Network Blu-ray Review

Network," Sidney Lumet's seminal satire, finds a commendable high-definition home on Blu-ray, presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in aspect ratios of 1.78:1 and 1.85:1, respectively. The visual presentation meticulously preserves director Lumet's and cinematographer Owen Roizman's original aesthetic intentions, embodying the film's era with a deliberate softness and a natural, grainy texture that aficionados of 1970s cinema will appreciate. This subtle adherence to historical authenticity is enhanced by a notable enhancement in color saturation and fine detail, particularly evident in the vividly patterned news set and in scenes where natural lighting illuminates nuanced textures—be it the actors' faces or the cluttered chaos of the network offices.

The fidelity of this Blu-ray edition is further demonstrated through its handling of contrast and black levels. Blacks are deep and true, contributing to an accurate rendition of dark scenes, like those set in the control booths, without losing detail to shadow crush. This precision extends to contrast levels that maintain clarity and depth across a spectrum of lighting conditions, from the brilliantly lit to dimly illuminated interiors. The grain present does not detract but rather adds to the cinematic quality, ensuring that the film's gritty realism and period-appropriate look are retained.

Moreover, the transition from the rough, bleak opening scenes to a more refined and elegant visual narrative mirrors the film's thematic development. As the story unfolds, viewers will notice an improvement in dimensionality and an increasingly sharp definition in everything from facial wrinkles to the minutiae of the network offices' decor. The Blu-ray disc’s treatment offers a faithful yet visually enhanced viewing experience that honors the film’s original look while benefiting from the clarity and depth of modern high-definition video technology.

Network" makes its way onto Blu-ray with an audio presentation that is both commendable and somewhat constrained by its original monaural design. Encoded in a DTS-HD Master Audio mono mix, the film delivers dialogue and sound effects with a clarity and robustness that is impressive, if not impacted by the limitations inherent to single-channel audio. The fidelity of the track is generally strong, offering clean, damage-free audio that captures every fervent speech and intense discourse with ample warmth and articulation. While the mono mix affords the film a certain vintage charm, there's an unmistakable boxiness in some sections, and a more expansive 5.1 remix might have alleviated the congested feel of busier scenes, particularly those featuring multiple network feeds.

The technical execution of the track maintains a professional standard, balancing higher frequencies without strain and ensuring that dynamic range remains clean and well-defined. Contrary to what one might expect from a mono mix, 'Network' surprises with a breadth in the low end, providing the audio with an appreciable depth that enriches the overall listening experience. However, it's not without its flaws; some dialogue scenes suffer from ADR issues, momentarily breaking the immersion with a hollow, detached quality. Background activity too, at times, fades or disappears, hinting at a narrower imagining that could have benefited from a more layered audio design.

Overall, 'Network's Blu-ray audio presentation admirably supports the film's potent narrative and iconic performances. Despite its limitations and occasional technical hiccups related to its original audio design, the track stands as a strong and satisfying component of the Blu-ray release. It effectively conveys every passionate exclamation and heated monologue, ensuring that the film's critical voice remains as compelling and resonant as ever.

The Blu-ray release of "Network" brings together a comprehensive collection of extras that admirably complements the film's legacy, preserving the depth of Sidney Lumet's direction and Paddy Chayefsky's writing. Notably, the feature commentary with director Sidney Lumet offers insightful, albeit sporadically silent, reflections on the film's production and its thematic relevance. The centerpiece, "Behind the Story," is a detailed, six-part retrospective that threads through the film’s conception, casting, and iconic moments, featuring interviews with key cast and crew. While the inclusion of "March 2, 1977 Dinah! with Paddy Chayefsky" and "Private Screenings with Sidney Lumet" provides engaging discussions that enrich our understanding of the creative forces behind the film, the absence of new material in this edition is felt. Nevertheless, these extras weave a compelling narrative of "Network’s" cultural impact, technical achievements, and its place in media critique, making it an essential collection for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary by Director Sidney Lumet: Lumet shares thoughts on the film's production and thematic elements.
• Behind the Story: A comprehensive six-part documentary detailing the film’s development, casting, and key production moments.
• March 2, 1977 Dinah! with Paddy Chayefsky: A conversation on Dinah Shore's show, offering insights into Chayefsky's scripting process.
• Private Screenings with Sidney Lumet: An intimate interview with Lumet on his career, conducted by Robert Osborne.
• Trailer: The original theatrical preview of the film.

In the landscape of broadcast history, few films critique the media industry with the prophetic precision and dark humor of Sidney Lumet's 'Network.' Released in an era when the news was a sobering daily ritual for the American public, the film anticipates the seismic shifts towards infotainment with unsettling accuracy. Lumet, in collaboration with Paddy Chayefsky's sharp, insightful script, crafts a narrative that echoes through the corridors of modern media with the same ferocity and urgency it did at its inception. This Blu-ray presentation brings 'Network' into the homes of contemporary viewers, perhaps rendering its message even more poignant against the backdrop of today’s media landscape where lines between sensational entertainment and essential information blur increasingly.

The film deftly captures the descent of news into spectacle through the tragic trajectory of Howard Beale, played by Peter Finch in a performance that earned him a posthumous Oscar. Beale's on-air unraveling and subsequent reinvention as a "mad prophet" provide a window into the network's—and by extension, society's—voracious appetite for sensationalism, blustering personalities, and profit at any cost. William Holden and Faye Dunaway deliver powerful performances as individuals caught in the machinery of media manipulation, embodying the conflict between journalistic integrity and the drive for ratings. Lumet's direction ensures that Chayefsky's dialogue remains the star; rapid-fire exchanges and monologues cut to the core of the issue without sacrificing the film’s human element.

'Network's Blu-ray release underscores the timeless nature of its critique, offering viewers not just a movie but a reflection on the ever-evolving dynamics of media consumption. By preserving the technical and narrative elements of the original release, this presentation invites both newcomers and long-time fans to consider how much has changed since 1976—and how much remains frighteningly the same. Lumet and Chayefsky's vision remains a vital commentary on the power of media, the commodification of news, and our own complicity as viewers, making 'Network' an essential piece of cinematic history as relevant today as ever.

Sidney Lumet's "Network" remarkably stands as a brilliant, enduring critique of television and media, delivering its message with a blend of scathing satire and dark humor that resonates as strongly today as it did upon its initial release. The film's prophetic nature, combined with its eloquent script by Paddy Chayefsky, targets the sensationalism of TV programming, unveiling the grim realities behind the screen with a precision that remains unmatched. Its famous catchphrase, "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take this anymore!" not only encapsulates the film's spirit but speaks to generations, portraying the collective disillusionment felt towards the media landscape. Furthermore, the Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience significantly with its superior audio and video quality, ensuring that fans old and new can appreciate Lumet's masterpiece in a presentation that does justice to its critical acclaim.

This Blu-ray edition rightfully garners praise for offering a pristine upgrade from previous DVD versions, complementing Chayefsky's potent narrative and Lumet's masterful direction with technical enhancements that heighten the film's impact. Retaining all bonus materials from the two-disc special edition, this release proves itself indispensable for cinephiles and newcomers alike, presenting a comprehensive package that enhances understanding and appreciation of the film's thematic depth and artistic achievements. The commitment to preserving and accentuating the film's qualities in this edition demonstrates a respect for its significant cultural and cinematic legacy.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Network" is an essential acquisition for those who cherish cinematic excellence coupled with a profound, insightful critique of media. Its improved audiovisual presentation breathes new life into the prophetic narrative, securing its place as a timeless piece of film art that continues to engage, enlighten, and entertain audiences. Highly recommended, this edition not only enriches the viewing experience but also reaffirms the film's status as a pivotal work that transcends its era to offer commentary on the enduring issues within media and culture.