Natural Enemies Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Natural Enemies" is sourced from a 2K restoration of a 35mm deposit print held at the Library of Congress. The image is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio using AVC encoding. Although some unavoidable damage such as scratches, dropped frames, and minor instability are present, they do not severely detract from the overall viewing experience. Notably, these issues are pronounced during the opening credits. The contrast is generally satisfactory, though detailing suffers slightly in the darkest parts of the frame, leading to a somewhat washed-out appearance.

Despite these challenges, Fun City Editions has done an admirable job enhancing key visual elements. The transfer brilliantly captures facial details and clothing textures, presenting an engaging view of the late 70s aesthetic. Colors largely maintain their vibrancy; although primary colors occasionally appear washed out, overall color balance is appealing, with naturalistic skin tones. The use of stylized lighting, particularly red hues, is well-represented, providing a compelling visual atmosphere.

Film grain is heavy but retains a filmic quality that aligns with the cinematic intent of the original theatrical screening. While speckling and minor imperfections are present throughout, they contribute to the overall authenticity of the viewing experience. Considering the limitations of the source material—literal survival as the last known print—this version stands as a faithful and largely successful representation of "Natural Enemies" as it would have appeared in theaters.

The audio presentation of the "Natural Enemies" Blu Ray features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that generally delivers a coherent listening experience. Dialogue clarity is a strong point, ensuring that monologues and exchanges remain discernible despite minor fluctuations in volume during busier scenes, such as those set in New York City streets and eateries. However, an occasional sibilance issue can be detected, which slightly detracts from the overall quality. Subtle damage due to the source material's age also contributes to the variances in audio fidelity.

The orchestral score by Don Ellis adds a foreboding layer to the film's atmosphere, though it suffers from limited fidelity inherent to its original recording constraints. This poignant score, notable as Ellis' final composition, is reproduced with reasonable fidelity within the constraints of the 2.0 setup. Despite this, it overall provides a fitting backdrop to the film's narrative without imposing itself too heavily on dialogue-driven scenes.

For those requiring subtitles, the audio track comes with optional English SDH subtitles, addressing any clarity issues for non-native speakers or hearing-impaired viewers. Although not flawless, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track admirably maintains musical and ambient soundscapes appropriate to the film’s period and thematic intensity. Overall, while the track presents a few inconsistencies, it upholds a level of engagement that supports the Blu-Ray’s visual content effectively.

The Blu-ray extras for "Natural Enemies" provide a comprehensive exploration of the film's creation and context. Jeff Kanew, the writer/director, offers candid insights across two detailed interviews, shedding light on his career path from a Brooklyn office boy to a distinguished filmmaker. His experiences in adult cinema, movie trailer production, and the journey to adapt the challenging narrative of "Natural Enemies" are fascinating. Kanew's anecdotes about the cast, including his challenges with Robert Duvall and Louise Fletcher, are enlightening and provide depth to the film's tumultuous production. Bill Ackerman’s audio commentary is a standout feature, thoroughly contextualizing the film within 1970s cinema and providing rigorous research about its production and critical reception. This extensive collection of extras enriches the viewing experience by situating "Natural Enemies" within both Kanew’s career and the broader cinematic landscape of its time.

Extras included in this disc:

• Booklet: Features an essay by Jason Bailey.
• Introduction: Jeff Kanew discusses the film's American Bergman vision.
• Commentary: Bill Ackerman examines the film’s production and context.
• The Road to 'Natural Enemies': Part I: Kanew's career beginnings and industry insights.
• The Road to 'Natural Enemies': Part II: Filmmaking challenges and anecdotes.
• Alternate Ending: Presents a revised, happy conclusion.
• Trailer: Original promotional material.

Jeff Kanew's "Natural Enemies," an adaptation of Julius Horwitz's novel, marks a rare excursion into dark psychological territory by a director predominantly known for lighter fare like "Revenge of the Nerds." Hal Holbrook leads as Paul Steward, who, despite his apparent success as a New York magazine publisher, plans a murder-suicide involving his wife (Louise Fletcher) and children. Set in a bleak and understated tone, the film explores deep psychological despair through Paul's self-reflection. Cinematically reminiscent of European art films, "Natural Enemies" delves into existential musings about life's meaninglessness, with Kanew focusing meticulously on Paul's inner turmoil.

The film's stark atmosphere is compounded by Paul's narration, which parallels his interaction with family and acquaintances. Holbrook's performance is compelling; his expressions and demeanor convey an underlying tension, drawing audiences into Paul's disturbed psyche. Concurrently, Fletcher's portrayal of Miriam adds layers to the narrative, particularly in the film’s latter half where her performance diverges from her iconic role as Nurse Ratched, offering a nuanced view of a marriage lost in mutual alienation. Various interactions, such as Paul's ethically fraught visit to a brothel, serve to heighten both the solemnity and complexity of his character’s journey.

While Louise Fletcher’s screen presence is more limited, her moments are potent, infusing humanity into a narrative weighed down by its grim subject matter. "Natural Enemies" demands a cautious viewing disposition; its unrelenting exploration of themes like isolation and anguish is thought-provoking yet profoundly unsettling. Notably, its performances anchor the film amid its foreboding milieu, garnering poignant reflections on happiness—or the lack thereof—through meticulous craftsmanship. This work stands out as an intense character study, skillfully brought to life by ensnaring performances and Kanew's dedicated direction.

The Blu-ray release of "Natural Enemies" by Fun City Editions is a significant restoration effort for this largely forgotten film, last available on home video during the VHS era. This release taps into the film's somber exploration of despair and brokenness, reminiscent of the 1970s era it depicts. Despite not being an uplifting narrative, the film captures attention with its raw portrayal of humanity, unflinchingly delivered through speeches and powerful, albeit sometimes uneven, performances. Louise Fletcher and Hal Holbrook bring a magnetic intensity to their roles—an outstanding feat that elevates the film beyond its potentially grim storyline.

Technically speaking, the Blu-ray offers a commendable audiovisual presentation sourced from the only known surviving elements. Although the original elements present some inevitable imperfections, the transfer is largely robust, providing viewers with an immersive experience that does justice to the film's dense atmosphere. Bonus features included in this release are noteworthy, providing greater depth and context to this intriguingly offbeat selection by Fun City Editions.

Conclusively, "Natural Enemies" embodies a compelling study of hopelessness with a poignant edge, brought to life through committed performances and keen direction by Jeff Kanew. While it presents a challenging narrative—resonating with a distinctive nihilism—it remains an essential watch for admirers of 1970s cinema and those mourning the late Louise Fletcher's contributions to film. This Blu-ray release represents a critical reclamation of a neglected yet significant piece of cinematic history, making it an invaluable addition for collectors and cinephiles alike.