Kill Me Again Blu-ray Review

John Dahl's "Kill Me Again" arrives on Blu-ray presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, boasting a 1080p transfer. The release leverages an older master likely sourced from MGM's previous DVD rendition. This version avoids heavy digital corrections, maintaining a natural appearance, although it inherently carries source-related shortcomings. Daytime close-ups exhibit decent to good clarity, yet indoor and night scenes lack the depth and nuance expected from stronger contemporary remasters, resulting in light to moderate black crush, sporadic flatness, and subpar fluidity. In larger formats, these limitations become even more apparent, revealing the age of the master.

Despite these drawbacks, the colors in this presentation are stable, though some native nuances are absent due to grading limitations. Overall balance remains pleasing, and grain exposure is acceptable without glaring anomalies. Image stability is excellent, with no large cuts, debris, stains, or damage marks reported. Finer details like facial textures in close-ups hold up well, while slightly smoother as the camera pulls back. Blacks are generally solid, offering suitable shading and enhancement yet falling short in nighttime sequences. Colors appear slightly weathered yet fitting given the film’s desert aesthetic; blues stand out as particularly nice.

"Kill Me Again" on Blu-ray delivers a mostly decent visual presentation. While the image does not leave its viewers in awe and retains a softer overall appearance with average to above-average details, it provides solid depth and consistent flesh tones throughout. Grain presence and minimal specs add to its vintage charm rather than detract. However, a proper new remaster could bring meaningful improvements across key areas for an even more refined experience. Note that this Blu-ray release is Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible player for access.

The Blu-ray release of "Kill Me Again" features a singular audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This lossless stereo mix is robust, maintaining substantial depth, clarity, and balance. The audio presentation captures the film’s dynamic ambiance precisely, making ambient sounds and environments feel remarkably tangible. Despite the impressive performance, there is an apparent missed opportunity for a more immersive soundscape, possibly due to the absence of a 5.1 surround sound mix. This decision, whether influenced by the filmmaker John Dahl or otherwise, slightly limits the full potential of the sound design.

Technically, the dialogue reproduction in this 2.0 stereo mix is impeccable — it’s clean, stable, and well-placed within the broader audio context. Action sequences, such as gunshots, car crashes, and tire squeals, are executed with a commendable degree of fullness and layering. While it won't deliver the room-shaking impact of a more contemporary surround sound setup, the audio mix still manages to be engaging and effective. No optional English SDH subtitles are provided, which might be a consideration for accessibility. Overall, this stereo offering delivers a solid auditory experience even if it leaves some room for sonic enhancement.

The Blu-ray extras for "Kill Me Again" offer a commendable array of supplemental features that enhance the overall viewing experience. The standout extras include insightful interviews and entertaining featurettes, which provide an in-depth look into the making of the film. The included vintage trailers, while brief, effectively capture the nostalgic essence of the original marketing campaign. Additionally, the commentary tracks deliver valuable perspectives from key cast and crew members, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the film’s production process. Each feature is presented in high definition, ensuring high-quality visuals and audio.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage MGM trailer for "Kill Me Again." In English, not subtitled.
• Trailer: High-definition trailer, approximately 1 minute and 48 seconds.

John Dahl's Kill Me Again (1989) arrives on Blu-ray from Olive Films, presenting a solid but not exceptional entry in the neo-noir genre. The film features a compelling storyline centering around private investigator Jack Andrews (Val Kilmer) and femme fatale Fay Forrester (Joanne Whalley). With their on-screen chemistry reflecting their real-life marital status, Kilmer and Whalley deliver believable and engaging performances. Michael Madsen stands out as Vince, Fay's dangerous boyfriend, bringing menace and unpredictability to his role, which enhances the film's tension.

Dahl's debut is notable for its stylistic choices and adherence to noir conventions, from the desolate desert landscapes to the intricate web of deception, danger, and murder. Jacques Steyn's cinematography complements Dahl’s vision, creating a looser, more authentic feel that is vital for this genre. However, while the plot initially captivates, the film's climax and resolution may leave some viewers unconvinced due to their somewhat inexplicable and convenient nature.

Ultimately, Kill Me Again succeeds in capturing the essence of noir with its blend of style and substance. The flawed yet engaging characters and the suspenseful narrative keep it interesting, even if at times it resorts to familiar tropes. Despite some shortcomings in the final act, it remains a decent watch, especially for fans of the genre and those curious about Dahl’s early directorial works.

John Dahl's "Kill Me Again" is a notable entry in the American neo-noir genre, embodying the desert noir atmosphere with a competent yet somewhat predictable narrative. While not as compelling as its successor "Red Rock West," "Kill Me Again" provides solid entertainment, capturing the essence of '90s noir through engaging performances and a coherent storyline. The film's appeal lies in its ability to maintain the quintessential noir tone that aficionados will appreciate, even if it does not reach the heights of Dahl's subsequent works.

The Blu-ray release by Olive Films, derived from an older MGM master, offers a reasonably satisfactory visual experience, though it falls short of modern high-definition standards. Some scenes suffer from noticeable grain and occasional soft focus, indicating potential for improvement with a contemporary remaster. While devoid of substantial bonus features, this release remains a valued acquisition for fans, especially considering the moderate price point. However, those seeking an elevated viewing experience might find the lack of extras and pristine image quality somewhat disappointing.

Overall, "Kill Me Again" on Blu-ray is a worthy addition to a neo-noir collection despite its technical limitations. The film's atmospheric strength and engaging storyline make it a compelling watch. Although one might dream of a Criterion-level restoration for Dahl's early works, this release provides adequate enjoyment for enthusiasts of the genre. Given its affordability and nostalgic significance, it merits a place on the shelf of any dedicated noir lover.