Hair Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer of "Hair" presents a somewhat inconsistent visual experience, yet offers moments of vivid clarity. Viewers may initially be concerned with the opening sequence in Oklahoma, as it suffers from severe print damage, including dirt, scratches, vertical lines, and specks. This sequence is not representative of the overall transfer quality. Post-title scenes see a marked improvement with grain remaining present but better controlled, and reduced print damage. This allows for an appreciation of Miroslav Ondříček's cinematographic efforts amidst challenging outdoor settings like Central Park.

Ann Roth's elaborate costume designs and autumn landscapes are well-preserved, benefiting from strong black levels and accurate color representation. Black levels in particular showcase profound definition, such as during the "Colored Spade" dance routine performed in a tunnel at night. The transfer maintains the texture and depth required to highlight these intricate details without motion or compression artifacts. While colors are mostly accurate, some scenes appear muted, not fully capturing the film's intended vibrant palette.

The film's visual strategy, which often places a character within populous landscapes, gains substantial benefit from the high resolution now available on Blu-ray. Previous home video releases never fully captured the magnitude of these crowd scenes due to insufficient resolution, but this transfer successfully brings these scenes to life with more clarity and detail. Although there are occasional soft image issues in the later parts of the film, the final crowd scene stands out as especially impressive. Despite some aspects indicating the need for restoration, the video quality is generally acceptable if not particularly exceptional.

The Blu-ray release of "Hair" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, skillfully remixed from the film's original stereo elements. The surround track delivers an immersive audio experience, showcasing a commendable use of the entire surround field, with the singing crowd and musical elements effectively dispersed throughout. This is particularly impressive given the film’s age and reliance on its robust score and large chorus. The presence of several Dolby Digital mono and stereo tracks, including options in Spanish, French, and Italian, provides versatility for a wide audience.

Dialogue and vocals are crisp and clean, though they exhibit a slightly thin quality. The separation across the front speakers is excellent, giving individual musical elements clear distinction. The mix offers a good balance, although it is somewhat subdued and mixed at a lower volume, lacking in dynamic range. Bass is present but does not reach significant depths, contributing to a flatter overall dynamic profile. While the surround use is subtle, it remains noticeable with several music cues enhancing the level of immersion.

Despite these limitations, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track still impresses with its sense of immersion and effective use of a rich soundscape. Although it misses the fullness of modern audio mixes, it stands out as a significant improvement and likely represents the best auditory experience of "Hair" to date. The inclusion of several subtitle options, such as English SDH, Spanish, French, German, and Italian, further enriches the accessibility of this release. Overall, this audio presentation meets expectations and enhances the enjoyment of this classic 1979 film.

The Blu-ray edition of "Hair" presents a mixed bag of extra features that, while visually and sonically well-executed, leave much to be desired in terms of depth and variety. The absence of a main menu with BD-Java implementation is particularly notable as it eliminates the capability to set bookmarks, a glaring omission for modern viewing standards. One available extra is the theatrical trailer in HD format, but it is marred by a laughably inappropriate voiceover, leaving much to be desired in terms of insightful, behind-the-scenes content. This Blu-ray could significantly benefit from additional features such as on-set footage or interviews with the cast and crew, which would cater to fans yearning for a deeper dive into the making of this iconic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer (HD): The film's original trailer, presented in high definition with Dolby Digital stereo sound.

Hair (1979), directed by Miloš Forman, presents a vibrant and joyful exploration of 1960s counterculture, expertly interwoven with musical numbers that highlight the era's spirit. The film embarks on a narrative journey through the eyes of Claude Bukowski (John Savage), an innocent young man from Oklahoma who arrives in New York intending to enlist in the army. His encounter with a charismatic group of hippies led by George Berger (Treat Williams) transforms his experience as he gets immersed in their world of free love, peace, and rebellion, ultimately altering his path.

The screenplay by Michael Weller diverges significantly from the original stage musical, adapting the timeless songs into a cohesive storyline befitting cinema. Noteworthy is the re-contextualization of the Vietnam War and its lingering impact, reflecting the end of the draft by the late 70s. Exceptional performances further bolster the narrative; Savage embodies Claude’s earnestness and growth, Williams excels as the boisterous yet multifaceted Berger, and Beverly D’Angelo’s portrayal of Sheila Franklin adds depth with her transformation from an upper-class socialite to an engaged member of the counterculture movement.

Visually, Forman’s direction thrives in musical sequences, notably exemplified in numbers like 'Aquarius' and the stunningly shot 'Easy to Be Hard.' These scenes emphasize a blend of colorful, flamboyant choreography with striking cinematography. However, at times, juxtaposing musical interludes with unfolding dramatic elements leads to slight pacing issues. Nonetheless, Forman balances these with sincere moments that captivate and linger.

In conclusion, Hair deftly captures a nostalgic yet critical snapshot of the 1960s' rebellious ethos, despite a few narrative shortcomings. The film’s success lies in its melding of humor and poignancy, elevating both its comedic charm and its darker thematic currents.

The Blu-ray release of "Hair" by Fox/MGM presents an engaging and vivid look at hippie counterculture and 1960s America, capturing the essence of this iconic musical. Despite some limitations in the source material, the transfer is commendable. The video and audio quality, while not reaching the pinnacle of modern standards, are certainly acceptable and do justice to the film's vibrant colors and dynamic soundtrack. While the restoration efforts may not rival industry benchmarks set by Criterion or the Godfather restoration, the end result is still appreciable.

The primary drawback of this release is its lack of supplementary materials. For a film with such a rich cultural and historical context, it’s disappointing that no additional extras are provided to enhance the viewer’s experience. This absence is felt especially in comparison to more comprehensive Blu-ray editions available for other classic films. Nevertheless, the core offering – the film itself – retains its intrinsic charm, blending infectious musical numbers with a nostalgic depiction of an era defined by peace, love, and protest.

In conclusion, Fox/MGM has done a respectable job with "Hair" on Blu-ray given the constraints inherent in the original materials. The disc's only significant shortfall is the absence of substantial bonus features. Despite this, the film's enduring appeal makes it a worthy addition to any collection. "Hair" remains a fun and entertaining musical that transcends its period-specific setting, making it a recommended watch.