Stone Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Stone" is delivered on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer by Umbrella Entertainment. The remastering efforts are evident, presenting a visually healthy film. Despite some fluctuations in clarity, depth, and delineation due to the original cinematography, the overall visual experience remains pleasingly organic. While some signs of aging can be observed, notably minor blemishes and spots, they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

Color stability is commendable, though there is a slight oversaturation in some primary colors, particularly yellows and browns. This over-enhancement, however, is minor and does not substantially affect the visual appeal. Comparatively, footage from video inserts, such as those featuring Quentin Tarantino, exhibit slightly superior color handling. Image stability is consistently solid, free from large debris or distracting imperfections like warped or torn frames.

This Region-Free Blu-ray release offers flexibility for playback across different geographical locations, ensuring accessibility for viewers worldwide. The technical specifications guarantee that both casual movie watchers and enthusiasts will find the video presentation satisfactory, maintaining a high standard consistent with modern Blu-ray releases.

The audio presentation of the "Stone" Blu-ray disc is offered in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. The audio clarity is commendable, delivering dialogue and incidental sound effects, such as roaring motorcycle engines, with precision and strength. However, some dynamic fluctuations suggest the film's low-budget origins and, at times, contribute to an inconsistent auditory experience. Fortunately, age-related imperfections are minimal in the upper registers, ensuring a relatively smooth playback without noticeable audio dropouts or distortions.

One notable challenge of the soundtrack is its integration with Billy Green’s score. While the score has an unusual quality that stands out on its own, it unfortunately fails to harmonize with the overall soundtrack, often coming across as distorted. This misalignment might detract from the immersive experience that the audio track strives to achieve. The limited 2.0 mono format restricts any spatial audio enhancements that might elevate the viewing experience further. Implementing a 5.1 remix could potentially address these issues, offering enriched soundscapes and a more captivating auditory environment for audiences.

The Blu-ray extras for "Stone" provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the film's legacy. Ranging from Quentin Tarantino's passionate reflections in "Tarantino on Stone" to the raw behind-the-scenes insights in "The Making of Stone," these features dive deep into both the film's production and cultural impact. "Deleted and Extended Scenes" offer a glimpse into Sandy Harbutt's original vision, while "Stone Forever" highlights the film's enduring influence on biker culture. The "Not Quite Hollywood Extended Interviews" collection, featuring key figures like Sandy Harbutt and Ken Shorter, enriches the understanding of Australia's cinematic landscape during the film's release. The disc is rounded out with specialized content such as "Make Up Tests," a thoughtful commentary-filled stills gallery, and extras like the remastered vintage trailer and original soundtrack. Each element serves to enhance appreciation for this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Tarantino on Stone: Quentin Tarantino shares his admiration and experiences with the film.
• The Making of Stone: Archival featurette with on-set footage and interviews.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Removed footage from Harbutt’s original cut.
• Stone Forever: Documentary on the film’s history and influence on biker culture.
• Not Quite Hollywood Extended Interviews: Archival interviews with cast and crew.
• Make Up Tests: Early makeup experiments.
• Stills Gallery with Commentary by Sandy Harbutt: Commentary on production and promotional history.
• Trailer: Remastered vintage trailer.
• Soundtrack: Billy Green's original tracks on a separate CD.

Sandy Harbutt's "Stone" (1974) arrives on Blu-ray, offering a remarkably restored experience of this cult classic. The film is a vibrant time capsule of the 1970s Australian biker culture, replete with gonzo filmmaking, gritty realism, and unconventional narratives. "Stone," often compared to films like "Easy Rider," blends campy biker drama with political intrigue. The opening sequence echoes a Brian De Palma-style tension, featuring a high-stakes assassination witnessed by the Grave Diggers, a brotherhood of bikers. The film unfolds as Undertaker, the head of the bikers, allies with Stone (Ken Shorter), a local cop, to hunt down the killer, navigating a landscape of macho bravado and psychedelic influences.

Produced on a shoestring budget under $120,000 and praised for its authenticity, "Stone" is as much a documentary on outlaw biker lore as it is a narrative feature. Veteran stuntman Peter Armstrong's breathtaking plunge from an 80-foot cliff serves as a testament to the film's audacious spirit and has become an iconic moment in cinematic history. While the soundtrack, with original compositions by Billy Green, complements the film’s raw energy with an eclectic mix of psychedelic and progressive rock tunes—available separately on CD—it enhances the movie's essence, lending it a sense of grandeur amidst its low-budget constraints.

The film is not without its flaws; certain scenes falter due to questionable choices—most notably where the actors appear genuinely under illicit influences, detracting from performance coherence. Nevertheless, "Stone" remains an engaging piece of filmmaking, enriched by its vibrant portrayal of biker camaraderie and its reflection on counterculture lifestyle. For some, Tarantino's enthusiasm may oversell portions of its charm, but the film’s enduring appeal lies in its raw portrayal of freedom and rebellion from an era now gone.

"Stone" emerges as a crucial piece of cultural history and a compelling cinematic event, serving as a nostalgic nod to the 1970s outlaw biker genre. While it inevitably draws comparisons to "Easy Rider," Sandy Harbutt skillfully crafts a narrative that stands on its own merit. Umbrella Entertainment’s dedication to the Ozploitation Classics series is evident in their meticulous remastering of "Stone," preserving its wild energy and appealing authenticity for a modern audience.

Technically, the Blu-ray release offers a solid film transfer that honors the original aesthetic of the movie. While not groundbreaking in terms of resolution or clarity, the transfer maintains the gritty charm that defines Stone, enhancing the viewing experience. In addition, the package includes a separate CD featuring the movie’s original soundtrack, offering an immersive extension of the film’s atmosphere. The wealth of bonus features further enriches this release, providing insightful context and enhancing its appeal to both newcomers and longtime fans.

In conclusion, this Region-Free Limited Edition from Umbrella Entertainment not only revives "Stone" but also celebrates it as a key entry within the exploitation film genre. With its dynamic presentation and comprehensive extras, the Blu-ray release encapsulates the spirit of "Stone," making it an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of cult cinema. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.