Deliverance Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the "Deliverance" Blu-Ray, utilizing the same 1080p/VC-1 encode from the 2007 release, offers a commendable transfer of the 40-year-old film. The visual quality presents clean but slightly muted primary colors alongside a well-balanced mix of earth tones, reflecting the film’s thematic essence effectively. Resolution varies, with the film’s natural lighting and shooting conditions impacting detail levels. The opening sequence appears soft and occasionally out of focus, but subsequent scenes maintain stable sharpness and clarity, producing a palpable depth. Black levels and contrast are expertly managed, adding vibrancy to colors and exterior sequences without overly compromising shadow details in darker scenes.

There is a noticeable film grain that contributes a textured feel throughout, aligning with the film's original elements and intentional stylistic choices made by director John Boorman and cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond. Grain is generally natural and unobtrusive, though there are occasional noise spikes and artifacts, especially in complex sequences like Ed’s climb. Despite these minor issues, the high-definition presentation significantly surpasses previous DVD versions. Daytime exterior shots particularly stand out, offering sharper colors, improved depth, and finely resolved longshots.

While some nighttime scenes suffer from weak shadow delineation, overall contrast remains fairly consistent with lifelike colors and properly saturated skintones. The print is clean with minimal dirt or speckles, offering a marked improvement over older videos including VHS copies. The visual fidelity is generally pleasing and faithful to its source material, though a full overhaul could potentially optimize the image further. However, intrinsic flaws and all, this Blu-ray edition remains a satisfactory and reliable representation of "Deliverance".

The 40th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of "Deliverance" features a notable upgrade in audio presentation with a newly implemented DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless track, markedly superior to the 2007 release’s lossy mix. Dialogue is generally crisp and intelligible, though there are occasional moments where it gets muffled or lost amidst background sounds. The predominantly front-oriented presentation ensures clear and coherent interaction through the front channels, with the blend of music and sound effects rendered with commendable clarity and limited but fair depth, based on the dated elements of the original recording.

The surround channels effectively introduce atmospheric ambience, subtly weaving in the environmental sounds of the movie's setting. Forest sounds—chirping birds, crickets, rustling leaves—and water effects from the river enhance the enveloping quality of the soundstage, creating an unexpectedly immersive experience considering the film’s age. The assertive rear speakers contribute to this immersive sound field without compromising the integrity of the original sound design. Low-frequency effects are minimal but present enough to add some weight, especially during pivotal moments like an early explosion or the crashing rapids.

Dynamic range is distortion-free, offering clean highs and a decent bass response, though not room-engaging by contemporary standards. With directionally appropriate characters’ voices and smooth audio pans, Warner Bros. has managed to deliver a respectable mix that revitalizes "Deliverance." The restrained yet pleasing sense of immersion in this track reflects a careful balancing act between fidelity to the original material and leveraging modern audio technology, ensuring that this edition met expectations and satisfied fans.

The Blu-ray extras for "Deliverance" offer a robust and engaging retrospective on this classic film. The centerpiece is the newly produced 30-minute HD feature "Deliverance: The Cast Looks Back," featuring in-depth, candid interviews with Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, Burt Reynolds, and Ronny Cox. This new featurette adds substantial value, alongside the comprehensive four-part retrospective from the 2007 edition, covering the novel's adaptation, on-location challenges, and the film’s legacy. Director John Boorman's audio commentary provides profound insights into the film's production, his creative vision, and experiences working with the cast. Despite some dated visuals, the vintage featurette "The Dangerous World of Deliverance" still offers intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpses. All included content ensures Dolby Digital 2.0 audio consistency.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director John Boorman provides in-depth insights.
• Deliverance: The Cast Looks Back: Retrospective with cast interviews.
• Four-Part Retrospective: A detailed documentary on the film's production.
• Vintage Featurette: Original behind-the-scenes footage.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

"Deliverance" is a quintessential tale of survival and the harrowing journey through the untamed landscape of Georgia's wilderness. The narrative follows four urban businessmen who venture into nature, only to face the profound brutality of the environment and its inhabitants. This poignant exploration of man's inherent violence and primal instincts remains as relevant and impactful today as it was during its original release. The plot, adapted from James Dickey's 1970 bestseller, has an elegant simplicity and profound depth. The characters embody American male archetypes - Lewis (Burt Reynolds), the confident hunter; Bobby (Ned Beatty), the team's weak link; Drew (Ronny Cox), the pacifist; and Ed (Jon Voight), the reluctant hero. Their evolution across the narrative arc provides a powerful study in character and conflict.

The river serves both as a literal setting and metaphorical crucible, stripping away civilized behaviors to reveal raw human nature. This theme is intensely culminated in the film's notorious “Squeal like a pig!” scene – a depiction of violence and power that is unflinching and unmatched in its unmasking of primal fear. This dynamic scene crystallizes the film’s thesis on the savagery that lurks under civilized exteriors. "Deliverance" masterfully juxtaposes thrilling action with deep philosophical questions about humanity and survival, encapsulating timeless anxieties about intrusion into the unknown.

The 40th Anniversary Blu-ray release does justice to this classic. It surpasses previous editions by offering a comprehensive retrospective featuring cast members Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, Burt Reynolds, and Ronny Cox, along with a significant technical upgrade: a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. This enhancement enriches the auditory experience, making each river rapid and banjo note viscerally immediate. Combined, these features make it an essential acquisition for both cinephiles and audiophiles, ensuring "Deliverance" continues to resonate with potent intensity through generations.

Warner Brothers celebrates the 40th anniversary of "Deliverance" with a Blu-ray release that delivers beyond expectations. This edition retains the exceptional 2007 video transfer, which continues to impress with its detail and clarity, negating any substantial need for an upgrade. What truly sets this release apart is the inclusion of a new DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, providing an immersive audio experience that elevates the film’s intense and haunting atmosphere. Additionally, fans will relish the new retrospective roundtable featuring director John Boorman and his four leading men, offering fresh insights and reflections on this seminal work.

Accompanying the film is a thoughtful digibook package that complements the classic status of "Deliverance". For those who missed out on previous editions or are new to Blu-ray, this release is indispensable. Audiophiles and dedicated fans contemplating a purchase will find that the enhanced audio track and supplementary materials justify the investment. Far from being a simple repackaging, Warner Brothers has ensured that this edition offers value through both its technical enhancements and its collectible presentation.

In conclusion, the 40th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of "Deliverance" stands as a must-have for any serious collector or cinephile. The combination of a sterling video transfer, an upgraded audio experience, and additional insightful content makes it a definitive release. For those building or augmenting their collection, this release of "Deliverance" highlights why it remains a potent, character-driven drama that continues to resonate decades after its initial debut.