The Swimmer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Swimmer" boasts an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, demonstrating Grindhouse's commendable proficiency in the BD realm. The source material is remarkably clean, free from defects, or signs of aging, ensuring an unobstructed viewing experience. The film’s color palette is striking, with deep blues and lush greenery vividly displayed, rendering the summery visual aesthetic with astounding fidelity. Skin tones are natural and consistently well-reproduced throughout the movie. Furthermore, the finely detailed textures on Burt Lancaster's face, as well as other characters, underscore the high-quality image fidelity. The grain is impeccably managed to maintain a cinematic feel while providing a fresh and inviting look to the overall visual experience.

Blacks are notably stable and exact, facilitating strong delineation as Ned moves through various light conditions, particularly in scenes with significant shadow play. Despite one instance of a soft focus likely due to a source issue and minor jitter during a slow-motion sequence, the overall detail remains impressively sharp. The color accuracy is particularly commendable in elements such as the hot dog wagon and character outfits, highlighting the meticulous rendering of hues from across the spectrum. The thematic mood and mystery of the original cinematography are preserved, making this Blu-ray presentation a compelling visual tribute to the film’s legacy.

The 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio Mono sound mix of "The Swimmer" delivers a commendable representation of the film's auditory elements. Marvin Hamlisch's score stands out with rich and clean instrumentation, providing bold orchestral support without overwhelming the on-screen action. Dialogue is typically sharp and expressive, ensuring clear communication of emotions. Atmospherics, including pool activities and outdoor details, are well rendered, setting a vivid mood. The audio presentation is free from hiss and overt damage, maintaining fidelity to the original design without distortion.

However, the track does present some limitations due to post-production ADR. Dialogue, although always understandable, occasionally suffers from flatness and lifelessness, particularly evident in the scene at the Bizwangers' patio where an unrealistic echo effect is applied. Despite these minor issues, the dialogue remains balanced well with other audio elements. Marvin Hamlisch's score, demonstrating significant dynamic range, shines as a highlight. Bass is present but limited, primarily noticeable in the score and during storm sequences. Overall, the audio mix respects the film's original soundscape while offering a freshly restored experience.

"The Swimmer" Blu-ray extras deliver a comprehensive and engrossing deep dive into the film's troubled production, character dynamics, and thematic significance. Highlighted by "The Story of 'The Swimmer'," an extensive and candid documentary featuring interviews with key cast and crew, the extras explore Burt Lancaster’s star power and the contentious on-set atmosphere caused by creative differences and producer manipulation. Complementary materials such as a Marge Champion interview, John Cheever's reading of the original short story, and a wealth of still galleries add substantial depth. Technical insights from various professionals provide an engaging behind-the-scenes look that appeals to both film historians and casual fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Story of 'The Swimmer': Five-part documentary exploring the making of the film.
• Interview with Marge Champion: Insightful discussion with actress Marge Champion.
• John Cheever Reads 'The Swimmer': Audio recording of the author reading his 1964 short story.
• Still Galleries: Extensive collection of images including storyboards, production stills, and promotional materials.
• Title Sequence Outtakes: Footage from the title sequence set to Marvin Hamlisch's score.
• Filmographies: Detailed text filmographies of key personnel.
• Trailers and TV Spots: U.S. theatrical trailer and five TV spots.

Frank Perry's 1968 film "The Swimmer" is a compelling and deeply unsettling exploration of self-delusion and nostalgia, brought brilliantly to life by Burt Lancaster's powerful performance. Adapted from John Cheever's short story, the film follows Ned Merrill, an ad executive who decides to swim home through his neighbors' pools in affluent Connecticut, dubbing his route the Lucinda River. This deceptively simple journey quickly reveals itself as an allegory for Ned's mental breakdown, with each pool he visits uncovering more of his fractured psyche. The initial serenity and nostalgia give way to a disturbing reality as Ned reconnects with friends and family who respond with subtle hostility and confusion, hinting at the larger secrets beneath his charismatic facade.

The film opens with striking visuals of an unseen presence moving through the woods, culminating in Ned's sudden appearance in swim trunks, immediately diving into a pool. This visual storytelling, combined with Marvin Hamlisch's evocative score that shifts from idyllic to ominous, sets the tone for Ned’s psychological odyssey. As he swims from pool to pool, old acquaintances greet him warmly, but their reactions gradually reveal a community unsettled by his presence. His encounters range from flirtatious friends to estranged lovers and neighbors who subtly expose his disconnection from reality.

Lancaster's performance anchors the film, portraying Ned's descent from confident virility to vulnerable desperation with remarkable depth. Screenwriter Eleanor Perry masterfully maintains an air of ambiguity, forcing viewers to piece together Ned’s true situation. The narrative raises more questions than it answers, reflecting Ned's unreliable nature and delusional beliefs. Moments of clarity, like Ned’s encounter with Mrs. Hammer – where she rebukes him for neglecting her hospitalized son – are pivotal in revealing his emotional and relational detachment.

Overall, "The Swimmer" blends fantasy and harsh reality to craft a psychological portrait of a man in denial. It's a haunting examination of a life unraveling, delivered through striking cinematography and powerful performances, demanding careful reflection from its audience.

While Lancaster is the anchor of The Swimmer, the feature does have a fascinating visual language, flirting with dreamscape imagery and collisions of shock that sharpen the movie's dramatic intentions, reaching a point of exquisite disillusionment that powers the picture's unexpected killing blow. While literal enough to follow in a satisfying manner, The Swimmer retains its hallucinatory appetites, keeping the whole effort tilted, often masterfully so. It's bold work and a forgotten film that deserves a fresh audience, with this exemplary BD providing a perfect opportunity to discover its numerous treasures.

'The Swimmer' is a captivating character study about a man in crisis. Although there was great difficulty behind the scenes, it didn't detract from the final product. This was my first viewing of a Grindhouse Releasing title and they deserve great praise for this high-def marvelous presentation. This is highly recommended.

"The Swimmer" is an enigmatic exploration of disillusionment and personal crisis, anchored by Burt Lancaster's compelling performance. The narrative weaves through glistening pools and suburban facades, only to reveal a landscape fraught with psychological tension and emotional undercurrents. The Blu-ray transfer vividly captures the film’s rich color palette and nuanced cinematography, enhancing its dreamlike quality through an impressive high-definition restoration.

Behind-the-scenes challenges paradoxically bolster the film’s mystique rather than detract from it. The preservation efforts by Grindhouse Releasing deserve applause, delivering not just a restored image but a rejuvenated experience of an almost forgotten classic. Audio quality too remains clear and immersive, contributing to the atmosphere of creeping unease that permeates through Lancaster’s surreal odyssey.

This Blu-ray edition of "The Swimmer" provides a rare gateway into 1960s experimental cinema that melds traditional storytelling with avant-garde visual poetry. It represents a significant contribution to the preservation of mid-century American cinema.

While Lancaster is the anchor of The Swimmer, the feature does have a fascinating visual language, flirting with dreamscape imagery and collisions of shock that sharpen the movie's dramatic intentions, reaching a point of exquisite disillusionment that powers the picture's unexpected killing blow. While literal enough to follow in a satisfying manner, The Swimmer retains its hallucinatory appetites, keeping the whole effort tilted, often masterfully so. It's bold work and a forgotten film that deserves a fresh audience, with this exemplary BD providing a perfect opportunity to discover its numerous treasures.