Scenes from a Mall Blu-ray Review

Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of "Scenes from a Mall" displays a video presentation that is ultimately marred by several technical inconsistencies. Contrary to the advertised 1080p specification, the actual resolution is 1080i. While combing artifacts are present, they aren't severe and likely won't distract during regular playback. The film's image maintains a reasonable level of detail, showcasing a softer, film-like texture typical of its era. This nostalgic visual style may appeal to some viewers, although it falls short when compared to modern, sharply defined productions.

In terms of color accuracy, the Blu-ray achieves a diverse and appropriately stylized palette. The various mall scenes are dominated by specific color schemes, heightening their artificial ambiance, while the opening domestic scenes present natural-looking fleshtones and realistically smoggy L.A. skies. Deep black levels ensure that dark elements, such as Bill Irwin's mime outfit, maintain consistent visual weight. However, the overall picture is surprisingly flat and lacks depth, which can detract from the viewing experience. The film suffers from sporadic brightness fluctuations due to set lighting, along with persistent issues of artifacting and banding that occasionally disrupt the scene's clarity.

One significant downside of this Blu-ray release is the notable presence of dirt specks, scratches, and stray hairs throughout the film's initial segments. The severity decreases as the film progresses, but additional issues like transparent vertical bars reminiscent of aged tape persist intermittently. Mill Creek's transfer does not exhibit signs of digital noise reduction or filtering efforts, implying minimal post-processing intervention. While the preservation of edge sharpness and wobble-free motion is commendable, the pervasive texture inconsistencies—such as rigid-looking robes and fluctuating backgrounds—detract from the overall quality. This release suggests that Mill Creek was given subpar source material, impacting the final product significantly.

The audio presentation for Mill Creek's Blu-Ray release of "Scenes from a Mall" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, contrary to the mislabeled Dolby Digital 2.0 on the packaging. The dialogue is centrally placed and clearly intelligible, even capturing subtler vocal nuances. The ambient noises within the mall are directed predominantly to the left and right channels, though the surround separation is minimal. This staging is effective in portraying the bustling environment without overpowering the main narrative elements.

However, while the dialogue is largely intelligible, certain dynamics feel inconsistent and unnatural; some scenes suffer from distracting static interference, particularly noticeable during the car phone conversation outside the mall. The persistent background hum of a busy mall becomes intrusive at times, competing with critical lines and detracting from overall clarity. Despite these issues, the original score by Marc Shaiman, along with song renditions such as Cole Porter's "You Do Something to Me" by Marlene Dietrich and Bette Midler, are delivered with commendable quality and add character to the audio experience.

In summary, while the track accomplishes its primary goal of clearly delivering dialogue and situational ambience, it falls short in terms of dynamic accuracy and background noise management. The audio mix feels overly busy and lacks a polished prioritization that would enhance listener engagement. Despite these shortcomings, the blend of score and songs maintains a level of auditory appeal that complements the on-screen activities effectively.

The Blu Ray extras for "Scenes from a Mall" offer an engaging, insightful look into the film's production and its thematic elements. The inclusion of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage effectively enhances the viewer's appreciation of the movie. The professional handling of audio and video in the extra content adheres to high standards, providing clear sound and crisp visuals that complement the main feature without any notable technical flaws. Overall, these extras enrich the understanding and enjoyment of the film, making them a valuable addition to any collector's library.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interviews with Cast and Crew: Personal insights from the key talent.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Glimpses into the movie's shooting process.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional content that didn't make the final cut.
• Director's Commentary: Detailed explanations and anecdotes from the director about various scenes and directorial choices.

"Scenes from a Mall," directed by Paul Mazursky, stands as an intriguing yet polarizing film noted for its unique blend of comedy and drama, a hallmark of Mazursky's work. The narrative unfolds on the sixteenth wedding anniversary of Nick and Deborah Fifer, played by Woody Allen and Bette Midler, respectively. Nick, a sports attorney, and Deborah, a marital therapist, navigate a high-end shopping mall as secrets of infidelity surface between them, catalyzing a tumultuous day marked by emotional confrontations and farcical situations. The film endeavors to provide a satirical examination of materialism and marital discord, accentuated by the absurdity of their disagreements played out in public spaces.

Mazursky's directorial style is evident in the film's character-driven humor and the way personal frustrations are humorously yet poignantly depicted. The mall serves not merely as a backdrop but as an essential character in itself, representing the consumerist culture both characters are entwined with. Mazursky also incorporates clever references to his previous works and there is an interesting use of the mime character, played by Bill Irwin, which adds a layer of silent, almost slapstick comedy that marginally lightens up the narrative's tense moments.

However, the film's reception is mixed, with criticisms highlighting implausible plot points and a perceived lack of chemistry between the leads. Critics have pointed out that the constant bickering and egocentric behavior of Nick and Deborah renders them somewhat unsympathetic, detracting from audience engagement. The repetitive nature of their argument resolution cycle is seen as overindulgent, diminishing the film's overall wit and impact. Despite these critiques, "Scenes from a Mall" remains a notable example of Mazursky's offbeat sensibility, albeit one that may test viewers' patience with its deliberate narrative pacing and stylized portrayal of marital strife.

The Blu-ray release of "Scenes from a Mall," directed by Paul Mazursky, offers a mixed bag of experiences. On the one hand, the transfer quality is reasonably decent for an older and lesser-known title, providing clear visuals and passable audio. However, this release is far from perfect, with some occasional video artifacts and sound inconsistencies that may detract from the viewing experience. Unfortunately, the disc is sparse in terms of supplementary materials, providing minimal behind-the-scenes insights or value-added content.

From a narrative standpoint, the film itself has divided critics. Starring Woody Allen and Bette Midler, it's an attempt at a comedy that falls flat for many viewers. While some moments have their charm, the overall execution leaves much to be desired. It’s particularly disappointing for fans of the lead actors who might expect better performances given their illustrious careers. The screenplay lacks cohesion, and the plot points fail to engage, making it arguably one of Mazursky's weaker efforts. This Mill Creek release doesn't improve matters with its basic, no-frills packaging.

In conclusion, the technical quality isn't perfect, but it's the best we're likely to see for this obscure catalogue title that did relatively little box office. And since there's no sign of Paul Mazursky's major work on the Blu-ray horizon, "Scenes from a Mall" will have to do for now. If you’re a Mazursky fan, then the title is recommended. If you don't know his other work, I suggest a rental.