The Boys in the Band Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "The Boys in the Band" is fraught with several notable issues that detract from the overall experience. Despite the potential for impressive visuals, the transfer does not appear to be sourced from a recent HD scan, leaving much to be desired in terms of filmic quality. The grain is erratic and often unnatural, and while contrast is generally solid, it falters, particularly in the final act of the movie. Delineation struggles, notably losing clarity in dense hairstyles and specific costume details under limited lighting conditions. The original cinematography appears intentionally soft, making it difficult for details to emerge even in close-up shots. Background decorations are often hard to discern.

Color accuracy poses another significant challenge, heavily altered to questionable effect. It draws parallels to William Friedkin's 2009 alterations on "The French Connection." Skintones frequently appear pastel rather than lifelike pink, reminiscent of the first edition Blu-ray releases of 'The French Connection' and 'Night Of The Living Dead'. Reds are pushed extremely hot, often appearing neon and unnatural, while blue tones occasionally shift in intensity to the point where blacks are nearly nonexistent in certain scenes. These inconsistencies disrupt the grain structure, causing it to appear stable in one shot and erratically volatile in the next.

For a 1080p Blu-ray release of a film as iconic as "The Boys in the Band," this presentation feels inconsistent and underwhelming. The erratic detailing and severe color tinkering imply recent interventions that might not align with the director's original vision, failing to provide a consistent or enjoyable viewing experience. While this film is a laudable piece deserving of high-quality preservation, this transfer regrettably falls short.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 sound mix in "The Boys in the Band" serves as a robust complement to the film's dialogue-intensive narrative. Initially, the mix presents some instability, particularly marked by volatile music and dialogue during the main titles. However, once the drama unfolds, the track stabilizes significantly. This allows for the capture of performances with meaningful clarity and emotional depth without suffering from overly harsh highs. Background noise such as hiss is minimized effectively, while the soundtrack remains full and rich.

Despite the visual shortcomings of this release, the audio mix stands out for its impeccable dialogue reproduction—critical for a film where verbal exchanges drive nearly 99% of the action. The 2.0 Mono track delivers dialogue with fantastic power and clarity, ensuring that every word resonates clearly, enhancing the film's overall impact. While the music and sound effects are not dominant, they are well-integrated during the moments they appear, such as during the rainstorm sequence in the second act. The minimal presence of atmospherics such as rainstorms and group activity further complements the film, making this audio mix an exemplary representation of technical proficiency in sound engineering for classic cinema presentations.

The extras for "The Boys in the Band" Blu-ray provide a comprehensive exploration of the film's history and impact. An Audio Commentary by director William Friedkin offers insightful but occasionally disjointed reflections, with portions seemingly sourced from other interviews. The Making Of featurettes are divided into three parts: "The Play," "The Film," and "40 Years of 'The Boys in the Band'," each offering detailed perspectives from key cast members, playwright Mart Crowley, and Friedkin himself. These segments cover the journey from stage to screen, and celebrate the enduring success of the work with pride. Though rich in content, some viewers might find the segments uneven in engagement.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring director William Friedkin.
• The Play: A fascinating history of the original Off-Broadway production.
• The Film: An in-depth look at the transition from play to film.
• 40 Years of 'The Boys in the Band': Reflecting on the lasting impact of the play and film.

"The Boys in the Band" marks a significant milestone in cinema history as the first breakout hit of gay cinema. This film, originally a stage play by Mart Crowley, adeptly transitions from theater to screen under the expert direction of William Friedkin. Friedkin's smart direction nullifies the often static nature of stage-to-screen adaptations by incorporating dynamic camera movements that travel through windows, around doors, and up stairs. Crowley’s finger-snap dialogue beautifully surveys defense mechanisms and vulnerabilities, injecting wit and fury to capture the unraveling events of a birthday party gone awry.

The plot revolves around Michael (Kenneth Nelson), a former theater scene member who hosts a birthday party for Harold (Leonard Frey). The guest list includes Donald (Frederick Combs), Emory (Cliff Gorman), Bernard (Reuben Greene), and live-in lovers Hank (Laurence Luckinbill) and Larry (Keith Prentice). Unexpectedly, Michael's old college roommate Alan (Peter White) arrives, disrupting the group's dynamic. Alan's presence surfaces latent insecurities, leading to a night filled with drinking, argumentation, and raw honesty. In a climactic game devised by Michael, each man is forced to reveal his true feelings by calling the person they love.

Performances are exceptionally strong; the original cast seamlessly embodies their roles after over a thousand stage performances. Kenneth Nelson anchors the drama, supported magnificently by the rest of the ensemble. Each interaction oscillates between humor and psychological tension, providing an emotionally exhausting yet compelling narrative. The film is technically proficient — with cinematography that transcends its theatrical roots and feels genuinely cinematic. Despite moments of heightened theatrical dialogue, Friedkin ensures viewers feel immersed in this vivid portrayal of human complexity and social conventions. "The Boys in the Band" stands out as an extraordinary piece of powerful drama that remains emotionally resonant and visually engaging.

"The Boys in the Band" stands as a seminal piece in the annals of gay cinema, earning its place as an influential work through its insightful portrayal of its characters and events. Recognized prominently as a substantial component of the 1995 documentary "The Celluloid Closet," it transcends its initial recognition to offer a richly layered narrative that is both profound and engaging. The film benefits greatly from William Friedkin's directorial prowess, showcasing early signs of his talent to elicit intense, humorous, and heartfelt performances from his cast, all while maintaining an engaging storyline brimming with life and drama.

However, this Blu-ray release fails to fully encapsulate the cinematic excellence of the film. The video presentation is notably subpar, lacking the high-definition clarity expected in modern home releases. While the audio quality excels, offering a robust and clear auditory experience, and the supplementary content provides valuable insights and context, the lackluster visual fidelity significantly detracts from the overall experience. This imperfection relegates the disc to being merely a rental rather than a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors.

In conclusion, "The Boys in the Band" retains its iconic status through an artful blend of performance and direction but is let down by its Blu-ray presentation. The film itself is a classic deserving of a fully restored release to match its influential legacy in cinema history. Until such a restoration occurs, this Blu-ray falls short of providing the comprehensive experience that this landmark film rightfully deserves.