Catchfire Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber presents "Catchfire" in a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, maintaining the film's original 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The Blu-ray release demonstrates signs of prior remastering, with its vibrant visuals generally pleasing to the eye. While it lacks the complete vivacity and consistency a 4K master would provide, the organic appearance is commendable. Delineation, clarity, and depth are achieved with precision, and although occasional fluctuations appear, such as minor black crush issues, these moments remain unobtrusive. The image stability is robust, providing a solid viewing experience devoid of any problematic digital corrections.

Color reproduction is another highlight of this presentation, characterized by a well-balanced palette that enhances the viewing experience. While some darker primaries could benefit from improved management, they still hold their own within the broader color spectrum. Shadow definition shows room for enhancement, yet the existing nuances are satisfactory, contributing positively to scene transitions and atmospheric consistency.

It is important to note that this release is Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible Region-A or Region-Free Blu-ray player for access. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer of "Catchfire" offers a quality visual representation with only minor areas for improvement, allowing it to effectively engage viewers while preserving the film’s cinematic essence.

The Blu-ray release of "Catchfire," or "Backtrack," features a sole DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, coupled with optional English SDH subtitles. Surprisingly, the absence of a 5.1 audio track is notable, as the film's audio landscape seems ripe for an expanded dynamic presence. The existing 2.0 track delivers serviceable sound quality but lacks depth and dynamic range, elements where a remaster could significantly enhance the auditory experience. Viewers can expect clear, distortion-free dialogue throughout the entire presentation, which remains a positive attribute amidst some limitations.

Despite these constraints, Kino’s Blu-ray release effectively retains the integrity of the film's original audio, aligning well with the visually crisp 1.78:1 widescreen presentation. This matches the film’s vibrant cinematography by Ed Lachman, known for using bright locations and primary colors—elements that the Blu-ray presentation adeptly showcases. These points contribute to a faithful visual and auditory representation of the theatrical experience.

Professionals will appreciate the technical solidity of the current audio configuration; however, opportunities for enhancement remain evident. While the technical presentation ensures clarity and consistency devoid of audio dropouts or distortions, an upgrade to modern audio standards could make this an exemplary release in line with contemporary expectations. The inclusion of subtitles further aids accessibility, rounding off an audio package that fulfills its role admirably but leaves room for future optimization.

The Blu Ray extras for "Catchfire" present a thoughtfully curated selection that enhances the viewing experience with historical context and professional insights. The trailers for both the Director's Cut and Theatrical Cut offer a nostalgic glimpse into the original promotional strategies, providing an engaging marketing perspective without subtitles to maintain authenticity. The standout feature is the exclusive audio commentary from filmmaker Alex Cox and screenwriter Tod Davies. Their expert discussion provides valuable insights into the filmmaking process, likely covering behind-the-scenes anecdotes and creative decisions, which enrich viewers’ understanding of the movie's artistic nuances. This insightful commentary, coupled with the vintage trailers, ensures the extras section offers both educational and entertainment value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer One: Original vintage trailer for the Director's Cut, Backtrack.
• Trailer Two: Original vintage trailer for the Theatrical Cut, Catchfire.
• Commentary: Exclusive new audio commentary by Alex Cox and Tod Davies.

Dennis Hopper's "Backtrack" (1990), presented on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, emerges as a distinctive entry in the neo-noir genre, despite its uneven execution. The film, also marketed as "Catchfire," straddles the line between a subdued gangster thriller and an eccentric romantic narrative. Hopper, both behind and in front of the camera, delivers a unique portrayal of Milo, a hitman with whimsical aspirations and fetishes, which injects the film with an off-kilter charm. This character exploration is one reason why notable artists such as Bob Dylan make cameo appearances, adding further allure to the film's unpredictable nature. Jodie Foster offers a compelling performance, transforming convincingly from a vulnerable artist to a character intricately entwined with Milo's complex world.

The Blu-ray release distinguishes itself with a Director's Cut that runs nearly two hours, providing a more coherent journey through Milo's quirks and fantasies than the shorter Theatrical Cut known as "Catchfire," which Hopper disowned. This version opts for an adult sense of humor and rich character development, grounding its eccentricities with substantial character arcs. Hopper's collaboration with Ed Lachman as the director of photography results in visually engaging scenes, albeit sometimes indulgent in their stylistic choices. This visual flair enhances the film’s atmosphere, drawing viewers into its strange yet fascinating universe.

Adding depth to the viewing experience, the Blu-ray includes exclusive new audio commentary by filmmaker Alex Cox and screenwriter Tod Davies, providing contextual insights into the creative process behind the film. Noteworthy is the fact that the original rough cut featured a different soundtrack, initially using Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine," which was later replaced by jazz music in the Director's Cut. This choice further complements the film's unique personality, making "Backtrack" an intriguing albeit flawed cinematic experiment worthy of exploration by neo-noir enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray release of "Catchfire," also known as "Backtrack," is an intriguing addition to the Lionsgate library, delivered with Kino's characteristic attention to detail. This release includes both cuts of the film presented in a 1.78:1 widescreen format, closely mirroring the original theatrical ratio of 1.85:1. The transfer quality is commendable, with the cinematography by Ed Lachman vividly capturing bright locations and an engaging use of primary colors, bolstered by a perfunctory theatrical release. The audio is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo surround, which performs aptly, though it does not particularly stand out. Optional English subtitles are available for further accessibility.

Exploring Dennis Hopper's "Backtrack" through its available Blu-ray iteration allows viewers to discern its unique charm and occasional flaws. In an insightful new audio commentary by Alex Cox and screenwriter Tod Davies, the film's background as a reimagined director's cut unfolds. While "Backtrack" maintains its appeal as a neo-noir from the late 1980s and early 1990s, certain sequences, particularly those involving the character Milo, appear artificially constructed. The film's narrative transitions could benefit from greater fluidity, yet its offbeat ambiance and humor remain engaging.

Conclusively, "Backtrack" on Blu-ray serves as a worthwhile exploration for aficionados of neo-noir films, embodying both the quirks and entertaining atmospheres indicative of its era. While not seamless in execution, it represents an enjoyable addition to any collection. Pairing it with Hopper's distinguished "The Hot Spot" can enhance appreciation of the Neo-Noir Renaissance's depth and variety. This release is Recommended for collectors and genre enthusiasts alike.