Five Easy Pieces Blu-ray Review
Score: 80
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Highly recommend 'Five Easy Pieces' & 'America Lost and Found' for their superb Criterion restoration & content.
Disc Release Date
Video: 81
Bob Rafelson's Five Easy Pieces on Blu-ray showcases a 4K restoration with superb depth, clarity, and natural colors, earning a 4.75/5 rating.
Audio: 76
Five Easy Pieces' Blu-ray features an English LPCM 1.0 track with optional English SDH, lauded for its clarity and stability in dialogue, free from technical flaws, remastered from the original 35mm.
Extra: 81
In-depth insights on BBS legacy and 'Five Easy Pieces' through high-def documentaries, interviews, and trailers featuring Bob Rafelson, Jack Nicholson, and critics, all un-subtitled.
Movie: 86
Bob Rafelson's 'Five Easy Pieces,' a profound character study in America Lost & Found: BBS Story, explores the existential crisis of Bobby Dupea against a backdrop of New Hollywood cinema, earning Nicholson critical acclaim.
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Video: 81
Bob Rafelson's "Five Easy Pieces" makes its high-definition debut on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer. This release benefits immensely from a meticulous 4K restoration, initially conducted for the America Lost and Found: The BBS Story box set. The result is a visual treat; the high-definition presentation enhances both the intimate close-ups and expansive panoramic vistas, ensuring an exceptional level of depth and clarity. Coupled with fluid motion, colors that are both well saturated and balanced, and an evenly resolved grain structure without evidence of artificial sharpening, the film's visual aesthetics are captivating. Notably, image stability is superb, and despite a few negligible artifacts, the overall encoding quality remains exemplary. The commitment to maintaining the original filmic texture is commendable, guaranteeing a cinematic experience that's as close to the director's vision as possible.
Overseen by director of photography Laszlo Kovacs, the transfer saw a direct involvement from the production's original cinematographic team. Utilizing a Northlight 2 Scanner for a 4K digital transfer from the original camera negatives and black-and-white separation masters, this Blu-ray iteration showcases the visual contrasts and vibrant hues that characterize the film’s iconic scenes. Specific elements, such as the reddish-orange of an oil rig's metal wheel, Tita's crimson top, and the lively greens of Washington's foliage around Bobby's home, are rendered with striking vibrancy. The deep blacks and rich contrast contribute significantly to the visual drama, especially during poignant scenes like Bobby's heartfelt discussion with his father against a backdrop of contrasting skies and lush landscapes. The detail captured in various textures—from the polished Duprea glassware to the rusticity of apartment walls—further emphasizes the transfer's fidelity to capturing the film’s nuanced visual storytelling.
In summary, this Blu-ray release of "Five Easy Pieces" not only respects but elevates the source material with its genuine portrayal of the film's aural and visual intentions. Through careful restoration and encoding processes, it offers an immersive viewing experience underscored by vivid colors, stark contrasts, and an organic film grain that bridges cinematic nostalgia with contemporary viewing standards. While there are minimal artifacts present, these do not detract from what is an otherwise stellar video presentation, accessible exclusively to Region-A or Region-Free Blu-ray player owners.
Audio: 76
The Blu-ray release of "Five Easy Pieces" presents its audio component with a single, but finely crafted, English LPCM 1.0 track. Accompanying this monaural sound is an option for English SDH subtitles to aid in accessibility and comprehension. This fidelity to the original sound design pays dividends in clarity and engagement. The Criterion Collection's meticulous approach is evident in the handling of the film's audio track, which, although it does not boast a complex musical score or a dynamic range of sound effects, achieves a remarkable level of clarity and precision in its dialogue delivery. The remastering process, undertaken from the original 35mm magnetic 3-track masters and converted to a 24-bit format, ensures that the dialogue remains the focal point, crisp and intelligible throughout the film's duration without any noticeable audio imperfections such as pops, cracks, or dropouts.
Despite the film's relatively subdued use of music and limited dynamic intensity, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray benefits from a well-maintained balance, offering excellent depth and separation that elevate the overall viewing experience. The soundstage may occasionally feel constrained due to the inherent limitations of a monaural track, yet there are brief moments when the audio feels more expansive, allowing for a more immersive listening experience. This is indicative of the thoughtful remastering process, which has polished the original audio elements to produce a sound field that, while occasionally opening up, remains consistently free from distortion and technical glitches.
In essence, the audio track of "Five Easy Pieces" on Blu-ray exemplifies how dedication to preserving and enhancing original audio elements can result in a significantly improved viewer experience, even within the constraints of a monaural sound design. The clear, clean, and stable dialogue, combined with the absence of any audio errors, affirm the careful attention given to this release’s audio presentation. It stands as a testament to Criterion's commitment to audio quality, ensuring that the film's subtle auditory nuances are captured with fidelity and precision.
Extras: 81
The Blu-ray extras for "Five Easy Pieces" present a thoughtful compilation of material that caters both to cinephiles and fans of the film. The inclusion of teasers and trailers offers a nostalgic trip, while the featurettes delve deep into the film's production and its place within the broader context of American cinema in the 1970s. "Soul Searching in Five Easy Pieces" stands out as director Bob Rafelson shares insights into the film's iconic scenes, augmented by Jack Nicholson's reflections. "Bob Rafelson at AFI" provides a historical snapshot, though its value mainly lies in its archival nature. The "BBStory" documentary is particularly noteworthy, showcasing the seismic impact of BBS productions on cinema, through candid discussions with key figures like Rafelson, Nicholson, and other contemporaries. Coupled with an intriguing commentary by Bob and Toby Rafelson and an insightful essay in the leaflet, this collection is indispensable for understanding the legacy of "Five Easy Pieces" and the cinematic revolution it symbolized.
Extras included in this disc:
- Teasers and Trailers: Various promotional videos for the movie.
- Soul Searching in Five Easy Pieces: A discussion on the film’s production and narrative impact.
- Bob Rafelson at AFI: Archival footage featuring Rafelson’s insights into BBS's legacy.
- BBStory: A documentary exploring the influence of BBS productions.
- BBS: A Time For Change: Reflections on the BBS era by critic David Thomson and historian Douglas Brinkley.
- Commentary: Audio commentary featuring director Bob Rafelson and interior designer Toby Rafelson.
- Leaflet: An illustrated leaflet with an essay by critic Ken Jones.
Movie: 86
Bob Rafelson's "Five Easy Pieces," a seminal piece in the Criterion Collection's "America Lost and Found: The BBS Story," stars Jack Nicholson in a gripping portrayal of Bobby Dupea, a classical pianist turned California oil rig worker living amidst an existential quandary. Nicholson’s character, entangled in fraught relationships and a life far removed from his musically-prestigious family, offers a raw slice of American life that meshes the mundanity of everyday existence with profound personal struggle. This film, marking the beginning of a notable collaboration between Rafelson and Nicholson, explores themes of identity, belonging, and the crushing weight of bourgeois expectations through its complex protagonist.
The narrative intricately weaves Bobby’s journey with those around him, particularly spotlighting his relationship with Rayette (Karen Black), whose naivety is belied by deeper astuteness and manipulation attempts. Their life together, filled with bowling nights and blue-collar realities, starkly contrasts with Bobby’s unresolved past and hidden musical genius—an aspect stunningly revealed in a traffic jam on a freeway. As Bobby returns to his family’s home upon learning of his father’s illness, the film dives deeper into the dissonance between his current life and his upbringing, eloquently highlighting the futility and self-deception in his attempts to escape his roots.
"Five Easy Pieces" stands out for its character-driven narrative and the strength of its performances, notably Nicholson's, which garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Paired with Rafelson's direction, the movie is a testament to the New Hollywood era's willingness to confront and depict nuanced human experiences. The Blu-ray release by Criterion (#546) not only brings this pivotal film to high-definition but also enriches the viewing experience with additional insights through a foldout booklet containing an essay by Kent Jones, making it an essential addition to any cinephile's collection.
Total: 80
The Criterion Collection's release of "Five Easy Pieces" as part of the America Lost and Found: The BBS Story is a testament to the film's enduring legacy and its impact on American cinema. This individual Blu-ray benefits from the meticulous 4K restoration supervised by director of photography Laszlo Kovacs, ensuring that viewers experience the film's visual and auditory aspects at their peak. The restoration process highlights the film’s stark, emotional landscapes and nuanced performances, particularly that of Jack Nicholson, whose portrayal is as compelling today as it was upon the film's initial release. For dedicated cinephiles and Nicholson enthusiasts alike, this edition is a must-have, offering a pristine high-definition presentation alongside a selection of engaging extras that provide insight into the BBS era of filmmaking.
Although it stands strong on its own, "Five Easy Pieces" is arguably best appreciated within the broader context of the America Lost and Found: The BBS Story box set. This compilation not only showcases the pivotal era of 1970s American cinema but also elevates the individual significance of each included title through collective representation. Critics and consumers unanimously praise this release for its contribution to the preservation and appreciation of cinematic history. While budget considerations may play a role in purchasing decisions, the value derived from either this standalone Blu-ray or the entire box set is indisputable, making it a worthwhile investment for those captivated by this revolutionary period in filmmaking.
In conclusion, "Five Easy Pieces" on Blu-ray, sourced from its 4K restoration, is emblematic of Criterion's commitment to cinematic excellence. Whether acquired as an individual piece or as part of the comprehensive America Lost and Found: The BBS Story collection, it represents a high point in home media releases. Its combination of superior visual quality, compelling extras, and historical significance makes it highly recommended for inclusion in any discerning movie lover's collection. As it preserves the integrity and impact of this classic film, it also underscores the importance of Criterion's meticulous curatorial efforts in film preservation and appreciation.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 100
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Bob Rafelson's Five Easy Pieces arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion....
Audio: 100
...
Extras: 90
The King of Marvin Gardens BBS: A Time For Change - in this video piece, filmed in 2010, critic David Thomson and historian Douglas Brinkley discuss the BBS and its legacy....
Movie: 90
He has also found a girlfriend, Ray (Karen Black, The Great Gatsby, The Day of the Locust), a nice-looking waitress who likes sex and crying on Bobby's shoulder....
Total: 90
This individual release is sourced from the same 4K restoration of the film which director of photography Laszlo Kovacs supervised....
High-Def Digest review by Gordon S. MillerRead review here
Video: 90
The film grain looks natural most of the time and it increases in the last shot of Bobby playing in the truck as it drives off the freeway....
Audio: 80
There are moments when the sound field opens up a bit, and there aren’t any glitchy technical issues....
Extras: 80
Commentary A commentary track featuring director Bob Rafelson and interior designer Toby Rafelson; because these two are related, and their jobs on the film so drastically different (at least from the...
Movie: 90
One of them is Palm (Helena Kallianiotes in a very funny performance as she rails against everything), who is leading her friend to Alaska to get away from the filth she sees everywhere....
Total: 90
While I'd recommend buying 'America Lost and Found: The BBS Story' if it's in your budget, 'Five Easy Pieces' is worth adding to the collection, especially for the Nicholson fan....
Director: Bob Rafelson
Actors: Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, Billy Green Bush
PlotA talented but disillusioned classical pianist, from a family of accomplished musicians, abandons his privileged upbringing and promising future to work on oil rigs in Southern California. He adopts a blue-collar identity, preferring the rough rigors of manual labor and the liberating anonymity it affords over the trappings of his past. Despite his intellectual and artistic capabilities, he chooses to live a directionless and hedonistic lifestyle marked by aimless drifting, bar-hopping, and casual relationships with women, notably with his naive and talkative girlfriend.
The pianist’s variance with his past and potential comes to a head when he learns that his father, who he has not seen in years, suffers from debilitating strokes that have rendered him speechless. Compelled by a sense of familial obligation or perhaps a concealed longing to reconnect with his roots, he embarks on a road trip to his family's home in the Pacific Northwest, accompanied by his girlfriend. This journey confronts him with his estranged family’s expectations and the life he could have had, setting the stage for a collision between his chosen persona and the inescapable influences of his past. These challenges force him to question whether his self-imposed exile is truly the path to freedom he believed it to be or just another form of confinement.
Writers: Carole Eastman, Bob Rafelson
Release Date: 12 Sep 1970
Runtime: 98 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English