52 Pick-Up Blu-ray Review

The 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 encoded transfer of "52 Pick-Up" strikes a balance between showing its age and delivering a moderately satisfying visual experience. While the AVC encoded image at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio exhibits some expected aging elements, such as pronounced speckling, minor banding, and occasional crush, it still manages to capture the essence of the original film. Colors appear somewhat flat but stay true to their source, with reasonable renditions of reds from bloodshed and neon lights during scenes set in adult establishments. The sharpness varies, often appearing noisier in grain than textured, yet pained close-ups reveal acceptable detail.

In moments where the camera is set close, the transfer shines by exposing intricate details in facial features, clothing, and set decorations. Skin tones maintain consistency for the most part but can skew towards overly red or orange in certain instances. High contrast and deep black levels help convey the seedy atmosphere of night-time locations, despite most scenes unfolding during daylight. White levels remain stable without appearing overblown, ensuring that the overall image maintains brightness and vibrancy.

Fine detail might falter during wider shots, where lingering grain can diminish clarity slightly. Nonetheless, the neon signs in Raimy's porn business and his favored shooting spots stand out vividly, contributing to the film's atmospheric depiction. Although not without its flaws, this Blu-ray presentation offers an engaging viewing experience that will likely satisfy fans, preserving the intensity and mood intended by director John Frankenheimer.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix for "52 Pick-Up" offers a substantial listening experience, prominently featuring Gary Chang's suspenseful synth score. The mix excels at delivering crisp and clear dialogue, ensuring that every vocal exchange is intelligible without being overpowered by other elements. The front-loaded sound takes advantage of the right and left channels to create a dynamic atmosphere, especially in high-tension scenes. However, a slight hiss is occasionally present, though it is minor and not particularly distracting.

On the other hand, the sound effects, including gunshots, explosions, and other action-oriented noises, tend to fall short of expectations. Despite the robust handling of dialogue and music, these effects lack the distinct detail and impact one would anticipate from a film rich in action sequences. This shortcoming is particularly noticeable during confrontation scenes, where the muted effects create a somewhat underwhelming auditory experience. Although not disastrous, this lack of emphasis on sound effects does detract from the overall intensity that such moments should convey.

Overall, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track does an admirable job with dialogue and score, its failure to deliver powerful and immersive action sounds prevents it from fully realizing its potential.

The Blu Ray extras of "52 Pick-Up" offer a compelling assortment of materials that provide both historical context and deeper insights into the film. The inclusion of multiple audio commentaries greatly enhances the viewing experience with nuanced perspectives from various contributors. The interviews are evenly paced and packed with valuable information, offering a more intimate understanding of the film’s production processes and its cultural impact. Noteworthy is the behind-the-scenes featurette that showcases rare footage and insightful narrations. The teaser and trailers offer a nostalgic glimpse, adding to the overall value of the package.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentaries: Features two separate tracks by the director and cast.
Behind-the-Scenes Featurette: Exclusive look into filming locations and production.
Interviews: Comprehensive discussions with the director, cast members, and production crew.
Trailers: Includes theatrical trailer and teaser trailers in both HD and SD.

John Frankenheimer’s 1986 film, "52 Pick-Up," adapted from Elmore Leonard's novel, explores the collision of crime and consequence in a seedy version of mid-80s Los Angeles. Roy Scheider stars as Harry Mitchell, a steel engineer embroiled in a blackmail scheme orchestrated by a trio of opportunistic criminals led by John Glover's charismatic yet deranged Alan Raimy. The film delves into the darker facets of human nature, layered with themes of corruption, vengeance, and a palpable sense of impending doom. Despite solid performances, particularly from Scheider and his portrayal of a man fraying under intense pressure, the narrative focus is often weakened by the exaggerated incompetence and buffoonery of its villains, which detracts from the otherwise grim tone.

While Frankenheimer captures moments of genuine tension and the screenplay by Leonard and John Steppling presents intriguing character dynamics, "52 Pick-Up" occasionally stumbles through its convoluted plot. The blackmailers' incompetence contrasts starkly with their otherwise menacing presence, causing an inconsistency in tone that tempers the film's overall impact. The portrayal of violence, especially against women, vacillates between unsettling realism and questionable provocation, making the social commentary feel uneven. Memorable sequences include confrontations fraught with psychological strain, yet Frankenheimer's direction sometimes flattens Leonard's idiosyncratic edge, resulting in missed opportunities for deeper memorability.

The film's saving grace lies in its cast; Scheider brings a brooding intensity to his role, while Glover's over-the-top villainy provides a counterbalance—even if it risks veering into absurdity. Clarence Williams III and Robert Franks offer commendable support despite their characters’ underdeveloped arcs. Notably, the script comes alive during interactions between Scheider and Glover, where their cat-and-mouse dynamics shine through. Ultimately, "52 Pick-Up" succeeds as a gritty thriller with sporadically compelling moments, yet its ambitions are sometimes hampered by tonal inconsistencies and uneven execution. Nevertheless, it remains a noteworthy entry in Leonard's cinematic adaptations, engaging viewers with its raw depiction of flawed individuals ensnared in a deadly game of deceit and retribution.

'52 Pick-Up' offers a gritty, uncompromising peek into the seedy underbelly of blackmail and betrayal. Director John Frankenheimer's interpretation of Elmore Leonard’s novel struggles to maintain a focused tension, often shifting towards exploitative scenes that overshadow the story's more thrilling aspects. John Glover stands out as Alan Raimy, delivering a performance imbued with Leonard's sharp characterizations. While the Blu-Ray presentation is not exceptional, it remains competent, offering clear picture quality and sound, albeit with minor deficiencies that do not detract from the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-Ray edition could benefit from additional special features to enhance its appeal. Still, the core value lies in its faithful adaptation of Leonard's narrative tone and style. The high-definition transfer manages to bring out the grimy authenticity of the film’s visual grit, preserving its raw atmosphere. However, viewers should be aware of the film’s heavier emphasis on sleaze over suspense, a stylistic choice that may not suit everyone’s taste. The character dynamics and the unfoldment of deceit and retribution offer enough engagement for fans of both Frankenheimer and Leonard.

Instead of tying up loose ends with intelligence, forcing Harry to pay for his sins, the conclusion of '52 Pick-Up' transforms into a cartoon, with Alan playing the Snidely Whiplash part, essentially tying Barbara to train tracks as a way to spur her fatigued husband into action. It's an unfortunate close to a movie with potential, viewed through select scenes of Harry's torment and his misguided but satisfying pushback when it comes to the demands of his blackmailers, eventually turning them against one another. Frankenheimer doesn't seem interested in the nail-biting aspects of the material, showing more concentration on the feature's sleazier side, filling the picture with topless encounters and graphic murders. It renders this Leonard adaptation decidedly unpleasant, taking the zip out what appears to be a fairly clean design of comeuppance and paranoia.