Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" is brought to Blu-ray by Via Vision Entertainment. While the master used for this release may not be fresh off the press, it presents a commendable video quality that will please enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Notably, the film showcases consistent delineation, clarity, and solid density levels across various scenes, enhancing both close-up details and panoramic views without falling prey to digital manipulation issues. The color reproduction is effective, with each hue accurately represented, adding to the film's visual appeal. Though a newer 4K master could potentially offer superior visuals, the existing transfer maintains an attractive and organic look that honors the original cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray's visual presentation benefits from strong details, revealing intricate aspects in settings, costumes, and makeup that might otherwise go unnoticed. Each location is characterized by a distinctive color scheme that contributes to the film's atmospheric storytelling—ranging from the malt shop’s mint green to the Man With The Plan’s steel blue ambiance. Despite a tendency for black levels to veer into gray territory rather than deep black, and occasional flatness in image depth, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The handling of primary colors ensures naturalism in scenes and healthy skin tones among characters. While the source material shows some signs of age with mild speckling and other minor imperfections, these do not compromise the overall quality of the transfer, making it an impressive effort given the limitations of the original master.

The Blu-ray release of "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" comes equipped with two audio options: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and an English LPCM 2.0 track, ensuring viewers have a choice depending on their audio setup preferences. With optional English SDH subtitles, the audio presentation ensures accessibility for all audiences, catering to varying needs for clarity and comprehension. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, in particular, stands out for its exceptional clarity, depth, and dynamic intensity, delivering a robust audio experience that makes dialogues more potent and sound effects and music cues properly balanced and placed within the soundscape.

Upon engaging with the film's audio via the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, one immediately notices the meticulous attention to audio balance and the healthiness of the upper register, presenting no detectable issues. This immersion is contrasted with the LPCM 2.0 track, which, while decent and effective, requires a slight volume adjustment for an optimal listening experience. The LPCM track does its job well but lacks the full-bodied engagement brought forth by its 5.1 counterpart.

Speculation about potential future releases and improvements to the audio track might lean towards the cosmetic, given the current high standards achieved by the existing DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. Both options ensure that depending on one’s audio system setup, the experience of watching "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" can still be greatly satisfying. Nonetheless, for those seeking a more enveloping and dynamic auditory experience, the DTS-HD 5.1 track unquestionably offers a superior choice over its LPCM 2.0 counterpart, ensuring that every whispered word and background noise contributes effectively to the storytelling.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" brings to the forefront a wealth of behind-the-scenes insights and narratives through a series of exclusive interviews with key creatives involved in the film's production. These include screenwriter Scott Rosenberg, who provides a genesis of his screenplay and its initial spark; Andy Garcia, offering an actor's perspective on character dynamics and potential for future narratives; director Gary Fleder, reflecting on the film's journey and its overshadowing by contemporaneous works; and Nelson Coates, who immerses viewers in the detailed world-building behind the movie's settings. Produced by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures and presented in English without subtitles, these interviews culminate into a nuanced tapestry that highlights the collaborative art of filmmaking, the challenges of narrative construction, and the unique charm of the film's locus - Denver. The technical and emotional insights render this collection a must-have for enthusiasts keen on the intricacies of cinema creation, preservation, and interpretation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Scott Rosenberg: Deep dive into the screenplay's origins, collaboration processes, and narrative decisions.
• Interview with Gary Fleder: Directorial reflections on production challenges, industry dynamics, and critical reception.
• Interview with Andy Garcia: Actor's insight on character development, ensemble chemistry, and sequel possibilities.
• Interview with Nelson Coates: Exploring the pre-production efforts, location scouting, and design ethos behind the film's visual narrative.

Gary Fleder's "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" is a striking presentation on Blu-ray, brought to audiences by Via Vision Entertainment. This 1995 film, Fleder’s debut feature, stands as a testament to a bygone era of genre filmmaking, combining the dark humor and edgy action that have since become rarities in the mainstream cinematic landscape. The movie dazzles with its sharp wit, akin to the likes of "Glengarry Glen Ross," and boasts an ensemble cast delivering performances at the peak of their careers. With Andy Garcia leading as Jimmy "The Saint," the narrative weaves through his transition from a gangster to a legitimate businessman in Denver, only to be pulled back into a perilous job by his former boss, portrayed with chilling menace by Christopher Walken.

"Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" excels not only in its storytelling but also in its technical execution. The Blu-ray release accentuates Elliot Davis’ neo-noir cinematography, providing a stylish visual texture that pays homage to genre classics while offering a distinct modernity that sets the film apart. Despite initially riding the waves created by '90s crime cinema phenomena like Tarantino's work, the film establishes its unique identity with a script that blends slang-rich dialogue with complex character arcs. These elements work cohesively to build a narrative that is as emotionally engaging as it is intellectually stimulating, offering depth beyond the typical crime drama fare.

However, the film is not without its dualities; while the first half revels in character-driven storytelling and seamless blend of humor and drama, the latter part shifts tonally towards a stylized, albeit forceful, approach to maintain its "cool" factor. This change is marked by rapid editing, dutch angles, and an overt effort to emulate the aesthetic of the time, which somewhat detracts from its earlier established genuineness. Despite this pivot, "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" ultimately stands as a compelling yet imperfect piece within the crime genre, notable for its ambition, character depth, and the beautifully captured essence of '90s cinema nostalgia provided by the Blu-ray release.

In the realm of forgotten '90s crime thrillers, "Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead" stands out as a distinctive, albeit polarizing, flick that warrants a revisit. The Blu-ray presentation by Via Vision Entertainment captivates with its dedication to quality, echoing sentiments from reviewers who commend the film's unique position away from "Pulp Fiction" comparisons. Scott Rosenberg's screenplay receives high praise for its compelling dynamism and thought-provoking narrative, marking a stark contrast to those who might have misunderstood the film's direction and thematic richness upon its initial release. The inclusion of Gary Fleder's reflections on critics' varying receptions adds a layer of introspection, enhancing the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray edition excels not just in content but in technical delivery. Sourced from an older, yet remarkably organic master, the transfer ensures visuals retain their original atmospheric texture. Coupled with clean audio that preserves the film's gritty ambiance, this edition comes packed with an impressive array of exclusive new bonus features. The commitment to a region-free release widens accessibility, inviting a global audience to delve into this nuanced crime narrative adorned with a stellar cast led by Andy Garcia.

Conclusively, this Blu-ray release is not merely a revisit but a reevaluation of "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead," an underappreciated gem of its genre. Its presentation is a testament to Via Vision Entertainment’s adherence to quality and respect for the film's artistic merit. The inclusion of thoughtful extras and technical enhancements makes this offering highly recommended. For aficionados of the genre and newcomers alike, this edition presents an ideal opportunity to experience or re-experience a film that beautifully balances slick thriller elements with deep, character-driven storytelling.