Stop Making Sense Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Stop Making Sense," courtesy of A24, features an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The video was sourced from a negative once thought lost and meticulously finished at 4K, which significantly elevates the experience from earlier Palm Pictures releases. This upgrade is very evident in the enhanced color saturation—noticeable in the vibrant, quasi-hellish reds and nuanced blue backdrops. The previous release had issues with Byrne's white suit looking grimy and gray, but these color timing anomalies have been rectified, rendering a much cleaner appearance.

Detail levels shine in frequent close-ups but exhibit some softness in midrange and wide shots. However, overall clarity and sharpness have markedly improved over the old Palm Pictures release. Although some minor ebb and flow in shadow detail persist, this version doesn’t suffer from the outright crush that plagued its predecessor. The new transfer provides a richer, more vibrant viewing experience, preserving the concert film’s dynamic visual style while vastly improving upon past shortcomings.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release for "Stop Making Sense" delivers a largely impressive Dolby Atmos remix, although some purists may find fault with certain aspects. Primarily, the original stereo mix is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0, a downgrade from the LPCM 2.0 track available on earlier Blu-ray editions, which could be seen as a letdown for those prioritizing lossless audio fidelity. Early segments of the concert, when David Byrne performs solo, lean heavily on audience reactions and hall ambience dispersed predominantly through side and rear channels, rather than enveloping the listener via the Atmos overheads.

As the concert progresses and the full band joins in, immersion and activity within traditional surround fields become more pronounced. Nevertheless, this Atmos mix does not deviate significantly from conventional 5.1 or 7.1 mixes, and unlike some previous releases, this disc does not offer a standard surround option. A slight synchronization issue on tracks such as "Thank You For Sending Me An Angel" remains detectable but minimally intrusive. Additionally, audiophiles might miss the two different 5.1 mixes provided by the Palm Pictures release, which bolstered a more flexible listening experience.

This re-release of "Stop Making Sense" offers a selective yet superb collection of extras. Although not all features from the previous Palm Pictures edition have been carried over, the provided content is outstanding. The extended cuts stand out, with both the 2023 Talking Heads and the 1985 Jonathan Demme versions including previously unreleased scenes, ensuring a thoroughly engaging experience for dedicated fans. The Jonathan Demme director commentary, remixed in 2023, adds valuable historical insights, and "Does Anybody Have Any Questions: Making Stop Making Sense" is notable for its inadvertently humorous interviews and engaging roundtable discussions. Enthusiasts will appreciate the unique extras like "26 Minutes of David Byrne Dancing in Silence," along with alternate edits of classic tracks.

Extras included in this disc:

• Extended Cuts: Versions from 2023 and 1985 including new material.
• Jonathan Demme Director Commentary: Archival material with a fresh remix.
• Does Anybody Have Any Questions: Making Stop Making Sense: Interviews and discussion.
• 26 Minutes of David Byrne Dancing in Silence: Extended performance footage.
• Bonus Songs: Different edits of "Cities" and "Big Business / I Zimbra".

Stop Making Sense remains a defining moment in concert filmmaking, capturing the raw energy and innovative stagecraft of Talking Heads at their peak. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film showcases a brilliant amalgamation of music, theatricality, and avant-garde aesthetic. This Blu-ray release meticulously preserves the film's dynamic visuals, highlighted poignantly in scenes like David Byrne’s entrance to the stage with just an acoustic guitar and a boombox, culminating in his performance with the iconic oversized white suit. This imagery has left such a lasting impact on popular culture that it continues to be referenced, most notably by Nicolas Cage in Dream Scenario.

From a technical standpoint, this release excels. The video transfer is nothing short of remarkable, crisper and more vibrant than previous iterations, ensuring that the visual splendor of the concert is faithfully reproduced. Colors are vivid, especially during songs like "Burning Down the House," where the lighting design complements the energetic performance. The audio is equally impressive, with a robust DTS-HD Master Audio track that captures the nuances of the live performance—from Tina Weymouth's bass lines to Jerry Harrison's keyboard flourishes and Chris Frantz's drumming. Every instrument and vocal line is clearly delineated, making it easy for fans to immerse themselves completely in the music.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray version of Stop Making Sense is an exquisite rendering of an iconic concert film. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Talking Heads phenomenon, this release offers an opportunity to experience one of the greatest live performances ever captured on film in pristine quality. The detail and care put into this Blu-ray make it an indispensable addition to any music or film enthusiast's collection.

The Blu-ray release of "Stop Making Sense" stands as a testament to the live performance prowess of Talking Heads. The visual clarity is exceptional, with the Blu-ray transfer more than doing justice to the film's original 16mm cinematography. The picture quality offers rich colors and deep blacks, preserving the distinctive aesthetic of this iconic concert film. However, some viewers might find the pronounced grain field in the 1080p presentation to be slightly distracting, though for purist fans, this might enhance the film's authentic feel.

On the audio front, the Blu-ray provides a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that captures the dynamic energy of the band's performance. Unfortunately, the absence of a lossless stereo track may be seen as a drawback. The missing surround mixes from previous releases might also be a letdown for audiophiles seeking variety. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall sound design significantly enhances the viewing experience, ensuring that every nuance of the music is vividly conveyed.

Talking Heads are completely sui generis, and their weird and wild proclivities are brought wonderfully to life in this iconic concert performance. Technical merits are generally solid and I frankly wouldn't be surprised if some prefer this 1080p release to A24's 4K UHD version, since a very thick grain field is even more pronounced in 2160. That said, I'm sure some will find the lack of a lossless stereo track and the omission of different surround mixes a disappointment. Otherwise, though, this is another handsomely packaged effort from A24 that includes outstanding supplements. Highly recommended.