54 Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate and Miramax present "54" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 aspect ratio, but the results are rather underwhelming. This transfer has a persistently soft, upconverted appearance, lacking the crisp high-definition quality one expects. The dark cinematography, integral to the film’s setting, suffers significantly from heavy crush and poor shadow delineation, making many sequences difficult to discern. The transfer avoids edge enhancement and haloing, yet these merits are overshadowed by pronounced posterization in some blue-hued party scenes and generally inferior image quality.

The transfer of "54" resembles a low-grade DVD, evident from its excessively soft image that lacks detail and texture, akin to films from the late '70s. The print is relatively clean, with occasional specks of dirt and debris, but it fails dramatically in areas critical for visual fidelity. Shadow details are nearly obliterated by overly strong black levels, further degrading picture quality. Colors, which should portray the vibrant nightlife of Studio 54, are dull and undersaturated save for overly intense light grid shots within the club. Notably, digital noise is minimal thanks to delicate DNR application in select scenes, while edge enhancement, artifacts, and aliasing are non-issues.

While posterization and banding plague the initial Miramax vanity reel, these issues do not persist throughout the film itself. However, the overall softness and lackluster execution detract from the intended visual splendor of a movie rooted in the extravagant flair of its eponymous nightclub. This transfer ultimately undermines the immersive experience that Blu-ray consumers seek, rendering "54" visually disappointing by contemporary high-definition standards.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "54" delivers an exceptional disco-fueled soundtrack that is vibrant, immersive, and sonically rich. The film benefits from a perfectly mixed music track that utilizes all channels effectively, providing a truly dynamic and pulsating audio experience. Fidelity is notably excellent, and the low-end frequencies are robust, giving the disco scenes an energetic and full-throated presence that leaps off the screen.

However, this high standard does not extend to the rest of the film’s audio components. The non-musical elements, including dialogue and sound effects, suffer from significant inconsistencies. Most narration and smaller dialogues are confined strictly to the front speakers, leading to a flat and hollow auditory experience. There is a marked variability in dialogue levels, with some lines being much louder than others or dropping off entirely when underscored by the background music. This uneven mixing not only dilutes the impact of the character interactions but also causes noticeable shifts that detract from the overall audio cohesiveness.

Overall, while the musical score excels with intricate surround activity and powerful bass, the film's dialogue and sound effects lack depth and consistency, resulting in an audio mix that feels unbalanced and underwhelming outside of its standout musical sequences.

The extra features on the Blu-ray edition of "54" are a mixed bag, offering both nostalgic and informative content for fans. The video and sound quality are commendable across the board, though some videos exhibit minor artifacts typical of older SD recordings. A highlight is the "If You Could Read My Mind" music video by Stars on 45, which brings a unique disco flair to the Gordon Lightfoot classic, featuring engaging clips from the film intertwined with the trio's performance. Though some extras like the trailers serve a more utilitarian function, they still provide valuable context and promotional insight.

Extras included in this disc:

• If You Could Read My Mind Music Video: The Gordon Lightfoot classic gets a discofied rendition by Stars on 45, filled with clips from the movie.
• Trailers: Watch all of the trailers you may have skipped over to get to the main menu faster.

"54" attempts to encapsulate the glitz, glamour, and notorious excesses of Studio 54 but falls short in capturing the true essence of the era. The film centers around Shane O'Shea (Ryan Phillippe), a New Jersey boy whose starry-eyed dreams lead him into the decadence of the famed nightclub. Presented through Shane's experience, the movie offers a glimpse into the exclusive world orchestrated by club owner Steve Rubell (Mike Myers). Myers delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance, portraying Rubell with a blend of lecherousness and underlying emptiness. However, Phillippe's character never fully engages the audience, mired in a storyline that paints him as increasingly unlikable due to his swift abandonment of friends and family for superficial fame.

The supporting cast includes Salma Hayek as Anita, an aspiring disco star, and Breckin Meyer as her husband Greg, both of whom provide able but uninspired performances. Similarly, Neve Campbell plays a soap opera actress who epitomizes Shane's aspirations but fails to be compelling beyond her role as an object of desire. The film’s primary weakness lies in its melodramatic approach; Writer-director Mark Christopher’s vision lacks the depth necessary to explore an environment rife with potential intrigue. Characters remain one-dimensional, and their interactions often feel like surface-level reenactments rather than explorations of robust personalities and real emotions.

In terms of visual and auditory experience, the film does manage to recreate the pulsating atmosphere of Studio 54 with its extravagant stage shows, strobe lights, and infectious disco beats. However, these elements merely serve as a backdrop to a plodding narrative that toggles between fiction and historical fact without clear purpose or direction. For viewers who lived through the disco era or are deeply fascinated by it, "54" might hold some nostalgic value. For others, it is a long, slow journey through a superficial representation of what was once a cultural epicenter. Compelling performances by Myers and Phillippe cannot redeem the flawed screenplay and direction, making "54" a largely unmemorable foray into an otherwise monumental subject.

The Blu Ray release of "54" disappoints both in terms of content and technical quality. Largely a melodramatic mess, the film struggles with unlikable characters and fails to offer a narrative worth investing in. The central plot, which could have delved into the fascinating culture and zeitgeist of Studio 54, is bogged down by superficial personal dramas and lacks any emotional depth or engagement. Though Mike Myers delivers a surprisingly solid dramatic performance, it isn’t enough to save the film, which otherwise misses the mark in most areas.

From a technical standpoint, this release also fails to impress. The video quality is described as soft and detail-less, akin to a below-par DVD transfer rather than the sharp clarity expected of a Blu Ray format. The audio does not fare much better; the inconsistencies in vocal levels render several dialogues inaudible, detracting significantly from the viewing experience. Special features are practically nonexistent, adding no significant value for potential buyers or fans.

Conclusively, "54" as presented on this Blu Ray feels like a missed opportunity on multiple fronts. Despite containing some engaging elements, such as recreations of Studio 54’s nightlife and Myers' commendable performance, the film’s over-the-top drama and lackluster technical execution make it a hard pass. With poor video and audio quality further diminishing the package, this release may only attract diehard fans of the era, if any remain attentive.