Death Becomes Her Blu-ray Review

"Death Becomes Her" is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Scream Factory with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The transfer, sourced from the Universal catalog, is generally decent, though there are some rough patches. The opening credits sequence showcases noticeable image instability, particularly during the camera's pan down to the marquee displaying "Madeline starring in Songbird!" Additionally, some sections appear overly dupey and lack the finesse expected from opticals in modern transfers. While the film elements themselves do not show much physical damage, the color palette noticeably drifts, with flesh tones appearing unnaturally pink at times.

A mix of nascent CGI and standard optical effects is evident, with the grain field notably spiking during these moments, leading to a perceptible increase in softness. Indeed, a considerable portion of the transfer leans towards a gauzy appearance. However, unlike many early Universal catalog releases, this one maintains a healthy grain field, although it is fairly variable and occasionally flirts with compression anomalies. While these issues might deter perfectionists, this release remains watchable and offers room for improvement. The fluctuating grain and occasional inconsistency in image stability may prove distracting for avid collectors and purists but provide a nostalgic viewing experience for others.

The audio presentation of "Death Becomes Her" on Blu-ray offers impressive technical details with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks. The 5.1 surround sound iteration delivers a dispersed soundtrack, incorporating occasional effects and enhancing Alan Silvestri’s dynamic score, although it remains primarily front-focused. Despite this, the compositions maintain good clarity, providing an engaging auditory experience without any form of distortion or dropout issues. The 2.0 stereo track is also notable for its excellent fidelity and clarity, even though it may lack the full-bodied low end of the 5.1 mix.

Although the visual transfer of this release leaves much to be desired, the audio tracks thankfully stand out by comparison. The 5.1 track elevates the existing stereo elements with more depth and spatial awareness, albeit modest in its ambient engagement. Sound effects, dialogue, and the signature score balance well within both audio tracks, ensuring a wholesome auditory clarity. The background ambience in the surround track adds a subtle enhancement to the overall experience. Both tracks perform admirably without major remixing needs and come equipped with English subtitles for added accessibility.

In conclusion, while the video quality might falter, the audio tracks for "Death Becomes Her" provide a satisfying, clear, and dynamic experience reflective of high-standard Blu-ray releases.

The Blu-ray edition of "Death Becomes Her" offers a robust set of extras that will undoubtedly appeal to fans and film enthusiasts alike. A highlight is The Making of Death Becomes Her featurette, a newly commissioned piece that includes insightful interviews with production personnel such as director Robert Zemeckis. The Vintage Behind the Scenes Featurette provides an excellent historical perspective with interviews from the film’s original stars and Zemeckis. The collection also features a Photo Gallery that captures the essence of the production and the Original Theatrical Trailer, which evokes the nostalgia of the film's initial release.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Death Becomes Her: A newly commissioned featurette offering comprehensive interviews with production staff including Robert Zemeckis.
• Vintage Behind the Scenes Featurette: Interviews with Zemeckis and the film's stars.
• Photo Gallery: A series of production photos.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer from the original release.

"Death Becomes Her," directed by Robert Zemeckis, emerged in 1992, blending dark comedy with groundbreaking visual effects. Known for his mastery of special effects through hits like "Back to the Future" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," Zemeckis delved into a tale of vanity and immortality. The film stars Meryl Streep as Madeline Ashton, a fading star who tries to rejuvenate herself with a mystical potion offered by the enigmatic Lisle Von Rhoman (Isabella Rossellini). Bruce Willis plays the downtrodden Ernest Menville, who becomes an unwitting participant in the rivalry between Madeline and Helen Sharp (Goldie Hawn). The narrative spins an arch commentary on narcissism, using humor and cutting-edge CGI to explore the foibles of its protagonists.

The screenplay by David Koepp and Martin Donovan deftly establishes the contentious relationship between Madeline and Helen, leading to immortal consequences. With a plot revolving around a mysterious potion granting eternal youth but leading to destructive physical consequences, the movie's humor oscillates between macabre and slapstick. The CGI work by Industrial Light and Magic was revolutionary for its time, securing an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Despite its frenetic third act, "Death Becomes Her" maintains a sharp, subversive wit, buoyed by stellar performances. Willis excels as the beleaguered Ernest, while Streep and Hawn deliver exceptional chemistry that underscores their characters' tumultuous interactions.

While its pace may have moments of rushed storytelling, particularly toward the climax, the film remains a striking blend of comedy and visual spectacle. Zemeckis’s direction ensures that even as the characters face ludicrous physical transformations, the humor remains incisive and engaging. "Death Becomes Her" stands as a testament to early '90s CGI innovation intertwined with a savvy script, making it a prominent, albeit occasionally overlooked, entry in Zemeckis’s impressive filmography.

The Blu-ray release of "Death Becomes Her" offers a tantalizing fusion of dark comedy and social commentary, helmed by the talented Robert Zemeckis. The tale of vanity, immortality, and rivalry features stellar performances from its leading cast that breathe life into the film's biting satire on America's obsession with youth. While the pacing may feel slightly rushed at moments, it also keeps the narrative swiftly engaging. However, the lack of substantial bonus content, particularly the absence of deleted scenes, might leave avid fans yearning for more.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation delivers a significant upgrade from the DVD version, displaying a noticeable improvement in both video and audio quality. The HD transfer is commendable, with vibrant color reproduction and sharp detail that highlight the film's unique visual style. Unfortunately, despite Scream Factory’s efforts, this release does not fully achieve the grandeur one might expect from a Collector’s Edition, missing the in-depth extras that passionate collectors typically desire. The included new featurette is enjoyable, offering insight into the film’s production, yet it's not sufficient to satisfy the most ardent of followers.

In conclusion, "Death Becomes Her" is an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate a blend of dark humor and social critique, bolstered by outstanding performances and clever writing. Despite some shortcomings in the extras department, the technical improvements of this Blu-ray release make it a worthy addition to any high-definition collection. The film may well merit a reevaluation within Zemeckis's oeuvre, thanks in part to this technically sound, if not fully comprehensive, release. Recommended.