Down by Law Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Jim Jarmusch's "Down by Law" is simply magnificent. The film is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio with an MPEG-4 AVC encoding, delivering a 1080p transfer that showcases a tremendous level of detail and clarity. Supervised personally by Jarmusch, the 2K digital transfer was created using a SCANITY film scanner from the original camera negative. A meticulous restoration process involving MTI's DRS, Image Systems' Phoenix, and Pixel Farm's PFClean was employed to remove thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps. The result is a high-definition transfer that is stunningly crisp with no visible edge enhancement.

The black and white cinematography truly comes to life on this Blu-ray release. Contrast and brightness levels are balanced perfectly, offering deep, well-saturated blacks and nicely nuanced grays and whites. There is a light but well-resolved layer of grain that lends the footage an authentic and filmic texture without compromising sharpness. Pristine detail is evident throughout, whether observing the rough textures of New Orleans' cement and brick walls or the finely rendered stubble on Tom Waits' face. Some minor issues persist, such as small white blips during nighttime swamp scenes and a brief instance of film judder, but these are fleeting and do not detract significantly from the overall presentation quality.

Criterion's release stands as a significant upgrade over the previous DVD edition, providing a visually superior experience that fans will undoubtedly appreciate. The handling of shadows and nighttime footage impresses particularly, avoiding the macroblocking issues found in earlier releases. With Jim Jarmusch overseeing the transfer and the expertise of experienced telecine supervisors and colorists, "Down by Law" has never looked this good before. This region-A locked Blu-ray is essential for any collector or fan looking to experience the film in its best possible form.

The audio presentation of the "Down by Law" Blu-ray is executed with technical precision, featuring both English LPCM 1.0 and a French Dolby Digital 1.0 dub track, alongside an isolated music track available in English Dolby Digital 1.0. The primary LPCM 1.0 mono track retains the authenticity of the original sound design, presenting dialogue with exceptional clarity and stability. Even finer intricacies, like Benigni's heavy accent, remain intelligible without loss, ensuring an engaging auditory experience throughout the runtime.

The score by John Lurie integrates seamlessly into the mix, with its subtleties preserved effectively despite the inherent limitations of the mono format. Interestingly, the sound mix shows impressive range; for instance, search dogs barking in the distance momentarily create an illusion of multi-channel audio, highlighting the expertise in sound engineering. Moreover, there are no issues such as pops, cracks, distortions, or audio dropouts, maintaining the highest standard for a lossless track.

Overall, despite the mono configuration, the audio quality excels within its technical constraints, delivering a crisp and immersive experience for viewers. This careful balance between fidelity and historical accuracy makes it an exemplary representation of how original tracks can be preserved and enjoyed on modern Blu-ray format.

The Blu-ray release of "Down by Law" is a comprehensive treasure trove for cinephiles and enthusiasts of Jim Jarmusch's work. The extras deliver an in-depth exploration of the film's production process, including exclusive interviews with Jarmusch and cinematographer Robby Muller from the original 2002 Criterion DVD. Noteworthy is the Cannes Film Festival press footage, featuring insights from key cast and crew members. Fans will appreciate the extensive outtakes, Jarmusch’s thoughts on dubbing, and a candid Q&A facilitated by Criterion. Additionally, the disc boasts a unique music video directed by Jarmusch for Tom Waits’ cover of Cole Porter's classic, supplemented by Jarmusch's commentary on its creation. The inclusion of phone call recordings with main actors, production Polaroids, and behind-the-scenes location stills further enrich the viewing experience, making this Blu-ray an essential collector's item.

Extras included in this disc:

• Thoughts and Reflections: Jarmusch discusses production history, music, and New Orleans.
• Robby Muller Interview: Visual style insights from the cinematographer.
• Cannes Film Festival: Press conference footage and John Lurie interview.
• Outtakes: Collection of unaired scenes.
• It's All Right With Me: Tom Waits’ music video and Jarmusch’s commentary.
• Q&A with Jim: Jarmusch answers fan-submitted questions.
• Phone Calls: Recorded conversations with Benigni, Waits, and Lurie.
• Jarmusch on Dubbing: Director’s rationale against dubbing.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Production Polaroids: Test shots gallery for camera setups.
• Location Stills: Behind-the-scenes photos from the New Orleans shoot.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with an essay by Luc Sante.

Jim Jarmusch's "Down by Law" is a masterfully crafted blend of noir and art house comedy that defies traditional prison escape tropes. The film follows three disparate men—Zack, an unemployed DJ played by Tom Waits, Jack, a small-time pimp portrayed by John Lurie, and Roberto, an endearing Italian tourist brought to life by Roberto Benigni—as they meet in a New Orleans jail. The narrative unfolds in two distinct halves: the bleak, garbage-littered streets of New Orleans that are captured with haunting precision by Robby Muller's black-and-white cinematography, and the swampy wilderness, where Roberto’s optimistic energy infuses light-hearted humor into their journey. The prison scenes are particularly vibrant, enriched by authentic interactions and whimsical moments like the impromptu chant of "You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream," underscoring Jarmusch's humanistic approach.

The film's charm lies in its ability to balance the mundane and absurd, making even time-killing activities in the cell engaging to watch. Benigni shines brightly throughout, managing to bring warmth and belly-laughing comedy to what could have been drab sequences. His character’s naïveté and humor contrast beautifully with Zack's and Jack's more cynical views, generating dynamic interplay among the trio. The eventual escape does not pivot to high-stakes action but instead continues to explore their camaraderie and existential musings as they trudge through the Louisiana bayous. This subtle humor is augmented by Muller's photography, which uses stark contrasts and elongated shadows to evoke a neo-Beat noir essence.

"Down by Law" is not without its flaws; some scenes feel excessively prolonged, typical of art house cinema, yet manage to retain a degree of cleverness that sustains audience interest. While it might not reach the critical acclaim of Jarmusch’s "Stranger than Paradise," its unique melding of gritty realism, poetic imagery, and light-hearted comedy makes it a significant entry in Jarmusch’s filmography.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Down by Law" is a testament to their reputation as the premier distributor of high-quality film restorations. Jim Jarmusch’s minimalist masterpiece, known for its idiosyncratic characters and deadpan humor, is given new life in a high-definition transfer that is nothing short of impressive. The black-and-white cinematography, a crucial element of the film’s aesthetic, is rendered with stunning clarity and contrast, highlighting the film's artistic visuals and atmospheric storytelling. The original mono soundtrack is meticulously preserved, delivering an auditory experience that is both authentic and engaging.

Roberto Benigni stands out with his vibrant and life-loving portrayal, providing a delightful counterbalance to the more subdued performances of Tom Waits and John Lurie. This dynamic trio drives the narrative forward with an unpredictable charm that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Criterion's attention to detail ensures that every nuance of the performances and dialogue is captured perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, releases such as this are emblematic of why Criterion is held in such high regard. Their meticulous approach to film preservation and presentation allows "Down by Law" to shine in a new way, reaffirming its status as a beloved art house film. I firmly believe that no other distributor could have delivered such a remarkable package. "Down by Law" looks terrific in high-definition and is undoubtedly this month's most exciting release. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.