The Deer Hunter Blu-ray Review

"The Deer Hunter" receives a Blu-ray release characterized by a largely faithful 1080p, VC-1 encoded transfer, framed in the original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The transfer succeeds in capturing the gritty, industrial atmosphere of the film’s opening sequences in a steel town, presenting a sharp image despite the presence of grain, particularly under the grey skies of Pennsylvania. As the scene transitions into the warmth of a steel mill, the grain diminishes, making way for vibrant orange and yellow hues that highlight the molten steel and the characters' complexions against the ambient lighting. The outdoor mountain sequences during the deer hunt are notably striking, showcasing a rich color palette and remarkable depth with noticeably less grain, which enhances the visual experience.

In contrast, the jungle sequences exhibit an intentional increase in grain and a boost in color and contrast, a result of cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond's technique of 'pushing' the film stock. This process, while creating a heightened sense of realism in these scenes, occasionally results in less-than-true black levels in deep shadows, likely due to the force processing used. Despite these attributes and the integration of 35mm film with desaturated 16mm news footage, the transfer avoids common pitfalls like digital noise reduction (DNR) and excessive sharpening, thus preserving the film's original texture and avoiding an overly polished look that would detract from its intended aesthetic. Viewers will appreciate this authentic presentation that respects the filmmaker's vision without succumbing to the temptation of over-processing for high definition clarity.

Overall, while the Blu-ray release of "The Deer Hunter" showcases some imperfections, particularly minor stability issues and occasional mild sharpening during select sequences, these do not significantly detract from what is arguably the best video presentation of the movie to date. The transfer retains the film's natural color scheme, from the industrial greys to the vibrant hues of Vietnamese landscapes, alongside an intact grain structure that honors the original cinematic texture. Although not flawless, this release from Optimum Home Entertainment demonstrates a commendable balance between maintaining the film's authenticity and enhancing its visual quality for modern home entertainment systems. This video presentation not only meets but in many respects exceeds expectations, making "The Deer Hunter" Blu-ray a highly recommended addition to any cinephile’s collection.

The audio quality of "The Deer Hunter" Blu-ray presents a dichotomy that merits discussion, especially between the remixed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. The former has been noted to possess a peculiar pitch issue, most evident during John Williams’ “Cavatina” guitar solo in the opening credits – sounding musically sharp and not true to the original experience. This anomaly could potentially be attributed to a conversion process from a 25fps PAL DVD soundtrack to the 24fps film run length without correcting the pitch. Conversely, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track maintains the correct pitch and remains closest to the original stereo mix akin to what audiences first heard during its cinema release. While purists might lament the lack of a true Dolby Stereo presentation, this track serves as an acceptable compromise.

In terms of audio balancing and clarity, both tracks tend to be front-weighted, leading to certain sequences (notably the wedding reception) where dialogue becomes challenging to discern against background noises. This issue notwithstanding, important dialogues throughout the film remain generally intelligible amidst ambient sounds, aligning with its documentary-style approach. The dynamic range is notably exercised during sequences of tension and action, such as explosions and gunfire in the jungle scenes, where the subwoofer engagement and crisp sound effects contribute to an immersive viewing experience. However, the presence of minor artifacts like mild hissing at higher volumes suggests that neither track has undergone extensive restoration.

Switching between the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks reveals a marked difference in pitch, with the former negatively impacting the naturalness of voices and music, making the latter the preferable choice for audio purists. Despite these inconsistencies, Stanley Myers' score remains largely unaffected on the 2.0 track, retaining its emotive strength. This release underscores the importance of preserving the original auditory essence of classic films in remastered editions and highlights the need for careful consideration during the audio transfer process to maintain fidelity to the source material.

The extra presentation on the Blu-ray of "The Deer Hunter" is a meticulously curated collection that enhances the viewing experience with a deep dive into the technical, cultural, and emotional backdrops of the film. From Mickey Rourke's personal insights in the presentation, through the harrowing real-life footage of the Vietnam War, to the comprehensive accounts of the challenges faced during production by Michael Cimino, Vilmos Zsigmond, and John Savage, each piece contributes to a fuller understanding and appreciation of this cinematic masterpiece. The commentary by Cimino, facilitated by F. X. Feeney, enriches the narrative with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and clarifications, ensuring that aficionados and newcomers alike receive a well-rounded comprehension of the film's legacy. Altogether, these extras are indispensable for those wishing to grasp the profound impact and meticulous craftsmanship of "The Deer Hunter."

Extras included in this disc:

Presentation by Mickey Rourke: Mickey Rourke discusses the profound impact 'The Deer Hunter' had on him.

Vietnam War: Unknown Images: A French documentary featuring rarely seen images from the Vietnam War.

Realising 'The Deer Hunter': An interview with director Michael Cimino about the making of the film.

Shooting 'The Deer Hunter': Insights from cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond on the visual realization of the film.

Playing 'The Deer Hunter': Actor John Savage shares his personal connections to the war and his experience on set.

Audio Commentary: Michael Cimino is interviewed by F. X. Feeney, offering deeper insights into the film.

Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for 'The Deer Hunter'.

BD Functionality

Booklet: A 20-page illustrated booklet with an essay by film critic Ryan Gilbey.

"The Deer Hunter," Michael Cimino's Oscar-laden epic, is presented on Blu-ray with a 1080p VC-1 encoded transfer, preserving the film's original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. This release captures the directorial vision with an emphasis on authenticity, showcasing a grainy image that mirrors the intended cinematic texture. The fluctuations in color and contrast contribute to the film's gritty realism, an artistic choice that remains unaltered in this Region free Blu-ray edition. Accompanying the visual transfer, the disc features both a remixed DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track and a more authentic DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix, with the latter providing a purer auditory experience despite some challenges in dialogue clarity amid background noise. This auditory offering, alongside the visual fidelity to Cimino's vision, underscores a commitment to preserving the raw and immersive storytelling of the film.

In detailing the horrors of war and its lasting impacts on individuals and communities, "The Deer Hunter" divides its narrative into three compelling segments, marked by standout performances from a stellar cast including Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep. The disc's supplementary materials, such as audio commentary from Cimino and interviews with key figures like cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, enrich the viewing experience by providing context to the film's creation and its thematic depth. Features like the Vietnam War documentary offer valuable historical insights, furthering the understanding of the film’s backdrop.

Distinguished by its critical examination of war's psyche and a powerful depiction of personal transformation and trauma, this Blu-ray presentation affords viewers not only a high-quality visual and auditory experience but also an in-depth exploration into the film’s production and significance. With a wealth of language options and a fully illustrated booklet included, this edition serves as a comprehensive package for both cinephiles and casual viewers alike, inviting deeper appreciation for Cimino's masterful direction and the film's profound commentary on the human condition amidst war.

The Studio Canal Collection's release of Michael Cimino's "The Deer Hunter" on Blu-ray presents an intriguing case for cinephiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. The overall presentation of this cinematic classic garners high marks for its effort to restore and present the film in the best possible light. However, it is not without its shortcomings, especially when it comes to certain aspects of the audio and video quality. While the video transfer does a commendable job of showcasing the film's cinematography and visual palette, there are occasional inconsistencies and flaws that slightly detract from the otherwise stellar presentation. Similarly, the audio quality, though generally clear and immersive, exhibits moments where it could have benefitted from further refinement.

In terms of additional content and special features, this Blu-ray edition offers a decent array of materials that enhance the viewing experience by providing deeper insights into the film’s production, its cultural impact, and its legacy. These added bonuses are invaluable for fans looking to delve into the intricate details behind “The Deer Hunter’s” enduring relevance. The packaging and overall design of this release also deserve mention, reflecting a thoughtful consideration for collectors who value aesthetic appeal alongside technical quality.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray release of "The Deer Hunter" from the Studio Canal Collection might not be without its minor hiccups in audio and video presentation, it remains an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection. The careful balance between maintaining the film's original aesthetic integrity and offering it in a high-definition format is commendable. Despite the noted flaws, the strengths of this release - especially in terms of supplementary content and visual preservation - come together to make it highly recommended. It is a must-own for fans of the film and a definitive way to experience one of cinema's most powerful stories.