Chances Are Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Chances Are" unfortunately falls short, presenting a disappointing 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 encoded transfer. Despite the reputation of the cinematographer William A. Fraker, renowned for his work on classics like "Bullitt" and "Rosemary's Baby," this release fails to capture the intended visual quality. The image is consistently soft, lacking in fine detail, and marred by substantial grain and noise that are unexpected given the film's 1989 release date. The initial hazy quality set in 1964 might seem suitable for its dreamy past-present dichotomy, but the persistence of this lackluster quality when the setting shifts to present-day Washington D.C. is disheartening.

The Blu-ray does offer some improvements over the DVD version. Colors are better differentiated, and the higher resolution enhances crowd scenes and detailed sets slightly. However, these incremental improvements are overshadowed by persistent video noise and a noticeable haze, even in close-up shots which should ideally exhibit more clarity in high definition. Additionally, there are occasional contrast issues where white levels appear overly bright or blown out, further detracting from the visual fidelity one would expect from a Blu-ray release aiming to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary.

Overall, it appears that the transfer process involved elements far removed from the original negatives, leading to a substantial loss in detail and presenting an image not befitting the standards of high-definition remastering. With an average bitrate of 25.03 Mbps, compression-related problems are minimal; however, almost everything else fails to meet expectations, making this Blu-ray a subpar presentation for a film that certainly deserved better treatment.

The Blu-ray release of "Chances Are" brings a notable improvement to the original Dolby Stereo audio, now presented in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The audio track is robust, featuring clear, intelligible dialogue and commendable fidelity. Environmental ambiance is well-captured, especially in scenes with larger gatherings such as Corinne's grand Smithsonian exhibit reception and the climactic courtroom scene. These scenes benefit from an expansive soundstage when run through a competent surround decoder, contributing to a dynamic and immersive listening experience.

Maurice Jarre's enchanting score alongside a well-curated selection of contemporary popular standards, including Johnny Mathis' "Chances Are" and Cher and Peter Cetera's Oscar-nominated "After All," is delivered with excellent clarity and vigor. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix deals impressively with musical elements, providing a vibrant auditory backdrop that supports the film’s narrative. Overall, while not groundbreaking, this audio mix is an above-average effort that enhances the film’s transition into high definition, offering a more compelling and balanced listening experience than one might initially expect.

The Blu Ray edition of "Chances Are" is devoid of supplementary content, a notable omission that discerning collectors will find disappointing. Unlike the 1998 DVD release by Columbia Tristar, which at least included the film's trailer, this edition offers nothing additional to enhance the viewer's experience or provide further insights into the production. This lack of extras detracts from the overall value of the Blu Ray, making it merely a high-definition presentation of the film without any added benefits.

Extras included in this disc: None

"Chances Are," directed by Emile Ardolino, showcases early career highlights of actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Cybill Shepherd. Ardolino, acclaimed for his previous work in "Dirty Dancing" and "Sister Act," integrates a supernatural twist into this romantic comedy. The film centers around Louie Jeffries (Christopher McDonald), a young prosecutor whose untimely death throws him into a celestial loop, sending his soul back to Earth prematurely as Alex Finch (Robert Downey Jr.). Louie’s impatient return without memory erasure sets up a convoluted yet charming narrative spanning decades.

Downey’s compelling portrayal of Alex/Louie brings the film to life, functioning as its unpredictable core. The story unfolds with Alex, now a Yale student, unwittingly reuniting with his past life's family. This leads to complicated entanglements with Corinne (Cybill Shepherd), Louie’s widow, and Miranda (Mary Stuart Masterson), his grown daughter. The screenplay by Perry and Randy Howze cleverly balances humor and emotional depth, tackling themes of love and identity amid supernatural elements.

While the movie's premise is inherently whimsical, it raises profound existential questions left unanswered. The overlapping identities of Alex and Louie blur the line between new beginnings and unresolved pasts, leading to somewhat disconcerting romantic entanglements. These narrative intricacies, although occasionally unsettling, add a unique layer to what could have been a straightforward romantic comedy, contributing to its enduring appeal despite technical shortcomings in the Blu-ray presentation.

"Chances Are" is a charming yet flawed romantic comedy that has managed to retain its appeal over the years, primarily due to its unique premise and strong performances. Robert Downey Jr. and Christopher McDonald deliver standout performances, injecting the film with much-needed energy and charisma, while Cybill Shepherd skillfully navigates the more challenging aspects of the narrative, making the implausible storyline surprisingly palatable. Despite some glaring weaknesses in its script and themes, the film remains an enjoyable watch, primarily driven by its cast's prowess.

However, Sony and Image's Blu-ray release of "Chances Are" presents a mixed bag. The visual quality is noticeably subpar, with the picture lacking the clarity and vibrancy one would expect from a high-definition release. While not disastrous, it certainly doesn’t come close to the best Blu-ray transfers on the market. On the audio side, the sound quality is competent but far from outstanding—it accomplishes its task without leaving a lasting impression.

In conclusion, "Chances Are" offers a delightful escape for those willing to overlook its narrative shortcomings, thanks to stellar performances from its cast. Though the Blu-ray release is a significant step up from previous home video formats, it doesn't achieve impeccable quality. For aficionados of the movie, this edition might be worth the purchase; however, existing DVD owners may find the upgrade marginal in its overall improvement.