F/X Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "F/X" presents a robust, yet mostly unembellished, visual experience consistent with the film's original aesthetic. Shot by the Oscar-nominated cinematographer Miroslav Ondříček, the 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer is sharp and reasonably detailed, preserving the low-key and realistic lighting intended by the filmmakers. Although the source material shows some level of minor damage—such as dust marks and small scratches—these imperfections are generally unobtrusive and align with expectations for pre-digital age viewings. The Blu-ray offers solid blacks and acceptable shadow detail, maintaining a natural grain pattern without electronic over-manipulation.

The non-saturated colors and controlled contrast advance the movie’s theme of discerning truth amidst illusion. Exceptions to the subdued palette are in sequences like the bloody restaurant shootout and the DeFranco assassination, where more stylized lighting enhances the onscreen action. Mastered on a BD-25 at an average bitrate of 21.46 Mbps, this release judiciously reserves bandwidth for demanding scenes like the Manhattan car chase, ensuring fluid motion and detail. Despite some noticeable dirt and debris, especially during the opening credits which suffer from motion jitter, these issues do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

Overall, this Blu-ray edition is devoid of major artifacts such as aliasing, banding, or over-sharpening, resulting in a consistent film-like appearance. While not perfect, it is a substantial improvement over previous DVD releases in both clarity and visual appeal. Fans will appreciate this commendably upgraded presentation despite its minor flaws.

The Blu-ray of "F/X" features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack that, while subject to some controversy, delivers a solid audio experience for its format. Notably, although the film's end credits indicate a Dolby Stereo release, and some international versions reportedly feature a mono track, this Blu-ray appears consistent with MGM's 1986 DVD stereo surround presentation. The audio lacks significant stereo separation or rear channel activity, likely due to budget constraints. Nevertheless, certain scenes, such as the rain sequence where Lipton and DeFranco prepare for the fake murder, demonstrate clear left and right channel differentiation, including distinct rainfall sounds. Bill Conti's suspenseful score aptly spreads across the front soundstage, and dialogue remains clear and well-centered, which would belie claims of a mono presentation.

While the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track might not be the most dynamic or intriguing stereo output available on Blu-ray, it undoubtedly represents a well-crafted mix given its two-channel constraints. The clarity of dialogue and the effective balancing against the musical score and ambient sounds are noteworthy. The opening scene in the rain exemplifies the track's ability to deliver discernible sound separation despite the 2.0 limitations, creating an audibly engaging experience. Furthermore, the soundtrack excels in handling various sound effects—from the subtle, such as squibs and phony makeup applications, to the more explosive elements like car crashes and gunfire, all conveyed with appropriate intensity and clarity. English subtitles are provided, ensuring accessibility without compromising the sleekness of the audio presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "F/X" features an impressive suite of new extras that delve deeply into the film's production and legacy. The highlight is a newly recorded interview with director Robert Mandel, where he shares intricate details about the film's genesis and some remarkable anecdotes, including the added budget that facilitated the famous car chase scene in Manhattan. Additionally, a vintage making-of featurette offers unique behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with key cast and crew members, providing further insights into the film's special effects and stunts. Presented in both high definition and standard definition formats, the extras contribute significantly to the overall appreciation of this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Director Robert Mandel: Newly recorded insights on the film's production.
• The Making of F/X: Vintage featurette with behind-the-scenes footage.
• F/X Trailer: Original theatrical trailer in HD.
• F/X 2 Trailer: Theatrical trailer for the sequel in HD.

"F/X," a 1986 sleeper hit, captivates with its unique premise of a special effects artist thrown into real-world peril. Bryan Brown stars as Rollie Tyler, a top-tier F/X man in pre-digital Hollywood, who is recruited by the Justice Department to stage the mock assassination of mob informant Nick DeFranco, played against type by Jerry Orbach. The film showcases Rollie's ingenuity while blurring the line between illusion and reality, as the assassination goes awry and Rollie becomes a target himself. This gripping setup thrusts audiences into a fast-paced narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.

What sets "F/X" apart from typical 80s action/crime dramas is its clever story machinations and the introduction of Lt. Leo McCarthy, portrayed compellingly by Brian Dennehy. As the police detective who originally captured DeFranco, McCarthy injects fresh energy into the film when he takes on the investigation, paralleling Rollie's desperate attempts to clear his name. This duality in leads enriches the plot, maintaining viewer engagement through unexpected twists and turns grounded in Rollie's mastery of effects, both practical and psychological.

While some clichés surface in the chase sequences, redeemed partially by inventive use of F/X props, and despite a few underdeveloped supporting characters, "F/X" delivers solid performances across the board. Its enduring cult status is a testament to its foundational creativity and technical execution. Already appreciated for its compositional ingenuity, the film's Blu-ray release further enhances its longstanding appeal. The seamless integration of high-definition improvements ensures "F/X" remains a compelling addition to any collection nearly three decades after its original release.

The Blu-ray release of "F/X" offers a commendable presentation of the 1986 action/crime drama, preserving the film's innovative narrative and engaging performances. The high-definition transfer is executed with precision, maintaining the original film grain while enhancing visual clarity. The audio mix is crisp, providing clear dialogue and well-balanced sound effects that enrich the viewing experience. Notably, this edition includes insightful bonus features that delve into the film's production and special effects, enhancing the overall value of the package.

The strengths of "F/X" lie in its unique premise and the compelling performances of Bryan Brown and Brian Dennehy. As special effects experts embroiled in a real-life conspiracy, their chemistry drives the film's momentum. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, with noteworthy performances from Dennehy, Brown, and others who seamlessly portray believable characters amidst escalating, bizarre events. The film's enduring appeal rests on these robust character portrayals and its creative storyline, both of which are well-preserved in this Blu-ray release.

In conclusion, "F/X" proves its lasting impact through stellar casting choices and an inventive plot. This Blu-ray edition highlights the film's strengths with a solid audiovisual presentation and informative supplementary content. Highly recommended for both new viewers and long-time fans, this release captures the essence of what made "F/X" a memorable entry in 80s cinema.