Rushmore Blu-ray Review

Presented in a luxurious 1080p resolution and leveraging the AVC MPEG-4 encode, Wes Anderson's "Rushmore" makes its Blu-ray debut with an impressive clarity and detail that redefine the visual experience of this classic film. Supervised by Anderson himself, and meticulously transferred from the original camera negatives on a DFT SCANITY film scanner at 2K resolution, the image quality is nothing short of remarkable. Following a rigorous process where thousands of instances of dirt, scratches, and other blemishes were removed manually with advanced restoration techniques like MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean, the result is a pristine and stable presentation that boasts superb textures and life-like skin tones. The color grading, overseen by telecine colorist Sheri Eisenberg, ensures that colors are bold yet true to life, displaying a flawless reproduction that adds depth and vibrancy to every scene.

The meticulous restoration process also encompasses the reduction of grain and noise without succumbing to overzealous digital noise reduction (DNR), ensuring that the film's original character and detail are maintained. Visible details in every frame, from the individual hairs on characters’ heads to the nuanced textures of their environments, are showcased with unparalleled clarity. Despite a few softer shots and occasional darker moments, the overall fluidity and sharpness represent a significant upgrade from previous DVD releases. Criterion’s high-definition transfer is devoid of aliasing, banding, or any compression artifacts, confirming the exceptional quality of this Blu-ray release.

This Region-A locked Blu-ray disc underscores Criterion's commitment to excellence, providing fans and new viewers alike an extraordinary opportunity to experience "Rushmore" with an unparalleled level of visual fidelity. While minor issues like sporadic softness and negligible noise were observed, they scarcely detract from what is an otherwise outstanding high-definition transfer. The work done here reinforces the timeless appeal of "Rushmore," ensuring that it remains a visually stunning piece for future generations to enjoy, capturing every deliberate artistic nuance intended by Wes Anderson.

The audio presentation of "Rushmore" on Blu-ray, featuring an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, delivers an exceptional auditory experience that is both a significant step above the DVD release and impressively satisfactory for the film's genre and era. The track is a result of meticulous remastering from the original magnetic tracks at 24-bit, with manual removal of any audio imperfections, such as clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, using Pro Tools HD. This dedication to preserving and enhancing the audio quality ensures that every sound detail, from the dialogue to the iconic soundtrack featuring The Who, The Rolling Stones, and Paul Desmond, is crisp, clean, and offers a richness that was previously obscured.

Noteworthy is the track's ability to provide a immersive experience through proficient use of surround activity and fidelity. The surround sound utilizes the film’s auditory landscape effectively, providing a surprising depth of ambiance with solid separation in the score and clarity in musical notes. While the dialogue remains predominantly front-centered, it is consistently clear, contributing to an effortlessly comprehensible auditory experience without any sync issues or audio dropouts. Furthermore, certain scenes stand out for their audio presentation, such as the remote control plane and play finale scenes, where bass levels intensify and demonstrate the soundtrack's dynamic range.

However, a minor critique arises from occasional light distortion within the soundtrack, which might be intrinsic to the original recording rather than a flaw in this remastered version. Despite this slight imperfection, the overall auditory experience remains impressive. With optional English SDH subtitles provided for enhanced accessibility, this Blu-ray edition of "Rushmore" provides both fans and newcomers with a superior audio experience that markedly enhances the film's enjoyment and immersion.

The Rushmore Blu-ray extras compilation offers an intriguing mix of archival material and insightful interviews, catering to both casual viewers and die-hard fans. From the original theatrical trailer to detailed behind-the-scenes documentary, Wes Anderson's creative process is put on full display. Audition clips provide a glimpse into the casting, presenting raw talent in its nascent stages. The inclusion of the 1999 MTV Movie Awards shorts offers a quirky reinterpretation of mainstream hits, highlighting Anderson’s unique style. A particularly noteworthy addition is the extensive interview on The Charlie Rose Show, where Bill Murray and Wes Anderson share profound insights into the filmmaking experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of handmade storyboards and a booklet with critical essays enhances the appreciation for Anderson's meticulous craft. Despite varying technical quality among features, this collection remains an essential companion to the film, reinforcing its enduring impact on American cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for Rushmore.
• Auditions: A collection of audition clips showcasing early talent.
• 1999 MTV Movie Awards Shorts: The Max Fischer Players’ renditions of popular films.
• The Making of Rushmore: An exclusive documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look.
• Film to Storyboard Comparison: A visual comparison between the finished film and initial storyboards.
• Storyboards: Wes Anderson's hand-drawn storyboards for key scenes.
• Interview: Engaging interviews with Bill Murray and Wes Anderson on The Charlie Rose Show.
• Archiva Graphica: A showcase of art and posters related to the film.
• Commentary: An audio commentary by Wes Anderson, Owen Wilson, and Jason Schwartzman, revealing behind-the-scenes details and inspirations.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet containing an essay by film critic Dave Kehr.

Wes Anderson's "Rushmore," a standout comedy-drama from the late 90s, receives an exemplary Blu-ray presentation from Criterion, cementing its status as a cinematic gem that deftly mixes humor with poignant moments. The story of Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a precocious yet academically failing student at the prestigious Rushmore Academy, captures the essence of youth with its ambitious dreams and crushing realities. Max's elaborate extracurricular involvement contrasts sharply with his school performance, leading to a humorous yet insightful examination of adolescence. His complex relationship with teacher Miss Cross (Olivia Williams) and industrialist Herman Blume (Bill Murray) forms the film’s emotional core, entangling love, ambition, and envy in a narrative that is both hilarious and heartrending.

Criterion's release is notable for its robust collection of supplemental features that enrich the viewing experience, including a behind-the-scenes documentary, exclusive interviews, and Wes Anderson's hand-drawn storyboards, among others. The inclusion of an illustrated booklet provides further depth, while the film itself is beautifully preserved, with optional English SDH subtitles ensuring accessibility. This edition represents a comprehensive tribute to Anderson's unique vision, encapsulated in a film that balances earnestness with irony, marked by standout performances, especially from Bill Murray whose portrayal of Blume adds a compelling layer of depth to the comedic drama.

"Rushmore" stands out in Anderson’s filmography for its relatable characters and bizarre yet sincere storytelling. The peculiar yet endearing dynamic between the characters, coupled with Anderson's signature style, contributes to a richly layered narrative that is both engaging and reflective. The Blu-ray edition by Criterion not only showcases the film’s technical excellence but also its enduring appeal through well-curated extras, making it an essential addition for collectors and fans of Anderson's work. The careful preservation of this film highlights its significance in the 90s cinema landscape, offering both nostalgia and timeless relevance to new audiences and long-time fans alike.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Rushmore," Wes Anderson's uniquely evocative film, stands as a testament to the director's singular vision. Striking an impressive balance between humor and poignancy, the movie captivates with its quirky narrative and complex characters, making a significant impact that resonates profoundly with its audience. This edition is praised not only for retaining the distinctive essence of the original cinematic experience but also for enhancing it with superior presentation quality. The depth of character development, combined with the film's distinct visual and thematic elements, are presented with remarkable clarity and finesse, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers are treated to an exceptional viewing experience.

Noteworthy is the significant improvement in technical details over previous releases, with particular commendation directed towards the dinner sequence which demonstrates the Blu-ray's capability to enrich the film's intricate details and atmospheric depth. This release maintains the comprehensive suite of extras familiar to aficionados, yet it is the leap in visual and auditory presentation that sets it apart, solidifying its position as a pinnacle in Criterion's modern film offerings. It embodies a perfect marriage of content and quality, showcasing Wes Anderson's masterpiece in a light that both honors and elevates the original work.

In conclusion, the Criterion Collection's Blu-ray edition of "Rushmore" is an indispensable acquisition for both collectors and casual viewers alike. Its unparalleled presentation, coupled with the enduring allure of the film itself, renders it a standout release that is highly recommended. This Blu-ray not only pays homage to Wes Anderson's creative prowess but also sets a benchmark for home entertainment, making it an essential addition to any discerning film enthusiast's library.