Into the Night Blu-ray Review

Shout Select's release of "Into the Night" on Blu-ray presents an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50 with the film at its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Sourced from a remaster rather than a new 2K/4K scan of the original negative, the video quality reflects certain limitations. The print looks clean with minimal damage marks, yet it bears some characteristics of a DVD-era master. The Technicolor cinematography by Robert Paynter is somewhat drab and dark, both in day and nighttime scenes, with sub-par contrast visible in semi close-up shots. Skin tones appear overly pink/reddish, and noise is detectable in some scenes, such as the aerial airport runway shot during the main titles.

Despite these drawbacks, Shout's authoring and compression fare better than its predecessor, the region-free French BD-25 by Elephant Films. With an average video bitrate of 31995 kbps versus the French edition's 19.99 Mbps, the Shout transfer offers a more robust image quality, albeit still lacking vibrancy in colors excluding the strong red hues on Michelle Pfeiffer's Napa calf jacket. The transfer maintains a soft neon appearance though the palette remains inconsistent. Viewers transitioning from Region 2/4 DVDs will appreciate this Blu-ray's improvement, free from the combing artifacts that plagued previous NTSC to PAL converted editions. With additional sixteen scene selections provided by Shout, this release should satisfy consumers seeking an upgrade within reasonable expectations.

Shout Select’s Blu-ray audio presentation of Into the Night features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual Mono track at 1572 kbps and 24-bit, which provides a commendable auditory experience. Dialogue is prominently clear in the center channel, and background hiss is effectively non-existent, ensuring a clean audio experience. The songs by B.B. King, alongside other musical tracks, stand out with excellent clarity and are well-distributed across the front channels. However, an expanded remix into 2.0 or 4.0 stereo would have further augmented the listening experience.

Subtitles are available in English SDH and can be accessed conveniently through the menu or remote. Despite its mono format, the audio remains surprisingly vibrant. The score maintains high fidelity throughout, while dialogue also remains clearly audible. Nevertheless, sound effects lack a robust impact at times, as seen in the relatively subdued gunshots. Overall, this release meets the necessary audio quality standards and is a solid upgrade, though it may fall short of perfection for audiophiles seeking more dynamic range and depth.

The Blu-ray extras of "Into the Night" present an enriching expansion to the film experience, featuring both newly recorded interviews and upscaled archival content. John Landis’ reflections on the casting choices and musical intricacies provide insightful behind-the-scenes anecdotes, while Jeff Goldblum’s interview delivers an intriguing discussion on his collaboration with Michelle Pfeiffer and his character's societal implications. The inclusion of the award-winning B.B. King documentary breathes life into the memorable musical elements of the film. The original theatrical trailer, despite being unrestored, offers a nostalgic glimpse back at its promotional history. Each extra is presented in 1080p, ensuring visual quality aligns cohesively with the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW John Landis: Back into the Night: Reflection on casting decisions and musical score by John Landis.
• NEW Jeff Goldblum: Requiem for an Insomniac: Interview discussing collaboration with Michelle Pfeiffer and character insights.
• Award-Winning Documentary B.B. King into the Night: Features concert performances and interviews from the film.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Unrestored trailer from Universal’s vault.

John Landis' 1985 film, Into the Night, masterfully integrates multiple genres, skillfully blending elements of thriller, comedy, and horror. Ron Koslow’s clever, witty script further accentuates Landis' directorial finesse. Though pre-production encountered challenges, including casting setbacks, the final pairing of Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer proved exemplary. Goldblum's portrayal of the insomniac aerospace engineer Ed Okin, and Pfeiffer’s glamorous yet feisty Diana create a compelling dynamic that steers the narrative.

The storyline swiftly establishes Ed’s dissatisfaction with his monotonous life and deteriorating marriage. His chance encounter with Diana at LAX catapults them into a tumultuous adventure, escaping from Iranian gangsters and a menacing hitman, played with chilling intensity by David Bowie. Their on-the-run escapades form the crux of this noir-inflected tale, enriched by an ensemble cast featuring notable names such as Dan Aykroyd, Richard Farnsworth, and Bruce McGill. Despite the film's uneven tone and some criticisms aimed at Landis' penchant for industry cameos, the film retains its charm and coherence.

Into the Night also demonstrates Landis' versatility in handling action sequences and his signature sight gags with aplomb. Although initially underappreciated and experiencing mixed critical reception upon release, the film has garnered a growing fanbase over the years. The inclusion of directors like David Cronenberg in clever cameo roles adds an intriguing layer, appealing to cinema aficionados. Landis’ confident direction ensures that despite some narrative contrivances, the story remains engaging and purposeful, making Into the Night a multifaceted cinematic experience worthy of rediscovery.

"Into the Night," featuring Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer, emerges as a nuanced caper film under John Landis's direction. Initially not a major hit despite featuring the acclaimed director of "The Blues Brothers" and "An American Werewolf in London," the film now enjoys a renaissance through Shout Select's Blu-ray release. This edition is marked by an older remaster that's competent yet falls short in showcasing pristine visuals and audio fidelity. Nevertheless, Shout Select's substantial value-added features, including new interviews with Landis and Goldblum, make this the definitive version of the film available.

The transfer itself, while not flawless, does reasonably well in managing the delicate play of nighttime scenes and urban landscapes. Colors remain consistent, if not as vibrant as contemporary remasters, and detail retention is adequate but can feel lacking in shadow-heavy sequences. The added interviews provide critical insights into the film's production and artistic nuances, enriching the viewing experience considerably. These elements alone would encourage cinephiles and new viewers alike to delve into what remains a unique but undervalued chapter in Landis’s oeuvre.

"Into the Night" encapsulates a transitional period in the careers of both Goldblum and Pfeiffer, capturing their early potential that has since materialized into storied Hollywood careers. Shout Select's Blu-ray edition is commendable, offering a suite of new extras that breathe renewed appreciation into this cinematic gem. While far from perfect technically, it stands as the best available version for fans and newcomers, earning a strong recommendation with minor caveats regarding its visual presentation."