Angel Heart Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of “Angel Heart” is a noteworthy improvement in video quality, offering a richly cinematic experience encoded via AVC MPEG-4 in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The grain structure is largely intact and while there is some clumpiness at certain moments, it doesn't detract significantly from the film's overall texture. The colors, although generally desaturated to evoke a deliberately sickly aesthetic, shift vibrantly once the setting transitions to New Orleans, with lush greens and radiant skin tones punctuating the scene. The black levels are robust and stable, adding a surprising three-dimensionality to select scenes. Despite some minor issues such as edge enhancement and rare aliasing, the transfer's definition, depth, and detailed visuals are exceptional.

The 1080p/AVC encoded image presents a sharp contrast to older formats, rendering staple elements like Margaret Krusemark's cluttered interiors in impressive detail. There’s a palpable enhancement in visual information, seen vividly in scenes such as the street parades and notably the intense orgy sequence. Color consistency is a key feature with hues occasionally altering within a shot; nonetheless, the shifts appear to align with the film’s dark thematic underpinnings. Black levels are impressively managed even in subdued light settings, ensuring shadow details hold up well without succumbing to greyness. Although moments with intentional softness and heavier grain may pose issues for some viewers, these aspects align harmoniously with the director's intended vision.

Overall, this Blu-ray transfer of “Angel Heart” from Lionsgate offers a visually compelling upgrade, preserving the gritty and atmospheric intricacies of Parker’s original vision while ensuring an enhanced viewing experience through meticulous detailing in both brightly lit and darker scenes.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix of the Blu-ray presentation of "Angel Heart" is notably designed to enhance the already haunting and evocative score by Trevor Jones, alongside the jazz numbers that weave through the film. The audio mix is particularly adept at bringing out these musical elements, providing a rich and immersive listening experience that breathes life into what is predominantly a dialogue-driven narrative. While the track maintains a remarkable subtlety for most of the film, it does not shy away from powerful bursts of sound. These moments are particularly potent during scenes like the voodoo ritual and the infamous raining blood sex scene, where the rear channels amplify the chanting, drumming, and chaotic noise, enveloping the listener in a cacophony of sound.

Despite its occasional intensity, the audio mix succeeds through its precision in balancing quieter elements with more vibrant ones. Dialogue is generally clear and crisp, although some naturalistic performances from actors like Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro can come across as hushed or mumbled, which is in line with their characters and the film’s intended realism. The subwoofer isn't extensively utilized but provides an appreciable depth during key moments to enhance the film's atmospheric tension. What's particularly impressive is the subtle use of ambient sounds, such as the tapping of a child's feet and the sound of dripping water, which are effectively integrated into the mix. Moreover, Pine’s saxophone contributions add a reedy, almost vocal layer to Jones' underscore, further enriching the auditory landscape of the film.

In summary, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack may not be the most dynamic lossless track available, it undoubtedly represents the best version of "Angel Heart" heard on home video. The sound design meticulously balances aggression and subtlety, making it an engaging and richly textured aural experience that significantly enhances the film's atmosphere.

The Blu-ray of "Angel Heart" gathers most extras from previous editions, yet notable omissions such as the informative segments on voodoo and Parker’s notes from the R2 edition diminish its appeal. The disc kicks off with a brief introduction by director Alan Parker and extends into an 8-minute interview where he reflects on his project. Despite Parker's commentary being somewhat dry, it is loaded with anecdotes about the cast and film production that make it worthwhile. Conversely, Mickey Rourke's scene-specific commentary fails to impress, as it merely intercuts parts of his lackluster interview with film footage. The interview itself is quirky but offers little insightful information. Overall, while the extras offer some enjoyable content for hardcore fans, they do leave room for improvement and greater cohesion.

Extras included in this disc:

• An Introduction by Alan Parker: Director provides brief insights.
• An Interview with Alan Parker: Extended reflections from the director.
• Scene Specific Commentary with Mickey Rourke: Intercut footage of Rourke.
• An Interview with Mickey Rourke: Quirky and minimal insights.
• Commentary with Alan Parker: Contains interesting production anecdotes.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Classic promotional material.

"Angel Heart" is a captivating yet polarizing film that seamlessly melds film noir with supernatural elements, resulting in an immersive, atmospheric experience. Directed by Alan Parker, the narrative plunges us into the seediness of 1950s New Orleans, where private detective Harry Angel, played with captivating nuance by Mickey Rourke, is hired by a mysterious man (Robert De Niro) to track down a missing crooner named Johnny Favorite. Parker's direction and Michael Seresin's visceral cinematography imbue the film with a haunting ambiance that hints at horror even before it becomes explicit. Complemented by Trevor Jones' evocative score, this cult classic stands out for its striking visuals and profound sense of dread.

The performances are uniformly strong, with Rourke perfectly balancing world-weary cynicism and mounting hysteria as he delves deeper into the investigation. Lisa Bonet’s portrayal of Epiphany Proudfoot exudes both allure and sinister mystique, while De Niro delivers an electrifying, albeit occasionally hammy, turn in his brief but pivotal role. Supporting actors such as Charlotte Rampling and Stocker Fontelieu provide an essential authenticity to the film’s grim milieu. Although the plot’s twists may seem predictable by today’s standards due to its numerous imitators, the film’s enduring appeal lies in its nightmarish vision and complex moral undertones.

This Blu-ray edition showcases a significantly improved image quality and a solid, reliable lossless audio track that heightens the film’s immersive experience. While the extras may not be particularly profound, they do add value to the release. Fans will appreciate that this edition presents the film intact, complete with its controversial scenes. "Angel Heart" remains an excellent exploration of obsession and guilt, drawing comparisons to Hitchcockian and Faulknerian themes while carving out its own unique place in the psychological thriller genre.

Angel Heart

"Angel Heart" captures the disquieting essence of a nightmare unraveling in real-time. Mickey Rourke’s performance is a masterclass in understated intensity, his portrayal making the film's climactic revelation all the more impactful. Robert De Niro adds a layer of eerie charm as the enigmatic client, while Lisa Bonet offers a sultry presence that heightens the film’s tension. Director Alan Parker commands attention with his meticulous craftsmanship, converting mundane scenarios into sequences brimming with dread, reminiscent of Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby."

From a technical standpoint, this Blu-ray release boasts considerable enhancements. The visual presentation benefits from a detailed and clean transfer that preserves the grain and texture of the original film, lending authenticity to its 1950s New Orleans setting. The color grading is well-balanced, maintaining the film’s dark, moody atmosphere without sacrificing clarity. Audio quality is equally impressive, with a DTS-HD Master Audio track that provides clear dialogue and richly layered soundscapes, effectively drawing the viewer into the narrative.

The supplemental features are a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike. They offer a deep dive into the film’s production process, including interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and director’s commentary. These additions enhance appreciation of Parker's directorial prowess and the collective effort that culminates in this timeless horror thriller.

In conclusion, "Angel Heart" on Blu-ray is a must-have for any serious film collector or horror enthusiast. It masterfully marries narrative and technical excellence, providing an immersive viewing experience that stands the test of time. The combination of stellar performances, expert direction, and high-quality production values makes this release an essential part of any Blu-ray collection.