The People vs. Larry Flynt Blu-ray Review

The 1080p AVC MPEG-4 encoded presentation of "The People vs. Larry Flynt" offers a mixed visual experience, striving for detail but hindered by technical limitations. Although compressed onto a BD-25, the image quality remains largely acceptable with no overt compression artifacts visible on standard-sized screens. Enthusiasts with larger projections might notice defects, particularly during dark or expansive scenes. Black levels and shadow detail are competent, with consistently bright and colorful scenes achieving the film's intended aesthetic, thanks largely to cinematographer Philippe Rousselot's efforts. Patrizia von Brandenstein's production design and Arianne Phillips’ costuming are laudably showcased, with fine details in the garish polyester patterns of the Seventies being notably clear.

However, the Blu-ray's visual presentation is not without its faults. The detail levels fluctuate, with occasional haze detracting from otherwise crisp imagery. Grain presence varies from deep and non-existent to shallow and slightly obstructive, undermining the depth and scope expected from a high-definition transfer. Skin tones appear inconsistent, at times overly flushed or overly rouged. Additionally, the transfer suffers from stability issues, including random shakiness and brightness flutters during scenes, such as the establishing shots for the Georgia trial. These symptoms suggest aging elements in the transfer process.

Overall, while the video quality does not plunge into travesty, it fails to achieve an immersive high-definition experience. Despite these drawbacks, it surpasses some other catalog releases but leaves room for significant improvement.

Image’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for 'The People vs. Larry Flynt' reflects the film's conservative sound design, which leans heavily on a front-heavy soundstage. While the track maintains a strong focus on dialogue with clear reproduction, there are occasional issues such as random static and hollowness, which can momentarily detract from the listening experience. The sound mix is generally restrained, with limited use of localized effects and rear channels, underscoring the film's narrative-driven nature rather than creating an immersive audio environment.

Notably, the soundtrack shines during musical interludes, employing Thomas Newman's underscoring and period-appropriate selections like Gary Wright's 'Dream Weaver' to evoke key emotional moments. However, the overall use of rear channels often feels forced and lacks subtlety, with random bombardments appearing melodramatic. Despite a few spikes in volume that can be particularly jarring due to their dramatic shifts, the DTS lossless track performs adequately, maintaining fidelity and ensuring dialogue remains intelligible throughout.

The sound mix’s approach aligns with the film's era, focusing on clear delivery of dialogue over an expansive soundstage. The restrained sound execution might not fully leverage modern multi-channel capabilities, but it remains true to the film's artistic intentions.

The Blu-ray edition of The People vs. Larry Flynt offers a comprehensive suite of extras, but lacks a couple of documentaries featured on the 2003 DVD. The highlights include two engaging commentaries: one by screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, providing in-depth insights into the film's development, casting, and production; and another by actors Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love, and Edward Norton, though it suffers from uneven contributions and lack of cohesion. Deleted scenes offer a glimpse into excised content, complete with optional commentary. Unfortunately, the quality of the theatrical trailer is notably subpar.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski: Insightful discussion on the film's development, scripting, and production.
• Commentary with Actors Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love, and Edward Norton: Entertaining yet uneven actor perspectives.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes optional commentary offering context for the omitted content.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material with substandard video quality.

"The People vs. Larry Flynt," directed by Miloš Forman, is an engagingly provocative biopic that captures the tumultuous life of Hustler magazine founder Larry Flynt. The screenplay by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski encapsulates the larger-than-life events that defined Flynt’s controversial career, skillfully transitioning from his humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to his high-flying exploits as a pornographer and free speech advocate. Woody Harrelson delivers a compelling performance as Flynt, navigating the character's fluctuating persona with aplomb. Harrelson portrays Flynt as a charming yet volatile figure, adding layers of complexity to a man many view as a cultural antihero. His portrayal is so nuanced that it overshadows some of the film’s creative liberties and narrative condensations, which sometimes oversimplify Flynt's multifaceted nature.

The film prominently features Courtney Love as Althea Leasure, Flynt's fourth wife. Her portrayal brings an intense, unpredictable energy to the movie, capturing Althea's emotional highs and lows with a raw authenticity that garnered critical acclaim despite initial resistance from the studio. The dynamic between Harrelson and Love generates palpable tension, driving much of the film’s emotional weight. Edward Norton’s portrayal of Flynt’s lawyer, Alan Isaacman, is equally noteworthy; his transformation from a seemingly insecure attorney to a robust defender of First Amendment rights provides an intellectual counterpoint to the chaotic life of Flynt.

While "The People vs. Larry Flynt" is lauded for its ability to entertain and provoke, it is not without shortcomings. The film simplifies complex events and amalgamates real-life characters for dramatic effect, sometimes straying from historical accuracy. However, these narrative choices do not detract significantly from its impact. Instead, they serve to emphasize the broader themes of free speech and personal liberty, making the film an essential watch for those interested in the intersections of law, media, and morality.

"The People vs. Larry Flynt" on Blu-ray offers a captivating and multifaceted portrayal of one of America's most controversial figures. Milos Forman skillfully directs this hybrid of documentary and dramatization, tracing Larry Flynt’s defiant fight for First Amendment rights. Woody Harrelson delivers a stellar performance as Flynt, capturing his complexity without resorting to artificial heroism. The supporting cast, including Edward Norton and Courtney Love, offers compelling performances that lend credibility and depth to the narrative. The Blu-ray presentation via Image Entertainment features solid video quality and a satisfactory surround mix, though it is not top-tier.

The supplemental content on this release adds significant value for viewers looking to dive deeper into Flynt's story. Packed with extras like director’s commentary and behind-the-scenes features, the Blu-ray provides a comprehensive look at both the man behind Hustler magazine and the landmark Supreme Court case Hustler Magazine v. Falwell. However, it's worth noting that the overall presentation quality is average, reflecting the budget-friendly nature of this release. Despite this, the film remains a poignant exploration of free speech and its boundaries, resonating even in an era where societal norms have shifted dramatically since Flynt's heyday.

To its credit, "The People vs. Larry Flynt" didn't sanitize Flynt or make him an artificial hero. If the film has a weakness, it's that American society has moved on, and the issues that made Flynt a scandalous figure are almost quaint by today's standards. Volumes of material far more lurid than anything Hustler ever published are just a few clicks away on the internet, and rhetoric such as Hustler directed at Falwell has become common parlance in the blogosphere, safely shielded by the Supreme Court decision of which Flynt is so proud. Even judges aren’t immune. When a Supreme Court justice retired recently—one who joined the Supreme Court after it decided Hustler v. Falwell—one critical commentator wrote: The nation loses the only goat fucking child molester to ever serve on the Supreme Court in David Souter's retirement. The comment could have been vintage Flynt, but in today’s world, the commentator was hired by CNN instead of getting sued.

That's the First Amendment for you. It cuts in all directions. If you want to understand how we got here, see "The People vs. Larry Flynt". The movie is recommended, and so is the Blu-ray.