Hudson Hawk Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Hudson Hawk," distributed by Kino Lorber and sourced from a master provided by Sony Pictures, has a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Framed in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, the release features both strengths and limitations. While the high bitrate of 35-40 Mbps improves upon earlier versions, enhancing the smoothness and organic appearance, the outdated master presents noticeable challenges. Highlight areas in daylight scenes suffer from boosted contrast levels that result in harsh visuals. In darker scenes, blacks are prone to become crushed, obscuring finer details and creating thickness in visuals that disrupt image clarity.

The cinematography, originally shot on 35 mm film using Panavision cameras at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, retains some of its filmic qualities thanks to better-managed grain and stable colors. The higher bitrate offers improved visual fidelity, ensuring smoother presentation compared to previous releases such as Mill Creek’s version. However, optical work like credits and composites remain softer and less detailed due to their pre-digital nature. The color balance is generally stable, with natural flesh tones presented well, although certain highlights and nuances could use better management. Additionally, while there are minor blemishes and nicks visible, major damage is absent, supporting overall image stability.

In summary, this release of "Hudson Hawk" on Blu-ray offers a somewhat improved visual experience over previous releases by maintaining a higher bitrate. However, it is constrained by the limitations of an older master which struggles with contrast and detail in both brightly-lit and dark scenes. These shortcomings can distract from the film's intended visual narrative, leaving it around the 3.00 to 3.25 out of 5.00 mark for video quality.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Hudson Hawk" is anchored by a singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track with optional English SDH subtitles. This lossless track offers exceptional clarity, sharpness, and depth, maintaining an impressive balance that captures the original soundtrack's innate qualities. Despite the absence of more modern formats like Dolby Atmos, the existing audio track is robust and well-executed, rendering future enhancements seemingly unnecessary unless substantial advances occur.

Historical context enriches the appreciation for this audio mix; "Hudson Hawk" was among an elite group of films to be released in the Cinema Digital Sound (CDS) format, though it predominantly reached audiences in Dolby Stereo or Dolby SR. The current Blu-ray maintains a four-channel surround mix matrixed into 2.0, characteristic of high-budget action films from the Eighties and Nineties. This dynamic mix effectively delivers lively ambience and directional effects, achieving a true-to-form larger-than-life experience consistent with the film's tone.

While the audio presentation's vibrancy and nuanced sound effects align with the exaggerated, cartoonish style inherent to the film, it does exhibit a certain weakness in the lower frequencies. The low end is somewhat subdued, with deep bass elements—such as explosions—not resonating as powerfully as one might expect. However, this minor shortcoming is overshadowed by the potent musical score from Robert Kraft and Michael Kamen, which crucially underpins and enhances the film's overall audio experience.

The "Hudson Hawk" Blu-ray extras offer a compelling dive into the film's production nuances, filled with candid revelations and technical insights. Director Michael Lehman's commentary, rich in technical breadth, highlights his playful manipulation of conventional action filmmaking and delves into significant production intricacies, despite occasionally acknowledging its controversial reception. Bruce Willis's and Robert Kraft's featurette provides a nostalgic look into the film's inception at Cherokee Studios, capturing a candid discussion about their collaboration and friendship. Sandra Bernhard shares engaging anecdotes about her role as a kooky billionaire, emphasizing her unique preparation. The included music video and trailers add a retro flavor, rounding out a robust package that engages film enthusiasts seeking both technical depth and entertaining anecdotes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailers: Two vintage trailers for "Hudson Hawk."
• Music Video: Hudson Hawk theme by Dr. John.
• Deleted Scenes: A couple of deleted scenes with text descriptions.
• My Journey to Minerva: Actress Sandra Bernhard's recollections.
• The Story of Hudson Hawk: Featurette with Bruce Willis and Robert Kraft.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by director Michael Lehman.
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art.

Michael Lehmann's "Hudson Hawk," newly released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, revisits a film that was met with considerable controversy upon its original 1991 release. Despite high expectations fueled by Bruce Willis' rising stardom post-Die Hard, the movie was critically dismissed and perceived as a failure domestically, though it experienced some international success. The divergence between expectations and delivery likely stemmed from the disparity between Willis' action-hero persona and the quirkiness of "Hudson Hawk." The project, which seemed more a vanity endeavor than a finely-tuned summer blockbuster, reveals a narrative that struggles to coalesce into a cohesive whole.

The plot follows Eddie Hawkins, played by Willis, a notorious thief freshly out of jail, hired by eccentric billionaires (Richard E. Grant and Sandra Bernhard) to recover art-concealed components of a device invented by Leonardo da Vinci. Although the premise offers potential for entertaining heist antics, the execution results in a disjointed sequence of flashy yet shallow episodes. The film centers around Willis' character but fails to provide the substance or depth seen in comparable big-budget movies, instead delivering an erratic blend of styles and tones.

Approaching "Hudson Hawk" with a fresh perspective detached from its historical reception reveals distinct charm within its unabashed whimsicality. While critics initially scorned its peculiar self-indulgence, some modern viewers might find endearing qualities in its idiosyncratic approach to humor and storytelling. "Hudson Hawk" perhaps failed to meet its grandiose expectations but remains an intriguing case of genre experimentation. For those willing to re-evaluate it with an open mind, there are elements of kooky fun lurking beneath its flawed exterior.

Hudson Hawk, directed by Michael Lehmann, remains a divisive film, often criticized as a vanity project that failed to meet expectations. Despite its shortcomings, it holds a certain nostalgic appeal for fans of Bruce Willis' early work. The Kino Lorber Blu-ray release derives from an older master, provided by Sony Pictures, with notable limitations. For those considering adding this to their collection, patience for a significant discount may be wise.

While the Blu-ray does not present newly curated extras or an enhanced transfer, the existing features provide decent insight, including worthwhile legacy content. It is unlikely that Sony will invest further in a fresh scan or additional materials for this title. Nevertheless, the transfer manages to hold up reasonably well, given its age, rendering this Blu-ray as the definitive home video edition of Hudson Hawk for the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray release might not redefine the film's quality or viewers' perceptions, it serves as a competent preservation of this cult classic. The release is chiefly for dedicated fans and collectors awaiting a more comprehensive or updated package. Keeping expectations aligned with its historical reception and known technical hurdles is crucial for any potential buyers.