Legal Eagles Blu-ray Review

Presented in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer of "Legal Eagles" on Blu-ray, courtesy of Kino Lorber, delivers a viewing experience that is generally robust, albeit sourced from an older master provided by Universal Pictures. This transfer shows commendable depth and clarity with good to very good density levels throughout. Moreover, the overall delineation is impressive, exposing numerous smaller nuances particularly on larger screens. While the color balance remains solid with primary hues maintaining their vibrancy, there are minor instances of flickering and fluctuating grain levels, though these do not significantly detract from the overall presentation.

Notably, the entire master is devoid of the harshness and smeary flatness that typically afflict older transfers. However, some indoor and darker scenes do reveal extremely light black crush—a limitation commonly associated with sources from this era. Although the black levels aren't always at their inkiest, they still provide a satisfactory visual experience. Implementing a new 2K or 4K master would undoubtedly enhance the image stability and rebalance the blacks, thereby expanding the existing nuances. Minor shaky frames were observed, suggesting that there is room for improvement in image stability.

Overall, while this Blu-ray release is not without its imperfections, it remains a decent transfer with strong tonal balance and clarity. This is a Region-A locked Blu-ray, necessitating a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access.

The Blu-ray release of "Legal Eagles" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track. While the audio is fundamentally stable and clean, it occasionally lacks fullness. Despite this, a new remaster may not significantly enhance the overall quality, as previous efforts have notably optimized the current track. Notably, there are no audio dropouts, pops, or distortions detected throughout the presentation. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided, and when enabled, they are correctly positioned within the image frame.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 showcase is somewhat inconsistent in quality. There are portions of the film where the sound appears mono, with limited activity across the front soundstage. Conversely, sequences like Chelsea's performance art piece effectively utilize the full surround capabilities, immersing viewers with dynamic voices and sound effects across the entire soundstage. Dialogue remains consistently well-recorded and is seamlessly integrated with Elmer Bernstein’s enriching score and various sound effects, which include impactful events such as fires and explosions, delivering notable moments of audio brilliance.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Legal Eagles" offer a rich dive into the film's production and promotional history, making it an essential for any fan or cinephile. The archival featurette provides valuable insights from director Ivan Reitman and cast members, offering a nostalgic look at the movie's creation. Adding depth, the promotional featurette includes discussions from key contributors, enhancing appreciation for the film's setting and production nuances. Vintage trailers enrich the historical context of the film, while additional trailers highlight Kino Lorber's broad catalog, reinforcing the value of this release for collectors and enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Featurette: Archival featurette promoting the production with interviews from Ivan Reitman and cast members.
• Promo Featurette: Promotional featurette with detailed discussions by Ivan Reitman, Joe Medjuck, Michael Gross, and Daryl Hannah.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original vintage trailer for "Legal Eagles".
• Additional Trailers: Titles include "Once Upon a Crime...", "Blame It on Rio", and "The Woman in Red".

Ivan Reitman's Legal Eagles (1986) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, featuring a vintage trailer and an archival featurette. The film is presented in English with optional English SDH subtitles and is Region-A locked.

Legal Eagles is a lightweight romantic mystery that trades heavily on star power rather than narrative complexity. The screenplay by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. showcases potential but ultimately falters due to convoluted plot elements and character choices that occasionally defy logic. The romantic chemistry between leads Robert Redford and Debra Winger salvages the experience, providing a zestful charm that overshadows the expectations of a conventional crime thriller. While Daryl Hannah's enigmatic Chelsea adds depth, it's the interactions and energy between Redford's Assistant District Attorney Tom Logan and Winger's defense attorney Laura Kelly that generate genuine audience engagement.

The film starts dramatically with the young Chelsea witnessing her father’s demise in a fire, setting off a chain of events nearly two decades later involving art theft, murder accusations, and deepening mysteries. While the narrative attempts multiple twists to bolster suspense, these revelations are straightforward and somewhat predictable. The real allure rests in the romance interwoven with comedic elements, particularly highlighted by Winger's and Redford's dynamic. Supporting performances from Steven Hill, Brian Dennehy, Terence Stamp, and John McMartin add robust character layers, making up for some of the screenplay's shortcomings. Visually, cinematographer László Kovács captures intimate moments that enhance the film's emotional resonance. Despite poorly-timed shifts towards darker tones in the final act, Legal Eagles remains an engaging, if ultimately flawed, romantic charmer.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Legal Eagles" presents a solid visual and audio experience, with particular attention to maintaining the film's charm and appeal. Sourced from an older master provided by Universal Pictures, the transfer offers a clean image, though it shows signs of aging with some minor grain and softness in certain scenes. The New York City locations come alive, providing a vibrant urban backdrop that is essential to the narrative's ambiance. The audio is clear and does justice to Elmer Bernstein’s impressive score, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Ivan Reitman’s direction ensures that "Legal Eagles" straddles the line between romantic comedy and procedural drama effectively, albeit without reaching exceptional heights. Robert Redford’s charismatic performance remains the highlight, delivering a nuanced portrayal that anchors the film. Debra Winger and Daryl Hannah support him well, bringing both emotional depth and humor. Despite having a script that could have used more finesse, the chemistry between the leads elevates the narrative, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.

In conclusion, as odd as it may sound, the spirit of old Hollywood lives in "Legal Eagles." The film’s script may be rough around the edges, but the chemistry between its stars is undeniably what makes it irresistibly attractive. This elusive magic is something many contemporary films lack. Kino Lorber’s release, with its older yet commendable master from Universal Pictures, delivers a visual and auditory experience that respects the original. RECOMMENDED.