The Crush Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of "The Crush" presents an impressive video transfer in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Utilizing a new digital intermediate transfer, the picture showcases remarkable clarity and detail. Despite slight Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), a natural film grain is retained, contributing to the film's authentic 35mm aesthetic. The image is impeccably clean, with minimal debris and dirt distraction. The contrast is particularly striking in brightly lit scenes, offering razor-sharp visuals and sophisticated color delineation. Primary colors, especially those showcased in Silverstone’s character's wardrobe, are vibrant and almost resplendent.

The high-definition 1080p resolution encoded in MPEG-4 AVC ensures a smooth and engaging viewing experience. Depth is solid, enhancing spatial perception in office scenes and exteriors with cinematic movement that is generally smooth. Black levels are deep and well-captured, although occasionally dark scenes could lose some minor detail. Color reproduction stands out, with luscious hues across the spectrum; highlights include the detailing in clothing textures and the vividness of specific colors like Alicia Silverstone’s swimwear and Jennifer Rubin's red lips. Skin tones remain lifelike and consistent throughout all scenes, aided by the detailed facial textures visible even in close-ups.

Overall, fans of "The Crush" will be pleased with this Blu-ray transfer. The presentation maintains the film's original cinematic feel without being over-processed, ensuring a film-like viewing experience free from common digital artifacts like aliasing or banding. The technical finesse observed in the meticulous restoration work affirms Shout! Factory’s commitment to high-quality releases, making this edition a must-have for enthusiasts looking for a crisp, vibrant representation of the 1993 thriller.

The audio presentation of "The Crush" Blu-ray is accompanied by a prefatory note from Shout!, acknowledging a pre-existing phasing issue identifiable in both the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks. This anomaly, evident since the previous DVD release, can be particularly noted during scenes such as the main titles, where the pitch fluctuates across various speakers, creating a somewhat stadium-like sound environment. Dialog clarity, however, remains consistently intelligible through the center channel despite these drawbacks. The inherently flawed audio reproduction demonstrates sporadic inconsistencies but remains largely serviceable for casual viewing.

Both audio tracks feature distinct issues, with the 5.1 track’s dialogue levels often submerged by disproportionate ambient sounds such as footsteps or background noises, leading to a frustrating listening experience. Conversely, while the 2.0 track exhibits similar problems, they are less pronounced, making it the preferable option for general viewing. The ADR work to replace the character name "Darian" with "Adrian" is noticeably out-of-sync at times but does not majorly detract from the film’s overall aural integrity. The technical limitations notwithstanding, Graeme Revell’s synths and strings-based score integrates effectively with the onscreen action, offering a modest auditory complement to the narrative.

From a technical standpoint, the dynamics reveal minimal deep bass activity, thus rendering the subwoofer impact negligible. Surround sound deployment is sparing and primarily front-focused, with isolated instances of rear-channel activity, such as bird chirping, adding limited dimensional charm. Dialogue reproduction is generally loud and clear, albeit occasionally marred by the phasing problem resulting in slightly less clean audio performance. Nevertheless, given the constraints Shout! faced with existing audio anomalies, the presentation remains tolerable for viewers familiar with such imperfections. Subtitles are available in English to aid comprehension further.

The Blu Ray edition of "The Crush" boasts a robust collection of extras, enhancing the overall viewing experience with valuable insights. The audio commentary featuring writer/director Alan Shapiro, moderated by film critic Nathaniel Thompson, offers a mixed bag; while Thompson's preparedness is evident, Shapiro's sparse memory diminishes its impact, though some compelling anecdotes about studio executives and actors emerge. Interviews with Kurtwood Smith and Jennifer Rubin add substantial value, with Smith detailing his entire shoot experience and Rubin providing a sharper recall, including her transition from modeling to acting and collaboration with co-stars Cary Elwes and Alicia Silverstone. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer and TV spot, both in HD, rounds out the offering.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alan Shapiro: Moderated by Nathaniel Thompson.
• The Doting Father: Interview with Kurtwood Smith.
• Stung by Love: Interview with Jennifer Rubin.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original 1.33:1 theatrical trailer.
• TV Spot: Brief marketing TV spot in 1.33:1 aspect ratio.

"The Crush" (1993), starring Cary Elwes and Alicia Silverstone, is a captivating yet unsettling thriller that explores the dark theme of obsessive infatuation. Nick Eliot, played by Elwes, is a promising 28-year-old investigative reporter who relocates to an affluent suburb, renting a guesthouse from the Forrester family. Soon, he crosses paths with Adrian Forrester, a cunning and sophisticated 14-year-old girl portrayed by Silverstone in her debut role. Adrian's seemingly innocent crush on Nick quickly escalates into a dangerous obsession when he rebuffs her advances, plunging him into a web of psychological terror.

Silverstone’s performance is markedly compelling for her age and experience, encapsulating a blend of innocent charm and underlying menace. Cary Elwes plays his role with appropriate vulnerability, making the audience empathize with Nick’s increasingly perilous situation. Director Alan Shapiro's screenplay, infused with dark humor and elements of camp, strikes a balance between trashy entertainment and psychological drama. The narrative is enhanced by Bruce Surtees' proficient cinematography, capturing both the picturesque and the malevolent facets of the setting.

"The Crush" may not offer groundbreaking cinema but secures its place as a notable entry in the '90s psycho-thriller genre. The film draws comparisons to "Fatal Attraction" and "Lolita," featuring thematic similarities and homages. The increasingly unhinged actions of Adrian keep viewers on edge, even if some plot developments verge on the implausible. Ultimately, "The Crush" is an entertaining film that traverses suspense, psychological tension, and unintended campiness, making it a minor cult classic worth watching for its engaging performances and nostalgic appeal.

“The Crush” Blu-ray from Shout! Factory delivers a quintessential 90s thriller with a refreshed visual appeal that underscores its entertainment value. The film, notable for Alicia Silverstone’s standout performance, is magnified by the sharp and vibrant new transfer. The picture quality is stunning, bringing the suspenseful and, at times, over-the-top narrative to life with a polished fidelity. The audio, while decent, complements the high-quality visuals well enough for an enjoyable viewing experience.

In terms of bonus content, the Blu-ray shines with the inclusion of three new pieces featuring engaging interviews with supporting players Kurtwood Smith and Jennifer Rubin. These additions provide delightful insights into the making of the film and are a commendable enhancement for fans. However, one cannot overlook the missed opportunity of hearing reflections from Silverstone and Cary Elwes, which would have added significant depth to the retrospective insights.

In conclusion, “The Crush” is fun, entertaining, and occasionally suspenseful. Shout! Factory’s effort in delivering a shimmering new transfer along with enriching bonus materials enhances its appeal. Although some key retrospective interviews were not included, this release remains an engaging package. Fans of the cast will find this Blu-ray to be a worthwhile addition to their collection. RECOMMENDED.