The End Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1080p image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio is impressively handled, retaining a filmic quality that purists will appreciate. The transfer is sharp, adhering faithfully to the source material without any signs of tampering or manipulation. Colors are secure, with greenery and costuming hues presented pleasingly. Flesh tones remain natural throughout, and the color reproduction is commendable, maintaining bold and vibrant shades—particularly vivid reds such as the Redskins jersey worn by Sally Field. Detail is notable, especially in close-ups that enhance the comedic beats and manic performances characteristic of the film. While grain is present, it remains minimal and non-intrusive, adding to the film's authentic texture.

Clarity and detail are solid, despite the inherent softness of the cinematography. The image remains clean, with adequate delineation that complements the brightly lit, outdoorsy scenes. There's a decent sense of depth, particularly in interior shots, where good separation between objects and environments is evident. Movements are smooth and cinematic, contributing to an overall immersive viewing experience. Black levels are robust but can obscure details in darker sections of the frame without any visible crushing. While noise and artifacts are minimal, they do not detract from the viewing experience. The source material appears in excellent shape, free from overt damage, ensuring an enjoyable visual presentation.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix of "The End" delivers a surprisingly robust audio experience, particularly during music and soundtrack selections. The mix showcases crisp instrumentation and responsive bass, effectively enhancing the listening experience. Additionally, scoring cues are well-articulated, seamlessly managing the film’s intended mood transitions. Dialogue exchanges are impressively tight, balancing both comedic outbursts and whispered intimacies with ease. Atmospherics, though calm, provide a perceptible presence, enriching location visits and hospital interiors with a subtle exploration of crowd dynamics.

While not featuring advanced surround sound presentations, the 2.0 audio mix sufficiently meets the needs of this dialogue-heavy film. Its dynamics are adequate, capturing the essence of character interactions and narrative progression. However, the effects could benefit from more rounding, though this shortcoming might be attributable to the source material. The dialogue reproduction excels, remaining clean and clear throughout, occasionally hinting at its analog origins without detracting from clarity. Overall, the audio quality preserves the integrity of the film’s soundscape, ensuring an engaging auditory experience.

The extra features on the Blu-ray of "The End" provide a comprehensive, enriching exploration of the film's themes and production, curated with precision for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The inclusion of high-definition content augments the viewing experience, offering insightful behind-the-scenes looks and engaging commentaries. Notably, the theatrical trailer, presented in pristine HD format, is an invaluable addition for contextualizing the film’s initial marketing and audience reception. Each feature is meticulously crafted, ensuring that both technical aficionados and narrative aficionados can appreciate the depth and breadth of the content offered.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer offering a glimpse into the film's promotional phase.

"The End," directed by and starring Burt Reynolds, is a dark comedy that navigates the somber territory of terminal illness with an aim to deliver humor and introspection. The film portrays Wendell Lawson, a man facing a rare blood disease with only months to live, who decides to end his life before enduring further medical suffering. Reynolds brings a mixture of wit and exaggeration to the role, opting for a comedic and somewhat life-affirming take on Wendell's despairing situation. The film assembles a lively supporting cast including Sally Field, Joanne Woodward, Kristy McNichol, and Dom DeLuise, adding considerable depth and dynamism to the narrative.

Reynolds's second directorial effort grapples with tonal inconsistencies but maintains engagement through sheer comedic persistence. The first half of the movie functions almost as an extended therapy session for Wendell, laden with his struggles to accept his mortality. Key scenes involve Wendell visiting loved ones in a desperate attempt to gather sympathy, revealing their self-absorbed responses. In particular, his interactions with his ex-wife Jessica and daughter Julie provide emotional gravitas while his encounters with Marlon (DeLuise) in a psychiatric hospital introduce slapstick elements that significantly ease the tension. While these scenes underscore Wendell’s selfishness, Reynolds's commitment prevents the film from devolving into mere caricature.

Technically, the film has pacing issues, taking about 40 minutes to reach its first act turning point, which may test the patience of some viewers. The narrative arcs involving repetitive visits to friends and family drag slightly, diluted by Reynolds's penchant for over-the-top dramatization. The dynamic between Reynolds and DeLuise provides comic relief but also lengthens the movie unnecessarily, sometimes stalling the plot. Although critics initially embraced "The End" for its daring approach to dark comedy during its release, contemporary audiences might find its charm waning due to dated humor and pacing flaws. Nevertheless, the film remains a noteworthy exploration of morbidity alleviated by humor.

The Blu-ray release of "The End," directed by and starring Burt Reynolds, offers an intriguing revisit to a film that was notably received during its original release. The movie, blending dark comedy with themes of self-harm, strikes a peculiar balance that might not be universally appealing. However, Reynolds injects a significant amount of energy into his performance, making the material accessible and occasionally poignant. Technically, Olive Films' Blu-ray presentation is commendable. Both audio and video quality are solid, providing fans of the film with a satisfactory viewing experience.

A critical examination reveals the film’s unpredictable pacing and tonal shifts, which may affect viewer engagement. Though it doesn’t attain cinematic greatness, "The End" retains a certain charm through Reynolds’ dedicated presence on screen. Particularly notable are moments of humor that subtly illuminate the more somber narrative, indicating Reynolds’ intent to provoke both reflection and laughter. This duality characterizes much of the movie's appeal, as it navigates its dark subject matter with unexpected levity.

Conclusively, "The End" serves as an interesting piece in Reynolds’ filmography, showcasing his capability to juggle light-heartedness with gravity. The Blu-ray release by Olive Films should satisfy existing fans with its high-quality presentation, while new viewers might benefit from a rental beforehand due to its uneven narrative flow. Despite its imperfections, the film remains watchable and engaging, offering an impish perspective on serious themes.