Born Yesterday Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Born Yesterday" features an impressive 1080p, 1.85:1 aspect ratio transfer that stands out among Mill Creek's finest offerings. The print is remarkably clean, with minimal signs of damage or aging. Throughout the film, moderate to light grain adds a pleasingly filmic texture that enhances the viewing experience. The image quality maintains a natural and consistent clarity, though it can appear slightly soft and hazy due to deliberately diffuse lighting techniques. This intentional softness does not detract but rather adds an authentic aesthetic consistent with the film's original presentation.

Color reproduction is even and pleasant, though slightly subdued; vibrant colors do emerge in specific scenes, such as a striking red dress. Furthermore, black levels are consistently deep, contributing to the overall contrast and depth of field. Darker scenes, though well-rendered for the most part, exhibit some heavy noise that might distract but does not significantly detract from the experience. Flesh tones maintain a slightly rosy complexion, aligning well with the film's visual style. The print has been meticulously cleaned, with no noticeable specks or blemishes, and artifacts like edge halos and banding are virtually absent.

This transfer strikes a balance between preserving the original filmic quality while offering clear and dependable detail across various elements like faces, clothes, and settings. Minor issues such as slight haziness in select shots and occasional flatness in the image do exist, but they do not overshadow the overall solid execution of the transfer. Despite these minor imperfections, Mill Creek has managed to deliver a high-quality presentation that enhances the visual narrative of "Born Yesterday."

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack for "Born Yesterday" delivers a basic audio experience that remains serviceable yet far from immersive. Dialogue is clean but tends to have a hushed tone, often overshadowed by the more pronounced music and effects. The score plays with clarity and spacing, whether it is an energetic musical piece or light background ambiance, though it remains somewhat dated and fails to elevate beyond a two-channel offering.

While minor ambiance is handled well, such as the dinner scene in chapter seven or the passing traffic in Washington, D.C. in chapter eight, the soundstage lacks the desired directionality and immersion. Fidelity is solid with decent dynamic range, but bass activity remains minimal, fitting for this genre. There are faint echoes of ambiance in the surrounds, yet any discrete or disperse effects are notably absent, making the overall mix appear rather anemic.

The balance between the audio elements is well-managed, ensuring that all components are audible and non-intrusive. Although it doesn't push the capabilities of advanced sound systems, listeners should find the soundtrack acceptable for what it aims to provide. Overall, "Born Yesterday's" audio presentation is middling but adequate, capturing the essentials without delivering an extraordinary aural experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Born Yesterday" includes a modest but vital selection of extras that cater well to enthusiasts of classic cinema. The most notable supplementary content is the Theatrical Trailer presented in standard definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio. While the extras might appear limited in scope, they provide a quick yet nostalgic glimpse into the film’s original promotional material. This inclusion, although brief and standard, maintains a professional quality aligned with the overall presentation of the Blu-ray disc, ensuring that viewers get a concise historical context of the movie's initial release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Standard definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio, showcasing the original promotional material for "Born Yesterday".

Luis Mandoki's 1993 remake of "Born Yesterday" is a breezy, somewhat charming comedy though it's often bogged down by its own shortcomings. The plot centers on Harry Brock, portrayed assertively by John Goodman, a domineering businessman who brings his clueless girlfriend, Billie Dawn (Melanie Griffith), to Washington, D.C., to close a construction deal. In an effort to avoid public embarrassment from her naïveté, Harry hires journalist Paul Verrall (Don Johnson) to educate Billie. Mandoki's film mirrors the classic rags-to-riches archetype with a modern twist: rags are replaced by ignorance and riches by sudden intellectual awakening. Griffith delivers an uneven performance that hovers between endearing and annoyingly over-the-top, while Johnson and Goodman offer solid supporting roles, albeit sometimes veering towards caricature.

While Wisely balancing humor and light drama, "Born Yesterday" deals subtly with themes of self-discovery and societal facades. The chemistry between Griffith and Johnson adds an occasional spark, leveraging their real-life relationship at the time. Goodman's portrayal of Harry oscillates between an abrasive misogynist and a softer figure trying not to slip into one-dimensionality. The script, though occasionally witty, typically fails to delve deeply into its more profound themes of individualism and empowerment. Some scenes, such as Billie's inventive way of using eight standard responses to political questions or her mnemonic teaching moments, shine with creativity yet are too sporadic to elevate the film substantially.

Technically, the film is competent but thoroughly unexceptional. The direction and screenplay follow predictable paths, plagued by dated early '90s sensibilities, including the score and clichéd montage sequences. Despite hints at deeper societal critique, the film remains largely a superficial comedy that rarely evokes anything beyond mild amusement. For all its minor successes in humor and charm, "Born Yesterday" altogether presents itself as a disposable piece of cinema that fails to leave a lasting impression. It is a well-intentioned but ultimately forgettable remake that does little to justify its existence on Blu-ray.

"Born Yesterday," a 1993 film directed by Luis Mandoki, explores themes of confidence, self-worth, and the significance of seeing the world through one's own eyes rather than being manipulated by another's perspective. The narrative balances humor and drama, driven by steady direction and commendable performances from its talented cast. Although it's not the pinnacle of cinematic achievements from the 1990s, the film holds its own as a charming and worthwhile viewing experience. It speaks to the essence of breaking free from stifling situations and discovering one's true potential.

Mill Creek Entertainment's Blu-ray release delivers a solid technical presentation with respectable video and audio quality. The high-definition transfer breathes new life into the visuals, faithfully reproducing colors and details to enhance the viewing experience. The audio track, while unremarkable, adequately supports the film's content, ensuring dialogues and background scores are clear and appropriately balanced. However, this release disappoints in the area of supplementary content, offering nothing beyond a standard definition trailer. This sparse inclusion leaves enthusiasts wanting more depth and context about the film's creation and impact.

Despite its mixed reception at release and somewhat outdated sensibilities, "Born Yesterday" finds a second wind on Blu-ray due to its technical merits. While some may find the film forgettable, its core message and competent execution render it a notable entry on any movie lover’s radar. Given the affordability of this release and the quality of the video and audio presentation, "Born Yesterday" is a recommended addition for collectors and fans seeking to revisit this offbeat yet heartwarming story.