Stop Making Sense Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Stop Making Sense" on Blu-ray, encoded in 1080p MPEG-4/AVC at a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, delivers an authentic, if not pristine, viewing experience. Derived from a remastered 35mm interpositive, the transfer retains much of the concert film's raw and grainy charm. While the choice to avoid digital noise reduction (DNR) preserves the film's original texture, it also leaves some visible imperfections like tiny specks and occasional scratches. Despite these flaws, the video manages to capably handle its minimal, almost monochrome color scheme, with stable bright whites and deep blacks that sometimes suffer from shadow detail crush. Skin tones are natural, and the muted swathes of red provide depth without any noticeable color bleed.

The visual clarity during the performance varies, often softened due to the film stock used and the low-light conditions of the shoot. Shots can be hit-or-miss in terms of sharpness, with some scenes revealing better depth, particularly during the opening numbers where a sense of spaciousness is more pronounced. The stark lighting choices—mostly tungsten white with occasional blue hues from fluorescent lights—highlight the performers effectively against predominantly black backgrounds, offering consistency in flesh tones and clear depiction of their instruments. The grainy texture and limited color palette encapsulate the art-school aesthetic of the Talking Heads perfectly, maintaining a fittingly jittery intensity that aligns well with the concert's energetic vibe. This Blu-ray presentation may not compete with modern concert films in terms of clarity and vibrancy, but it remains a faithful and evocative representation of its time.

The new Blu-ray edition of "Stop Making Sense" offers three lossless audio tracks, catering to varying preferences and technical setups. The original stereo PCM option from the earlier DVD release remains, appreciated for its nostalgic value. The two standout options are the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mixes: the Feature Film Mix and the Studio Mix. The Feature Film Mix is a concert-centric experience, replicating the acoustics of the live performance with crowd ambience captured in the surround channels, creating a dynamic and immersive soundstage. Conversely, the Studio Mix is designed for clarity and precision, with boosted vocals and precise instrument separation, evoking a soundboard feel.

The fidelity of these tracks is exceptional, capturing the essence of the live performance. Tina Weymouth's bass lines thump robustly, while Alex Weir's guitar riffs and the keyboards convey crystalline highs. Drums deliver a punchy presence, and lower tones are reproduced with tightness and clarity. Despite occasional minor sync issues between audio and video, such as during "Thank You For Sending Me An Angel," these discrepancies can be attributed more to editing rather than the audio quality itself.

These audio options eclipse the earlier DVD release by a significant margin, making them an essential upgrade for fans. The Feature Film Mix provides an authentic concert experience, while the Studio Mix offers a cleaner, richer auditory experience. Both tracks leverage the high-quality digital techniques used in the original recording, ensuring a warm and engaging sound profile. With each musical element distinctly audible, these lossless tracks breathe new life into this iconic performance, maintaining high fidelity and an immersive listening experience throughout.

The Blu-ray release of "Stop Making Sense" offers an impressive array of extras, providing immersive insights into the concert film's creation and the band's dynamics. The Commentary track, featuring input from director Jonathan Demme and all band members, is an essential listen for fans, offering deep-dives into the staging, lyric genesis, and even some amusing trivia like the origin of the "Heaven" nightclub. The 1999 Press Conference is another standout, showcasing a well-rounded conversation among band members during the film's 15th anniversary. Other notable extras include a quirky Self Interview with David Byrne, an informative Storyboard Comparison, and additional song performances that were cut from the final film. Though some video features could be enhanced to better formats, they offer valuable historical context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insights from all band members and Demme.
• Bonus Songs: "Cities" and "Big Business / I Zimbra" performances.
• Byrne Self Interview: Quirky split-screen interview with David Byrne.
• Montage: Clip collection from the feature.
• 1999 Press Conference: Band Q&A during 15th anniversary.
• Storyboards: Original storyboards compared to final performance.
• Big Suit: Text about the origins of Byrne's oversized suit.
• Trailer: 15th-anniversary release trailer.
• Previews: Trailers for other music documentaries.

Jonathan Demme's "Stop Making Sense" is an exceptional concert film that captures Talking Heads during their "Speaking in Tongues" tour. Recorded over three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December 1983, the film stands out not only for its dynamic musical performances but also for its creative staging. The concert begins with David Byrne alone on stage, performing "Psycho Killer" with just an acoustic guitar and a boom box—a scene that sets the tone for an unpredictable and engaging experience. With each song, more band members join, building momentum until the full ensemble is assembled. Classics like "Burning Down the House" and "Once in a Lifetime" are delivered with a palpable energy that showcases both the band's eclectic style and their impressive showmanship.

David Byrne's charismatic presence is the cornerstone of the performance. His theatrical flair is evident as he animates the stage with his idiosyncratic dance moves and evocative costume changes, including the iconic oversized suit during "Girlfriend Is Better." As the concert progresses, the lighting, choreography, and live musicianship merge to create a visually striking experience. The band's sound, a fusion of new wave, funk, and worldbeat, defies easy categorization but remains undeniably danceable and endlessly engaging. Percussionist Steve Scales and back-up singers Lynn Mabry and Edna Holt enhance songs like "Slippery People" with infectious, world-music rhythms, while keyboardist Bernie Worrell adds layers of funk to the mix.

The visual composition is meticulously planned, with Jonathan Demme using sustained shots to capture the intense energy of Byrne's performance. Tracks such as "Life During Wartime" see Byrne jogging laps around the stage, illustrating an evangelical fervor that extends beyond mere entertainment. The thematic underpinnings of Byrne’s lyrics—rooted in the anxieties and contradictions of modern life—are visually underscored through his kinetic performance style. The film ultimately culminates in a crescendo of communal jubilation as the audience is finally revealed, dancing along to "Crosseyed and Painless," ensuring "Stop Making Sense" lives up to its reputation as one of the best concert films ever made.

"Stop Making Sense," often regarded as one of the greatest concert films of all time, receives a masterful Blu-ray treatment that music aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. The Blu-ray edition accentuates the immersive live performance experience with outstanding audio clarity—particularly noteworthy given the concert's intricate musical arrangements and dynamic energy. The audio mastering emerges as the highlight, providing unparalleled fullness and detail. Although the video quality retains certain limitations inherent to the original shooting, it should not deter from the film’s overall enjoyment.

Featuring an unparalleled blend of groundbreaking songs, dedicated musicians, and spirited choreography, this concert film redefines the genre. David Byrne's transformation into an enthralling stage performer is front and center, effectively capturing the band’s high-energy performances and their compelling holds on the audience. The band's innovative approach and devotion are palpable, setting a benchmark for subsequent concert films. For both seasoned fans and those new to the Talking Heads, "Stop Making Sense" on Blu-ray offers an unmatched view into the band's peak.

In conclusion, "Stop Making Sense" stands as an essential piece for any discerning music lover's collection. The Talking Heads' indelible impact on music is brilliantly encapsulated in this concert film, showcasing David Byrne's unique artistry and their collective talent. Despite minor video imperfections, the exceptional audio presentation alone justifies its acquisition. Whether you're a long-time follower or a newcomer to their eclectic sound, this Blu-ray serves as a compelling exemplar of how live music should be performed and presented. Highly recommended.