Nixon Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Oliver Stone's "Nixon" is a compelling visual experience, delivered in 2.40:1 1080p using the MPEG-4/AVC codec. The film employs a diverse array of visual styles, ranging from contemporary cameras and 35mm to 16mm film, and the gritty aesthetics of black & white footage. This diversity is adeptly handled by the transfer, with the encoding averaging around 25 Mbps, ensuring a smooth and artifact-free viewing experience. The fluctuating techniques do present some challenges, yet the Blu-ray admirably maintains the director's eclectic vision without succumbing to significant technical pitfalls. The film predominantly retains a clean and blemish-free print, though minor imperfections occasionally appear, such as a mark during a specific Oval Office scene.

The color palette is carefully controlled, with muted tones evoking a sense of historical authenticity, counterbalanced by scenes with vivid saturation when needed. Whites are strong with minimal blooming, and blacks—while not reaching the deepest levels—remain solid enough to ensure discernible shadow detail in most scenes. Notably, close-up shots reveal exquisite textural details, such as the weave of Hoover's hat or the intricate patterns on clothing, bolstering the film's visual richness. Flashbacks supplemented with grain enhance their atmosphere without compromising clarity, making them integral rather than distractive elements.

Instances of digital artifacts like macroblocking and edge enhancement are minimal, preserving a largely arresting visual fidelity throughout the lengthy runtime. The film leverages high contrast to dramatic effect, though this sometimes results in crushed shadows. Despite this, the dynamic range allows for a three-dimensional feel in certain well-lit scenes, such as the dialogue at the Santa Anita race track or the Lincoln Memorial visit. While certain sequences do suffer from soft-focus and noise reduction issues, these are sporadic and do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. "Nixon" on Blu-ray ultimately presents a complex yet visually satisfying portrayal that stays true to its director's multifaceted storytelling approach.

The Blu-ray release of "Nixon" offers two audio tracks: a lossless PCM 5.1 mix and a Dolby Digital 5.1 track at 640kbps. The PCM track stands out for its depth and detail, providing a wider sound stage and clearer tonal distinction compared to the Dolby Digital option. While the Dolby Digital track is adequate, it pales in comparison to the richer PCM experience. Dialogue is always crisp and clear, even during hushed meetings or Nixon’s mumbled drunken tones. Subtle surround use enhances scenes without overwhelming the viewer, and LFE utilization is limited but impactful during specific moments like the thunderous hooves at the racetrack.

The audio mix effectively balances dialogue-heavy scenes with ambient sounds and discrete effects. John Williams' subdued score plays continuously in the background, adding depth without overshadowing the dialogue. The mix comes alive during dynamic scenes, employing the entire sound system to create an enveloping soundscape. Bass reproduction is sneaky deep, providing low-frequency bursts that enhance tension and surprise. However, some viewers might need to adjust the volume for quieter dialogue segments. The audio presentation, particularly in the uncompressed PCM format, faithfully reproduces the film's nuanced sound design, making it a solid, though not overwhelming, auditory experience.

Overall, the audio presentation respects the film's dialogue-driven nature while providing moments of immersive sound. The PCM 5.1 track delivers excellent fidelity across music, dialogue, and sound effects, though it doesn’t aggressively utilize LFE or surround channels outside of key scenes like the political conventions or historical newsreels. This isn’t a disc for showing off high-end audio equipment, but its clean and faithful reproduction of the movie’s mix makes it a commendable addition to any Blu-ray collection focused on historical or biographical cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Nixon" comes with a comprehensive set of bonus features distributed across two discs. This extensive collection, although fascinating, might feel slightly overwhelming. Deleting some content could have streamlined the experience, especially regarding the two commentaries by Oliver Stone. While Stone's insights into the cast performances and historical contexts are valuable, they suffer from lengthy silences and redundancy, highlighting a missed opportunity for a single, condensed track. The deleted scenes, enhanced by Stone's introductions, offer intriguing yet partially repetitive content as many clips are already reinstated in the director's cut. "Beyond Nixon" provides a robust 35-minute insight into the political landscape with varied perspectives from historians and former advisors. A 55-minute interview with Charlie Rose explores Stone's filmmaking journey and his nuanced views on Nixon, maintaining an engaging tone throughout.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Oliver Stone discusses cast performances and historical comparisons, albeit with considerable silence.
• Deleted Scenes: 59-minute segment with introductions by Stone on the scenes cut from the theatrical version.
• Beyond Nixon: A 35-minute documentary offering diverse historical perspectives on Nixon's legacy.
• Charlie Rose Interview: An in-depth conversation with Stone about his views on Nixon and filmmaking decisions.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: A 4.5-minute trailer providing a dramatic preview of the film.

Oliver Stone's "Nixon" offers a richly textured, albeit speculative, portrayal of the 37th President of the United States. Anchored by Anthony Hopkins' encapsulating performance, the film delves into the complex psyche of Richard Nixon without resorting to caricature. Hopkins employs nuanced mannerisms to add depth to his portrayal, complemented by a stellar supporting cast, including Joan Allen's empathetic Pat Nixon and Paul Sorvino's remarkable Henry Kissinger. Stone's use of mixed-media and a non-linear narrative adds layers to the storytelling, weaving in historical footage and a variety of film stocks to create an immersive yet fragmented perspective on Nixon's turbulent career.

The film is ambitious in scope, covering Nixon's life from his rough upbringing through his political ascension and the notorious Watergate scandal. However, Stone opts to present these events through Nixon's own lens, thus omitting or glossing over finer historical details, such as his Vice Presidential years under Eisenhower or his military service. Instead, the director focuses primarily on Nixon's internal struggles, his paranoia, and deep-seated insecurities, all of which culminate in his dramatic fall from grace. While not entirely historically exhaustive, "Nixon" succeeds in offering an emotional and speculative journey through the mind of one of America's most enigmatic presidents.

Visually, Stone creates a distinct atmosphere by employing various directorial techniques, including the use of different film types and archival footage. This method creates a jarring yet effective historical tapestry that emphasizes the fragmented and tumultuous nature of Nixon's presidency. The film’s historical fidelity is balanced with artistic creativity, making it a compelling watch despite its dramatizations, aimed more at evoking discussions than providing a concrete history lesson. Overall, Stone's "Nixon" is an engrossing biographical drama that marries political intrigue with personal tragedy, demonstrating the filmmaker's prowess in blending fact with interpretive cinematic art.

"Nixon," directed by Oliver Stone, is a complex and ambitious film that delves into the intricacies of Richard Nixon's political life and character. Known for its meticulous attention to historical detail, the film demands a high level of engagement from its viewers, revealing more with each repeated viewing. With a well-balanced portrayal that neither fully demonizes nor vindicates Nixon, Stone presents a mythic and remote picture of the former president. The film benefits from strong performances, superb cinematography, and an intricate score by John Williams, blending together to offer a comprehensive cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Nixon" is technically impressive, showcasing excellent picture quality and clear sound. The high-definition transfer ensures that the intricate visual details are preserved, enhancing the immersive experience. The audio track is equally competent, delivering dialogue and the detailed score with clarity and precision. The included bonus features are selectively chosen, providing valuable insights into the making of the film and additional context for its narrative. However, the Java-based menus on the second disc are somewhat clunky and may detract slightly from the overall user experience.

In conclusion, "Nixon" stands as a testament to Oliver Stone's ability to tackle weighty political subjects with depth and nuance. Despite its initial box office struggles, the film has aged well and offers a compelling look at one of America's most enigmatic presidents. With strong acting, excellent technical aspects, and valuable extras, this Blu-ray release is highly recommended for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema. While not at the very top of Stone's oeuvre, it certainly elevates itself above much of today's cinematic offerings and is a worthy addition to any collection.