Where the Buffalo Roam Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory's Blu-ray release of "Where the Buffalo Roam," sublicensed from Universal Studios, presents a generally solid video experience, although it is not without its flaws. The 1080p resolution, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, captures the film's organic, grainy aesthetic. The aspect ratio (1.85:1) is maintained throughout, providing a rather filmic look, albeit without impressive sharpness. Despite its adequate detail levels and solid black levels, the picture occasionally appears a bit rough around the edges. Some scenes exhibit noticeable camera judder and minor compression artifacts that can be slightly distracting. However, the grain levels and filmic texture mostly preserve the original cinematic intent.

In terms of color reproduction, "Where the Buffalo Roam" holds a rather muted and natural palette that occasionally bursts with more vivid colors such as reds and blues. Skintones remain consistent and natural across various scenes, with facial details becoming more pronounced in close-ups. Blacks are solid but can get murky, leading to minor detail loss during darker sequences. There are moments with brighter yellows and greens that add some liveliness to the film’s otherwise flat visual aesthetic. Overall, while the release doesn't demonstrate a drastic improvement over DVD quality, it remains presentable with acceptable delineation and minimal source damage.

Despite some limitations stemming from the source material and Universal's track record with catalog titles, Shout Factory has managed to provide a respectable blu-ray presentation for "Where the Buffalo Roam." Though it might not stand out as one of their most pristine releases, it effectively captures the grimy, textured atmosphere of the film with decent clarity and detail retention.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Where the Buffalo Roam" is delivered via a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix, resulting in a crisp listening experience. While age-related issues are apparent, contributing to occasional crackling consistent in dialogue exchanges and musical elements, the track offers a relatively clear and precise dialogue reproduction. Most of the mumbling and quirks from Thompson's delivery are intelligible, and more intense displays of emotion are acceptably conveyed. However, the soundtrack cuts lack dynamism and blend into the background, with instrumentation delivering adequate yet uncompelling definition. The overall force of the track is somewhat weakened due to these limitations.

This release notably stems from an original mono source, exhibiting mostly flat qualities yet with moments of an occasional presence. While the sound lacks significant excitement, it achieves a respectable balance with mild separation for dialogue, musical scores, and sound effects. Subtitles in English SDH are also available, ensuring accessibility. Despite some analog-origin hints, the audio performance is relatively stable with no significant distortion or hisses reported. Although it may not capture every detail with enthusiasm or intensity, the mix maintains enough integrity to support the film's needs adequately.

In essence, while the 2.0 DTS-HD MA stereo mix may not astound audiophiles with its aged source limitations, it succeeds in providing clear dialogue and a competent, if reserved, auditory experience. The absence of surround sound features and limited dynamic range indicates that it won’t stand out as a groundbreaking audio presentation but serves its purpose effectively for casual viewing.

The Blu-ray release of "Where the Buffalo Roam" includes a focused selection of extras, shedding light on the film's behind-the-scenes dynamics. The highlight is the extensive interview with screenwriter John Kaye. This feature provides a deep dive into Kaye's personal anecdotes with Hunter S. Thompson, as well as his candid views on the production difficulties and his professional clashes, notably with director Art Linson and lead actor Bill Murray. The addition of the original trailer rounds out the package, offering a glimpse into the film's initial marketing. Overall, while the extras are few, they provide valuable insights for enthusiasts of the film and Thompson's work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Inventing The Buffalo: An Interview with Screenwriter John Kaye.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the film.

"Where the Buffalo Roam" (1980), an early vehicle for advancing Bill Murray's career, attempts to capture the chaotic life of Hunter S. Thompson, the legendary Gonzo journalist. Despite Murray’s fervent efforts and a commendable performance channeling the essence of Thompson’s erratic personality, the film falls into a disjointed, incoherent mess. Art Linson’s direction straddles between creating a comedy and a tribute, but struggles to provide a cohesive narrative. Instead, what we encounter is a collection of misguided vignettes that flounder between comedic chaos and heroic absurdity without a solid backbone to tie them together meaningfully.

The film tracks Thompson and his attorney, Carl Lazlo (Peter Boyle), as they navigate a series of episodic misadventures including defending marijuana enthusiasts, drunken plane flights, and turbulent encounters with authority figures like Nixon. Both Murray and Boyle deliver stellar performances that embody the zaniness and chaotic energy of their real-life counterparts. However, lacking chemistry and narrative cohesion, their efforts might appease Thompson aficionados but leave general audiences adrift in a sea of surreal insanity.

Ultimately, "Where the Buffalo Roam" mirrors the unpredictable and disordered lifestyle of Thompson, but that exact fidelity becomes its Achilles heel. The film’s structurelessness and episodic nature make for a weary viewing experience, unable to sustain engagement over its 95 minutes. While certain scenes and jokes might sparkle when viewed in isolation, together they result in a disjointed collage, hazy and disconnected. Fans might appreciate the authenticity and manic energy Murray brings to Thompson’s wild exploits, but for most viewers, the film seems more like a scattered series of sketches than a coherent cinematic journey.

"Where the Buffalo Roam," starring Bill Murray as the iconic Hunter S. Thompson, presents a mixed bag in its transition to Blu-ray. Art Linson's film, originally released in 1980, lingers on the eccentricities and escapades of Thompson more than his literary achievements, which may only appeal to die-hard fans. This new Shout Factory Blu-ray delivers a solid audiovisual experience with a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio and English DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio. However, the film itself has not aged well, with a disjointed narrative that fails to capture any enduring emotional depth or resonance with broader audiences.

Murray’s performance is noteworthy; his portrayal of Thompson is energetic and committed, yet it struggles to carry the film through its storytelling deficiencies. The fragmented structure and reliance on chaotic antics over substantial plot elements make sustaining viewer engagement challenging. While Shout Factory’s release features all the original music restored and a worthwhile interview as an extra, it falls short on additional content that could enrich the viewer’s experience.

In summary, "Where the Buffalo Roam" will likely delight fervent Hunter S. Thompson enthusiasts, owing to Murray's spirited depiction and the enhanced technical presentation of this Blu-ray edition. However, for general audiences and casual fans, the film’s inconsistent narrative and limited extras make it a lukewarm recommendation. Collectors might find value in this release, but others may find better satisfaction in leaving this cinematic relic firmly planted in the past.