" offer a comprehensive and engaging addition to the main feature. The collection includes a theatrical trailer and an SD trailer, both of which provide succinct previews of the film's essence. The attention to HD presentation in the available scenes is commendable, ensuring a crisp visual quality. This blend of standard definition and high-definition content serves to enhance the viewing experience, making the extras a worthwhile addition. Each element is carefully crafted to give deeper insight and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Also available here, as well as the opening scene and another clip in HD.
• Trailer: A preview in standard definition (SD).

Nora Ephron's "Michael" is an eccentric romantic drama mixed with fantasy elements that, while whimsical, make sense within the film's loosely established reality. John Travolta stars as Michael, an angel living incognito in Iowa. This oddball figure draws the attention of tabloid journalist Frank Quinlan (William Hurt) and his team, including rookie reporter Dorothy Winters (Andie MacDowell) and associate Huey Driscoll (Robert Pastorelli). Their journey to escort Michael back to Chicago unfolds as a quirky road trip filled with quaint detours, including stops at bizarre tourist attractions and small towns imbued with Americana charm. Michael’s quirky character—complete with off-white wings, a penchant for smoking and drinking, and a desire for earthly experiences—leads to a narrative where miracles and mundane life intertwine.

The film adopts a road trip format, allowing for episodic adventures that vary in significance. While some scenes feel like filler, others advance the storyline in subtle but important ways. Travolta’s portrayal of Michael stands out as captivating, providing a unique blend of irreverent behavior and tender wisdom. Conversations about relationships, faith, and personal miracles are frequent, but the film hesitates to fully explore deeper theological themes. This restraint gives "Michael" a light-hearted feel, akin to a gentler version of Kevin Smith's "Dogma." Despite its occasional superficiality, charming performances and Ephron's steady direction hold the audience's interest.

With a runtime of 104 minutes, the film's appeal largely depends on one's affection for the cast. Travolta’s performance is endearing, while Hurt and MacDowell convincingly portray characters undergoing personal transformations. However, the film also suffers from occasional overcrowding, notably with the character Huey, whose relevance seems minimal beyond owning a significant dog. Despite these flaws, "Michael" remains an enjoyable ride, buoyed by Ephron's nuanced direction and its cast's chemistry. It might not leave a lasting impact but offers a delightful mix of whimsy and heartfelt moments that contribute to its status as an endearing, albeit quirky, cult classic.

Michael, directed by Nora Ephron, is a quirky romantic fantasy that reflects the charm and eccentricity of its era, capturing the essence of its period through a unique blend of romance and whimsical humor. The movie effectively balances its charming elements with moments of crowding but ultimately finds its stride in the latter segments, making it an engaging viewing experience. The solid performances by a talented cast and Ephron’s competent direction ensure that while it may not delve deeply into the thematic explorations of religion, it still presents a compelling narrative worth watching.

The Blu-ray edition from Warner Archive offers a remarkable audio-visual presentation. The image quality is stellar, showcasing bright visuals with excellent clarity and detail, while the 5.1 audio mix delivers a solid and immersive auditory experience. However, it’s noteworthy that the disc is quite sparse on bonus features, limited to only the film’s trailer, which might leave avid collectors or viewers seeking more in-depth insights somewhat disappointed.

In conclusion, while "Michael" may not explore its religious themes to their fullest potential, it remains a charming and well-directed piece bolstered by strong performances and a top-notch Blu-ray presentation. Fans of the film and its cast will find this release worth picking up, especially when available at a reasonable price. Despite the lack of substantial extras, the quality of the main feature’s presentation makes it a recommended addition to any collection.