Busting Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Busting" retains the film's raw visual energy and delivers it through an AVC-encoded, 1.85:1 aspect ratio format. The fresh HD remaster ensures that the movie transitions cleanly to Blu-ray with a strong 1080p transfer. A commendable film grain retention brings life to details throughout, especially in nuanced facial expressions and street signage. Though some middle and long shots exhibit typical 70s softness, the overall detail remains impressive. Colors consistently pop, particularly blues and reds, ensuring that costumes and urban settings are conveyed effectively. However, it's worth noting that flesh tones may skew slightly pink but maintain stability.

Black levels in "Busting" vary, occasionally presenting an almost three-dimensional quality but sometimes suffering from excessive crush, notably during post-grocery store shootout scenes. This crush can obscure visibility, contrasting with scenes where visible lights create a hazy, haloing effect that might be distracting to some viewers. Despite these inconsistencies, the delineation remains comfortable in evening settings. The source material does show signs of age but is free from overt damage, meaning the Blu-ray presents a significant improvement over previous transfers. While not a flawless presentation, it captures the film's essence appropriately, securing a solid and nostalgic visual experience for the audience.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track on the "Busting" Blu-ray offers a streetwise experience characteristic of films from its era. The track presents a slightly murky quality, favoring more heated encounters which push through the blend of elements convincingly. While the dramatics are passable, they do present some fuzziness; however, the action beats benefit from these attributes, lending a gritty realism. The score by Billy Goldenberg supports the intensity of scenes like chases and shootouts without overpowering other elements. Dialogue can be a touch clouded by atmospherics but remains identifiable, despite occasional hiss and minor damage noted around the 24:00 mark.

Imaging in this stereo setup provides considerable channel movement, adding dynamism particularly noticeable in action sequences. Even while confined mostly to midranges, the track exhibits lifelike presence and an extra 'oomph' that enhances the viewing experience. The balancing of audio levels is meticulously handled - maintaining clarity through both quieter conversations and high-intensity shootouts without necessitating frequent volume adjustments. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 2.0 track delivers robust performance, aligning well with the film's Blu-ray presentation and ensuring an engaging auditory experience for the audience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Busting" provide a rich array of supplemental content, enhancing the appreciation of the film from multiple angles. The standout extras include two audio commentaries: one by writer/director Peter Hyams, offering a detailed, albeit somewhat solitary, perspective on the film’s production; and another by actor Elliot Gould and critic Kim Morgan, limited to select scenes but lively and deeply insightful concerning casting and production nuances. Additionally, the inclusion of high-definition trailers further highlights the film’s vibrant 70s exploitation style.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Peter Hyams: A solo commentary that is informative but has some quiet spots.
• Audio Commentary by Elliot Gould and Kim Morgan: Select-scene commentary providing engaging insights.
• Busting Trailer: A trailer capturing the essence of 70s exploitation cinema.
• The Long Goodbye Trailer: A comprehensive trailer that might reveal too much.
• Running Scared Trailer: A solid promotional trailer for a comedy film.

Peter Hyams' 1974 film "Busting" is a compelling yet uneven blend of comedy and crime thriller that portrays the stark realities of police work with a sharp, cynical edge. The story follows LA Vice Squad detectives Keneely (Elliott Gould) and Farrel (Robert Blake) as they navigate the murky waters of corruption and bureaucracy to take down crime kingpin Carl Rizzo (Allen Garfield). Hyams masterfully maintains a roller coaster of frustration and fleeting moments of progress, crafting a film that occasionally dips into bursts of straightforward action amid its overarching bitterness.

The narrative takes its time, setting up through a series of busts that provide insight into the characters and their disillusionment. Particularly memorable is the encounter with a dentist caught in a compromising situation, where Hyams injects humor while showcasing the detectives’ rehearsed, banter-filled patter. However, the film struggles with tone as it oscillates between harrowing shootouts and lighter, almost farcical moments. This dichotomy is most evident in the contrast between Gould's and Blake's performances; while Gould brings dynamic energy and a touch of comedic flair reminiscent of his "M.A.S.H." days, Blake's subdued portrayal fails to ignite the chemistry necessary for a believable partnership.

"Busting" shines through its technical execution, particularly in Hyams’ cinematography that vividly captures the gritty essence of Los Angeles. The action sequences—featuring intense shootouts in a grocery store and a hospital—are meticulously edited to enhance tension and realism, making them standout scenes. Yet, this grit clashes with the film’s comedic elements, ultimately diluting its impact. Despite its tonal inconsistencies, "Busting" remains a poignant character study reflecting 1970s era disillusionment, driven by solid performances and visually striking scenes that engage viewers with its raw portrayal of vice squad detective work.

Peter Hyams' "Busting" is a film that boldly ventures into the complexities of police corruption, presenting a stark portrayal of moral decay within the law enforcement realm. Hyams infuses the cop thriller with a palpable sense of pessimism, offering an immersive journey into the gritty reality faced by weary officers. The film distinguishes itself from traditional buddy cop narratives through its chilling thesis on fraud and moral surrender, culminating in an audaciously downbeat conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. Its frenetic pacing and sharp execution contribute to a visceral viewing experience that stands out in Hyams’ diverse filmography.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber provides a robust audiovisual presentation, ensuring that the technical merits of the film are well-preserved. Complementing the film are two extensive and insightful audio commentary tracks that dissect the movie’s thematic and technical layers, adding depth to Hyams’ work. Additionally, the inclusion of engaging trailers broadens the scope of this home release, making it an enticing package for enthusiasts of 1970s crime dramas. The transfer quality demonstrates commendable fidelity, maintaining the original grit and texture that are essential to the film’s authentic atmosphere.

Conclusively, "Busting" on Blu-ray is a noteworthy release that successfully merges entertainment with profound commentary, challenging genre conventions while catering to fans of intense cop thrillers. The Blu-ray enhancements and supplemental features further amplify its appeal, establishing it as a valuable addition to any collection. Recommended for both its cinematic merit and high-quality presentation, this release captures the essence of Hyams’ audacious vision.