Born to Win Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Born to Win" provides an intriguing visual examination, benefitting from a 2K restoration sourced from a 35mm interpositive. The AVC encoded image maintains a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, revealing the film’s vintage urban grit through heavy but film-like grain. This grain, while occasionally diffusing clarity, imparts a fittingly raw texture that harmonizes with the film's gritty New York setting. Detail is particularly evident in the depiction of facial textures, hair, and period-specific clothing, alongside a commendable restoration that captures the bustling cityscape with substantial depth.

Color reproduction is vibrant and revitalized, significantly enhancing the film's visual portrayal. Reds make a strong statement with eye-catching elements such as apartment doors, ties, and standout set pieces like a vivid red bedroom. Yellows and greens further enrich the palette without overpowering the film's aesthetic. Despite occasional print damage, including scratches and nicks, contrast remains robust, offering substantial depth and stability across natural skin tones. Dense blacks lend heft to scenes while maintaining shadow delineation effectively, although some crush is present in select moments.

Overall, Vinegar Syndrome's efforts in restoring "Born to Win" have succeeded in drawing fans back to an overlooked piece of cinema history. Though the impact of some close-ups is softened by the pervasive grain, details like facial stubble and emotion-filled tears are well-preserved. The grimy authenticity of New York City is compellingly portrayed both day and night, contributing to the film's immersive atmosphere. While the transfer isn't flawless due to the film's historical wear, its restoration delivers a gratifying experience that celebrates the movie's raw edges and distinctive urban charm.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Born to Win" delivers an engaging yet uneven auditory experience powered by a 2.0 LPCM mix. While the mix effectively handles chaotic sound design, bringing to life street atmospherics and enhancing the film's undercurrent of menace, it struggles somewhat with dialogue prioritization. Dialogue exchanges, though generally clean, at times suffer from muffling, which can hinder comprehension and slightly detract from viewer immersion. The mix does maintain an appealing balance between scoring cues and performances, heightening the film's uniquely unsettled tone.

The LPCM 2.0 mono track showcases a commendable handling of music and effects, embracing a broad dynamic range. William Fischer's edgy score and the vibrant energy of "Ooh Poo Pah Doo," as performed by Ike and Tina Turner, are captured with clarity and enthusiasm, resonating well with the film's ambiance. Despite some issues with dialogue clarity, sonic accents such as screeching car wheels, revving engines, and gunfire sound distinct and sharp, complemented by well-rendered subtle atmospherics, including urban street noise and crashing waves. Notably, the track is free from distortion, age-related hiss, pops, or crackle, making it a technically sound offering that could benefit from improved dialogue focus.

The Blu-ray extras for "Born to Win" provide a rich, immersive experience into the film's historical and cultural context. The audio commentary by writer Jason Bailey and filmmaker Michael Hult is a standout feature, offering an in-depth analysis of the film's themes, production background, and its place in New York City's cinematic history. Bailey and Hull's dynamic discussion touches upon the realities of heroin addiction in the 1970s and offers thoughtful comparisons with "The Panic in Needle Park." They enrich the historical narrative with anecdotes and quotes from vintage interviews, making it an essential listening for enthusiasts. Additional features include a crisp snapshot of the film's visual promotional materials and original preview, both serving as nostalgic windows into the era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussions by writer Jason Bailey and filmmaker Michael Hult.
• Image Gallery: A slideshow of promotional material and film stills.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original movie preview.

Born to Win, a 1971 film directed by Ivan Passer, offers a potent portrayal of desperation and addiction set against the gritty backdrop of New York City’s underbelly during the early ‘70s. George Segal, breaking free from his usual roles, delivers a compelling performance as J.J., a former hairstylist turned heroin addict. Segal's attempt to reflect the chaotic life of a junkie awkwardly dances between dark comedy and devastating drama. The narrative showcases J.J.'s relationships with his dealer Vivian, played with relish by Hector Elizondo, and Parm, an eccentric woman brought to life by Karen Black. Passer's stylistic choices, including the use of location shooting and handheld cameras, lend authenticity to the film's urban setting. However, while the visual execution captures New York's raw grit, the story's aimlessness reflects the listlessness of its characters.

Despite its strong cast and immersive filmmaking techniques, Born to Win struggles to coalesce its components into a cohesive narrative. The film’s attempt at an ironic title misleads audience expectations, offering few victories for either J.J. or its viewers. Notable performances from De Niro in an early cop role and Prentiss as J.J.’s estranged wife hint at greater potential undermined by a meandering storyline. The balance between levity and harsh reality is uneven, with sporadic comedic moments failing to seamlessly integrate with the somber subject. While the film hints at redemption through J.J.'s relationship with Parm, it ultimately succumbs to the spiraling inertia of its central character.

For enthusiasts of 1970s cinema, Born to Win is intriguing as a historical artifact and a showcase of nascent talents. Its vibrant depiction of addiction hides beneath layers of offbeat charm and unenclosed narratives, leaving viewers trapped alongside its characters in a world bereft of resolution but rich in atmosphere.

"Born to Win" on Blu-ray is a compelling exploration of addiction and survival, set against the gritty backdrop of 1970s New York City. George Segal shines as J.J., a man caught in a web of self-destruction and moments of clarity, delivering a complex portrayal that captivates. Director Ivan Passer skillfully captures the era's raw atmosphere, albeit with a storyline that occasionally struggles to maintain cohesion between its comedic and dramatic elements. Nevertheless, the film's depiction of harsh realities remains impactful.

The Blu-ray presentation from Vinegar Syndrome provides a visually restored edition, though it maintains the graininess typical of the early '70s cinematography, which some viewers might find to enhance its authentic feel. The audio quality is adequately solid but would benefit from improved dialogue clarity. Additionally, the included lively commentary track enriches the viewing experience, offering deeper insights into the filmmaking process and context. This release will appeal to aficionados of 1970s cinema and those interested in the era's portrayal of urban life and struggle.

In conclusion, "Born to Win" is an uneven yet engaging film that intrigues with its strong performances and period authenticity. Despite its narrative shortcomings, the film remains a valuable piece of cinema with its exploration of addiction marked by Segal's meticulous performance and Passer's rich direction. While not without flaws, this Blu-ray release is a worthwhile acquisition for fans of retro cinema seeking an honest glimpse into an era defined by both despair and moments of light.