I'll Sleep When I'm Dead Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead," presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, delivers a commendable 1080p transfer courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment. Sourced from an older master by Paramount Pictures, the visuals, while sometimes lacking the freshness of a more recent master, generally hold up well. Noteworthy is the film’s ability to maintain delineation, clarity, and depth, with image stability remaining consistent across most scenes. Despite occasional black crush, the color balance is convincingly executed, enhancing the film's overall presentation without distracting imperfections. Although optimization could improve specific scenes, like Screencapture #21, the current master still offers a respectable viewing experience.

Shot on 35 mm film with spherical lenses by director of photography Mike Garfath, the film's dark thematic palette—featuring predominant blacks, browns, and deep greens—is well preserved in the Blu-ray format. The reserved aspect ratio of 1.78:1 complements the film’s original 1.85:1 cinematography effectively. While dimly lit scenes may attenuate clarity, they contribute to the narrative’s somber tone. Notably, scenes involving Davey are marked by brighter, more vivid colors, offering visual contrast within the film’s predominantly dark aesthetic. Vivid details in clothing, reflections on rain-soaked streets, and party decor showcase the Blu-ray's ability to replicate the intentional desaturation and dramatic color choices pivotal to the film's storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" offers two main audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0, both accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The 5.1 DTS-HD track is crafted to enrich the film's noir atmosphere, effectively leveraging dynamic contrasts to enhance the viewer's immersion. Sound effects are used sparingly but with precision, contributing to the mood rather than overwhelming it. The clarity, sharpness, and stability of the audio are commendable and show little room for improvement.

However, there are moments where the dialogue, particularly from Clive Owen, requires a volume adjustment due to its softness, affecting speech intelligibility slightly. While the cinematic experience benefits from the overall quality of the sound engineering, the score by Simon Fisher Turner, described as bland with its delicate piano notes, does not contribute significantly to the dramatic tension. The 2.0 LPCM Stereo track offers an alternative but does not match the surround experience of the DTS-HD option. Overall, the audio presentation remains robust but nuanced enough to support the film's visual narrative without becoming intrusive.

The Blu Ray extras for "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" provide a comprehensive and insightful examination of the film's intricacies, production details, and thematic explorations. The archival audio commentary by director Mike Hodges and screenwriter Trevor Preston is particularly enlightening, discussing the film's minimalist storytelling, the strategic use of London's locales, and thematic elements such as inescapability from one's past. The commentary also highlights casting decisions and Hodges's cinematic techniques, like long takes to accelerate the shooting schedule. The included documentary delves deeper into these themes, alongside providing interviews with cast and crew. Deleted scenes offer additional narrative layers, with commentary shedding light on their creation. These extras enrich the viewer's understanding of Hodges's acclaimed cinematic approach.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer, in English.
• Two Deleted Scenes: One with optional commentary.
• Mike Hodges and I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: Archival documentary on film production.
• Commentary: Detailed audio commentary by Mike Hodges and Trevor Preston.

Mike Hodges’ I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, released on Blu-ray by Via Vision Entertainment, is a curious mix of potential and missteps. It features supplemental content such as audio commentaries by Hodges and screenwriter Trevor Preston, deleted scenes, and an archival documentary—all suggesting a commitment to exploring the film's depth despite its shortcomings. Utilizing the talents of notable actors like Clive Owen and Malcolm McDowell, this film crafts a neo-noir atmosphere that intermittently captivates but largely underwhelms due to its fragmented narrative structure.

The storyline unfolds in south London with Davey, a small-time pusher portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, encountering a tragic end after a brutal assault by Boad (MacDowell). This event lures his estranged brother Will, played by Owen, back into the city's criminal underbelly seeking vengeance and redemption. However, as Will reconnects with familiar faces like Mickser (Jamie Foreman) and Helen (Charlotte Rampling), the film struggles with inconsistent character arcs and underdeveloped relationships. The director attempts to weave a character study within a heavy noir landscape but falters, producing a slow-paced narrative lacking in clarity and precision.

The enduring issue lies in the film's reluctance to shed light on the intricacies of key relationships and character motivations. Questions surrounding MacDowell's enigmatic antagonist and Rampling’s inner conflicts are met with vague insinuations rather than solid explanations. This ambiguity denies viewers the satisfaction of understanding the characters' deeper layers, leaving thematic potential untapped. Despite the thematic echoes of Hodges' acclaimed Get Carter, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead fails to reach similar heights, presenting instead a perplexing blend of ambition and missed opportunities.

"I'll Sleep When I'm Dead," directed by Mike Hodges, suffers from a lack of narrative clarity and energy that undermines its impact. The film's pacing is notably slow, which could be intended to add depth but instead detracts from engagement. Will Graham, the protagonist, is shrouded in enigma, which makes it difficult for viewers to connect emotionally or intellectually. The film fails to clearly define pivotal relationships, such as the one between Graham and his brother, leaving audiences questioning their backstory and its relevance.

The film's somber tone is pervasive, offering minimal relief through humor or lighter moments. Among the cast, Jonathan Meyers' portrayal of Davey provides a brief glimpse of vivacity, while Malcolm McDowell delivers a memorable, if over-the-top, performance in his limited screen time. Jamie Foreman's depiction of Mickster is commendable, offering some depth to the ensemble. However, many characters fade into obscurity due to consistently understated performances, which prevent them from making a lasting impression. Trevor Preston's screenplay, though grounded in B-movie traditions, lacks the cinematic flair needed to elevate the film beyond its small-screen sensibilities.

The Blu-ray release from Via Vision Entertainment is based on an older master by Paramount Pictures. It offers a satisfactory visual presentation but does not enhance or detract significantly from the original material's impact. This edition is a welcome release for existing fans of the film but may not convert new viewers due to its inherent narrative limitations. While the intention might have been to explore complex themes, "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" doesn't provide enough clarity or resolution for these ideas to resonate effectively. RECOMMENDED only for those who already appreciate the intricacies of Hodges' storytelling style.