The Ugly American Blu-ray Review

Mill Creek Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "The Ugly American" offers a 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that derives from an older master, leading to a noticeably soft image lacking the crispness typical of fully restored 1960s films. The film's lack of resolution creates a presentation that feels more akin to SD than true HD, with minimal detail and a persistent softness throughout. This impression is exacerbated by the washed-out grain, lending a digital feel rather than the intended cinematic projection. However, despite these limitations, the encode handles the material competently enough to present an improved image over DVD versions, visible in enhanced detail during close-ups and certain scenes.

Color and contrast exhibit commendable performance, with vibrant primary colors bringing life to the screen, especially in scenes set in Thailand. The film’s Eastman color production is highlighted by vivid reds and pastel blues within Western fashion scenes, offering solid density and stable brightness. Additionally, skin tones appear mostly convincing, though some instances do show flushed looks. Thailand locales further push saturation, preserving the film's rich stylistic appeal despite the overall lackluster resolution.

The video transfer does occasionally suffer from technical imperfections, such as macroblocking in busier scenes and inconsistencies within the grain field, which sometimes lead to unsightly moments. Additionally, the print exhibits fluctuations in damage and dirt levels. While "The Ugly American" on Blu-ray could certainly benefit from a fresh remastering to meet contemporary high-definition standards, it still surpasses previous DVD offerings, particularly on larger screens where even minimal improvements become more apparent. Despite its imperfections, the video quality remains satisfactory for viewers seeking an upgraded visual experience over older formats.

The audio presentation of "The Ugly American" Blu-ray utilizes a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix, remaining faithful to the original source material. The dialogue is consistently clean and intelligible, maintaining precise prioritization throughout. This is crucial in a film where conversations predominantly take place in enclosed environments like offices and conference rooms. The careful attention to voice clarity ensures that even in the more hectic third-act scenes, the crowd noises and vocal enactments of democratic aspirations come across vividly. Although the absence of LFE support might be noticeable to some, given the film's dialogue-heavy nature, it doesn't significantly detract from the overall experience.

However, in a few sections, particularly during an action scene, the audio track struggles with some coarse highs and lows that disrupt its smoothness. The score, though sparingly employed, demonstrates commendable purity considering its age, contributing appropriately without overshadowing the dialogues. In larger scenes characterized by expansive room acoustics, there are minor reductions in dialogue fidelity, yet it remains sufficiently audible to not compromise comprehension. While a 5.1 surround mix could have potentially enriched the final hour's immersion, the existing audio track still holds its integrity well for a mono setup.

The Blu-ray release of "The Ugly American" is notably sparse in its supplementary content, a point of frustration for those seeking deeper insights into the film. With only the film's theatrical trailer included, the absence of additional features is glaring. The potential for enriching the disc with discussions involving literary and film historians about the original 1958 novel and its 1963 adaptation is overlooked, likely due to budget constraints. Such content could significantly enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film's context and production history. The lack of even minimal features suggests a missed opportunity to utilize relatively straightforward resources like historian interviews, which could have added considerable value without incurring substantial costs.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.

"The Ugly American," presented on Blu-Ray, offers a fascinating yet flawed journey into the geopolitical landscape preceding the Vietnam Conflict. The film meanders through slow diplomatic exchanges, weighing down its potential as a political thriller. Anchoring the narrative is Marlon Brando's compelling performance as Ambassador Harrison MacWhite, whose portrayal brings a distinct gravitas, reflecting his burgeoning embodiment of assured, deliberate characters. Although Brando's inclusion promises weight, the film's narrative struggles under a heavy-handed, over-preachy storyline. Supporting actors, including Eiji Okada, invigorate their roles with much-needed passion that contrasts starkly against the Western cast's outdated theatricality.

George Englund directs from a screenplay by Stewart Stern, adapting the 1958 novel by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer. The work explores a fictional Southeast Asian nation, Sarkhan, embroiled in ideological conflict. Amidst the socio-political commentary, scenes shot in Thailand stand out for their authenticity and immersive quality, blending seamlessly with the Hollywood-crafted segments. However, despite its contextual richness and historical foresight—juxtaposing eerie imagery of an American flag in a scene reminiscent of Vietnam’s impending turmoil—the film could have benefited from more engaging on-ground subplots to amplify its thriller allure.

Technically ahead of its time with its unflinching depiction of cold war tensions, "The Ugly American" diverts expectations by steering away from conventional Hollywood narratives. The script's daring honesty reshapes the protagonist's journey from an authoritative ambassador to a humbled figure who confronts the complexities of patriotism and accountability. However, the film’s impactful moments are occasionally marred by sluggish pacing and an anticlimactic ending that isn’t fully realized. Ultimately, this film remains an intriguing time capsule—capturing the essence of early '60s cinematic ventures into political critique and reflection on America’s global role.

"The Ugly American" presents an intriguing take on 1960s international politics, subtly foreshadowing the implications of foreign intervention analogous to the forthcoming Vietnam conflict. Marlon Brando delivers a compelling performance, significantly enhancing the film’s gravitas alongside his Southeast Asian co-stars. However, despite the strong acting, the narrative sometimes succumbs to a lethargic political discourse that detracts from the potential intensity of a thriller.

Mill Creek Entertainment’s Blu-ray release shows a moderate improvement over the company’s usual standards, featuring an acceptable video quality and a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack. Although the visuals and audio are presented cohesively, they lack the finesse one might expect from a more meticulously restored version. Special features are quite sparse, which is surprising given the significant cultural and historical backdrop of the source material.

In conclusion, this release of "The Ugly American," while not perfect, still serves as the best available option for those interested in Brando’s repertoire or 1960s geopolitical cinema. Its limitations in both content and technical prowess are notable, yet it remains a valuable collection piece for enthusiasts of classic wartime films, evidently displaying the realities and complexities of U.S. foreign policy during the era.