Straw Dogs Blu-ray Review

Straw Dogs," directed by Sam Peckinpah, receives a stunning Blu-ray presentation from Criterion, encoded in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with an MPEG-4 AVC and a 1080p transfer. This release showcases the meticulous effort that went into restoring the film, utilizing a fresh 4K resolution digital transfer from the 35mm original camera negative. The painstaking removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other imperfections was achieved through the expert use of MTI Film's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix for handling various picture stability issues. The original monaural soundtrack's remastering further enhances this release's quality, ensuring a pristine auditory experience to accompany the visual restore.

Criterion's dedication to preservation and restoration is evident in the video quality that markedly outshines previous releases. The notable improvement in shadow definition in darker scenes brings previously flat areas to life, offering a depth that was lacking in prior renditions. Color balance has seen considerable enhancement, presenting a richer palette with nuanced tones that stay true to the film's naturalistic cinematography. Particular attention has been paid to color temperatures, striking a fine balance to maintain authenticity without sacrificing vibrancy. Grain is managed effectively, preserving the filmic texture without overshadowing detail and clarity, which are both superb across the board—from the lush landscapes of Cornwall to the intricacy of interior scenes.

Breaking new ground in home video presentation, this Blu-ray edition not only rectifies previous shortcomings regarding image stability and color accuracy but also sets a new benchmark for archival releases. The technical prowess employed in addressing age-related wear and applying digital corrections is commendable, ensuring "Straw Dogs" is experienced with the integrity originally intended by Peckinpah. Details are sharp, depth is appreciable, and the overall visual fidelity is such that it respects the film’s artistic essence while delivering a definitively superior viewing experience.

The English LPCM 1.0 audio track featured on the Blu-Ray release of "Straw Dogs" showcases a meticulous remastering from its original 35 mm magnetic track, providing a prime example of how far the technology for audio restoring has advanced in the past decade. This remastered mono track impresses with its broad dynamic range, free from the common ailments of hiss or mid-to-high-range distortions often found in unremastered tracks. The enhancements lend a depth and fluidity to the audio, greatly elevating the listening experience.

The track's remastering facilitates an unexpectedly immersive atmosphere that expertly mirrors the film's tense narrative, engrossing the audience for the full duration. Sam Peckinpah's strategic use of sound - balancing serene moments with sudden, attention-grabbing sound bursts - is brilliantly executed. Each sonic detail, from the shrillness of horns to the thunderous echo of gunshots and even the subtlety of ambient sounds like chirping birds, is captured with remarkable clarity. Despite its monaural nature, the audio track adeptly conveys Jerry Fielding's musical score and the film's diverse sonic palette without distortion, although some dialogue may occasionally be challenging to discern due to accents rather than technical issues.

Furthermore, the preservation effort ensures no intrusive age-related noises such as hiss or crackles detract from the viewing experience. While a multi-channel mix might have added to the action scenes' expansiveness, the integrity and intimacy of this LPCM 1.0 track do full justice to the narrative's intensity. The Criterion remaster stands out as a testament to the potential of dedicated audio restoration, transforming the audial experience into a first-class component of the Blu-Ray edition.

The Criterion Collection's release of "Straw Dogs" on Blu Ray is an exemplary showcase of how to enhance a classic film with a meticulously curated selection of extras. From the gripping and in-depth archival commentary by Stephen Prince to the comprehensive documentaries "Mantrap: Straw Dogs - The Final Cut" and "Sam Peckinpah: Man of Iron," viewers are provided with an unparalleled look into the film's turbulent production, its complex themes, and the enigmatic personality of its director, Sam Peckinpah. Additionally, interviews with key figures such as Susan George and Daniel Melnick, along with behind-the-scenes footage and a conversation with editor Roger Spottiswoode, enrich the narrative surrounding the film’s legacy. The array of content, which also includes trailers, TV spots, and a booklet, ensures that fans and newcomers alike can deeply explore the controversial mastery and enduring impact of "Straw Dogs." This release transcends the typical Blu-ray experience, delivering both historical context and candid insights that elevate one's appreciation for Peckinpah's work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailers: Four original trailers for Straw Dogs.
• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by Stephen Prince.
• Mantrap - Straw Dogs: The Final Cut: A documentary on the production history of Straw Dogs.
• Sam Peckinpah: Man of Iron: A documentary focused on Sam Peckinpah's personality and methods.
• Behind the Scenes: Rare footage from the production of Straw Dogs.
• Roger Spottiswoode: A conversation on editing Straw Dogs.
• Susan George: An archival interview with actress Susan George.
• Daniel Melnick: An archival interview with producer Daniel Melnick.
• Garner Simmons: An archival interview with Peckinpah biographer Garner Simmons.
• A Controversial Classic: A video interview on the film’s themes of violence and sexual violence.
• Booklet: A 24-page illustrated booklet with essays and interviews.

Sam Peckinpah's "Straw Dogs," a film that treads the fine line between human intellect and animalistic impulses, makes its Blu-ray debut courtesy of Criterion. Noted for its Oscar-nominated score, this 1971 cinematic venture is deeply unsettling, steering clear of traditional storytelling to explore the disintegration of morality under duress. Peckinpah, leveraging a screenplay co-written with David Zelag Goodman and drawing inspiration from Gordon Williams' novel "The Siege of Trencher's Farm," crafts a narrative that is both a facade for deeper commentary and a meticulously structured descent into violence. The transition from a seemingly peaceful rural England setting to an epicenter of terror serves as a potent backdrop for this exploration, with every technical aspect meticulously preserved in this high-definition release.

In essence, "Straw Dogs" portrays the gradual crumbling of societal norms through the experiences of an American mathematician, David Sumner (Dustin Hoffman), and his wife, Amy (Susan George), encapsulating an intense journey from intellectual superiority to primal survival. The film's brilliance lies not only in its ability to disturb but also in posing challenging questions about violence and civilized society's facade. Peckinpah masterfully builds tension, transforming ordinary encounters and the tranquility of an English village into a hotbed of impending chaos, making "Straw Dogs" a landmark in suspense cinema.

Criterion's release enhances this experience with features that delve into the making and legacy of "Straw Dogs," including insightful interviews, a documentary on Peckinpah, and a detailed booklet with essays and interviews that enrich viewers' understanding of this complex film. This Blu-ray not only represents a seamless technical upgrade but also an essential piece for cinephiles eager to engage with Peckinpah's most provocative work. The preservation of the film's visual and auditory elements ensures that its controversial essence and intricate storytelling are experienced as intended, cementing "Straw Dogs'" status as a thought-provoking piece on the human condition.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Sam Peckinpah's "Straw Dogs" delivers an uncompromising experience that highlights the film’s stark intensity and psychological depth. This film, hailed as one of the most provocative and contentious works of its time, remains a testament to a brand of filmmaking scarcely seen in today's Hollywood landscape. With its unflinching exploration of dark themes and human nature, "Straw Dogs" confronts viewers with its blend of tension, violence, and moral ambiguity. The 4K restoration brings forth an unparalleled visual clarity that, alongside top-tier audio quality, ensures the film’s gritty realism is felt with every scene. Accompanied by a rich collection of both new and archival bonus materials, this release stands as a definitive edition, offering profound insights into the film's enduring legacy.

Beyond its technical excellence, the Blu-ray edition encapsulates the essence of what makes "Straw Dogs" a seminal piece of cinema. Its narrative, intricate and disturbing, probes deeply into the psyche of its characters, yielding a complex study on aggression, survival, and the human condition. This complexity is matched by the care and detail put into the film’s presentation, underlining Criterion's commitment to preserving cinematic history. The supplemental materials further enrich the viewing experience, providing context and commentary that enhance one’s appreciation of the film’s craft and its provocative themes.

In conclusion, Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "Straw Dogs" is essential for both cinephiles and scholars of film. Its impeccable 4K restoration, combined with a comprehensive suite of extras, offers an immersive exploration into one of Hollywood's most influential and debated works. This edition not only commemorates the film’s legacy but also serves as a stark reminder of the power cinema has in exploring the depths of human nature. Unbearably dark yet undeniably brilliant, "Straw Dogs" remains an unmissable piece of film history that is both admired for its boldness and scrutinized for its complexity. Highly recommended.