L.A. Confidential Blu-ray Review

The video quality of "L.A. Confidential" on Blu-ray initiates with a less-than-stellar impression, predominantly due to the initial footage that is cobbled together from vintage sources. This patchwork of aged clips causes an abrupt transition to the sharper and more polished sequences that follow, somewhat discordant with the meticulously rendered 1950s setting. Despite this, the Blu-ray format unforgivingly highlights some cinematic goofs not previously as evident in DVD/NTSC versions, such as visible equipment used in action scenes. Furthermore, the dark scenes' black levels are inconsistent, affecting the overall contrast and leading to a slight compromise in visual depth. Yet, despite these drawbacks, the transfer's resolution and detail in facial features, attire, and settings mark it as a superior rendition of the film.

Upon further viewing, the video presentation reveals its strengths, especially in its faithful representation of Dante Spinotti's atmospheric cinematography. The transfer captures the intricate details in textures and nuances within the smoky bars and smog-engulfed cityscapes of 1950s Los Angeles, preserving the film's intended aesthetic with a mild grain that enhances its period feel without overuse of digital noise reduction. Colors appear subdued, adhering to the movie's color palette but occasionally leaving something to be desired in vibrancy and warmth. While initially the visuals may seem soft and lacking in dynamic contrast, particularly in scenes designed to showcase either extreme of brightness or shadow, they gradually assert themselves as intentionally stylized, offering a natural, film-like quality that grows more appreciable over time.

Despite early trepidations due to a blend of grainy stock footage and certain visual inconsistencies—such as an unexpectedly blurry Warner Bros. logo—the Blu-ray presentation of "L.A. Confidential" ultimately asserts itself as a diligently detailed and artistically faithful reproduction of the original film experience. Minor issues aside, such as occasional edge enhancement, this version stands out for maintaining the integrity of Spinotti’s vision, from the textured intricacies of the on-screen world to its deliberate tonal choices. The 1080p/VC-1 transfer might not dazzle with overt clarity or vibrancy in every frame, but it commendably balances authenticity with technological enhancement, making it an essential experience for both enthusiasts and purists of this noir classic.

The audio presentation of "L.A. Confidential" on Blu-ray, equipped with a Dolby TrueHD track, presents a mix of commendations and criticisms. On one hand, the dialogue and score, particularly the 1950s large-ensemble recordings featuring artists like Chet Baker, offer clear and intelligible audio that brings the noir atmosphere to vivid life. The soundtrack especially benefits from the inclusion of these atmospheric tunes, supporting the film's period setting with a nostalgic flair. However, the overall dynamic range seems to fall short of expectations when compared to other Blu-ray releases, with sound effects—most notably gunshots and explosions—suffering from a lack of vitality and realism. These elements seem constrained, failing to fully utilize the surround sound setup, resulting in a soundstage that feels somewhat limited and lifeless.

Technical aspects of the audio mix reveal inconsistencies; while the score and dialogue maintain clarity, the dynamic punch one might expect is notably absent. This leads to action sequences and louder scenes feeling underwhelming, as the rear channels and LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel don't quite deliver the immersive experience desired. The utilisation of the surround system during critical scenes, though intended to enhance the auditory experience, instead draws attention to its shortcomings by not achieving the aggressive panning and discrete effects seen in competing releases. This is particularly apparent during the film's climax, where despite an increase in surround usage, it doesn’t reach its full potential in delivering a compelling auditory experience.

Despite these criticisms, the audio track's treatment of its musical elements stands out as a highlight. The inclusion of classic tracks on a bonus CD provides a slightly more dynamic listening experience than their counterparts within the film itself. This decision underscores an appreciation for the era's music, offering an auditory treat that complements the movie's atmospheric goals. However, this strength alone cannot fully counterbalance the audio presentation's overall inconsistency in delivering an engaging and immersive soundstage.

The Blu-ray edition of "L.A. Confidential" offers a comprehensive and detailed collection of extras, extensively ported from the Special Edition DVD, with notable enhancements. The supplementary materials are meticulously curated to provide an in-depth exploration into the making, casting, and stylistic choices behind this cinematic masterpiece. While the majority of the featurettes, including revealing documentaries and insightful interviews with the cast and crew, are presented in standard definition, key documentaries are available in high definition, elevating the viewing experience. The audio commentary is an amalgam of various interviews that deliver significant insights, despite the absence of director Curtis Hanson's direct input. Additionally, the inclusion of a failed TV pilot adds a curious layer to the disc's content, showcasing the challenges of adapting such a nuanced film. This edition not only preserves but enhances the legacy of "L.A. Confidential" through its rich and varied bonus content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Whatever You Desire: The Making of L.A. Confidential: A detailed documentary featuring interviews with director Curtis Hanson.
• A True Ensemble: The Case of L.A. Confidential: Insights into casting decisions and the film's ensemble nature.
• L.A. Confidential from Book to Screen: A discussion on adapting the book into a screenplay.
• Sunlight and Shadow: The Visual Style of L.A. Confidential: An exploration of the film's visual approach and cinematography choices.
• Audio Commentary: A compilation of interviews from cast and crew offering a wealth of information about the film's production.
• L.A. Confidential TV Pilot: A glimpse at an unsuccessful attempt to adapt the movie for television.
• Off the Record: Includes interviews and screen tests from Pearce and Crowe.
• Photo Pitch: Insights into the photos that inspired the film's visuals.
• The L.A. of L.A. Confidential: Short clips highlighting famous locations featured in the movie.
• Trailers & TV Spots: Collection of promotional material for the film.
• CD Sampler: Selections from the film's soundtrack.

"L.A. Confidential," a hallmark film of the 90s, now graces the Blu-ray format in 1080p, showcasing its acclaimed ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey and Russell Crowe, in a narrative that intertwines three distinct LAPD detectives against a meticulously depicted 1950s Los Angeles. Despite its robust narrative and the dynamism of its cast, the Blu-ray presentation fails to significantly elevate the experience beyond what was previously available. The transfer showcases decent video quality that struggles with consistency and an audio track that, while clear, often feels compressed. Moreover, the technical aspects of the film’s noir ambitions seem to falter under scrutiny, where moments intended to captivate occasionally feel overplayed and laden with predictability.

The movie itself is a vivid portrayal of Los Angeles' multifaceted personality, navigating through its glamorous exterior to unveil a core riddled with corruption and vice. Curtis Hanson's direction adeptly balances the intricacies of James Ellroy's source material with the cinematic scope required to bring this sprawling narrative to life. Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kevin Spacey deliver compelling performances as the principal trio, whose conflicting ideologies and methodologies converge to unravel a deep-seated conspiracy. However, elements intended to deepen the noir atmosphere - such as DeVito’s narration - can detract from the film's gravity, feeling at times misaligned with the narrative’s darker tones.

While "L.A. Confidential" remains a testament to Hanson’s directorial prowess, transforming a dense novel into a streamlined cinematographic experience without sacrificing depth, its Blu-ray incarnation leaves room for improvement. The production missteps and stylization choices highlighted become more pronounced with the added clarity of high-definition. Nevertheless, the film’s ability to weave complex characters and plotlines into a coherent and engaging story is undiminished - preserving its status as a significant entry in the film noir genre and a critical reflection on Los Angeles itself.

The Blu-ray release of "L.A. Confidential" proves to be a polarizing experience, according to varied viewer assessments. On one end of the spectrum, criticisms have been aimed at the film itself for its perceived lack of authenticity, criticized character relationships, and contentious narrative elements, including what some detractors describe as clumsy incorporations of violence and lust. Furthermore, a notable portion of the critique concentrates on technical aspects, particularly Danny DeVito's narration, which has been singled out for inaccuracies and production gaffes. On the topic of technical specifications critical to home theater enthusiasts, the Blu-ray's picture and sound quality have not lived up to expectations, marring the overall home viewing experience.

Despite these criticisms, "L.A. Confidential" continues to find its defenders, with some calling it a "flat-out masterpiece." This starkly contrasting opinion highlights the film's successful elements, including an acclaimed cast led by Russell Crowe, whose performance has been praised for its intensity. Moreover, proponents highlight the Blu-ray's faithful transfer and complement of supplemental materials as additional reasons the release might warrant consideration for enthusiasts looking to enrich their collection.

In conclusion, while "L.A. Confidential" on Blu-ray garners a mixed reception, its standing as a significant film ensures it remains a topic of debate. Potential buyers should weigh the critiques of its authenticity and technical aspects against its lauded performances and high-quality transfer. Given this range of perspectives, it may cater more to die-hard fans of the film or those collectors who value extensive supplements over a flawless technical presentation. As with any contentious release, prospective owners might consider viewing preferences and the specific merits that sway their interest in adding it to their collection.