Palmetto Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Palmetto" by Warner Archive marks a significant moment for enthusiasts of this early DVD-era film, bringing it to 1080p with notable care. Presented in its original Super 35 format with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio and utilizing the AVC codec, the video transfer underscores the meticulous attention to detail evident throughout. This release successfully captures the film's understated cinematography with a fine level of detail that precisely highlights textures like sweat in close-ups and medium shots, adding to its neo-noir allure.

Color reproduction is another strong aspect of this release, with hues and contrast vividly presented to enhance the film's atmospheric tone without overwhelming the visual narrative. Black levels are deep and consistent, offering rich shadow details that benefit the film's more intense and moody scenes. Importantly, the natural film grain is minimally intrusive but subtly present, maintaining an authentic filmic experience without degrading image quality.

Overall, this Blu-ray disc is encoded on a dual-layer format, indicating a balanced use of space that allows for the high quality presentation found here. It offers a solid and clean viewing experience that preserves the film’s technical integrity while being accessible in its format. The division into 22 chapters facilitates navigation through the film's gripping sequences, ensuring viewers enjoy a seamless and immersive experience. While perhaps not featuring an exhaustive 4K restoration, the visual prowess of this release is nevertheless commendable and should satisfy both dedicated fans and new viewers alike.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Palmetto" is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that delivers a commendable sound experience. The dialogue emerges with clarity and precision, ensuring that every spoken word is easily discernible without intrusive noise. The mix handles the balance between dialogue and background effects well, allowing each element to occupy its own space without competing for attention. Although "Palmetto" is not replete with action sequences, the mix effectively utilizes its surround channels, particularly showcasing Klaus Doldinger's jazzy score, which stands out with its dynamic range and a rich mid-range presence.

Despite these strengths, the surround mix occasionally misses opportunities for a full immersive experience. The rear-channel contributions are mostly limited to environmental ambiance and the soundtrack, with less focus on creating a completely enveloping atmosphere. Nevertheless, the audio track surpasses the performance of the DVD's lossy mix, offering a more robust and complete audio package. For viewers who require it, optional English (SDH) subtitles are available for the main feature, enhancing accessibility without impinging on the integrity of the sound design.

Overall, while not groundbreaking, "Palmetto's" audio presentation on Blu-ray achieves its purpose successfully, offering a clean and effective auditory experience that complements the film's visual storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "Palmetto" offers minimal supplementary content, focusing solely on the inclusion of the film's original theatrical trailer. Though the packaging features distinct original poster-themed artwork, it fails to provide any additional insights or bonus materials that could enhance the viewer's understanding or enjoyment of the movie. This lack of substantial extras is somewhat expected but remains a missed opportunity for fans seeking a more comprehensive exploration of the film's creation and impact. The provided theatrical trailer is a vintage promotional piece, maintaining its original essence while being accessible in high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A vintage promotional piece available in high-definition.

Volker Schlöndorff's "Palmetto," celebrating its 25th anniversary with a Blu-ray release, remains an intriguing yet flawed slice of neo-noir. Starring Woody Harrelson as Harry Barber, a once-noble reporter fresh out of prison and steering into a complex web of deceit, the film barely made a mark upon its original release but has found a potential revival through this format. The layered narrative is infused with sultry Southern ambiance reminiscent of "Body Heat" and is tangled with a concoction of elements from classic noirs like "Chinatown." However, despite a compelling atmosphere and committed performances by Gina Gershon, Elisabeth Shue, and Chloë Sevigny, the script, adapted by E. Max Frye from James Chase's "Just Another Sucker," is encumbered by a convoluted plot and reliance on substantial coincidences.

The plot follows Barber's inadvertently deep dive into a fake kidnapping orchestrated by femme fatale Rhea Malroux (Shue) and her stepdaughter Odette (Sevigny). As the situation escalates, surrounded by deceit and misdirected decisions—particularly in scenes like the one borrowed from Fritz Lang’s "The Woman in the Window"—the narrative injects moments of shock and surprise. Harrelson's portrayal of Barber is both intense and inconsistent, occasionally tainted by a script that vacillates between brilliance and implausibility. Likewise, Shue's miscasting as the seductive antagonist is highlighted against Gershon's convincing performance in a secondary role.

While the film's direction keeps its secrets adeptly guarded, it falters with pacing and character development. Michael Rapaport's role, among others, feels underutilized until crucial narrative junctions. Despite these deficiencies, "Palmetto" captures attention with engaging plot twists, maintaining enough suspense to keep viewers invested in Barber's tumultuous journey. This Blu-ray release offers an opportunity for neo-noir enthusiasts to revisit the film's visually rich A/V presentation, even if not all aspects measure up to its promise.

Volker Schlöndorff's "Palmetto" is a southern neo-noir caper film that has developed a cult following since its underwhelming box office debut in 1998. Although it may not be deemed as an undiscovered masterpiece by all, it offers an engaging atmosphere complemented by solid performances from its talented cast. The narrative is reasonably clever, encapsulating the essence of neo-noir with an intriguing plot and notable character dynamics. These elements coalesce to make it a worthwhile watch for enthusiasts of the genre.

The Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Palmetto" is a welcome addition for collectors and fans. The disc is primarily focused on the film itself, benefiting from the boutique label’s superb A/V capabilities. This release presents the film in its best possible light, enhancing both visual and auditory experiences. The attention to detail in the transfer underscores the film's rich stylistic elements and atmospheric charm, making it a fitting option for those looking to upgrade from previous DVD editions.

In conclusion, while "Palmetto" might not resonate universally as a cinematic treasure, it certainly holds its appeal, particularly for aficionados of neo-noir films and dedicated fans of Schlöndorff’s work. The Blu-ray release serves as an excellent medium to rediscover its subtle nuances. Ultimately, this release is most appealing to those who have an affinity for the genre or are particularly attracted by the cast, though it may not stand out as the ideal introduction for first-time viewers.