Nothing in Common Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of 'Nothing in Common,' shot by the late John A. Alonzo (known for his work on Chinatown and Scarface), captures the essence of its Chicago locations with a blend of realism and artistic flair. Alonzo's use of the city and Northwestern University as backdrops is meticulously preserved in this AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer. The 1080p resolution faithfully renders the myriad of locations and the unique, albeit often questionable, fashion of the Eighties. Despite the challenge posed by some of the era's more outrageous clothing patterns causing minor instances of aliasing and video noise, the overall image quality remains impressive.

The Blu-ray excels in fine detail, particularly in actor expressions and both indoor and outdoor environments, maintaining natural black levels and contrast without resorting to high-frequency filtering or artificial sharpening. While hues are generally well-balanced, some scenes set in poorly lit interiors—such as Max Basner's apartment—demonstrate a softer image where film grain becomes more prominent. Alonzo's minimalist lighting style accentuates this grain, which may irk some but achieves a faithful representation of the original film stock.

Exterior shots shine with sharp contrast and clear, distant visibility, while interior sequences, though stable in black levels and boasting slight shadow delineation, may appear less resolved. The film's visual stability is further enhanced by a consistent layer of grain, contributing to its overall film-like texture. Bold color reproduction, particularly reds and greens, adds vibrancy without over-saturation. The Blu-ray transfer of 'Nothing in Common' successfully respects Alonzo's pioneering approach to cinematography, balancing fidelity to the source material with the expectations of high-definition viewers.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Nothing in Common" features the original mono soundtrack in PCM 2.0 format. When reproduced through a high-quality set of stereo speakers in direct mode, the track provides a wide soundstage reminiscent of a typical theatrical setup. However, when put through a matrix decoder, the two identical channels converge into the center speaker of a conventional home theater arrangement. Despite this, the dialogue clarity is impeccable, and the musical score presents a commendable dynamic range and fidelity. The film's soundtrack includes contributions from notable artists like Christopher Cross, Carly Simon, Richard Marx, and The Thompson Twins, delivering an emotive and contextually apt musical experience.

Nevertheless, as a character-driven dramedy from the 80s, the uncompressed PCM mono soundtrack does encounter limitations. While it efficiently conveys dialogue and emotionally compelling conversations, its single-channel nature restricts the overall listening experience. Background ambiances in busy scenes lack depth and presence, rendering bustling streets silent and crowded bars near-empty. This absence of spatial audio or environmental cues leads to a somewhat uninspiring and flat audio experience at home. These shortcomings might stem from the original production design rather than the PCM encoding itself, but they nonetheless contribute to a lackluster and monotonous presentation.

The Blu-ray release for "Nothing in Common" offers a limited assortment of extras, mostly repurposed from previous versions. The supplemental features lack depth and fail to add significant value, providing minimal insight into the making of the film or its cultural impact. While the video and audio quality remain strong, the missed opportunity to delve deeper into the film's context and creative process is a notable shortcoming. The extras consist mainly of standard fare, without any fresh material that might attract longtime fans or new viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

"Nothing in Common," released in 1986, stands out as not only Jackie Gleason's final film but also as a transitional work for Tom Hanks, marking his shift from pure comedy to more complex dramatic roles. Gleason delivers an indelible portrayal of Max Basner, a small-time salesman whose life is marred by failed family relationships and personal regrets. His nuanced performance captures a lifetime of rage, frustration, and regret, offering a stark contrast to the comedic persona he was known for. Gleason's talent as a dramatic actor shines brightly in this role, showcasing a depth of emotion that makes Max's anger and helplessness almost palpable.

Tom Hanks's David Basner is the counterbalance to Gleason's Max. A newly promoted creative director at an ad agency, David initially epitomizes success and charm. However, when he is pulled back into the troubled lives of his estranged parents—Max and Lorraine (Eva Marie Saint)—after decades of emotional distance, Hanks deftly navigates his character's transformation. His performance underscores the internal conflict of a man grappling with newfound familial responsibilities and the unresolved issues of his past. Hanks’s ability to shift from light-hearted comedy to heavy drama adds rich layers to David's character, making his journey both believable and impactful.

Directed by Garry Marshall, "Nothing in Common" explores family dynamics with both humor and pathos. The film skillfully interweaves David's professional ambitions with his personal struggles, creating tension as he attempts to balance both worlds. Despite moments of unwieldy transitions between comedy and drama, the movie holds significant value through memorable performances and sharp dialogue. The supporting cast, including Hector Elizondo as David's boss and Sela Ward as a romantic interest, adds depth and variety to the narrative. While the film isn’t without its flaws, such as its occasional lapses into sentimentality, it remains a poignant study of familial bonds and personal growth.

Overall, "Nothing in Common" showcases the early brilliance of Hanks and pays a fitting tribute to Gleason’s breadth as an actor. It combines significant emotional weight with entertaining comedic elements, making it a noteworthy exploration of troubled family relationships.

"Nothing in Common" on Blu-ray offers an excellent showcase for Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason, particularly marking Gleason's poignant final on-screen performance. The 1986 dramedy explores the complex emotional landscape between a son and his estranged father, delivering moments of both heartwarming connection and melancholic reflection. Marshall's direction captures the essence of strained familial relationships, albeit in a manner that may come across as somewhat straightforward.

The Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience with commendable picture quality, presenting vibrant visuals that bring out the film's subtleties. However, the audio quality, while lossless, feels lackluster and doesn't quite match the visual refinement. Additionally, the absence of supplementary features is a glaring omission, leaving viewers without additional context or behind-the-scenes insights that could enrich their understanding of this layered narrative.

In conclusion, after "Nothing in Common," Garry Marshall's films took a distinct turn toward sentimentality and fairy tales. While subsequent works like "Pretty Woman," "The Princess Diaries," and "Beaches" found commercial success, they leaned heavily into escapism, often at the expense of genuine human complexity. "Nothing in Common" stands out with its memorable comic bits and poignant reflections on broken relationships and lost time. Tragically, this film represents the pinnacle of Marshall's ability to merge humor with raw humanity. Despite some technical drawbacks in the Blu-ray release, this film remains highly recommended for its exceptional performances and emotional depth.