The Paper Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Paper" by Mill Creek unfortunately offers a video quality that falls short of modern expectations. Compared to a previous release by Universal, this transfer exhibits negligible improvements and retains similar shortcomings. The 1080p imagery reveals significant deficiencies, appearing much like an upscaled DVD. The grain presents as unnatural, heavily processed, and accompanied by artificial sharpening, suggesting a dated master poorly optimized for high definition.

Print damage is notably visible, with a continuous presence of pops and speckles throughout the film. The image struggles with edge enhancement, inadequately handled light, and occasional black level depth issues resulting in loss of shadow detail. Furthermore, the color palette lacks vibrancy and realism; while initially striking, it fails to sustain depth and authenticity. Particularly troublesome are the dominant reds, which often appear overblown and bleed excessively.

Overall, Mill Creek's presentation does achieve decent at-a-glance visuals with some notable detail in facial textures and scenic elements within the newspaper offices and printing presses. However, these highlights are overshadowed by an overall impression of a neglected transfer process. Key opportunities to revitalize "The Paper" into a more visually appealing format were missed, leaving this edition comparable to past DVD releases rather than a definitive Blu-ray experience. As such, it remains merely a passable option for viewing but far from what the original film's cinematography might achieve with a proper remastering effort.

The audio presentation of "The Paper" on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, surprisingly parallels its video counterpart in terms of underwhelming performance. The track's overall flatness is immediately apparent, leading to an experience that is more perfunctory than immersive. A significant point of concern lies in the dialogue which, despite driving the film, often feels subdued and lacks the necessary presence, even when played at reference volume. The film's bustling office scenes and the potential for environmental engagement, such as ringing phones and background chatter, remain disappointingly anchored to the front channels with scant surround utilization.

Further analysis reveals the limited engagement of the mix, especially in scenes burdened with sonic potential, such as the newspaper printing sequences. While minimal surround activity arises near the film's climax, it ultimately leaves the back channels mostly idle. Despite these shortcomings, some basic elements like sound detail clarity and forward soundstage width are competently managed. The track does perform adequately in maintaining balance, notably during musical interludes where the low-end can provide subtle yet effective enhancement.

Ultimately, while the soundtrack technically functions without major flaws, its lifeless execution and missed opportunities in surround balancing result in a presentation devoid of excitement or memorability. The newsroom ambiance remains grounded to the fronts with little dynamic shift, mirroring the static nature of New York's streets depicted in the film. While dialogue is appropriately balanced and shows no signs of degradation over time, this remains a baseline feature rather than a crowning achievement in audio engineering for this release.

Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of "The Paper" includes three well-produced extras, enhancing the viewing experience and offering valuable insights into the film's creation. The extras are informative and engaging, featuring thoughtful reflections and anecdotes from notable contributors involved in the making of the movie. Each piece is robust enough to explore various aspects such as the writing process, themes, and character development. Notably, there is an extensive interview with renowned director Ron Howard, a highlight that delves into multiple facets of this production. The retrospections delivered by the writers, Stephen and David Koepp, add depth to the understanding of the script and the thematic elements portrayed in the movie. Overall, these extras provide a comprehensive look at the creative journey behind "The Paper," while Mill Creek’s inclusion of a Retro VHS slipcover offers a nostalgic touch for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Between the Lines: Inside The Paper: Ron Howard reflects on his experiences with Universal, casting, and thematic elements.
• Shines for All: Stephen Koepp on The Paper: Writer Stephen Koepp discusses story, themes, and characters over film clips.
• Stop the Press: David Koepp on The Paper: Writer David Koepp provides insight into the writing process and narrative themes.

"The Paper," directed by Ron Howard, serves as a vibrant encapsulation of the chaotic world of newspaper journalism in the 1990s. The film captures the essence of a bustling newsroom over a single day, deftly weaving drama and comedy. The ensemble cast, featuring Michael Keaton in the central role of Henry Hackett, exhibits a well-crafted dynamic that brilliantly portrays the authenticity of the newsroom's hustle and personal strife. Howard's direction orchestrates this symphony of personalities within a crowded office space, where characters' dialogues overlap and emotions simmer. With actors like Glenn Close and Robert Duvall, the film brings to life a rich spectrum of character depth, lending authenticity to the narrative's push-pull theme.

The movie's strength lies in its ability to explore complex themes, such as the tension between profit and integrity in journalism, without succumbing to nostalgia. It presents a vivid portrait of a pre-digital newsroom grappled with maintaining journalistic integrity amid financial pressures. The screenplay by David and Stephen Koepp echoes an Aaron Sorkin-like dialogue intensity, capturing rapid-fire exchanges that paint a realistic picture of journalistic fervor. Through its focus on racial divisions and editorial dilemmas, "The Paper" delves into issues relevant both in the '90s and today, providing an unexpected depth beneath its comedic veneer.

The film's setting provides no respite—a testament to Howard's skillful handling of pacing. Scenes portraying editorial bedlam offer unrelenting energy, featuring memorable moments like a comical yet intense printing room scuffle and Henry's daring confrontations. The palpable stress is balanced by the protagonist's loose demeanor, making the narrative gripping yet accessible. Keaton shines as he navigates between humor and serious undertones, crafting a protagonist both relatable and entertaining amidst the unfolding drama. By capturing these facets, "The Paper" remains a compelling snapshot of journalistic reality distinct from the digital age.

"The Paper" delivers an engaging look at an American newspaper’s bustling newsroom on the cusp of the digital transition, packed with humor and intensity. The star-studded cast, coupled with deft direction, orchestrates a narrative that's consistently gripping, though perhaps not quite deserving of the label 'classic'. Despite its solid story and dream ensemble, the real disappointment lies in Universal’s Blu-ray release, which regrettably falls short in audiovisual quality and lacks additional content.

Mill Creek's alternative Blu-ray offering conveys negligible improvements in sound and picture compared to Universal's version. However, it does include additional extras that add some value, tipping the balance in its favor due to supplemental materials and functional enhancements such as a menu screen and slipcover. These additions make it a more attractive option for collectors who are interested in both content and presentation, especially given its competitive price point.

In conclusion, while "The Paper" remains an entertaining romp through pre-digital journalism enhanced by a talented cast and solid storytelling, its Blu-ray restoration needs a substantially superior effort for full appreciation. Mill Creek's version offers a qualitative edge over Universal’s release without breaking the bank and is currently the more appealing choice for aficionados eager to experience this vivid slice of journalism nostalgia.