Married to the Mob Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) for the Blu Ray of "Married to the Mob" provides a competent, yet unremarkable viewing experience. The transfer is plagued with a noticeable amount of debris and defects, as black and white flecks intermittently appear in virtually every scene, potentially distracting viewers especially on larger screens. The overall image maintains a somewhat 'soft' appearance, however, it commendably avoids any detrimental over-scrubbing or excessive digital noise reduction (DNR), preserving a film-like authenticity that echoes the movie’s original theatrical presentation.

Color rendition warrants appreciation, with accurate hues emerging from costuming and stylized lighting, and particularly well-handled in difficult scenes featuring reds, such as those involving Dean Stockwell and Nancy Travis. Thankfully, the feared over-saturation has been carefully avoided. Grain is consistently present but non-intrusive, contributing positively to the filmic texture without causing distraction. Skin tones appear authentic, and facial details such as aging lines and reactions are sufficiently rendered. While black levels are not profoundly deep compared to modern transfers, they do exhibit good delineation with minimal crush. Additionally, there are no obvious signs of banding, haloing, or aliasing, ensuring a smooth visual presentation overall.

In summary, although the video transfer of "Married to the Mob" may initially seem underwhelming due to its visible debris and defects, it redeems itself with a commendable color balance and film-like quality. Overall, it respects the original visual intentions of the movie while providing an acceptable level of detail that enhances the viewing experience without resorting to excessive digital alterations. The grain’s maintenance and accurate skin tones further solidify this release as an authentic representation of the film’s original cinematic look.

The audio presentation of "Married to the Mob" on Blu-ray features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track that presents a surprisingly robust performance for an older film. Despite slight hissing, the mix effectively maintains clarity and balance throughout, ensuring that dialogue exchanges remain clear and free from distortion. The distinct comedic accents and rapid exchanges are preserved well, adding to the humor without losing any detail. Scenes featuring violence are delivered with a noticeable snap, enhancing the impact without overwhelming the listener. The soundtrack selections resonate deeply, with New Order's closing tune standing out for its sharpness and depth even within the limitations of a 2.0 track.

The separation of audio elements, particularly during scenes like Matthew Modine's character getting out of bed, showcases excellent spatial differentiation between the two front speakers. This dynamic audio separation creates an engaging soundscape that underscores the movie's rhythm. The balance between dialogue, sound effects, and the frequent use of pop tunes is meticulously managed, avoiding any instances where music overshadows spoken words. While a 5.1 mix might have offered additional depth, the provided 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track stands out as one of the better examples found on Blu-ray formats, delivering a satisfactory and enjoyable auditory experience. English subtitles are available for added accessibility.

The Blu-ray edition of "Married to the Mob" offers a limited selection of extras that nonetheless contribute nicely to the overall package. The primary supplement, the theatrical trailer, is presented in high definition with a quality almost on par with the feature film itself. It boasts DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio, maintaining a consistent auditory experience throughout the extras and the main feature. While the scarcity of additional features is mildly disappointing, the included content is professionally handled and preserves the film's original charm effectively.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition presentation with DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio.

Jonathan Demme's Married to the Mob deftly combines comedic and dramatic elements to produce a singular take on the mafia genre. Set in the 1980s, the film showcases a blend of humor and dark undertones, a trademark of Demme’s directorial style. Known primarily for his disturbing work in The Silence of the Lambs, Demme's venture into comedy is strikingly different yet equally compelling. The film features Michelle Pfeiffer as Angela de Marco, a woman trapped in a stifling marriage with mob hitman Frank (Alec Baldwin). After Frank is killed by the mob boss Tony Russo (Dean Stockwell), Angela attempts to escape her circumstances, moving to New York City with her son. The screenplay, written by Barry Strugatz and Mark R. Burns, masterfully balances dark comedy with crime elements, presenting Angela’s struggles with both wit and gravity.

Demme’s direction emphasizes a unique, offbeat charm while incorporating an unconventional soundtrack that further distinguishes Married to the Mob from typical mafia films. The film’s visual presentation by Director of Photography Tak Fujimoto vividly captures the essence of the 1980s through an array of vibrant colors and stylistic choices. The plot intensifies as F.B.I. Agent Mike Downey (Matthew Modine) becomes involved, initially surveilling Angela but soon developing romantic feelings for her. Modine’s portrayal complements Pfeiffer’s, creating palpable chemistry that adds depth to their characters’ evolving relationship. Supporting roles by Mercedes Ruehl and Oliver Platt add layers of complexity and humor, enhancing the film's dynamic narrative structure.

Married to the Mob triumphs through its eccentric castings and Demme’s playful yet precise approach to storytelling. The film enlists surprising cameos, including Al Grandpa Lewis and Charles Napier, and features Chris Isaak in his screen debut. The use of tracks by New Order and Q. Lazzarus, particularly the eerily memorable “Goodbye Horses,” showcases Demme’s ability to fuse music with narrative to evoke powerful emotions. Overall, this film remains an essential watch for its innovative take on both comedy and crime, cementing its place as a standout in Demme's illustrious career.

Married to the Mob is a gem of a film from the late 80s, directed by Jonathan Demme and featuring an outstanding ensemble cast led by Michelle Pfeiffer. This quirky and humorous crime comedy takes a satirical look at mob life, blending an engaging storyline with strong performances and inventive direction. Newly available on Blu-ray, the film benefits tremendously from this high-definition release, though it comes disappointing in terms of additional special features.

The Blu-ray transfer of “Married to the Mob” is praiseworthy, providing a significant visual upgrade over previous formats. The picture quality is sharp, with vibrant colors that bring out the film’s playful aesthetic. The sound design, remastered for Blu-ray, provides a clean and dynamic audio experience that enhances the film's comedic beats and musical score. However, it is worth noting that despite these technical enhancements, the release is noticeably sparse on supplemental materials, which might disappoint those looking for deeper insights into the film's production or retrospective interviews.

Nevertheless, the strength of “Married to the Mob” lies in its performance and direction. Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a pitch-perfect portrayal of Angela, balancing humor and emotional depth while navigating the film’s absurd mob antics. Matthew Modine is another standout, expertly capturing his character’s exaggerated traits without losing his humanity. Jonathan Demme’s adept direction ensures that the movie never loses its whimsical tone, making it one of his most inventive works.

Overall, “Married to the Mob” remains a delightful piece of cinema that excels in both comedy and character development. The Blu-ray release revitalizes this hidden classic, despite its lack of extras. This is a must-have for fans of 80s cinema and anyone looking for a highly entertaining romp through mobland shenanigans. Recommended for any discerning movie lover's collection.