Bright Lights, Big City Blu-ray Review

MVD Visual's MVD Rewind imprint brings "Bright Lights, Big City" to Blu-ray with a competent AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, derived from MGM/UA's high-definition catalog. The transfer displays admirable fine detail in textures, such as on Sternagen's pill-fibered sweater and men's suit jackets. Despite the film's quasi-hallucinatory style with soft focus and diffused lighting, detail levels hold well in brighter scenes, even amidst the somewhat middling office lighting conditions. The palette occasionally appears slightly blanched, but Gordon Willis' evocative cinematography shines particularly well in well-lit scenes. Grain retains a natural look, resolving effectively with no compression artifacts.

Running for 107 minutes on a generously encoded BD-50, the Blu-ray’s 1.85:1 presentation benefits from stable film elements in solid condition. The earthy palette features consistent colors and black levels, albeit not perfectly excellent at all times, while saturation remains even with healthy flesh tones. When scrutinized closely, some sharpening can be noted, though it does not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. The grain structure remains clean, devoid of dirt and debris, and provides commendable definition and clarity for a 1980s drama. Overall, the improvement over the previous DVD version is significant, offering a satisfactory film transfer that will likely please fans of the movie.

The Blu-Ray presentation of "Bright Lights, Big City" excels in its audio department, with a noteworthy inclusion of an LPCM 2.0 track. This format skillfully brings to life the sophisticated pop-jazz compositions by Donald Fagen, known from Steely Dan. The soundtrack combines both Fagen’s original scores and other non-Fagen material, contributing richly to the film's atmosphere. Key scenes within clubs bristle with activity, displaying a robust energy, which contrasts effectively with the more subdued office settings. The track also handles the film’s extensive voiceover and simple dialogue sequences with remarkable balance and fidelity, ensuring consistent audio quality throughout.

Music and dialogue are rendered pristinely in the movie's 2.0 PCM stereo mix. The mix is characterized by solid dynamics and tight bass where necessary, capturing the essence of the New Wave soundtrack featuring artists such as New Order, Depeche Mode, and Prince. The night club scenes, in particular, benefit from lossless clarity, encapsulating the pulsating ambiance vividly. Additionally, the disc offers optional English, Spanish, and French subtitles in a readable yellow font, along with secondary French stereo and Spanish mono dubs in 2.0 Dolby Digital, providing versatile listening options for audiences globally.

The Blu-ray of "Bright Lights, Big City" from MVD’s Rewind Collection brings forth a compelling suite of extras. The inclusion of featurettes such as "Jay McInerney: The Light Within" and "Big City Lights" provides in-depth perspectives on the novel’s inspiration and 1980s NYC nightlife. The commentaries, one by Jay McInerney and another by Gordon Willis, offer insightful deep dives into the creative and technical aspects of the film’s production. Supplementary materials like a vintage poster and a photo gallery further enrich the viewing experience. The overall presentation leverages the nostalgia factor with elements such as the Erol’s Video slipcover, although the content itself remains unchanged from previous DVD editions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Jay McInerney: The Light Within: An insightful interview with the author/screenwriter discussing autobiographical elements.
• Big City Lights: Cultural analysis of 1980s NYC nightlife with industry voices.
• Photo Gallery: A curated collection of images related to the film.
• Trailers: Previews of Bright Lights, Big City and other MVD releases.
• Commentary with Author/Screenwriter Jay McInerney: Personal insights into the novel-to-screen adaptation process.
• Commentary with Cinematographer Gordon Willis: Delve into the film’s visual techniques and lighting schemes.

"Bright Lights, Big City," directed by James Bridges, presents a vivid, if sometimes uneven, portrayal of 1980s urban excess through the lens of protagonist Jamie Conway, played by Michael J. Fox. The movie, adapted from Jay McInerney’s semi-autobiographical novel, follows Conway’s descent into a cocaine-fueled nightlife that jeopardizes both his career as a fact-checker at the New Yorker stand-in Gotham Magazine and his marriage to a model, portrayed by Phoebe Cates. Fox's transition from his well-known roles in "Family Ties" and "Back to the Future" to this more dramatic and gritty character was viewed by some as a bold, albeit not entirely convincing, choice. This decision juxtaposed unexpectedly against Kiefer Sutherland’s more visceral and authentically rendered performance as Conway's hedonistic friend Tad.

The film encompasses an intriguing blend of stark realism and occasional dips into magical realism. While aspects such as Conway’s relationship with his terminally ill mother (Dianne Wiest) and estranged wife are handled with a certain psychological depth, elements like the recurring "coma baby" motif verge on the surreal and don’t always coalesce seamlessly. This fantastical element, particularly notable in a drug-induced dream sequence, teeters on the brink of camp. Supporting roles by Swoosie Kurtz, Tracy Pollan, Jason Robards, and John Houseman are generally underdeveloped given the film’s relatively short run-time, yet they contribute to the general tapestry of Conway's chaotic existence.

Ultimately, "Bright Lights, Big City" serves as a compelling snapshot of its era, capturing the rampant indulgence in cocaine and the accompanying moral and professional downfall. Though Fox’s portrayal of Jamie Conway may not entirely shed his previous "good-guy" image, his performance stands as a commendable attempt to venture into darker dramatic territory. The storytelling combined with the evocative depiction of New York's nightlife makes this film a notable artifact of 1980s cinema.

"Bright Lights, Big City" on Blu-Ray offers a captivating glance into the hedonistic Manhattan club scene of the early 1980s. The high-definition transfer showcases the film's stylistic visuals and nostalgic ambiance with clarity and depth. However, the choice of Michael J. Fox in the lead role has been divisive; while his performance is spirited, some argue it doesn't fully encapsulate the gritty, desperate undertones of the narrative. Despite this, the film's depiction of drug culture and its consequences remains compelling.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-Ray presentation is solid. The soundtrack accurately mirrors the vibrant yet chaotic energy of the era, without overshadowing dialogue clarity. The visual fidelity maintains a balance between filmic grain and clean details, preserving the original aesthetic while enhancing viewer engagement. The production successfully transports audiences back to the ruthless and frenetic milieu of 1980s Manhattan nightlife through its disciplined execution of sight and sound elements.

Overall, "Bright Lights, Big City" serves as a vivid time capsule that captures both the exhilaration and peril of its setting. Despite mixed opinions on casting, it stands as a remarkable chronicle of an era defined by excess. For those intrigued by cultural snapshots of past decades or fans of intense character-driven drama, this Blu-Ray is a commendable addition to any collection.