Fatal Attraction Blu-ray Review

Paramount's new 1080p presentation of "Fatal Attraction," sourced from a meticulous 4K remaster, breathes fresh life into this classic thriller. The upgraded transfer ensures that the film’s natural grain structure is retained, rendering a smooth yet beautifully filmic image. The colors are bright and vivid, maintaining the slightly smokey, atmospheric look intrinsic to the film's aesthetic. The depth of blacks is significantly improved, eliminating the previously murky muddiness and offering deep, inky shadows with substantial detail. This enhancement allows viewers to appreciate intricate textures, from clothing to facial features, in stunning clarity.

Despite the high overall quality, there are minor inconsistencies. The first act shows some grain structure issues with slight ghosting during motion, though this settles as the movie progresses. Colors exhibit a subtle desaturation that occasionally lends a dreamy, diffuse quality to some scenes, leaving skin tones a touch ghostly. Nevertheless, the contrast and black levels remain strong, supporting deep, detailed images even in darker scenes. Any crush is minimal and usually confined to specific close-ups.

Encapsulating a perfect fusion of sharpness and cinematic nostalgia, "Fatal Attraction" demonstrates an impressive balance of texture and clarity through the careful encoding of MPEG-4 AVC on BD-50 layers. The nuanced reproduction of elements like brake lights, fire, and stained glass against darker backgrounds adds visual flair. Paramount’s remaster eradicates prior issues such as DNR-induced waxy faces or compression artifacts. Print damage is non-existent, making this version not only clean but also a satisfying viewing experience that remains true to its original cinematic roots while showcasing advancements in home video technology.

The audio presentation of the "Fatal Attraction" Blu-ray, featuring a 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track, remains consistent with the 2009 release. The mix predominantly emphasizes the front channels, rendering dialogue clear and intelligible, albeit with occasional harshness and scratchiness in the upper frequencies, particularly during screams. Overhead activity is minimal, with most sonic elements anchored firmly in the front soundstage. Key sound effects—such as knives clashing, glass breaking, and bodies falling—are well-defined but lack the immersive experience expected from modern surround sound formats.

Despite the limitations in dynamic object placement and rear channel activity, the soundtrack adequately supports the film's dramatic elements. Environmental effects, like city street ambiances and crowded gatherings, occasionally engage the surrounds. However, scenes confined to interiors exhibit noticeably limited spatial expansion. The Maurice Jarre score, known for its 80s thriller vibe, contributes effectively to the overall audio landscape, providing a balanced mix with dialogue and sound effects. Low-frequency extension is subtle yet appropriately responsive to music beats and action sequences without overwhelming bass presence.

In conclusion, while the audio track of "Fatal Attraction" doesn't break new ground or offer significant enhancement over prior releases, it remains a competent and serviceable option. It delivers clear dialogue and impactful sound effects that are essential for the film's tense narrative. The track's primary shortfall lies in its lack of dynamic surround envelopment, potentially leaving high expectations unmet for those seeking a fully modernized audio experience.

The Paramount Presents Blu-ray release of "Fatal Attraction" offers a focused yet concise collection of extras. Notably, the disc introduces a new "Filmmaker Focus" feature, in which Director Adrian Lyne provides insightful reflections on his favorite moments, including the infamous boiling bunny scene and climactic sequences. This edition also retains key components from previous releases, such as Lyne's engaging audio commentary, rehearsal footage, and an alternate ending introduced by Lyne himself. However, it omits substantial content found in earlier editions, necessitating those wanting the complete suite to retain prior releases. The physical package includes a unique slipcover revealing the original poster art and a digital copy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: By Director Adrian Lyne.
• Filmmaker Focus: Adrian Lyne On Fatal Attraction.
• Rehearsal Footage: Initial rehearsals featuring Glenn Close and Michael Douglas.
• Alternate Ending With Introduction By Director Adrian Lyne: An alternate climax with director's insights.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.

Paramount's revival of "Fatal Attraction" under its Paramount Presents line aims to reignite interest in this landmark thriller. The 1987 film, starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, is an archetypal '80s thriller. It introduced audiences to the now widely imitated "domestic drama with horrific overtones." The plot, centered around Douglas's character Dan Gallagher and his ill-fated affair with Close's Alex Forrest, offers a gripping portrayal of mental instability and its fatal consequences. Douglas embodies the charming yet morally flawed protagonist while Close delivers a chilling performance as the obsessive antagonist. Anne Archer's role as Beth, Dan’s wife, adds emotional grounding essential for audience empathy.

Director Adrian Lyne excels in creating tension through adept cinematography and pacing. From the initial skyline shots of New York to the close-quarters terror of domestic spaces, Lyne manipulates visual cues to highlight encroaching dread. Scenes like Alex cutting her wrists and Dan patching her up amidst ominous red lights foreshadow the escalating horror that unfolds. The film’s critique of lust and the social consequences of infidelity resonates deeply within its Reagan-era settings, reflecting broader societal anxieties.

Glenn Close's role as Alex Forrest is legendary, portraying a vivid descent into madness with unnerving precision. The juxtaposition of her character against the seemingly idyllic life of the Gallagher family heightens the suspense. Moreover, the performances tie together a narrative that could otherwise lapse into clichés. Dan’s flawed character, coupled with Beth’s unwavering loyalty, creates a dramatic tension that remains compelling. Despite shifts in cultural perspectives since its release, "Fatal Attraction" endures as a classic thriller that masterfully balances psychological depth with unrelenting suspense.

The newly released Blu-ray edition of "Fatal Attraction" showcases a satisfying upgrade in visual quality that leverages a pristine 4K remaster, bringing a fresh vibrancy to Adrian Lyne's 1987 thriller. Demonstrating solid performances, particularly from Glenn Close, whose portrayal remains gripping and memorable, the film maintains its suspenseful essence and continues to engage viewers. Paramount’s version features a high-quality 1080p transfer but leaves the audio mix unaltered from previous versions. However, some may miss the extensive extras found in past releases, which have been trimmed in favor of a new featurette where Lyne discusses technical and narrative choices.

The "Paramount Presents" series debut incorporates noteworthy technical specifics: an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 AVC, English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio, and a suite of subtitles including English, English SDH, and French. Its runtime clocks in at 119 minutes and retains an R rating for its mature thematic elements. An added featurette provides insights into Lyne's directorial approaches to prominent scenes, fueling deeper appreciation for his meticulous filmmaking craft. Despite the reduction in bonus material, the essentials included still offer a rich viewing enhancement.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Fatal Attraction" is a strong recommendation for those looking to experience the film with a noticeably improved visual presentation. While the absence of a complete 4K UHD Blu-ray disc might disappoint some, the remastered quality and affordable price point make it a worthwhile addition to any collection. The blend of historical significance, captivating performances, and upgraded visuals affirm its value as a notable title within Paramount’s new catalog line.