Deliverance Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Deliverance," presented in its original aspect ratios of 2.40:1 and 1.85:1 in 1080p, depending on the source, showcases a film that remains impactful yet visually shows its age. Utilizing the VC-1 codec, an unusual choice for Blu-ray, this transfer does what it can with the material at hand. The print, though cleaned up significantly from previous versions, still suffers from occasional fluctuations in brightness and some remaining dirt speckles. Despite these minor qualms, detail in close-ups is commendable, revealing the texture of skin, hair, and even the grim aspects of dental hygiene in a hillbilly character. The director, John Boorman, and director of photography, Vilmos Zsigmond's decision to shoot with a desaturated and earthy palette of greens, browns, and mustard yellows shines through, beautifully capturing the film's natural yet imposing settings. However, the issue of brightness comes to play with blacks not being as deep or consistent as one would hope, leading to somewhat less detailed darker scenes and giving night sequences a washed-out appearance.

Colors throughout the film remain muted and flat by design, aiming to reflect the director's vision accurately rather than a fault of the transfer itself. Scenes that were intentionally desaturated present an imposing atmosphere that complements the storyline. On the technical side, while grain is evident and adds to the film's grittiness, it's not overbearing, maintaining a clean appearance relatively free of artifacts. Daytime scenes, particularly exteriors, showcase an improvement in color vibrancy and detail compared to previous releases. The detail seen in clothing and facial expressions marks a significant upgrade over earlier home video iterations, highlighting textures previously unnoticed.

Though shortcomings are evident in night scenes where shadow delineation falters and blacks sometime appear faded, overall, this Blu-ray version represents a noticeable enhancement from past renderings of 'Deliverance.' The careful balance between preserving Boorman's stylistic choices and upgrading the film’s visual quality positions this release as likely the best visual representation of "Deliverance" to date. While not without its flaws—particularly regarding the handling of darker scenes and some instances of image blurring—this edition does justice to a classic film, offering fans a version that respects its original aesthetic while embracing the clarity and richness Blu-ray offers.

Deliverance's Blu-ray audio, presented in Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 at 640kbps, reflects a commitment to preserve the original monaural track's integrity, albeit with a contemporary touch. The conversion from mono to 5.1 hasn't significantly expanded the soundstage, which primarily utilizes the front channels with only rare, albeit effective, usage of panning effects for moving vehicles and ambient water sounds. The iconic Duelling Banjos theme underscores the narrative, predominately through the front speakers, enhancing the film's suspenseful atmosphere. While dialogue generally maintains clarity through the center channel, certain post-production overdubs fail to seamlessly integrate, detracting from the overall ambient cohesion. Notably, the low-frequency effects channel is scarcely employed, with minimal instances eliciting a substantial impact.

Despite Warner Brothers' decision not to offer a lossless audio track and instead opt for a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, the soundtrack manages to serve its purpose adequately for a film of its age. Ambient sounds such as bird calls and river flow subtly enhance scenes through the surround channels, providing a layer of immersion without overwhelming the listener. However, the audio’s dynamics appear constrained, with a flat low bass response and a compressed spectrum leading to occasionally muddied dialogue and necessitating volume adjustments for clarity. While these limitations stem from the original sound design characteristic of early '70s cinema, they result in an audio experience that is at best functional and at times, disappointingly lackluster.

Action sequences and natural environmental sounds struggle to break the confines of their aged source material, revealing only a minimal expansion into the surround soundfield. The soundtrack's fidelity and dynamic range fall short of contemporary expectations, accentuating its original monophonic limitations through an apparent compression of audio dynamics and sporadic dialogue intelligibility issues. As a testament to its era, Deliverance's auditory refresh encapsulates the technical and stylistic boundaries of its time, offering a serviceable yet unmistakably restrained sonic experience that mirrors the visual treatment of this cinematic classic.

The extra features of the "Deliverance" Blu-ray release, timed for its 35th anniversary, provide an in-depth exploration into the making of this iconic film. Fans and newcomers alike will find the commentary by director John Boorman exceptionally insightful, as he delves into technical challenges, character development, and behind-the-scenes secrets, such as the origins of the infamous "Dueling Banjos" scene and on-set improvisations. The centerpiece, a four-part documentary totaling 55 minutes, reunites the main cast and crew for a comprehensive look back at both the controversies and the triumphs of the film's production. Through interviews with key figures like cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and cast members including Jon Voight and Burt Reynolds, viewers gain unique perspectives on the novel's adaptation, the grueling on-location shoot, and the film's enduring legacy. Despite the extras being presented in standard definition which may disappoint some HD enthusiasts, this package significantly enhances the appreciation of "Deliverance," making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• 4-part Documentary - Featuring "The Beginning," "The Journey," "Betraying the River," and "Delivered," this series offers a deep dive into the making of "Deliverance," from novel adaptation to film legacy.
• Commentary with John Boorman - Boorman provides rich insights into the film’s production, thematic elements, and his interactions with the cast and crew.
• Dangerous World of Deliverance - A short documentary that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced during filming.
• Trailer - The original film trailer, presenting a historical view of movie marketing.

"Deliverance," directed by John Boorman, is a seminal film that has left an indelible mark on American cinema, not only for its harrowing portrayal of a wilderness adventure gone awry but also for its profound exploration of the human psyche under duress. The film features stellar performances by its lead cast—Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox—each delivering roles that would become career highlights. These performances, particularly Beatty and Reynolds' unprecedented turns, are supported by a backdrop of tension and visceral storytelling that makes "Deliverance" a compelling watch even decades after its release. Its infamy is partly attributed to its unflinching depiction of violence and the psychological unraveling of its characters, especially during the notorious "Squeal like a pig!" scene, which remains one of the most disturbing sequences in cinematic history.

The narrative, based on James Dickey's 1970 novel, unfolds along the Cahulawassee River, setting a stage for a confrontation between modern men and the untamed wild, underscoring themes of survival, masculinity, and the folly of underestimating nature. The film’s pacing and direction are deliberate, favoring long takes that immerse the viewer in the unfolding drama and the majestic yet menacing natural landscape. Boorman's direction crafts a riveting tale that is as much an adventure story as it is an incisive commentary on human nature and the thin veneer that separates civilization from savagery. Boorman’s adept handling of the material earned the film three Oscar nominations, a testament to its impact and craftsmanship.

"Deliverance" also challenges our perceptions of masculinity and societal norms through its stark portrayal of violence and domination. Beyond its thrills, the film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overconfidence in the unknown and the complex dynamics of power and vulnerability. It's this psychological depth, combined with masterful storytelling and acting, that cements "Deliverance" as not just a product of its time but a timeless narrative that continues to resonate with audiences. Its legacy is evident in its continued influence on cinema and its capacity to provoke discussion about the essence of humanity when stripped of societal constructs.

"Deliverance," a film iconic in its portrayal of the Deep South and its harrowing narrative, receives a Blu-ray presentation that mirrors the complexity and depth of the movie itself. While the film straddles the line between thriller and horror, it's the psychological torment and the indelible mark left on the soul that elevates its narrative. Despite its age, "Deliverance" is a masterpiece that remains relevant, gripping audiences with its story rather than relying on graphic content that typifies modern re-imaginings. The quality of the video and audio may not meet today's highest standards—with some inconsistencies in video sharpness and an audio experience that doesn’t fully immerse—but these are minor distractions from the film’s powerful essence.

Warner Brothers' release of "Deliverance" on Blu-ray is lauded for its high-quality presentation, offering the best visual and auditory experience possible given the original material. The inclusion of enriching extras like a compelling commentary by director John Boorman and an informative documentary enhances the viewing experience, providing insightful context to the film's production and its cultural impact. These features make it not just a movie to watch, but an experience to delve into, appreciating the finer details of film-making and storytelling.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray presentation of "Deliverance" is an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection, standing proudly among the cinematic giants of the 1970s. It transcends its era with a timeless exploration of human nature, survival, and the haunting beauty of the wild. The special edition treatment with its superior remastered transfer and thoughtful extras offers both newcomers and long-time fans an opportunity to engage with the film in the most comprehensive way possible. Despite any technical limitations in video and audio quality, this release is highly recommended for those looking to experience a pivotal piece of cinema history in its finest form.