Guncrazy Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Guncrazy" by the MVD Rewind Collection exhibits an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. However, it shows several notable flaws. There is noticeable telecine wobble during the credits and the presentation quality is somewhat variable, veering towards noise in darker scenes. The source film stock exhibits dirt and damage, and darker scenes appear particularly gritty and murky, with black levels often crushed, leading to loss of detail in shadows.

While grain is present, it is met with an average encode that struggles particularly in scenes involving smoke or fog, resulting in noticeable banding. Contrast is inconsistent, often appearing overly heated and sapping some colors while others are overly saturated to almost neon levels, particularly flesh tones which can skew towards an orange hue. Despite these issues, brighter outdoor scenes show commendable detail and a richly saturated palette that showcases the film’s more vibrant moments.

In summary, while some aspects of "Guncrazy"'s Blu-ray presentation offer acceptable detail and saturation in well-lit scenes, the overall video quality is hampered by several technical shortcomings, such as noise in dark scenes, crushed blacks, and inconsistent color rendering. Further clean-up and restoration would significantly benefit this release.

The audio presentation of the "Guncrazy" Blu-ray offers two main tracks: a lossless LPCM 2.0 and a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1. The LPCM track effectively supports dialogue and effects but tends to emphasize the low-end synth pads in Ed Tomney's score, which can overwhelm the sound design. Conversely, the Dolby Digital 5.1 track opens up the soundstage, particularly in outdoor scenes, although it has its limitations.

While the PCM stereo track provides clarity with dialogue, it suffers from an overly aggressive low-end, making the audio too boomy and sometimes unnatural. On the other hand, the Dolby Digital 5.1 track, despite its compressed nature, benefits from lowered volume levels that soften the punch of the LFE. Gunshots echo convincingly into the rear channels and school ambiance is loud and immersive, though at times, overly potent. Surround channels are prominently featured, making their presence known with a forceful approach that may feel excessive to some listeners.

Both tracks have their merits and drawbacks, offering different experiences in how they handle the material. Users will find optional English and Spanish subtitles available for accessibility.

The Blu-ray of "Guncrazy" provides an extensive and detailed array of extras, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the film. These features include a comprehensive 90-minute making-of documentary that dives deep into the production process, featuring interviews with key players such as Tamra Davis, James LeGros, and Ione Skye. In addition, there is a focused featurette on director Tamra Davis, which supplements the interviews found in the main documentary. The inclusion of an archival making-of featurette from 1992, despite its subpar video quality, offers historical context. Five brief behind-the-scenes clips provide a candid look at the set. An audio commentary from director Tamra Davis and star Drew Barrymore gives further insights. Lastly, the trailers and an intriguing mini-poster from a different MVD Rewind release round out this compelling package.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Guncrazy: A deep dive into the film's production with extensive interviews.
• Portrait of a Director: Tamra Davis: Focuses on Davis' career and includes significant interview footage.
• The Making of Guncrazy (1992): Archival featurette with mixed video quality.
• Five Behind the Scenes Clips on the Set of Guncrazy: Short clips providing on-set insights.
• Audio Commentary from Tamra Davis and Drew Barrymore: Accessible through the Setup Menu.
• Trailers: Includes trailers for Guncrazy and other MVD Rewind Collection releases.
• Folded Mini-Poster: Included in the keepcase, though not directly related to Guncrazy.

Guncrazy, directed by Tamra Davis, draws inspiration from classic American narratives distilling elements from film noir and outlaw mythos into a contemporary setting. Echoing Joseph H. Lewis’ Gun Crazy and Arthur Penn's Bonnie and Clyde, Guncrazy centers on Anita Minteer (Drew Barrymore) and Howard (James LeGros). Both characters are archetypes of disenfranchised youth—Anita, a sexually abused teenager seeking escape from her dire circumstances, and Howard, an ex-con striving for a better life. Matthew Bright’s screenplay provides them both with a veneer of sympathy, balancing their violent tendencies with relatable motivations. The juxtaposition of trailer park life and noir elements underscores the film’s attempts at blending old school and modern aesthetics, particularly evident in scenes featuring snake-handling revival groups which add a peculiar but fascinating dimension to the narrative.

The performances stand out, particularly Drew Barrymore's portrayal of Anita, whose sociopathic tendencies are both chilling and compelling. She embodies the turmoil of a trapped teenager, adding nuance to the raw narrative. LeGros impresses as Howard, a man caught between his criminal past and the promise of redemption. As they embark on a crime spree—more polished than the amateur exploits of its noir predecessor—the film oscillates between stark realism and hyperbolic violence. This fusion is textured with moments of dark comedy and surprising tenderness, such as Anita’s struggle to rob working-class men or her compassion towards a stranded Great Dane.

However, Guncrazy does not entirely escape criticism. The forced romantic dynamic between Anita and Howard feels contrived, especially considering the exploitative nuances related to Anita’s age and nudity scenes. In its latter stages, the film lapses into exploitation-tier bloodshed which somewhat undermines its initial humanizing efforts. The climactic showdown where Howard dual-wields guns in a campy display of final defiance detracts from the intended poignancy, tipping into absurdity. Despite these flaws, Guncrazy remains a provocative piece that melds socio-political commentary with a visceral portrayal of young love entwined with violence.

The Blu-ray release of "Guncrazy" offers a mixed bag of experiences both in terms of narrative and technical presentation. Drew Barrymore delivers a disturbingly captivating performance that anchors the film, supported by a colorful cast that elevates its sporadic moments of black comedy. However, the narrative suffers from tonal inconsistencies, veering between grim intensity and odd humor, which might alienate some viewers. The direction by Tamra Davis struggles to maintain a coherent atmosphere, diluting the impact of an otherwise intriguing storyline.

Despite its narrative flaws, the technical aspects of the Blu-ray disc provide a decent viewing experience. Picture quality is satisfactory but not exceptional, with some minor issues in color balance and sharpness. Audio, while generally clear, has moments where dialogue is overshadowed by the soundtrack. Noteworthy are the two new documentaries included in the extras, which deliver outstanding insights into the production and thematic undercurrents of the film, making them a highlight for those interested in deeper context and behind-the-scenes knowledge.

In conclusion, if scenarist Matthew Bright and director Tamra Davis had fully embraced the black comedy elements lurking beneath the surface, "Guncrazy" might have resonated more effectively with its audience. Barrymore’s performance remains a compelling reason to watch, complemented by good supporting roles. While the technical presentation has some issues, the strong documentaries add significant value to this Blu-ray release. Fans of Barrymore or those interested in offbeat crime dramas will likely find enough to appreciate in this edition.