The Onion Field Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer of "The Onion Field" offers a mixed bag that both honors the film’s gritty, semi-documentary feel and reveals some inherent weaknesses. Natural lighting contributes to a slightly washed-out look and heavy grain, especially in nocturnal scenes. Despite occasional fluctuations in grain levels and some noticeable crush, detail remains generally well defined, capturing facial features crisply in close-ups. However, the consistency of skin tones is problematic; they appear natural at times but register a purple-ish tint in some moments. The grain can read as noisy, and colors overall tend to appear muted, though they occasionally come to life in neon signage and brightly lit exteriors.

The cinematographic issues, such as inherent softness and focus problems, are quite pronounced, making delineation just passable. A stream of marks and flecks of dirt on the print further undermines the visual experience, with the presence of a faint blue line periodically on the left side of the frame adding to the distractions. Nonetheless, the transfer remains faithful to the film’s original appearance, which is commendable for a 35-year-old low-budget film. While it suffers from print deterioration, such as speckling and tiny vertical scratches, this disc does manage to effectively preserve the semi-documentary authenticity intended by the director.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "The Onion Field" features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track that proves competent yet unremarkable in fidelity and tonal depth. Dialogue exchanges are mostly clear and crisply delivered, allowing for accents and intensity variations without harshness, though some rapid speech and street dialects may pose comprehension challenges. The scoring by Eumir Deodato is stable but somewhat subdued, occasionally struggling to rise above the mix's overall flat nature.

In terms of atmospheric effects, the sound mix does a commendable job. Outdoor scenes, particularly the onion field sequence, are rich with ambient details like buzzing insects and expansive environmental sounds. Indoor settings, such as prison interiors, effectively convey echoing hallways and the dynamism of multiple character interactions. Action effects, including gunshots, sirens, slamming jail cell doors, and rumbling car engines, possess an enhanced clarity and impact. Notably, bagpipes stand out with vibrant clarity, adding a unique texture to the auditory experience. While not exceptional, this audio transfer is reliable and fulfills its purpose without much fuss.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "The Onion Field" provide a rich, engaging examination of the film's production, offering insights from key contributors. Director Harold Becker's audio commentary is exceptionally informative, highlighting his dedication to authenticity and the challenges of working on a low-budget project. John Savage's interview, although meandering at times, offers a deeply personal perspective on the emotional and professional impact of the film. The "Ring of Truth" featurette brings together thought-provoking recollections from Becker, Woods, Danson, and screenwriter Joseph Wambaugh, covering character motivations and the personal risks taken to finance the film. These extras provide an in-depth look at the film's creation and its lasting effect on those involved.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Insightful track with director Harold Becker.
Interview with John Savage: Touches on emotional and professional impacts (HD).
Ring of Truth: Retrospective featurette with cast and crew (SD).
Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film (HD).

Joseph Wambaugh's 1973 novel, "The Onion Field," finds a faithful and harrowing adaptation in Harold Becker's 1979 film. Wambaugh, a former cop, brings his intimate knowledge of law enforcement to the story, delving into psychological wounds and the complexities of crime and punishment. The film successfully mirrors this approach, presenting a literary atmosphere filled with procedural clarity and emotional depth, despite occasional lapses in cinematic execution. Franklyn Seales and James Woods deliver compelling performances as Jimmy Lee Smith and Gregory Powell, respectively, portraying a dynamic of manipulation and escalating criminal behavior that leads to a tragic confrontation with officers Karl Hettinger and Ian Campbell.

The story unfolds with meticulous attention to character development, exploring the camaraderie and fears of the cops while delving into the twisted psychology of the criminals. Woods’ portrayal of Powell stands out, presenting a sociopath whose cunning and manipulation are chillingly authentic. The onion field sequence is executed with gripping tension, capturing the shock and horror of Campbell's murder and Hettinger's subsequent psychological descent. Becker’s direction maintains a documentary-like realism that enhances the narrative’s impact, staying true to the actual events and locations, which adds to the film's veracity and emotional weight.

Post-crime, "The Onion Field" transitions into a critique of the legal system, focusing on the prolonged judicial battle that ensues. Powell and Smith's manipulation of legal loopholes, juxtaposed with Hettinger’s deteriorating mental state, underscores the story's exploration of justice and guilt. Savage’s performance as Hettinger is particularly poignant, embodying a man shattered by trauma and societal judgment. The film’s unembellished style, combined with its potent script and strong ensemble cast, ensures its lasting relevance as a poignant reflection on law enforcement, legal intricacies, and human resilience.

Harold Becker's "The Onion Field" delivers a raw and penetrating portrayal of a harrowing true crime and its aftermath. Adapted from Joseph Wambaugh's book, the film adopts a semi-documentary style that faithfully reconstructs the notorious incident involving two ambushed policemen and their captors. The performances by James Woods and Franklyn Seales are notably intense, though they occasionally border on overly theatrical, subtly highlighting the film's television-like aesthetics. While the narrative captures the core events with precision, some intricacies—particularly those pertaining to the relationship dynamics and psychological rehabilitation—could use more clarity.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray presentation is competent, featuring video and audio transfers that are serviceable though unremarkable. The no-frills approach taken by Becker ensures the story remains impactful despite minor technical shortcomings. Supplementary materials included offer additional insight but aren't especially comprehensive. The film’s exploration of post-traumatic stress disorder and extended legal procedures deeply immerses viewers in the prolonged struggle for justice, encapsulating the frustration and emotional torment experienced by those involved. Despite a somewhat diluted second half, the film sustains its gripping demeanor throughout.

In conclusion, while "The Onion Field" may lack some cinematic polish, it stands as a powerful depiction of a distressing crime and its legal implications. The film effectively engages with themes of denial and psychological torment, cementing its status as a poignant piece of crime cinema. This Blu-ray release, with its honest storytelling and period-accurate visuals, ensures "The Onion Field" remains relevant and resonant over three decades later. Highly recommended for those interested in true crime narratives.