Grosse Pointe Blank Blu-ray Review

Disney's transfer of "Grosse Pointe Blank" onto Blu-ray, rendered in a 1080p/AVC-encoded video format within the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, achieves mixed results in its effort to elevate the film's visual presentation beyond its DVD predecessor. Despite heralding from what seems to be an older, DVD-era source, there are moments of clarity and vivid detail that manage to impress, particularly in close-ups where textures and nuances unseen on DVD become evident. The film exhibits a consistent, though not overly aggressive, grain structure that contributes to a filmic quality. However, the enhancement employed often manifests as thick halos and edge enhancements, detracting significantly from the general viewing experience. Colors have been warmed up with primaries appearing more vivid, and black levels deepened, although this leads to an occasional imbalance, with blacks sometimes appearing crushed, notably in dimly lit scenes.

The handling of the digital restoration promised by the back cover seems to have fallen short of expectations. Visual details are satisfactorily preserved, with a moderate layer of grain that unfortunately translates into noise in certain shots, particularly those set against the sky. The image frequently appears soft and sometimes flat, especially in midrange shots, which lack the depth and clarity one might anticipate from a Blu-ray transfer. Color reproduction is somewhat muted overall, though certain hues manage to stand out, despite occasionally bleeding. Moreover, edge enhancement issues sporadically arise throughout the film, distracting but not entirely diminishing the overall viewing experience.

In summary, while "Grosse Pointe Blank's" Blu-ray video presentation does outdo its DVD release in terms of color vibrancy, depth, and detail, it is beset by several significant issues. These include noticeable edge halos, inconsistent black levels, and a general softness that suggests an updated master could have greatly enhanced the visual fidelity. Despite these drawbacks, there are still instances where the film's visual presentation manages to impress, albeit inconsistently. The result is a Blu-ray transfer that feels like a missed opportunity to fully realize the film's visual potential in high definition.

The audio presentation of "Grosse Pointe Blank" on Blu-ray benefits tremendously from its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, ensuring that the film's eclectic and highly praised '80s soundtrack is delivered with outstanding clarity and depth. The selection of iconic tunes, ranging from The Clash and Violent Femmes to Queen, not only provides a robust and engaging backdrop but also utilizes the soundfield effectively, creating an immersive atmosphere that often surpasses the visual experience. While the movie's score and these seminal tracks take precedence, giving full life and body across the channels, it's important to note that the utilization of the LFE and rear speakers leans heavily towards the musical elements, with action scenes and environmental sounds offering a healthy but not earth-shattering low-end presence.

Dialogue in the film remains crisp and intelligible for the most part, though moments of strain or muffling occasionally pierce through, likely a remnant of the original sound design rather than a flaw in the transfer itself. This slight inconsistency doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience, given the soundtrack's strength and the adequate handling of speech in the mix. The film’s auditory ambiance, while sometimes feeling constrained, cleverly opens up during more dynamic scenes, allowing for a more expansive soundstage that adds to the enjoyment of the action sequences. Gunfire and explosions may not shake the room as contemporary mixes might, but they are effectively realized within this track’s scope, providing sufficient punch and cross-channel movement to engage the viewer.

Ultimately, despite the relatively minor shortcomings related to dialogue clarity and a somewhat limited soundstage during quieter moments, "Grosse Pointe Blank" has never sounded better on home media. The DTS-HD MA track shines, making it a satisfying audio experience for both fans of the film and audiophiles alike. The soundtrack is the undeniable star of the show, echoing through each channel with a vibrancy that pays homage to the era it celebrates, further complemented by a respectable handling of action elements and ambient sounds that round out this solid audio presentation.

The extra presentation of the "Grosse Pointe Blank" Blu-ray, notably marked as the 15th Anniversary Edition, is perplexingly scant, featuring solely the film's theatrical trailer in standard definition. This bare-minimum approach is a stark disappointment given the occasion, leaving fans longing for the expected celebratory inclusions such as a director's commentary or retrospective featurettes. The decision to forgo supplementary content not only undervalues the film's legacy but also overlooks an opportune moment to enhance the viewing experience with deeper insights and behind-the-scenes looks. In being direct, the lack of effort to acknowledge this anniversary edition with meaningful extras is a missed opportunity that does little justice to the film's enduring appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The film's theatrical trailer.

'Grosse Pointe Blank' effortlessly stands as a quintessential example of how to blend genres to craft a film that remains impactful and memorable years after its initial release. At its core, the movie is a brilliantly dark comedy, yet it skilfully melds elements of romance, action, and drama into a concoction that's as unique as it is delightful. The narrative follows Martin Blank (a role that John Cusack seems born to play), a professional assassin with more than his fair share of emotional baggage, back to his hometown for his high school reunion. Herein lies the film's master stroke: using a high school reunion as a backdrop for existential ponderings and life-and-death scenarios not only provides ample humor but also a poignant commentary on the nature of change and the roads not taken.

The casting is another of 'Grosse Pointe Blank’s undeniable strengths. Cusack's portrayal of Blank as the likable hitman wrestling with his own conscience is both charming and captivating, ensuring that the character remains sympathetic even as he contemplates his next kill. Minnie Driver, as Blank's high school sweetheart Debi, provides a grounded and relatable presence that wonderfully complements Cusack’s sometimes-eccentric performance. Their chemistry is palpable and provides much of the film's emotional core. The supporting cast, including Alan Arkin as Blank's psychiatrist and Dan Aykroyd as a rival assassin, add depth and hilarity that ensure the narrative never loses its momentum or appeal.

Technically, the film is a testament to the power of tight scripting and direction. Despite being penned by multiple writers, 'Grosse Pointe Blank' maintains a cohesive voice that’s both witty and insightful. Director George Armitage navigates the film's drastic tonal shifts with a deft hand, balancing the absurdity of an assassin at a high school reunion with moments of genuine emotion and introspection. The action scenes, while not the film’s primary focus, are executed with an enthusiasm that matches the movie’s overall tone - they're thrilling without ever feeling out of place amid the character-driven moments. Ultimately, 'Grosse Pointe Blank' achieves a rare balance, offering viewers a seamless mix of laughter, action, and heart.

The Blu-ray release of "Grosse Pointe Blank," despite its label as a 15th Anniversary Edition, leaves much to be desired in terms of its overall presentation. On the positive side, the audio quality remains a strong suit, with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track delivering an anniversary-worthy listening experience that admirers of the film will certainly appreciate. However, the video quality falls short, presenting a dated and dreary image that only slightly surpasses its DVD counterpart. Furthermore, the lack of effort put into the supplemental materials is glaringly apparent, with no new features to entice or engage fans of this cult-classic film, which deftly combines action, comedy, and an unexpectedly sweet romance.

Despite these shortcomings, "Grosse Pointe Blank" retains its charm and appeal, largely due to the strength of the movie itself. Its unique blend of genres manages to overcome minor pacing issues and a relatively thin plot, making it an enduringly cool flick worthy of any collection. Yet, the decision by Buena Vista to release such a barebones version for its anniversary leaves a lot to be desired. Fans and newcomers alike may find themselves underwhelmed by the lack of attention given to upgrading the film’s visual aspects or enriching the viewing experience with special features or insightful extras.

In conclusion, while "Grosse Pointe Blank" remains as captivating and entertaining as ever, this 15th Anniversary Blu-ray edition fails to do justice to the film’s legacy. The superior audio quality cannot fully compensate for the outdated video transfer and the disappointing absence of supplemental content. This release may occupy a place on the shelves of dedicated fans, but it also serves as a missed opportunity to celebrate and reinvigorate interest in this genre-bending classic. Optimistically, future editions will address these shortcomings and provide a more fitting tribute to this beloved film.