Last Exit to Brooklyn Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Last Exit to Brooklyn" is delivered in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, presented in a 1080p transfer. The film’s visual appearance is distinctly unpolished, which aligns with the intentional gritty aesthetic of the cinematography but may leave viewers underwhelmed from a technical standpoint. The general flatness of scenes, moderate to strong filtering, and light machine noise compromise the clarity of the image, giving it a slightly unstable and noisy feel. Occasionally, light halo effects and elevated black levels further mar shadow detail, contributing to an overall washed-out quality of the transferred image.

Colors tend to be subdued and muddy throughout, lacking vibrancy except for select elements like Tralala's wardrobe. While shadow detail is often crushed and the fine details appear comparatively soft, some scenes with abundant light exhibit decent definition. This intentional design supports the bleak and subdued atmosphere of the film but undermines its potential to fully leverage high-definition presentation. Despite these issues, the print remains free from large cuts, damage marks, or significant debris. Summit Entertainment’s Blu-ray transfer strives to stay true to the original vision but falls short in delivering a premium quality viewing experience.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Last Exit to Brooklyn" is delivered via an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, with available English SDH subtitles. The dynamic range displayed within this soundtrack is commendable, offering a wide spectrum of frequencies that remain free of distortion. Dialogues come across crisply and cleanly, devoid of any crackling or hissing, ensuring that every line is clear and intelligible. Mark Knopfler's evocative score receives a significant boost, greatly enhancing the film's period atmosphere. While the overall intensity does not match that of recent high-budget productions, it provides a fitting backdrop for this particular narrative.

Directionality is well executed, often utilizing the front soundstage while intermittently engaging the surround channels. This integrates ambient effects from scenes set in the grim locales of 1950s Brooklyn—such as city streets, grimy bars, and nightclubs—contributing subtle yet immersive atmospheric elements. Scenes featuring explosions and massive riots allow for notable bass engagement, adding depth and impact to these critical moments. The balance between speech, score, and sound effects is harmonious, avoiding any overwhelming dominance from one element over another.

A nuanced but potent presentation, the film's sound design incorporates intriguing choices that draw the audience into its gritty, disturbing world. The accuracy of sound direction adds to the unsettling and foreboding tone engendered by the melancholic score and atmospheric ambiance. While predominantly subdued, the audio track delivers sufficient immersion to anchor viewers into the dark narrative of "Last Exit to Brooklyn."

Summit Entertainment offers a compelling duo of extras that provide enriching insights into the making of "Last Exit to Brooklyn." The 45-minute "Making Of" featurette delivers a thorough exploration of the controversial novel's journey to film, with engaging interviews from German director Uli Edel and his tech crew detailing the unique production challenges in Brooklyn. Complementing this is an engrossing audio commentary with Edel and screenwriter Desmond Nakano, originally from the R2 Special Edition, where they delve into the practical and creative aspects of the adaptation process, sharing intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including a gripping near-accident involving Edel. Presented in standard definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound, these features are devoid of subtitles but remain valuable for any cinephile.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: A deep dive into the film's production and the novel's impact.
• Commentary: Director and screenwriter discuss the film's adaptation in detail.

"Last Exit to Brooklyn," directed by Uli Edel and adapted from Hubert Selby Jr.'s controversial novel, offers a raw depiction of 1950s Brooklyn, diverging sharply from the typical nostalgic portrayals. Grounded in the brutal realities of life among marginalized characters, the film follows the lives of several deeply flawed individuals, including Tralala (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a prostitute yearning for more than fleeting pleasures, and Harry Black (Stephen Lang), a union worker grappling with his concealed homosexuality. Set against the backdrop of a city paralyzed by a labor strike, these characters navigate an environment rife with violence, poverty, and despair, their lives intertwining in a tapestry of suffering and fleeting hope.

Edel's direction is unflinching, creating a consistent aura of dread that permeates every frame. The visual landscape is grim, drenched in shadows and muted colors that reflect the characters' inner turmoil. Mark Knopfler's haunting soundtrack complements the film's desolate atmosphere, underscoring the gravity of each scene. The cast delivers exceptional performances, with Leigh and Lang standing out. Leigh's portrayal of Tralala is fearless and poignant, while Lang masterfully conveys Harry's internal conflict. Their performances elevate the film, making even its most harrowing moments feel genuine rather than gratuitous.

While "Last Exit to Brooklyn" is undeniably intense and often uncomfortable to watch, its depiction of human depravity and suffering is rendered with meticulous care and artistry. The film's graphic content and relentless cynicism could be overwhelming for some viewers, but it remains a powerful exploration of lost souls battling against insurmountable odds. Through its stark portrayal of Brooklyn's darker corners, the film strips away any romanticized veneer of the era to reveal a world where hope is scarce but resilience is profound.

Uli Edel's "Last Exit to Brooklyn" is a harrowing and often disturbingly violent adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr.'s controversial novel. This Blu-ray release by Summit Entertainment presents an authentic, albeit gritty, visual experience that aptly reflects the film's bleak subject matter and period setting. While the video quality isn't pristine, it retains an intentionally rough aesthetic that complements the story's uncompromising portrayal of sex, violence, and societal decay. Although the film never made it to DVD in the United States, this release clearly surpasses the R2 SE DVD in terms of presentation.

The audio experience is competent, delivering a subtle yet immersive soundscape that enhances the film's dark atmosphere. Despite the limited number of supplemental materials, the included extras are engaging and add valuable context to the film's disturbing themes and narrative. The film's potent examination of despair and self-destruction is challenging to digest, but it finds moments of humanity amidst the pervasive darkness.

In conclusion, "Last Exit to Brooklyn" is not an easy watch and its unsettling content may deter some viewers. However, its meaningful exploration of complex characters makes it a significant work worth considering. Renting the Blu-ray first might be a prudent choice to gauge your willingness to include this unapologetically grim film in your personal collection.