The Linguini Incident Blu-ray Review

"The Linguini Incident" arrives on Blu-ray through MVD Visual’s MVD Marquee Collection with an outstanding AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The film, originally shot in 1990, has undergone a transformation courtesy of a comprehensive 4K scan of the interpositive sourced from Europe. This results in a vibrant 1080p presentation characterized by a richly detailed and slightly eccentric color palette that shines noticeably in scenes set in the restaurant. The rendition of fine details, particularly in fabrics and textures such as Bowie's distinctive shirts, is impressively crisp. Natural grain remains intact, enhancing the film's cinematic authenticity without the interference of processing artifacts.

In terms of visual fidelity, the presentation is exceptional, maintaining healthy saturation and warm contrast that accurately renders flesh tones. Black levels are deep and clearly defined, contributing to the overall clarity and sharpness of the film's cinematography. The director's cut, running for a brisk 92 minutes, is cleanly encoded on a BD-50 disc and stands out against the included standard-definition theatrical version, which shows its age with visible quality limitations.

This Blu-ray release marks a significant improvement and offers a robust viewing experience, especially for a film that had been elusive on home media for years. It is rare for catalog titles from the ’90s to receive such diligent restoration treatment, making "The Linguini Incident" a noteworthy release. While MVD has not always been synonymous with high-definition excellence, this project showcases notable effort and delivers an impressive visual presentation for the discerning viewer.

The audio presentation of "The Linguini Incident" on Blu-ray features an LPCM 2.0 Mono audio track, aligning with its original Ultra-Stereo theatrical release from 1991, though the mixing leans towards a narrow center-focused imaging, effectively resembling mono. The sound quality exhibits a slightly bright and thin upper end, but not to a disruptive degree. This track offers a well-balanced auditory experience, supporting both Thomas Newman's engaging score and the film's integral dialogue efficiently.

Dialogue clarity is commendable, with distinct reproduction throughout the track, ensuring the comedic and dramatic elements remain intact. Despite this, dynamics are perceived as merely serviceable, requiring some expectations to be tempered in terms of spatial delivery. The mix also strategically prioritizes the lower frequencies, which enhances the sound structure albeit potentially at the expense of some higher-frequency articulation.

The soundtrack includes varied musical pieces, including contributions from artists like the Meat Puppets. Recording fidelity is robust, delivering an overall punchy auditory experience that complements the film's dialogue-driven ambiance. Additionally, optional English subtitles are supplied in a yellow font, supporting accessibility. This audio presentation serves to effectively capture the essence of the film’s original soundscape, offering an engaging auditory experience for fans and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "The Linguini Incident" offers a rich array of extras that provide an in-depth exploration of the film's production and legacy. Notably, the package features two distinct audio commentaries: one with director Richard Shepard solo and another accompanied by key cast members and crew, moderated by Heath Holland, offering diverse insights into the film's creation. The extensive making-of documentary, presented in high definition, is a standout feature with comprehensive interviews from the cast and crew, excluding David Bowie. Also included is the original theatrical version, albeit presented in standard definition with its initial editing limitations. Additional supplements such as a photo gallery, a succinct introduction by Richard Shepard, and both original and updated theatrical trailers enhance the viewer experience. Importantly, a 16-page booklet provides essays by Graham Rinaldi and Richard Shepard, although some editorial missteps are noted.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Commentary: Solo insights by Richard Shepard.
• Director and Cast Commentary: Featuring Shepard, Arquette, Balint, Jackson, Brott, moderated by Heath Holland.
• The Making of The Linguini Incident: Extensive documentary featuring cast and crew interviews.
• Original Theatrical Version: Standard definition version with original editing.
• Photo Gallery: Visual memories narrated by Richard Shepard.
• Introduction by Richard Shepard: Discusses the creation of the director’s cut.
• 2024 Theatrical Trailer: Recent promotional trailer.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Upscaled version showcasing original marketing.
• Bonus Trailers from MVD: Collection of additional film trailers.

"The Linguini Incident," directed by Richard Shepard, emerges as a rediscovered gem from the early 1990s, featuring a strikingly eclectic cast led by music icon David Bowie and Rosanna Arquette. Known for its quirky caper plot interwoven with a romantic twist, this film saw limited attention on its release, perhaps due to audiences' struggle to reconcile Bowie's iconic stage persona with the subdued role of a bartender. Yet, Arquette's spirited portrayal of Lucy, a struggling escape artist, couples intriguingly with Bowie's reserved yet charming Monte, developing a unique chemistry centered around a whimsical and elaborate heist plan.

Visually, the film is marked by vibrant production design that complements its surreal narrative and slapstick comedy style, resembling classic screwball antics more than traditional romantic comedies. The supporting cast delivers significant comedic value, adding another layer of eccentricity that compensates for the film's occasionally uneven tone. Performances by Marlee Matlin and Buck Henry enhance the film’s offbeat vibe, contributing to its overall allure. Although some comedic moments seem disjointed, the film coasts along confidently on the charm of its diverse cast, with Arquette in particular standing out as a character to root for.

Despite Director Shepard's relative inexperience at the time of filming, "The Linguini Incident" displays considerable heart and creativity. Occasionally stepping away from linear storytelling, it showcases lively dialogue and inventive sight gags woven into its narrative fabric. This Blu-Ray release, specifically in its newly restored director’s cut, breathes new life into its playful yet poignant soul, inviting viewers to revisit or discover an unconventional story that balances humor with heartfelt sincerity through its memorable characters and whimsical escapades.

"The Linguini Incident" on Blu-ray offers an intriguing experience, combining top-notch performances by David Bowie and Rosanna Arquette with a unique comedic narrative. The film, originally released in the 1990s, is presented in a pristine transfer that enhances its visual appeal. The meticulous attention to detail in color correction and image stabilization ensures the visual quality matches modern standards while retaining the film's original charm. The audio experience is equally satisfying, with a clear sound mix that brings the film's eccentric soundtrack to life without overwhelming dialogue clarity.

This Blu-ray edition stands out due to its excellent array of supplemental materials. Fans and collectors will appreciate the insightful director's commentary and behind-the-scenes footage, which provide a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process and the cultural context of the era. The newly included director’s cut adds fresh dimensions to the narrative, offering both long-time fans and new viewers an enriched experience.

In conclusion, "The Linguini Incident" is an engaging title for those who appreciate eclectic films and are fans of its charismatic cast. The quirky nature of the film might be an acquired taste, but its robust technical presentation and compelling extras make it a worthy addition to a cinema aficionado’s collection. This Blu-ray release is a commendable offering that enhances the film's original appeal while solidifying its place in the annals of quirky 1990s cinema.