My Own Private Idaho Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Gus Van Sant’s “My Own Private Idaho” marks a notable enhancement from the previous editions, primarily driven by its new 4K scan from the original camera negative. Approved by both Van Sant and Director of Photography Eric Alan Edwards, the film’s presentation has undergone a substantial transformation in terms of color timing. The prior warm yellowish hue has been replaced with more realistic and colder color tonalities, aligning with the film's introspective and melancholic mood. Shot in 35mm, the grain structure is well-preserved, adding an authentic filmic texture without any problematic degraining corrections or noticeable sharpening artifacts from earlier releases.

The transfer maintains its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and is encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in 1080p resolution. The meticulous restoration process involved manually removing thousands of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps, ensuring a pristine image. Outdoor sequences exhibit superb clarity and detail, with no density fluctuations interfering with the viewing experience. Close-ups are particularly impressive, revealing intricate details such as individual hairs, beads of sweat, and subtle makeup imperfections. The integrity of the black levels is maintained, providing deep, inky blacks and natural-looking skin tones throughout.

Overall, the video presentation on this Blu-ray release is commendable. It reflects Criterion’s dedication to high-quality transfers and accurate restoration work, leaving no visible damage marks or compression issues. This new edition not only breathes new life into Van Sant’s film but does so while retaining its cinematic essence and enhancing its visual storytelling through meticulous attention to detail and color accuracy.

The audio presentation for the Blu Ray release of "My Own Private Idaho" offers two standard tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, along with optional English SDH subtitles. Both tracks provide an exceptional listening experience, with the 5.1 option being particularly noteworthy for its immersive soundscape. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track excels at rendering ambient noises and sound effects, which are crucial to the film's dreamlike atmosphere, thereby enhancing the overall viewing experience. Each sound element is meticulously layered, offering excellent directionality and depth.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track also delivers impressive sound quality, marked by depth and clarity that remain consistently pleasing throughout. There are no balance issues or audio distortions such as pops, dropouts, or digital artifacts. While the film's score plays a supportive role rather than dominating the audio landscape, it contributes effectively to the scenes without overpowering dialogue or sound effects. The dialogue remains crystal clear and easy to follow on both tracks, devoid of any pops, cracks, hiss, or high shrills.

Both audio tracks demonstrate a wide dynamic range and robust Low-Frequency Effects (LFE), enhancing the film’s auditory impact. However, for a fully immersive auditory experience that pulls you into the film’s unique atmosphere, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is the recommended choice. This Blu Ray audio presentation stands out for its high-quality sound reproduction, ensuring that every nuance and detail of this engaging character study is beautifully conveyed.

The Blu-ray edition of "My Own Private Idaho" offers a rich selection of extras that provides deep insights into the film's production, narrative structure, and the influence of Shakespearean themes. Notable highlights include audio commentary from producers, a comprehensive making-of documentary, and an archival interview with film scholar Paul Arthur. Furthermore, profound conversations with key individuals like Rain Phoenix and producers, as well as discussions about New Queer Cinema by Gus Van Sant and Todd Haynes, enhance the understanding of this cult classic. The extras also delve into the creative collaboration and the social context portrayed in the film, making it indispensable for film aficionados and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher: Insightful commentary track.
• The Making of “My Own Private Idaho”: A detailed 2005 documentary featuring cast and crew.
• Kings of the Road: 2005 interview with Paul Arthur discussing Shakespearean influences.
• Conversation between Laurie Parker and Rain Phoenix: 2005 dialogue about River Phoenix.
• Audio conversation between JT Leroy and Jonathan Caouette: 2005 discussion on film influences.
• Deleted Scenes: Six unrestored scenes.
• Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Booklet: Essays and reprinted interviews with cast and crew.

Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and societal margins, underpinned by standout performances from River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. Phoenix portrays Mike Waters, a narcoleptic drifter and male prostitute haunted by the absence of his mother. The film's narrative intertwines with Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves), the rebellious son of a wealthy mayor who rejects his privileged life for the raw authenticity of street existence. Their journey through the Pacific Northwest and Europe reflects their search for love and belonging amidst a backdrop of societal neglect and inner conflict.

Visually captivating and thematically groundbreaking, the film uses Mike’s narcolepsy to blur the lines between dreams and reality, enhancing its surreal and introspective quality. This device underscores Mike's perpetual quest for comfort in his dream states where he intermittently encounters his mother, momentarily escaping his bleak reality. Scott, on the other hand, finds solace in the gritty street life, shunning his father’s sterile world of affluence.

Phoenix’s portrayal of Mike is exceptional, earning him accolades at various festivals and firmly establishing his legacy as one of cinema’s greats. Reeves supports this with a compelling performance that adds depth to Scott’s internal rebellion. The film eschews overt political messages, instead offering a universal theme of seeking love and connection regardless of societal status. Criterion’s Blu-ray release is meticulously presented with an array of supplementary materials including interviews, essays, and deleted scenes, enriching the viewer’s understanding of this influential piece of New Queer Cinema.

"My Own Private Idaho" on Blu-Ray stands out as an essential addition to any cinephile's collection. Gus Van Sant’s direction masterfully portrays a poignant tale of two friends, Mike and Scott, on a journey to find love and acceptance in a world where authenticity often comes at a price. River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves deliver performances that are not only memorable but deeply affecting, bringing to life characters caught in the same struggles we face, yet marginalized by the society around them. The thematic subtlety of the film lies in its ability to resonate with universal human experiences without overtly politicizing or emphasizing societal issues, making it a timeless piece.

The Blu-Ray presentation significantly elevates the experience of "My Own Private Idaho." With upgraded video and audio quality, the film achieves a new level of technical excellence, presenting its visual aesthetics and soundscape in pristine detail. Though no new bonus features are included, the disc retains all extras from the Criterion DVD release, which remains a valuable archive for fans and scholars alike.

Overall, this Blu-Ray release of "My Own Private Idaho" is highly recommended. The upgraded technical features enhance the viewing experience, making it a worthy investment for those who appreciate rich storytelling and the finer nuances of film production. This release ensures that the emotional depth and beauty of Van Sant’s seminal film will continue to be admired by both new viewers and long-time fans.