True Romance Blu-ray Review

The Blu Ray release of "True Romance" presents an underwhelming 1080p/VC-1 transfer that struggles with several fundamental technical issues. While it stands as an improvement over previous editions, the overall quality falls short of expectations. Skin tones appear inconsistent, fluctuating between flushed, bronzed, and waxy, which detracts from the film's natural appeal. Additionally, contrast levels are inconsistent, and black levels often lack depth and detail. The pervasive application of noise reduction significantly reduces facial details and fine textures, rendering the image flat and lifeless. Edge enhancement has been applied to counteract these issues, resulting in minor ringing artifacts that further mar the visual experience.

The transfer does manage to bring a notable upgrade over the 2002 Special Edition DVD by offering better black levels throughout most scenes, yet it falls short of delivering the rich, layered visual experience that "True Romance" deserves. Scenes intentionally enhanced with smoke for Tony Scott's signature atmospheric style sometimes achieve remarkable depth, as seen in sequences like the rollercoaster scene. However, indoor scenes often suffer from a flattened image due to the same smoky effects—the visual vibrancy is dulled and fails to capture the desired cinematic aesthetic.

Given "True Romance"'s iconic status and its financial success over the years, it is perplexing that Warner Brothers opted for a mediocre restoration instead of a high-definition treatment from a fresh print. Diehard fans might consider this Blu-Ray edition a notable improvement, but casual viewers and newcomers may find themselves questioning the quality and pondering what could have been achieved with better restoration efforts. Warner Brothers would benefit from revisiting this cult classic with a more meticulous approach to truly do justice to Scott and Tarantino's cinematic vision.

True Romance's Blu-ray presentation features a commendable Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless surround track that markedly elevates the audio experience. While the original source elements are dated, the sound mix delivers a notably improved dynamic range compared to earlier DVD releases. Dialogue is predominantly clean and crisp, although the prioritization can occasionally waver. The subwoofer channels provide substantial low-frequency impact, particularly during scenes involving engines and gunfire, adding a hard-hitting punch to the proceedings. The overall soundstage is immersive, with rear speakers contributing significant ambience and acoustic realism, though directionality may feel slightly imprecise at times.

The track's ability to balance Quentin Tarantino’s rapid-fire dialogue against an energetically layered soundtrack featuring era-specific rock, classical, and acid house compositions is particularly noteworthy. Gunfire realism is heightened as characters do not merely shoot but unload bullets with resonant impact. The inclusion of subtle rear-channel activity helps prevent the audio from becoming overly front-loaded, thereby maintaining an engaging and enveloping auditory environment throughout.

Additionally, this Blu-ray offers versatile audio options, including Dolby Digital 5.1 and French Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes, along with subtitles in English, Spanish, and French. While this release does significantly enhance the film's audio quality, a comprehensive restoration might still be beneficial to attain the pristine clarity expected from a top-tier catalog release. Nonetheless, the track remains impressive and augments the viewing experience effectively.

The Blu-ray of "True Romance" offers a rich collection of extras carried over from the 2002 2-Disc SE DVD, although the animated photo gallery advertised on the cover is notably absent. Despite all video content being presented in standard definition, fans will find a depth of material to explore. The disc includes an impressive lineup of three full-length audio commentaries, featuring discussions by actors Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, director Tony Scott, and writer Quentin Tarantino. Scene-specific commentary tracks with several supporting actors provide additional insight, while the collection of deleted scenes and alternate ending, both with optional commentary, offer a fascinating look into what didn't make the final cut. Additional features like the branching behind-the-scenes featurette and the original 1993 featurette further enrich this offering.

Extras included in this disc:

• Actors' Commentary: A lackluster track by Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette.
• Director's Commentary: Tony Scott's in-depth discussion on production challenges.
• Writer's Commentary: Quentin Tarantino's rapid-fire career and screenwriting insights.
• Selective Commentaries: Scene-specific commentary by Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Michael Rapaport, and Brad Pitt.
• Deleted Scenes and Alternate Ending: Cuts and trims with optional commentary by Scott and Tarantino.
• Branching Featurette: Interactive segments with additional content.
• Original 1993 Featurette: Quick EPK primarily for completists.
• Theatrical Trailer: A look at the film's marketing approach.

Quentin Tarantino's screenplay for "True Romance," realized by Tony Scott in 1993, offers a dynamic blend of violent intensity and biting humor. While the cinematic execution sometimes struggles under Scott’s stylistic experiments, the film remains an engaging narrative, elevated by sharp writing and vibrant performances. Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette deliver compelling portrayals as Clarence and Alabama, two lovers navigating through a maze of drug deals and deadly gangsters. The supporting cast, featuring Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, and Brad Pitt, imbue their characters with memorable flair, despite their limited screen time. Tarantino's rapid-fire dialogue reveals nuanced character traits often obscured by Scott’s frenzied direction.

Scott’s visual style—while sometimes overshadowing narrative clarity—still manages to complement the high-octane energy embedded in Tarantino’s script. The film's bold aesthetics capture the chaotic essence of Clarence and Alabama’s turbulent journey from Detroit to Los Angeles. Standout moments include intense showdowns and Tarantino's signature blend of humor and violence, underscored by Hans Zimmer's evocative score. Despite its initial box office failure, "True Romance" has rightfully earned its cult status, thanks in part to home video rediscovery, and continues to be a vibrant testament to the synergistic clash of Scott’s direction and Tarantino’s writing.

Ultimately, "True Romance" serves as a visually striking, frantic love story teeming with eccentric characters and volatile encounters. Though not devoid of flaws—mainly due to the occasional overindulgence in stylistic choices—the film maintains viewer engagement through its spirited performances and Tarantino’s compelling script. It’s a film that invites multiple viewings, reaffirming its standing as a quintessential piece in the crime genre and an early showcase of Tarantino's distinct storytelling prowess.

The Blu-ray edition of "True Romance" offers a mixed bag for collectors and fans. On the positive side, the package includes a robust Dolby TrueHD audio track and a substantial collection of supplemental features. Viewers can expect insightful commentary tracks, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes documentaries that enrich the viewing experience. However, despite these strengths, the video transfer leaves much to be desired. The presentation suffers from inconsistent video quality, with evident grain and subpar resolution that detracts from what should be a visually striking film.

For die-hard fans of "True Romance," this Blu-ray release surpasses any previous DVD version in terms of audio-visual fidelity. Still, this isn’t the deluxe edition many were hoping for. The picture quality is adequate but not remarkable, potentially disappointing those who demand perfection in their high-definition media. Special features are comprehensive but not groundbreaking, mostly recycling content from past releases. While dedicated aficionados may appreciate the effort, those hoping for groundbreaking new additions may feel shortchanged.

In conclusion, "True Romance" on Blu-ray is an enigmatic release that does not fully satisfy long-time fans or new collectors seeking premium quality. While it provides better audio and extras than earlier versions, the middling video transfer and lack of novel perks make it hard to justify an immediate purchase. We recommend renting or waiting for a discounted price, particularly with superior releases vying for your attention.