CBGB Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "CBGB" exhibits a notably digital aesthetic, which is characterized by fluctuation in visual quality throughout the film. This inconsistency is likely due to differing shooting locations, with grainier footage presumably captured in New York and cleaner shots in Georgia. The AVC-encoded 1080p transfer by XLrator manages to stay true to director Miller and cinematographer Mike Ozier's original look. However, these variances manifest as a jarring mix between digitally grainy scenes meant to evoke a gritty, 1970s atmosphere and hyper-clean, high-definition imagery that can sometimes feel overly sterile.

From a technical standpoint, the transfer has a respectable bitrate averaging at 20.97 Mbps, which is sufficient given the absence of film grain compression artifacts. Images are clean, sharp, and detailed, with high levels of fine detail readily apparent in actors' facial features, hair, clothing textures, and background elements. The color reproduction is vibrant yet nuanced, particularly effective in neon signage and varied costumes that punctuate the film. Black levels are deep and well-saturated without losing detail, and shadow delineation is excellently handled in scenography lit by stage lights. However, certain scenes suffer from an overly polished look, reminiscent of daytime soap operas, and this can create a visually discordant experience.

Overall, while the Blu-ray delivers an acceptable visual representation with impressive detail and color accuracy, it cannot fully mitigate the distracting visual inconsistencies inherent in the original cinematography choices. The result is a presentation that oscillates between evoking the gritty ambience of the era and an almost antiseptic clarity that can detract from the immersive quality of the film.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack of "CBGB" on Blu-ray mainly centers on delivering clarity in dialogue and the aural environment of Hilly Kristal's bar, replicating both crowded and empty scenes with sufficient detail. However, while it captures the ambient sounds effectively, it doesn’t reach the immersive potential of placing the viewer amidst the bustling energy of a live performance. Although the soundtrack doesn't feature an original score, it showcases an array of iconic songs by influential bands such as Blondie, Talking Heads, Television, The Dead Boys, and The Ramones. The musical elements are reproduced with fine detail and robustness, performing commendably within the sound field limitations.

The audio mix demonstrates a strong balance between music and dialogue, ensuring that both elements are distinct and clear. The songs, which consist of original recordings from renowned artists, maintain their vibrancy, extending well into nearly every channel. While primarily front-loaded, these tracks skillfully utilize the rear channels and low-frequency effects to create a fuller, more engaging listening experience. Dialogue delivery remains crisp, typically emanating from the center channel but utilizing the rear and front speakers when advantageous for imaging. Although pre-recorded tracks limit the mix's originality, the execution guarantees a notable auditory experience, especially for enthusiasts of classic punk and rock music.

Overall, the sound design of "CBGB" fulfills its functional requirements effectively, emphasizing clarity and precise reproduction of pre-recorded music. While it refrains from an adventurous or experimental approach that could render a more chaotic and realistic club atmosphere, it succeeds in providing a robust and detailed audio presentation that complements the film's narrative and historical context.

The Blu-ray of "CBGB" offers a comprehensive array of supplemental features that provide significant insights into the film's production. The Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Randall Miller, Co-Writer/Producer Jody Savin, and Producer Brad Rosenberger takes a detailed look into the logistics of the shoot, highlighting the locations used in New York and Georgia, while also discussing the casting of supporting roles. Miller and Savin provide thorough context, although at times, it feels overly fixated on certain trivial aspects. The Outtakes section is a brief yet entertaining collection of moments including CGI alterations, Estelle Harris' multiple takes, and humorous scenes involving Hilly's dog.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Randall Miller, Co-Writer/Producer Jody Savin, and Producer Brad Rosenberger: Detailed discussion on logistics, locations, and casting.
• Outtakes: Includes Estelle Harris interacting with cast members, CGI comparisons, and humorous moments.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional narrative moments not included in the final cut.
  • Hilly Is Pissed at Dead Boys, Has It Out with Merv
  • Cheetah Flips the Bird!
• Trailers: Previews for other films like Banshee Chapter, Holy Ghost People, and The Conspiracy.

"CBGB," the biographical film about the iconic New York City club that played a foundational role in the punk rock movement, struggles to capture the gritty vibrancy and chaotic energy associated with the venue. Directed by Randall Miller and co-written by his wife Jody Savin, the film is a disappointingly sanitized portrayal of a cultural landmark known for its raw, uncompromising atmosphere. Despite authentic props and set pieces retrieved from the original club, including graffiti-splattered walls and its notoriously filthy bathrooms, the movie lays bare its superficial approach through lifeless performances and forced comedic elements.

Alan Rickman, cast as Hilly Kristal, unfortunately does little to embody the real-life complexity of CBGB's enigmatic founder. Kristal’s nuanced blend of downtrodden perseverance and anarchic generosity is replaced with Rickman's mannered sulkiness and uninspired dialogue. The script fails to explore Kristal's multifaceted character beyond a few repetitive quirks and the ubiquitous declaration, "There's something there," rendering him a caricature rather than a compelling protagonist.

The film’s frequent use of comic book-style transitions meant to highlight John Holmstrom's contributions feels both redundant and shoehorned, adding to a sense of artificiality that pervades the entire production. Notably, the movie reduces iconic musical acts like The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads to cartoonish portrayals that lack any genuine sense of their artistry or cultural impact. Even pivotal figures such as Iggy Pop, who never actually performed at CBGB, are inserted for superficial name-dropping, reinforcing the movie's disingenuous tone. In sum, "CBGB" is a missed opportunity that offers a glossy but hollow celebration of a revolutionary music scene that was anything but polished.

"CBGB" on Blu-ray presents a mixed bag of experiences for viewers and music lovers alike. The film ambitiously attempts to capture the essence of the legendary music venue and its charismatic founder, Hilly Kristal, but falls short in its execution. While it does earn some praise for its vibrant and fun portrayal of the CBGB scene, unfortunately, it largely skims the surface of its subject matter. The various iconic musical acts that passed through CBGB’s doors are given only cursory treatment, leading to a film that feels more like a highlight reel than a detailed narrative. Nonetheless, the film exhibits an enthusiastic energy that might appeal to some viewers, albeit not delivering a fully satisfying story arc.

Technically, the Blu-ray release provides a satisfactory viewing experience. The image quality is commendable, with sharp resolution and vivid colors that bring the chaotic punk atmosphere of CBGB to life. The sound quality is solid, doing justice to the numerous musical performances interspersed throughout the film. This could be particularly pleasing for those who appreciate high fidelity audio in their home cinema setup. However, despite these technical strengths, the content on the disc may not justify a viewer’s investment in time.

If Alex Cox hadn't already made "Sid and Nancy", he might have been the right director to tell the story of Hilly Kristal and CBGB. Or perhaps it could have been done by Julian Schnabel, whose bio-pic of Jean-Michel Basquiat demonstrated a special talent for conveying both a specific period and the sense of an artistic movement. There are undoubtedly dozens of unknown writer/directors out there with the skill and passion to tell this story properly. Let's hope that the existence of CBGB doesn't dissuade them. Rent if you must, but don't blame me if you want your time back.