Midnight Express Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Midnight Express" on Blu-ray provides a viewing experience that captures the essence of its source material with admirable fidelity. Delivered in widescreen 1.85:1, 1080p using the MPEG-4/AVC codec, the transfer strikes a commendable balance between preserving the film’s original grain and achieving a clean, blemish-free appearance. The grain, heavier in some scenes, does not detract from the sharpness and detail that come through, especially in the depiction of the deteriorating Turkish institutions. Despite some softness, which seems inherent to the cinematic techniques employed during its production rather than a flaw in the transfer itself, colors are rendered with a muted saturation that aligns with the filmmakers' intentions. This creates a drab and lifeless atmosphere, reflective of the grim setting and tone of the narrative.

Fine details such as the grimy prison walls and rusted iron bars are adequately reproduced, enhancing the film’s gritty aesthetic. Flesh tones appear natural though occasionally flat, underscoring the harsh reality of Billy's imprisonment without resorting to excessive digital manipulation. Blacks are generally deep, contributing to the visibility of shadowy details, despite sometimes lacking in richness which leads to a slight wash-out of finer details in darker scenes. The print remains largely free of artifacts, maintaining a film-like quality throughout.

The overall video quality speaks to the commitment to remain true to the original visuals of "Midnight Express." While it may lack the vividness and high-definition pop of more recent digitally remastered films, this Blu-ray presentation excels at conveying the movie's stark reality through stable imagery. A few visible artifacts and occasional brightness inconsistencies notwithstanding, the transfer does justice to this classic film, serving up a picture that respects its visual and thematic complexity.

The Blu-ray release of "Midnight Express" provides viewers with two auditory experiences: a lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and a traditional lossy Dolby Digital mono soundtrack. The 5.1 remix, while an improvement over the original mono in terms of clarity and depth, mainly enhances the crispness of dialogue and offers a modest increase in ambient sound precision, especially in scenes set within lively Turkish markets. Dialogue is more defined in the 5.1 mix, yet there remain moments where audibility is strained, indicating a lower overall volume level necessitating adjustment for an optimal listening experience.

The surround channels are sparingly used, with noted exceptions being the occasional motorcycle or birds, which, although aiming for a more immersive environment, appear somewhat forced and inconsistent with the overall frontal focus of the audio presentation. Moroder's influential score benefits from a slight spread across the front channels, augmenting its presence without overstating its stereo dimensionality. However, the majority of sound effects and dialogue continue to be anchored in the center channel, limiting the potential expansiveness of the audio field.

Notwithstanding these enhancements, the remixed 5.1 track does not significantly deviate from the source's original mono essence. The fidelity of the audio mirrors the limitations of its era, resulting in a soundstage that, while serviceable and occasionally atmospheric (notably in scenes such as the mental ward), lacks dynamic range and exhibits a certain brittleness in higher frequencies. Both audio tracks illustrate a faithful adherence to preserving the film’s original auditory intentions, bypassing the temptation to artificially modernize the soundscape, thus offering listeners a choice between historical accuracy and a slightly enriched listening experience.

The 30th Anniversary Blu-Ray edition of "Midnight Express" is complemented by a rich selection of extras that dive deep into the making and legacy of this controversial classic. The highlight is certainly the detailed commentary from director Alan Parker, which, despite its dry delivery, offers invaluable insights into the film's production, the groundbreaking electronic score by Giorgio Moroder, and the intricate logistics behind shooting. The segmented featurettes—“The Producers,” “The Production,” and “The Finished Film”—though designed to collectively offer a comprehensive view, provide detailed explorations of the film's conception, the challenges encountered during production, and its reception. These are supplemented by interviews with key figures like Oliver Stone and Peter Guber, and further enriched by Alan Parker's reflections on his contentious relationship with Stone. The inclusion of original promotional content, a vintage piece on Billy Hayes, and a meticulously curated photo gallery add depth to the narrative. Despite a slight redundancy across the commentary and the booklet essay, both deliver frank and engaging anecdotes that reflect on the filmmaking process, from casting trials to location scouting. The Blu Ray package is an essential for aficionados, offering both technical details and personal stories behind the film's enduring impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Alan Parker: A comprehensive commentary track by Alan Parker.
• The Producers: Insightful interviews with Peter Guber, David Puttnam, and Alan Marshall.
• The Production: Detailed recount of the film's production with input from key crew members.
• The Finished Film: A continuation of the production story, focusing on post-production elements.
• The Making of ‘Midnight Express’: A vintage documentary providing additional perspective on the film’s story.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of production stills presented as a slideshow.
• Trailers: Including trailers for other notable films and series.

Alan Parker's "Midnight Express" stands as a cinematic testament to the harrowing journey of Billy Hayes, an American caught smuggling hashish out of Turkey, portrayed with gripping intensity by Brad Davis. The film delves deep into the psyche of Hayes as he endures the brutality of a Turkish prison, supported by standout performances from John Hurt among others. The narrative is compelling, highlighting Hayes' struggle and the inhuman conditions he faces, brought to life through Parker's skilled direction and Oliver Stone's bold screenplay. Despite its controversy, particularly regarding its portrayal of Turkish characters and its dramatic liberties, "Midnight Express" remains a powerful drama about endurance, hope, and the human spirit's capacity for survival.

The film's technical execution enhances its storytelling, with a palpable atmosphere of tension and despair meticulously crafted through cinematography and sound design. Giorgio Moroder's Oscar-winning score further elevates the film, intertwining with the narrative to accentuate the emotional and physical turmoil faced by Hayes. This raw and unfiltered portrayal captures not only the personal ordeal of one man but also serves as a broader critique of draconian drug laws and the injustices within certain judicial systems.

While "Midnight Express" has faced criticism for its depiction of Turkey and potential xenophobia, it cannot be denied that this work has left an indelible mark on cinematic history. Its artistic achievements, underscored by its critical acclaim and multiple Oscar accolades, reflect a film that, beyond its controversies, offers a poignant exploration of survival and resistance against overwhelming odds. This Blu-ray presentation by Sony ensures that both new audiences and long-time fans can experience the film's visceral impact with outstanding visual and audio quality, preserving its status as a classic in the realm of prison dramas.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Midnight Express" brings a gritty and sharp clarity that elevates the already intense narrative and poignant performances delivered by Davis, Hurt, and Randy Quaid under the superb direction of Parker. Enhanced by Stone's politically edged screenplay, this release not only captures the film's cinematic brilliance but also its controversial impact on Dutch-Turkish relations, hinting at the complex international ramifications stemming from the movie's portrayal. This edition stands out with a significant upgrade in video and audio quality, providing a more immersive experience than previous versions, though it may not reach the pinnacle of current high-definition offerings.

Tested on an extensive and calibrated setup which included the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector and the Oppo BDP-83 Universal disc/Blu-ray Player among other high-end components, the Blu-ray's technical merits were thoroughly vetted. The 1080p transfer shines on a calibrated display, bringing the dark corridors of the Turkish prison and the emotional depth of the characters to life with striking detail and auditory clarity. The inclusion of a robust package of bonus materials and a collector-friendly digibook format makes this release a commendable addition for cinephiles, although its appeal may vary for casual viewers due to the contentious nature of the film’s content.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Midnight Express" is a testament to the film's enduring legacy, presenting a technical upgrade that respects its source material while enriching viewers' experience with stellar audiovisual enhancements and insightful extras. It navigates the moral ambiguities and historical liberties of the original work with finesse, offering an essential view for enthusiasts of seminal cinema. Despite its potential divisiveness among audiences, this edition ultimately stands as a recommended purchase for those looking to dive deeper into the film’s complex narrative and appreciate its technical achievements in a home theater setting.