Get Shorty Blu-ray Review

"Get Shorty" is presented on Blu-ray in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen, showcasing a remarkable video transfer. Detail is exceptional throughout, with fine object detail and skin textures intricately rendered. Even in extended scenes, the definition holds strong. There are no digital defects such as edge enhancement or DNR, and the transfer is remarkably clean with no print damage. A fine layer of grain enhances the film's cinematic authenticity without being distracting. The colour palette is broad and vibrant, effectively reflecting the sun-drenched locales of Los Angeles, and providing a rich array of tones. Black levels are robust, offering excellent shadow detail and significantly enhancing night sequences.

The cinematography by Don Peterman, known for his work on a variety of notable films, is faithfully reproduced on this Blu-ray release. The disc maintains the clean, low-grain elegance, precise lighting, and solid blacks characteristic of Peterman's style. The visual representation captures the slightly artificial brightness of the L.A. and Florida (also shot in L.A.) settings where the film’s action unfolds. Detail accuracy allows for the full appreciation of set pieces, such as the intricate bric-a-brac in Harry Zimm's office or the elaborate decor in Bo's Laurel Canyon house. Silhouette scenes in parking garages and the wardrobe's vibrant pastels are particularly well-delineated. The grain presence keeps the image clean and filmic without introducing artifacts from noise reduction or filtering processes. This meticulous attention to visual fidelity makes "Get Shorty" an impressive Blu-ray release that appeals to both casual viewers and video purists alike.

The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio soundtrack for "Get Shorty" adeptly supports its dialogue-centric nature while enhancing the viewing experience through a well-curated selection of tracks. Dialogue is sharp, clear, and consistently relayed through the front and center channels, ensuring every line is comprehensible. While the film's sound design doesn't offer many opportunities for extravagant audio effects, it excels in creating a believable ambiance with ambient sounds that populate environments such as restaurants, theaters, and parking garages.

Occasional sound effects like car screeches and gunshots enrich the auditory experience, though they are effectively subtle, providing contrast rather than overpowering volume. The film's score, featuring compositions by John Lurie, Billy Martin, and Booker T. and the MG’s, shines brightly in the mix. Transitioning fluidly between background tracks to main scene accompaniments, the score engages all channels including LFE, delivering a dynamic audio experience that complements the narrative's shifting tones.

While not a showcase for audio demonstration, this track is a consummate match for the film's needs, presenting an immersive yet understated auditory backdrop that accentuates character interactions and crucial plot moments.

The Blu-ray release of "Get Shorty" provides an enriching experience for film enthusiasts, particularly due to its comprehensive set of extras, albeit all in SD. The audio commentary by Barry Sonnenfeld is a standout feature, offering deep insights into various production aspects like location choices and shooting techniques. The documentary "Page to Screen of Get Shorty" delves into Elmore Leonard's literary works and their adaptation challenges. Featurettes, including "Get Shorty: Look at Me" and "Get Shorty: Wiseguys and Dolls," present engaging retrospectives with contributions from key cast and crew members. Deleted scenes and special footage segments such as "The Graveyard Scene" and "Going Again" add significant depth, highlighting behind-the-scenes creativity and decisions. However, the Blu-ray suffers from a bare-bones menu structure, missing critical features like bookmarking due to BD-Java encoding, which impacts user navigation and convenience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Barry Sonnenfeld: Insightful discussion on production details.
• Get Shorty: Look at Me: Retrospective with major cast and crew.
• Get Shorty: Wiseguys and Dolls: Focus on supporting characters.
• The Graveyard Scene: Introduction to a deleted scene.
• Deleted Graveyard Scene: Humorous yet unrefined cut.
• Going Again: Unedited takes showcasing DeVito’s improvisations.
• Get Shorty Party Reel: Gag reel and video scrapbook.
• Page to Screen of Get Shorty: Documentary on Leonard’s works and adaptation.
• Vignettes: Short interviews discussing film-making challenges.
• Trailer: Captivating original theatrical trailer.

"Get Shorty," a 1995 film adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, stands out as one of the best Leonard screen adaptations alongside Steven Soderbergh’s "Out of Sight." Known for its sharp wit and satirical take on Hollywood, it combines elements of crime and comedy in a manner that is both engaging and sophisticated. John Travolta stars as Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark who ventures into the film industry, encountering a medley of vividly rendered characters whose individual stories enrich the narrative tapestry. The cast, including Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, and Danny DeVito, deliver stellar performances across the board, ensuring that each subplot, while numerous, remains compelling.

The film excels due to its incisive dialogue—much of which is lifted directly from Leonard's book—and the deft direction by Sonnenfeld. He ensures a brisk pacing that keeps audiences captivated, even as the story weaves through complex scenarios involving shyster filmmakers, B-movie actors, and drug-dealing limo owners. Its humor is grounded in character rather than slapstick, providing a nuanced take on the often absurd world of Hollywood. Complex but not convoluted, each twist and turn is delivered with clarity and precision. Notably, the Blu-Ray's video presentation is excellent, while the audio support remains robust, enhancing this cinematic experience further.

Travolta’s portrayal of Chili Palmer is central; embodying a relaxed yet formidable presence that provides a stabilizing force within the chaotic environment he navigates. His scenes with characters such as the flamboyant Ray “Bones” Barboni (Dennis Farina) and the beleaguered producer Harry Zimm (Gene Hackman) reveal layers of ingenuity and charm. Moreover, Travolta's role in "Get Shorty" is often considered among his best work, showcasing his ability to balance menace with wit effortlessly. This meticulously crafted film not only entertains but also serves as a sharp commentary on Hollywood ambition and duplicity.

The Blu-ray release of "Get Shorty" presents an exceptional viewing experience that exemplifies the technical and narrative mastery of this classic film. Anchored by John Travolta's charismatic performance, the film remains a definitive adaptation of Elmore Leonard's work alongside "Jackie Brown." The image quality is a marked improvement over the previous DVD edition, highlighting the cinematography's rich color palette and sharp detail with minimal grain, bringing the 1995 crime comedy to life as never before. The audio track benefits from a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, providing clear dialogue and immersive sound effects that enhance both the comedic and dramatic moments.

In terms of bonus features, the Blu-ray is a slight step behind. While it contains standard material such as behind-the-scenes featurettes and commentary tracks, it notably lacks certain extras from previous releases, namely the sneak peek at the ill-fated sequel "Be Cool" found in the 2005 Collector's Edition DVD. Nonetheless, the included special features offer valuable insights into the film's production process and creative decisions, albeit without groundbreaking revelations. The Blu-ray packaging is professionally assembled with responsive menus, adding to the overall user-friendly experience.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "Get Shorty" is highly recommended for both new viewers and long-time fans. Despite the absence of some previously available content, the superior audio-visual presentation and enduring appeal of the film solidify its status as a must-own for any collection. "Get Shorty" remains a shining example of intelligent filmmaking, balancing humor and thrills in a way few adaptations have achieved.