Full Metal Jacket Blu-ray Review

This updated Blu-ray presentation of "Full Metal Jacket" significantly elevates the viewing experience of Kubrick's cinematic masterpiece. Transitioning from the previously standard 4:3 format to a 1080p theatrical wide 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film's visual appeal has been greatly enhanced. This shift not only respects the modern home theater capabilities that strive to emulate the theatrical experience but also corrects the long-standing issues found in earlier releases. Warner Bros. has meticulously remastered this edition, addressing the prior Blu-ray's pitfalls—where colors were skewed and details obscured. The outcome is an image of superior clarity, with noise reduction effectively applied, especially in darker sequences, ensuring a pristine and lifelike picture without artificial edge enhancement.

The newfound quality of this transfer is evident through improved black levels, contrast, and color accuracy, bringing a naturalistic touch to Kubrick's deliberate cinematography. The clean-up effort has notably diminished print blemishes and dirt, thereby offering a cleaner, sharper visual presentation. Detailing is now more pronounced, particularly in close-ups where textures are vividly captured, and in wide shots that showcase a refined sharpness. Color reproduction sees a significant upgrade; the over-saturated reds and unnatural flesh tones of previous versions have been corrected towards more true-to-life hues, enhancing scenes with a richer palette, notably the deep blues in the iconic bathroom scene.

Despite the film's age and the inherent limitations of its source material, this Blu-ray edition stands as a testament to Warner Bros.' commitment to quality. It rectifies the major shortcomings of the 2006 release, eliminating compression artifacts and banding that once detracted from the viewing experience. While it may not transform "Full Metal Jacket" into a showcase of high-definition splendor due to its source limitations, this version undeniably offers the best visual experience of Kubrick's vision to date, making it an essential addition for collectors and fans alike.

Warner Brothers' release of "Full Metal Jacket" on Blu-ray showcases an upgrade in the audio presentation with the inclusion of a 5.1 PCM uncompressed track, alongside the traditional Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The 5.1 PCM track brings a notable improvement, offering a crisp and clean listening experience that elevates the film's intense and immersive atmosphere. In scenes within the barracks, the echoes and the bass-heavy military music are particularly impressive, creating a sense of presence as if the events are unfolding right in your living room. However, it's worth mentioning that this auditory enhancement seems to be somewhat constrained by the original source material, which limits the full potential of the audio's dynamic range. Despite these advancements, the audio mix primarily remains front-heavy, especially noticeable in the quieter, dialogue-driven segments of the film.

Moving into the Vietnam sequences, the audio shifts dramatically, leveraging the PCM track to amplify the action through more active surround use. Explosions, gunfire, and the film's signature industrial score dramatically fill the space, offering a more enveloping experience that brings viewers closer to the chaos of combat. Yet, despite these moments of aural intensity, there's an underlying flatness to the soundscape attributed to the era's technology limitations. Highs and lows struggle to fully manifest, rendering some of the soundtrack's songs and dialogue with less clarity than modern standards might dictate. This issue highlights a persistent challenge in remastering audio for older films where the ambition for authenticity sometimes collides with the original material's constraints.

Although Warner Brothers deserves commendation for integrating a high-resolution PCM track to augment "Full Metal Jacket's" Blu-ray release, the end result is a mixed bag that fluctuates between moments of immersive brilliance and instances of underwhelming flatness. The effort to improve the film's audio experience is palpable, particularly during its more dynamic combat scenes where the surround sound springs to life. However, the audio’s fidelity occasionally suffers from its source limitations, notably in its front-heavy mix and uneven representation of dialogue and music. This endeavor to balance fidelity with nostalgia serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges inherent in modernizing the audio for classic films while striving to maintain their original essence.

The Blu-ray extras for "Full Metal Jacket" offer a mixture of insightful behind-the-scenes content and somewhat fragmented experiences. Noteworthy is the commentary track that brings together Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lee Ermey, and Jay Cocks, albeit recorded separately, which detracts from its potential as a cohesive discussion. Despite its disjointed nature, Vincent D'Onofrio shines with valuable insights into his character, the film's impact on his career, and Kubrick's directorial approach. The documentary "Full Metal Jacket: Between Good and Evil" stands out as well, providing a thorough exploration of the film's inspiration, casting, and production challenges in transforming London into Vietnam. Additionally, it touches upon the broader context of Vietnam War cinema. Although less extensive compared to other Kubrick re-releases, these supplements provide a mix of technical and anecdotal perspectives that will appeal to fans seeking deeper understanding of this cinematic classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features cast members Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lee Ermey, and writer Jay Cocks, offering a mix of insights despite its fragmented recording.

• Full Metal Jacket: Between Good and Evil: A documentary exploring the film's development, casting, and production challenges, including interviews with cast and critics.

• Theatrical Trailer: Presented in 480p, offering a glimpse into the film's original marketing.

Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket," a seminal film on the Vietnam War, is presented in a rejuvenated form on Blu-ray, amplifying its status as a modern cinematic masterpiece, often regarded by many as the definitive portrayal of the Vietnam War experience. Unlike its contemporaries that plunge directly into the jungles of Vietnam or the throes of combat, "Full Metal Jacket" meticulously divides itself into two starkly contrasting halves. The first act is a harrowing exploration of the brutal dehumanization process within the confines of a U.S. Marine boot camp, introducing viewers to the tumultuous transformations of its characters, most notably Private Pyle's distressing descent under the tyranny of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. This portion stands out for its critical examination of military indoctrination, matched with Kubrick’s distinctly sterile visual style and an unsettling score that accentuates the narrative's tension.

Transitioning into the second half, the film shifts focus to Private Joker, portrayed with earnest complexity by Matthew Modine, as he navigates the moral quagmires and physical dangers of Vietnam as a combat journalist. This segment, while engaging, appears less compelling in its portrayal of war's chaos, somewhat retreading themes established in the film's boot camp section with conventional war narrative elements. However, it's this very interplay between the film’s duality and contradictions that imbues "Full Metal Jacket" with its enduring intrigue and depth. Kubrick's ability to juxtapose the calculated coldness of training with the erratic brutality of war challenges viewers with its stark thematic and tonal shifts, reinforced by vivid performances and an evocative score.

In essence, "Full Metal Jacket" stands as a testament to Kubrick’s masterful directorial vision, presenting a film that transcends the traditional war movie genre. It not only delves into the visceral realities of combat but also offers a profound commentary on the dualities of humanity and institutional indoctrination. The Blu-ray presentation elevates these themes with enhanced visual and auditory fidelity, ensuring that Kubrick's intricate detailing and the film's impactful narrative resonate more powerfully with contemporary audiences.

The Blu-ray release of Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket" offers an exceptional viewing experience that stands out among Vietnam war movies, not only for its cinematic excellence but also for the significant improvements in its home video format. This "Deluxe Edition" rectifies the shortcomings of its 2006 Blu-ray debut with a video transfer that boasts a noticeable enhancement in quality, ensuring that both the haunting visuals and the intense, battle-worn landscapes are more vivid and immersive than ever before. The audio experience is equally commendable, with the included PCM track presenting the film's dialogue, soundtrack, and the chilling sounds of combat with remarkable clarity. While there may be a desire for more extensive supplemental material, the existing features add a valuable layer of appreciation for this cinematic masterpiece.

However, it is important to note that despite these advancements, the release does not achieve perfection. The paucity of extras remains a missed opportunity to delve deeper into Kubrick's vision, the production challenges, and the cultural impact of this pivotal film. The few supplements that are included do offer worthwhile insights, yet one can't help but yearn for a more comprehensive package that matches the film's monumental status in American cinema.

In conclusion, the "Deluxe Edition" Blu-ray of "Full Metal Jacket" represents a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering an audio-visual experience that does justice to Kubrick's masterful direction and the film's complex exploration of war's psyche. While it falls slightly short of being the definitive edition due to limited supplemental content, it nevertheless receives a strong recommendation for its sheer technical prowess and the upgrade it brings to one of the most important films on the Vietnam War. This Blu-ray release is an essential addition to any cinephile's collection, ensuring that Kubrick's visionary work can be experienced as intended, with all its visual and auditory intensity preserved for future generations.