Rumble Fish Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Rumble Fish showcases an impressive 16-bit 4K digital transfer, meticulously supervised by the original director of photography, Stephen H. Burum, and approved by Francis Ford Coppola. Sourced from the 35mm original camera negative and scanned with a DFT Scanity film scanner, this restoration involved extensive manual removal of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps using MTI Film's DRS. The attention to detail is further emphasized through the use of Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter, flicker, grain, and noise management. The new transfer presents the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with an AVC-encoded 1080p resolution.

Comparatively, the new 4K master offers substantial improvements over previous releases, particularly in delineation and depth. The Criterion transfer avoids the problematic filtering and sharpening corrections seen in prior editions, maintaining a fine layer of healthy grain and delivering a much more organic visual experience. The color grading on this release leans toward a slightly darker palette, enhancing blacks while providing superior detail retention, especially in darker scenes. The image stability is commendable, with no discernible debris, scratches, or other age-related imperfections.

The alternate versions previously available, such as the Region-B release from Eureka's Masters of Cinema, exhibited higher brightness and contrast but fell short due to excessive filtering and more print artifacts. Criterion's iteration corrects these issues, presenting a cleaner, more nuanced visual experience. Although a minor chroma noise is present, it is not distracting and does little to detract from the overall high quality of this transfer. Criterion’s attention to ensuring the visual integrity of Rumble Fish, while aligning closely with the director's artistic vision, makes this release a definitive upgrade for collectors and cinephiles alike.

The Blu-ray release of Rumble Fish offers two exemplary audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, each restored with meticulous attention to detail. The 2.0 surround soundtrack, remastered from the 35mm original magnetic print master track, exhibits a noticeably improved clarity, particularly in the mid/high ranges, suggesting recent enhancements or overall upgrades in fidelity. This track has been formally approved by both Coppola and sound designer Richard Beggs. For those preferring an immersive experience, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, created in 2003, uses dialogue, music, and effects stems to ensure a balanced and enriching auditory experience, also endorsed by Coppola.

Both audio tracks deliver extraordinary depth and fidelity, free from any age-related imperfections such as clicks, thumps, hiss, or crackle. Dialogue is impressively clear and consistently delivered across the front speakers. The rhythmic and percussive-heavy soundtrack by Stewart Copeland of the Police adds a unique atmospheric quality, creating pulsating sonic booms that resonate through the surround channels. This effective use of sound design corresponds well with the film's dramatic intensity and emotional depth. Dolby Pro Logic decoding is recommended for users engaging with the 2.0 surround soundtrack to maximize their audio experience. Although there isn't an alternate track featuring music and effects only, as seen on the UK disc, the presented tracks maintain a high standard of audio professionalism and technical superiority, further enhanced by optional English SDH subtitles provided for accessibility.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Rumble Fish" offers a thorough compendium of extras that extensively explore the film’s conception, production, and cultural impact. From brand-new interviews with director Francis Ford Coppola discussing the film’s visual style to author S.E. Hinton reflecting on her novel's themes, the supplements provide rich insights into the collaborative efforts behind this cult classic. Highlights include a conversation with cinematographer Stephen H. Burum and production designer Dean Tavoularis on German Expressionism’s influence, as well as a compelling documentary by Alberto Fuguet on the film's resonance in South America. Archival materials and insightful featurettes round out this robust package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interviews:

  • Francis Ford Coppola: Discusses the film’s conception and visual style.
  • S.E. Hinton: Insights into the book’s key themes and characters.
  • Matt Dillon and Diane Lane: Reflections on acting and Coppola’s directing.
  • Stephen H. Burum and Dean Tavoularis: Discussion on filming techniques.
  • Roman Coppola: Memories from the production process.
  • Mickey Rourke: Archival interview about his role.

• Behind-the-Scenes:

  • On Location in Tulsa: Pre-production footage and comments from the crew.
  • Rumble Fish: The Percussion-Based Score: Stewart Copeland on the soundtrack creation.

• Documentaries:

  • Locations: Looking for Rusty James: Impact of the film in South America.

• Additional Features:

  • Deleted Scenes: Presented with an introduction by Coppola.
  • Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
  • Camus for Kids: New piece on the film’s existentialist elements.
  • Don’t Box Me In: Original music video by Stewart Copeland.

• Bonus Materials Overview:

  • Commentary: Audio track featuring Francis Ford Coppola.
  • Leaflet: An essay by critic Glenn Kenny.

By compiling both new and archival content, this Blu-ray edition deepens appreciation for "Rumble Fish," offering a nuanced look at its artistic and cultural layers.

Francis Ford Coppola's "Rumble Fish," released on Blu-ray by Criterion, represents an introspective journey into themes of broken families, brotherly bonds, and the quest for identity. Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the narrative follows Rusty James (Matt Dillon) as he navigates his tumultuous life influenced by the enigmatic presence of his older brother, Motorcycle Boy (Mickey Rourke). Coppola's vivid black-and-white cinematography by Stephen H. Burum lends a brooding tone and a narrower frame with the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, emphasizing character-focused intimacy. The fluidity of the visuals and its moody expressionist style echo the French New Wave, while intense gang fights introduce a raw edginess. Though stylistically captivating, the film's art-house nuances occasionally make the characters' dilemmas appear too lofty.

"Rumble Fish" is distinguished by its evocative production design and atmospheric soundtrack by Stewart Copeland of The Police. Coppola's decision to film in black and white aligns with the thematic bleakness and a more personal, experimental approach compared to his previous work. The cast delivers strong performances across the board, with Matt Dillon's portrayal of Rusty James standing out through his palpable chemistry with Diane Lane (Patty) and solid supporting roles from future stars like Nicolas Cage, Laurence Fishburne, and Chris Penn. Mickey Rourke’s portrayal of the Motorcycle Boy adds depth and complexity, paralleling a fragmented father figure played by Dennis Hopper. Despite mixed initial reception due to its bold style, "Rumble Fish" emerges as one of Coppola's most intimate films, underscoring its emotional resonance and nuanced exploration of existential challenges.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Rumble Fish" is a masterclass in film restoration and presentation. Under the meticulous guidance of cinematographer Stephen H. Burum, the film has undergone a full 4K restoration, ensuring the highest visual fidelity. The presentation reveals the intricate monochromatic cinematography in stunning detail, showcasing Francis Ford Coppola's most personal film with unparalleled clarity. The new 4K scan captures every nuance and texture with precision, offering an experience that far surpasses previous releases. Complementing the visual restoration is a remastered stereo audio track and an impressive 5.1 remix, both rendering soundscapes that immerse viewers into the film's atmospheric world.

The Blu-ray release doesn't stop at technical excellence; it's supplemented with an array of exclusive features that provide deep insights into Coppola's creative process. These include both new and archival materials, some of which draw fascinating parallels to another cult classic from Coppola, "The Outsiders." The supplemental content is comprehensive and enriching, earning the title of Mega Special Edition. Fans of the cast and Coppola's work will find these extras to be invaluable in understanding the broader context and legacy of "Rumble Fish."

Arguably Francis Ford Coppola's most personal film, "Rumble Fish" has been fully restored in 4K under the supervision of its cinematographer, Stephen H. Burum. The folks at Criterion deserve substantial credit for delivering a release that not only meets but exceeds expectations. This is a film that desperately needed a proper release, one that would have been impossible with the outdated master Universal Studios had in its vaults. The extensive selection of new and archival supplemental features adds significant value, making this a fantastic release. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.