The Last Movie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Dennis Hopper's The Last Movie by Arbelos presents the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, utilizing a pristine 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. This release benefits from an intensive 4K restoration process by L'Immagine Ritrovata, producing a result that maintains the film's integrity while enhancing its visual appeal. The restoration meticulously cleaned numerous instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, tears, flicker, and warps using Digital Vision's Phoenix software, leaving the natural grain mostly untouched. The reference for the restoration color grade was a 2007 35mm print supervised by director Dennis Hopper and cinematographer László Kovács, ensuring fidelity to the original vision.

Visually, the transfer offers exceptional depth, impressive delineation, and stable fluidity, which will be especially appreciated by those with larger screens. The color grading is convincingly executed with solid primary colors and well-balanced nuances. Image stability is exemplary with virtually all debris, cuts, damage marks, stains, and other age-related anomalies removed to the best extent possible. Skin tones exhibit even detail, capturing subtle aspects like sweat and 5 o’clock shadows realistically. While some fluctuations in quality are noticeable due to the variability of the source elements used in certain scenes, the overall output is a robust and organic representation of the film's texture.

This Blu-ray edition harnesses modern technology to deliver a high-quality presentation that was nearly unattainable a decade ago, featuring beautifully resolved grain with no digital anomalies. The final outcome is a significant enhancement over previous viewings of the film, crowned by the meticulous restoration efforts of professionals in the field. A fantastic visual treat for both long-time aficionados and new viewers alike.

The Blu-Ray release of "The Last Movie" offers a single, standard audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English subtitles. This presentation features clean, stable, and nicely balanced audio with absolutely no distortions, pops, or other noticeable background age-related imperfections. Listeners will appreciate the meticulous remastering effort that preserves the native qualities of Dennis Hopper's original sound design.

The original monaural soundtrack has been restored and remastered from the original 35mm elements, now presented on a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Dialogue is clear and strong with minimal age-related issues such as popping, crackling, or hissing. This release arguably provides the best audio experience since the film's initial release, reflecting the true intentions of its creators.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Last Movie" deliver a comprehensive and engaging behind-the-scenes look at Dennis Hopper's audacious project. Highlights include "Scene Missing," a fascinating documentary featuring interviews with key figures from the production, and "Some Kind of Genius," a 1987 portrait of Hopper's career. The inclusion of the "Postcards From Peru" provides fresh insights from the Peruvian crew, enhancing our understanding of the production's locale. The archival "Dick Cavett Show" segment and Hopper's 2007 video introduction further enrich the viewer's experience, providing context and personal anecdotes. Technical aficionados will appreciate the "Restoration Demo," showcasing the meticulous 4K restoration process. This package is augmented by vintage trailers and an illustrated booklet filled with insightful essays and historical content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Archival introduction by Dennis Hopper recorded in 2007.
• Theatrical Trailer: Vintage trailer from 1971.
• Restoration Trailer: New trailer for the 4K restoration.
• Scene Missing: Alex Cox presents interviews with production crew.
• Some Kind of Genius: 1987 documentary on Dennis Hopper.
• Postcards From Peru: 2018 documentary with Peruvian crew interviews.
• The Dick Cavett Show: 1971 episode segment featuring Dennis Hopper.
• Restoration Demo: Before-and-after comparison of the 4K restoration.
• Booklet: 40-page illustrated booklet with new essays and a historical article.

Dennis Hopper's "The Last Movie" (1971) emerges on Blu-ray as a bold, experimental piece that challenges narrative conventions and explores the blurred line between fiction and reality. Set in a remote Peruvian village, Hopper plays Kansas, a horse wrangler/stunt coordinator disillusioned following a fatal accident on set. He remains behind after the production leaves, falling for a local woman, Maria (Stella Garcia). However, the villagers, unable to distinguish between movie magic and real violence, start reenacting the film's mayhem. The story juxtaposes Hopper's dual existence: the struggling professional in a remorseless industry and the dreamer seeking authenticity in life.

The film employs a non-linear narrative style and jarring jump cuts, reflecting Hopper's intention to create an American version of a Jean-Luc Godard or Alejandro Jodorowsky film. It's deeply personal, with Hopper’s artistic anguish and joie de vivre palpable in every frame. Cinematographer László Kovács’ skillful work and the involvement of cult director Alejandro Jodorowsky in editing provide visual aesthetic worth noting. Performances are compelling, with Hopper leading a cast of notable character actors. Despite its chaotic production history and initial reception, the film's power lies in its exploratory bravery and the risks it takes with narrative form.

Supporting characters enhance the surreal narrative, notably Tomas Milian as the priest critiquing the re-enactments, and a constellation of American New Wave talents including Peter Fonda and Kris Kristofferson. Stella Garcia plays her role with earnest sensibility, adding emotional depth amid the turmoil. While "The Last Movie" wavers in coherence—particularly its disjointed latter half—its audacious approach offers a glimpse into Hopper's troubled genius. The presentation on Blu-ray by Arbelos, complete with vintage promotional materials and a 40-page booklet, only enhances this cinematic artifact's appreciation for both new viewers and seasoned cinephiles.

Dennis Hopper's "The Last Movie" remains an audacious entry in cinematic experimentation, often drawing comparisons to the works of Jean-Luc Godard for its unconventional narrative structure. Arbelos Films’ Blu-Ray release employs a meticulous 4K restoration that brings out the film’s visual intricacies, highlighting László Kovács' exceptional cinematography. The restoration effort has ensured that even the most minute details are vivid and crisp, providing an indispensable quality enhancement for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Noteworthy in this edition is the robust audio and visual presentation, creating an immersive viewing experience that stands out significantly from its previous home video counterparts. The supplemental features delve into the film’s turbulent production and Hopper’s creative process, serving both as informative and enriching contextual material. This edition stands as a testament to Arbelos' commitment to preserving pivotal yet often polarizing films.

You should not have to look long and hard to realize that there are a few brilliant ideas in "The Last Movie" that could have produced something rather special. They came from Dennis Hopper and it was up to him to unite them in a way that would have delivered the magic. But there isn't any magic in this film. It looks and feels a lot like a very random hallucination that Hopper's stoned mind accidentally unleashed. Frankly, considering the fact that Hopper had the luxury of working with László Kovács again, it is a very, very poor effort. This being said, I think that "The Last Movie" is one of those fascinating misfires that deserves a second look because the bad in it is rather illuminating. Naturally, I am very happy to see that it was so beautifully restored in 4K by the guys at Arbelos. In terms of preparation and quality, this really is a dream release and folks who disagree with my take on the film will be thrilled to have it in their collections. Well done. RECOMMENDED.