Jade 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Jade" by Vinegar Syndrome is a technically accomplished restoration that showcases significant care in reconstructing both the theatrical and director’s cuts. Both versions are presented in native 3840 x 2160p resolution, adhering to the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with support for Wide Colour Gamut, High Dynamic Range, and Dolby Vision. The extensive restoration process involved scanning the original 35mm camera negative for all shared sequences, with additional and extended scenes in the director’s cut sourced from a 35mm interpositive and, where necessary, an SD video master for a couple of shots that could not be located on film. These transitions are generally seamless, with only minor and brief quality drops detectable—most notably, a brief shift at approximately 47 minutes.

Visual fidelity is a notable highlight, particularly regarding fine detail and textural nuance—skin tones, hair, and production design details are rendered with striking clarity. The color timing, based on director William Friedkin's approved home video releases from the 1990s and early 2000s, is intentionally stylized and vibrant, making full use of Dolby Vision HDR to produce deep blacks, vivid hues (particularly greens, blues, and reds), and healthy skin tones. While the color palette is striking and delivers remarkable color accuracy and depth, some viewers may find the overall effect occasionally garish or oversaturated due to its stylized intent. Grain is finely managed, giving the presentation a distinctly filmic character without compromising clarity. Despite minor source limitations and subjective reactions to Friedkin's color preferences, this 4K UHD presentation revitalizes “Jade” with a dramatic increase in vibrancy and image quality compared to previous releases, remaining faithful to the director’s artistic vision.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of “Jade” offers an appreciably enhanced audio presentation, centered on a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and complemented by a 2.0 lossless stereo alternative. Notably, the Director’s Cut defaults to a 2.0 track and requires manual selection to access the 5.1 option for the main feature, a detail that correlates with brief but perceptible audio quality shifts during certain transitions (notably around the 47-minute mark). Both mixes exhibit excellent dialogue prioritization and clarity, ensuring spoken words remain sharply focused within the mix. James Horner’s score benefits greatly from this treatment, delicately balanced alongside well-delineated effects that punctuate key sequences, such as the dynamic car stunts.

While the stereo track provides a focused and tightly leveled presentation—balancing audio elements with precision—the 5.1 surround mix truly stands out for its immersive qualities and engaging soundstage. The surround channels are notably active: ambient party noise, screeching tires, and musical cues all make dynamic use of rear speakers. Subtle sound design choices, such as the echoing of a piano strike across the surround field, successfully create an enveloping and lively auditory environment. Overall, although it doesn’t reach modern demo standards due to the constraints of its mid-90s source material, this release preserves the film’s sonic intent while delivering a spirited and spacious home video upgrade.

The extras package for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Jade" is thoughtfully curated, favoring quality over quantity. The welcome inclusion of the elusive Unrated Director’s Cut, painstakingly restored in 4K, stands out as a major highlight, enriching the film's reputation and offering valuable context on its production choices. Supplementary materials are robust: viewers gain insight through an audio commentary for the Theatrical Cut and a slate of interviews—both contemporary and archival—with key creatives such as screenwriter Joe Eszterhas and director William Friedkin. Noteworthy is a featurette with editorial staff, providing additional technical perspective. The well-constructed packaging, complete with a hard box case, slipcover, and an engaging booklet exploring critical interpretations and hidden narratives, further elevates the collector’s value.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary (Theatrical Cut): Analysis track by Jennifer Moorman.
Unrated Director's Cut: Restored version with extended content.
Eszterhas, Friedkin and Jade: Interview with screenwriter Joe Eszterhas.
Hysterical Blindness: William Friedkin at Paramount: Featurette with editor Augie Hess and assistant editor Darrin Navarro.
Director William Friedkin: Vintage interview by Charlie Rose.
Original Trailer: Theatrical promotional material.
Booklet: In-depth essays on the film’s production and themes.

William Friedkin’s Jade arrives as a fascinating, if ultimately uneven, entry in the 1990s erotic thriller genre. Propelled by Joe Eszterhas’ script—though reportedly heavily reworked by Friedkin—the film assembles a formidable cast, including David Caruso as Assistant DA David Corelli, Linda Fiorentino, Chazz Palminteri, Michael Biehn, and Richard Crenna. The plot weaves Corelli into a labyrinthine murder investigation tethered to political intrigue and high-class prostitution. Despite these promising credentials and strong performances, the narrative structure suffers from a lack of coherence. Key plot developments often occur less through organic character motivation than necessity, deploying abrupt twists that exhaust rather than engage, ultimately rendering the film a disjointed experience. While the mid-90s boom in erotic thrillers set high expectations—particularly with Eszterhas’ Basic Instinct precedent—Jade struggles to capture a similar blend of erotic charge and narrative propulsion.

Friedkin injects moments of undeniable craft, most notably with the film’s standout car chases through San Francisco, demonstrating his well-established command of kinetic action and spatial tension. However, where the film falters most is in its erotic ambitions; sexual tension is muted, character chemistry lacks conviction, and sequences intended to build seduction or authority often collapse into anticlimax or confusion. Fiorentino’s performance—as the titular figure—is especially emblematic: her portrayal alternates between detached confidence and vulnerability without fully inhabiting either. Director’s and theatrical cuts both retain flaws, with the former clarifying narrative points yet diluting the impact of key twists found in the original release. Ultimately, Jade is neither as disastrous as contemporary criticism suggested nor the misjudged masterpiece Friedkin later claimed. Instead, it remains a compelling curiosity of its genre—a flawed, messy thriller unable to reconcile its ambitions, yet still intermittently entertaining due to its pedigree and flashes of technical excellence.

"Jade" stands as a notorious oddity within the erotic thriller genre: a film torn between conflicting visions and tonal inconsistencies, resulting in an experience that is equal parts messy and fascinating. While the various creative forces never quite harmonize – with the script, direction, and performances often feeling at odds – there remains a certain curiosity and entertainment value in watching a production so embroiled in behind-the-scenes discord. "Jade" may never achieve the sleek intensity of its genre contemporaries, but its unique brand of incoherence and stylistic excess offers a rare look at a film striving for greatness, even as it falls short of its potential.

Technically, the 4K UHD release from Vinegar Syndrome is extraordinary. Presented in (mostly) original camera negative-restored 4K with Dolby Vision HDR, the image quality far surpasses any previous home video incarnation. Both the rare director's cut (not seen since VHS) and the theatrical version are included, giving fans unprecedented access to the film’s multiple forms. Audio quality is robust, enhancing the moody score and ambient design. The set is bolstered by lavish packaging—including a slipcase, hard case, and a booklet—as well as a broad suite of special features that deepen appreciation for the film’s troubled history.

In conclusion, Vinegar Syndrome’s 4K UHD release of "Jade" sets a new standard for cult film preservation. While the movie itself remains divisive—more a captivating artifact than a forgotten masterpiece—this edition represents careful curation and technical excellence. It is essential for genre enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the complexities of film history and restoration.