Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and offering a 1080p transfer is a mixed bag for discerning viewers. Provided by Kino Lorber, the video quality leans heavily on an old master from Universal Pictures, drawing parallels to earlier releases like "Rumble Fish." The footage is a combination of contemporary scenes from 1982 and older archival material, which introduces inconsistencies. The transfer reveals some impressive details, maintaining a degree of light film grain without excessive digital noise or banding. However, the master exhibits a dated digital appearance, with notable issues in delineation, depth, and some smearing affecting movement fluidity.

Where the presentation falters is in the blending of the modern footage with the vintage archival footage. The film's use of older clips involves cropping and zooming these fragments to fit the 1.85:1 format, a process that sometimes enhances the original aesthetic but often stresses imperfections like clumpy grain fields, scratches, and speckling. These issues are sporadic but noticeable enough to disrupt the viewing experience for those attuned to visual fidelity. Furthermore, there are inconsistencies in shadow definition and background nuances, with occasional crushing in darker scenes that might escape casual observation. The digital stability across scenes remains commendable, yet an updated scan could potentially enhance coherency.

In summary, while the Blu-ray release serves up stable contrast and black levels, aligning closely with the original grading intent without excessive tinkering, it doesn't represent a significant leap from Universal’s previous 2017 edition. For aficionados of film grain and classic cinema integration, it somewhat achieves a respectable balance but would benefit from finer restoration to fully satisfy today's high-definition expectations. This Blu-ray release remains Region-A locked, necessitating compatible playback hardware for full accessibility.

The Blu-ray release of "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" offers a robust audio experience through its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. This mix delivers dialogue that is consistently clear, ensuring that every line, even from the vintage inserts, is sharp and stable. While it does not offer the immersion of a contemporary surround mix, it compensates with dynamic sound effects and a soundtrack by Miklos Rozsa that impressively enhances key scenes. Furthermore, the audio maintains an excellent balance, with levels set perfectly to provide an engaging and coherent auditory experience.

Despite being rooted in its original mono presentation, the mix creatively exploits what stereo can offer, providing depth and a nice sense of atmosphere. Sound effects carry sufficient weight to endow the film with dimension. Occasionally, minor background hiss from older film clips can be detected due to age-related factors; however, this is subtle and seldom disruptive. The inserts vary slightly in quality but blend satisfactorily into the broader soundscape.

Overall, it’s a competent delivery, with optional English SDH subtitles available. The track does justice to the film's historical charm while capturing its eclectic mix of humor and mystery. The mastering respects the original aesthetic, emphasizing clear and consistent dialogue alongside a vibrant score. It offers a nostalgic audio journey that remains accessible and technically sound.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" present an enthusiastic exploration of both the film's production and promotional history. The newly recorded audio commentary by filmmaker Allan Arkush and film historian Daniel Kremer is rich in technical insights, although it occasionally deviates into unrelated discussions. Despite being recorded remotely, their collaborative effort delivers intriguing anecdotes and trivia, emphasizing production history and the cast's contributions. The disc also includes engaging promotional materials like TV and radio spots—many featuring Steve Martin’s narration—and the whimsical “Buttometer” teaser trailer. These, alongside the remastered original theatrical trailer, offer a nostalgic look at the film’s original marketing strategy. The packaging complements the content with reversible cover art, showcasing vintage artwork that appeals to collectors and cinephiles.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary: Recorded by Allan Arkush and Daniel Kremer.
• Radio Spots: Series of narrated promotional snippets.
• TV Spots: Television narratives promoting the film.
• Buttometer Teaser Trailer: Rare teaser trailer.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original cinematic preview.

"Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid," directed by Carl Reiner, presents an ambitious yet polarizing tribute to film noir through an inventive narrative structure. Steve Martin stars as private detective Rigby Reardon, investigating a peculiar case brought to him by Juliet Forrest, played by the enchanting Rachel Ward. Central to its plot is an ingenious method of integrating clips from classic noir films featuring icons like Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, creating a pastiche that serves both as homage and parody. However, the film's reliance on these classic clips is a double-edged sword, often prioritizing the tribute to bygone cinema over cohesive storytelling.

Technically, the film is a marvel, with outstanding cinematography by Michael Chapman and a quintessentially noir score by Miklós Rózsa. The editing work required to blend the vintage footage with new scenes is executed with precision, though sometimes at the expense of narrative engagement. The comedic interplay between Martin and Ward is enjoyable, yet Martin’s performance, marked by improvisations meant to bridge scenes with classic stars, occasionally falls into awkwardness. The film suffers somewhat from its one-joke premise and prolonged runtime needed to sustain the gag—a fact noted by viewers who appreciate nuanced storytelling.

Despite these shortcomings, "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" retains a charm that endears it to aficionados of the genre. Its success lies in its genuine affection for the material it mimics, channeling admiration rather than spoofing mockery. The blend of original and vintage footage offers a unique viewing experience, even as it sometimes disrupts narrative flow. Ultimately, Reiner and Martin’s collaboration offers an insightful yet clunky homage to film noir, achieving a degree of comedic brilliance that many audiences continue to appreciate nostalgically.

"Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid," directed by Carl Reiner and starring Steve Martin, is a unique comedic homage to film noir that blends new scenes with classic clips. While the film's innovative concept is commendable, some may find it doesn't sustain its momentum throughout. However, for those who appreciate Steve Martin's humor and Reiner's direction, the film certainly delivers on laughs and creative narrative, even if it ultimately feels like a "one-trick pony."

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber Studio Classics presents a fine audiovisual transfer, enhanced with a notable package of bonus features. Despite being sourced from an older master with inherent technical issues, the upgraded presentation offers a significantly improved experience over previous editions. For collectors and new fans alike, this Blu-ray provides a solid viewing experience, although it may not justify a repurchase for those who already own it.

In conclusion, while "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" may not reach the same heights as other Martin-Reiner collaborations, it remains an entertaining piece for genre enthusiasts. The updated Blu-ray edition enhances the viewing experience with its robust A/V quality and thoughtfully included extras, making it a worthwhile addition for fans who have yet to procure this quirky and humorous tribute to classic cinema.