Maverick Blu-ray Review

Warner presents "Maverick" on Blu-ray with a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video transfer in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Despite being an improvement over previous DVD releases, the overall presentation remains inconsistent. The transfer struggles with a dim and flat appearance, influenced partly by the film's natural color palette, favoring dusty browns and sandy tans. Although brighter hues appear sporadically, they lack vibrancy and impact. Detail levels fluctuate, providing only an adequate representation of clothing textures and facial features, which often fall short of high-definition quality. The film grain is retained and accentuates the cinematic texture but is marred by visual distractions like blocky skies, edge halos, and occasional smeary shots.

Encouragingly, the video transfer does exhibit moments of high clarity and facial definition, where picture depth and frizzy hair detail impress. Black levels maintain appropriate depths without overwhelming, while whites remain controlled and unobtrusive. However, sporadic issues persist, including random ringing and occasional blurriness that disrupts the viewing experience. Skin tones tend to skew warm, with some scenes displaying characters without sufficient facial definition due to softness rather than digital tampering. Though largely clean with minimal grain impairment, these scattered inconsistencies prevent "Maverick" from achieving visual excellence on Blu-ray. Fans might find it visually satisfactory but should temper expectations for a consistently high-quality presentation.

Warner Brothers presents "Maverick" on Blu-ray with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack that provides a nuanced auditory experience, albeit with some limitations. The track, while not enveloping the listener with a full surround sound experience, adeptly uses the front speakers to convey a competent sense of space, energy, and clarity. The delivery of the film's score and Country music is reasonably engaging and rarely feels underpowered or confined. Critical sound effects such as stampeding horses and gunfire are sufficiently potent, though slightly subdued.

However, the audio presentation occasionally falters in prioritization, with moments where dialogue can become secondary to sound effects and the musical score. This can result in certain scenes lacking the necessary auditory punch or clarity. The dialogue sometimes may appear flat or too soft, impacting the overall listening experience. Despite these shortcomings, the separation between audio elements is commendable, maintaining respectable clarity and definition throughout.

Overall, while "Maverick" on Blu-ray doesn't offer a stellar auditory experience, it plays its hand effectively given the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 setup. This track is solid yet unremarkable in delivering the film's soundscape, making it a passable choice for viewers seeking a competent if not exceptional sonic presentation.

Warner's Blu-ray release of "Maverick" incorporates a concise selection of supplemental features that enhance the viewing experience for fans and collectors. The primary feature, "A Pictorial History of the Makin' of the Movie," is a playful yet informative documentary that interweaves cast and crew interviews with behind-the-scenes footage, all narrated in a faux Western accent. This supplement not only provides a comprehensive account of the film's production but does so in an engaging manner that differentiates it from conventional behind-the-scenes content. Additionally, the disc includes a music video of "Amazing Grace" by The Maverick Choir, and the theatrical trailer for the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Pictorial History of the Makin' of the Movie, Maverick: Behind-the-scenes documentary with cast and crew interviews.
• Music Video: "Amazing Grace" by The Maverick Choir.
• Maverick Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

"Maverick," directed by Richard Donner, offers a comedic romp through the Old West with charismatic performances and a wit-filled script. Mel Gibson stars as Bret Maverick, a sly card shark navigating shady dealings and dangerous encounters to enter a high-stakes poker tournament. Alongside him, Jodie Foster's Annabelle Bransford and James Garner's Sheriff Zane Cooper provide a perfect blend of charm and cunning. The film thrives on its character interactions and well-timed humor, despite its reliance on exaggerated Western tropes. Maverick's journey is filled with twists, turns, and double-crosses, making it an engaging watch that keeps audiences on their toes.

The poker scenes, which serve as crucial plot elements, show an abundance of clichés. Although the all-or-nothing finale is implausible, it amplifies the film’s comedic nature but may frustrate true poker enthusiasts. The poker tournament's mechanics sometimes defy logic, but they highlight the characters' mystique over the game's authenticity. The supporting cast, including Graham Greene's memorable role as Joseph, adds depth and hilarity to the narrative.

Donner's direction wisely places the focus on his stellar cast, while the period-specific settings add charm without overshadowing the performances. The film succeeds as an action-comedy due to its balanced tone, breezy pace, and constant undercurrent of lightheartedness. The Old West shenanigans blend witty dialogue with slapstick humor, ensuring that "Maverick" remains delightfully entertaining from start to finish. Despite some structural flaws and incredulous moments, the movie's infectious energy and well-crafted characters make it a worthwhile experience.

"Maverick" stands out as an entertaining fusion of Western, poker, and comedy genres, deftly brought to life by Richard Donner. The film is marked by its light-hearted tone, humorous narrative, and memorable characters, making it a delightful viewing experience. The performances, especially from the leading cast, are commendable, blending well with the film’s breezy and goofy-serious charm. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray release doesn’t match up to the film’s charm, offering only a mediocre 1080p transfer that lacks the visual sharpness and detail expected in modern high-definition formats.

The audio quality follows suit, providing a merely passable two-channel lossless soundtrack that may not fully satisfy audiophiles seeking an immersive sound experience. Additionally, the disc’s supplemental features are sparse, with only one extra of notable value. This lack of substantial bonus content reduces its appeal for collectors seeking in-depth insights into the production.

In conclusion, while "Maverick" itself is a thoroughly enjoyable movie worthy of attention for its fun narrative and strong performances, the Blu-ray release falls short of expectations. It is an upgrade from older DVD editions but does not qualify as a must-own title for all but hardcore fans and curious parties. The movie comes heartily recommended, but the Blu-ray is a safer bet if found at a bargain price.