The Fabulous Baker Boys Blu-ray Review
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
Score: 68
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
The Fabulous Baker Boys Blu-ray boasts excellent audio and good video quality, with engaging bonus materials—highly recommended for both newcomers and longtime fans.
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Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 66
The Blu-ray presentation of 'The Fabulous Baker Boys' offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer at 1.84:1, maintaining a natural grain structure with generally good shadow detail but occasionally soft visuals, particularly in dark, smoky club scenes. The color timing is accurate, although some dirt and minor motion jitter mar the otherwise film-like quality.
Audio: 68
The Fabulous Baker Boys' Blu-ray features an engaging DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that delivers clear, crisp dialogue and vibrant musical moments with excellent fidelity. The stereo presentation enhances the intimate lounge scenes, avoiding any tinniness or audio issues, supported by an additional Isolated Music & Effects Track in the same format.
Extra: 51
The Blu-ray extras for 'The Fabulous Baker Boys' include a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Isolated Music and Effects Track, informative audio commentaries by Steve Kloves and Michael Ballhaus, deleted scenes in 480p, the original theatrical trailer in 1080p, a 90th Anniversary MGM trailer, and a navigable Twilight Time Catalogue.
Movie: 76
"The Fabulous Baker Boys," a gem from the late '80s now on Blu-ray, continues to captivate with its blend of genuine emotion, superb pianism by Dave Grusin, and Michelle Pfeiffer's iconic performance. The Blu-ray release by Twilight Time delivers high-definition quality, enhancing the timeless appeal of this finely crafted film.
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Video: 66
The Fabulous Baker Boys is presented on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.84:1 aspect ratio. Visually, the transfer maintains a somewhat soft look, characterized primarily by its dark, smoky club scenes, where detail can occasionally be lost. This is particularly noticeable with the characters’ satiny black tuxes that sometimes meld into shadowy backgrounds. Conversely, outdoor daytime or brightly lit scenes showcase a marked increase in detail resolution. Colors appear generally accurate but exhibit slight inconsistencies—ranging from pale tones to vibrant hues like Michelle Pfeiffer's red dress. The grain structure remains consistent, contributing to a natural and film-like texture.
Despite the high definition transfer, issues such as dirt, debris, and even vertical lines are noticeable, detracting from the overall presentation quality. Instances of motion jitter are evident during the opening credits and text appearances, although not excessively intrusive. The black levels in the darker scenes do not achieve deep saturation, resulting in a compromised image integrity. However, it's commendable that Twilight Time and 20th Century Fox have resisted the temptation to apply over-sharpening or excessive digital noise reduction (DNR), ensuring that the film's color timing adheres faithfully to its original visual style.
In conclusion, while the video quality is not devoid of imperfections—including occasional softness and visible minor issues like dirt—the overall presentation is significantly enhanced compared to previous home video versions. The authenticity of the grain structure and absence of major technical flaws such as aliasing, banding, or noise manage to deliver a satisfying visual rendering that aligns closely with the film's natural aesthetic.
Audio: 68
The Blu-Ray release of "The Fabulous Baker Boys" boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that delivers an impressive auditory experience. The stereo mix, although confined to two channels, excellently supports the film's rich musical segments and crisp dialogue. The absence of surround sound augments the intimacy of the lounge scenes, further immersing viewers. The clarity is top-notch, with no instances of tinniness or distortion, even during the intricate piano sequences in the upper registers. Fidelity remains consistent, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.
Additionally, an Isolated Music & Effects Track is provided in 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, which is notable for including the vocals of the songs featured in the movie. This adds an extra layer of enjoyment for those particularly invested in the film's exceptional soundtrack. Both the main and isolated tracks exhibit no audio glitches or muddiness, maintaining a clear and distinct presentation throughout. English SDH subtitles are available, enhancing accessibility for all viewers.
Extra: 51
The Blu-ray release of "The Fabulous Baker Boys" offers a robust selection of extras, catering to both audiophiles and cinephiles. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 isolated music and effects track provides a pristine listening experience, with audio commentaries featuring writer-director Steve Kloves and the director of photography Michael Ballhaus. While Ballhaus’s commentary is archival and shows its age, it's still insightful for those curious about the film's visual composition.
Extras included in this disc:
- Isolated Music and Effects Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
- Audio Commentaries: Writer-Director Steve Kloves hosted by Twilight Time's Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman, and Director of Photography Michael Ballhaus.
- Deleted Scenes: 21 minutes and 16 seconds in standard definition.
- Original Theatrical Trailer: Presented in 1080p for a nostalgic look back.
- MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebrates MGM's storied history with highlights from their popular releases.
- Twilight Time Catalogue: A navigable photo gallery divided by home video release year.
Movie: 76
"The Fabulous Baker Boys" is a quintessential gem of late 1980s cinema, brought to life by the impeccable performances of Jeff and Beau Bridges, alongside Michelle Pfeiffer's captivating presence. The film intricately weaves the tale of two brothers, Jack and Frank Baker, who eke out a living as lounge pianists in Seattle. Their stagnant career undergoes a seismic shift with the introduction of Susie Diamond, a sultry vocalist whose rendition of classics like "Makin' Whoopee" has rightfully cemented its place among iconic film moments. Pfeiffer's performance, which earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination, brilliantly combines toughness with vulnerability, adding layers to her character that elevate the narrative.
Steve Kloves' screenplay and direction strike an impeccable balance between witty banter and profound drama, delving into themes of sibling rivalry, unrealized dreams, and burgeoning romantic entanglements. Jack’s tendency toward gigolo-like escapades and his unfulfilled potential juxtapose Frank's business acumen and sense of responsibility, creating a dynamic that fuels the tension throughout the film. The siblings’ on-screen chemistry is palpable, thanks partly to their real-life brotherhood, lending authenticity to their portrayal of long-simmering conflicts and tender moments.
Despite its non-conventional approach—eschewing typical movie antagonists and happy endings—the film thrives on genuine emotion and smart writing. It eschews fairy-tale resolutions for a more realistic portrayal of its characters' lives, marked by subdued triumphs and persistent challenges. The diegetic music, featuring Dave Grusin's Oscar-nominated pianism, seamlessly complements the narrative while Pfeiffer's surprisingly adept singing adds another layer of enjoyment. Overall, "The Fabulous Baker Boys" remains a timeless piece of entertainment that resonates as deeply today as it did upon its initial release.
Total: 68
"The Fabulous Baker Boys," a standout from the 1980s, receives a commendable Blu-ray release through Twilight Time. This edition, despite the lack of a much-needed restoration by 20th Century Fox, delivers generally good video quality and excellent audio fidelity. The transfer captures the film’s visual and auditory essence, ensuring an engaging viewing experience. The inclusion of two insightful commentaries adds further depth, amplifying the movie's already rich narrative. The universally relatable story of the feuding Baker brothers grounds the film in emotional reality, transcending its jazzy backdrop to resonate with broader audiences.
The film’s exploration of the grueling yet rewarding life of musicians—especially those who may not reach the pinnacle of celebrity—offers a nuanced portrayal of dedication and artistry. Jeff Bridges and Michelle Pfeiffer deliver memorable performances, underscoring the film's theme of unrecognized brilliance. The nuanced cinematography and atmospheric score reflect the technical mastery of both the director and the musicians depicted, bridging the gap between mainstream appeal and niche jazz culture.
In conclusion, "The Fabulous Baker Boys" stands as a compelling examination of artistic ambition and familial tension. The Blu-ray’s technical merits align closely with the film's intrinsic quality, making it an essential acquisition for aficionados and first-time viewers alike. Its universal themes and high-level audio-visual presentation ensure it remains a timeless classic. Highly recommended.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 70
As should be expected, when the film ventures out of doors during the day or exploits brightly lit environments, the uptick in detail is noticeable....
Audio: 80
Clarity is excellent and there's no tinniness or wobbliness to the reproduction of the piano tones, even in those "tinkly" upper registers....
Extras: 50
Audio Commentaries: Writer-Director Steve Kloves, hosted by Twilight Time's Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman Director of Photography Michael Ballhaus Deleted Scenes (480p; 21:16) Original Theatrical Trailer...
Movie: 90
There are a number of frankly predictable interchanges that ensue, and in fact at least a faltering romance begins brewing, but what sets The Fabulous Baker Boys apart is the smartness and genuine emotion...
Total: 80
I opened for the Smothers Brothers at a charity function in Seattle many years ago, and after the sound check I ventured out into some downtown mall where an "anonymous" (to me, anyway) pianist was doing...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 60
Despite some problems, this is easily the best this movie has looked on home video and the fact that its free from any major issues like aliasing, banding, or noise should make fans of the movie happy...
Audio: 60
Despite being limited to stereo (with all sounds coming from one's right and left front speakers), there's a nice clarity and distinction to both the dialogue and ambient noises, and – most importantly...
Extras: 20
A promotional clip for the studio's 90th anniversary (which took place in 2014), highlighting some of their most popular releases....
Movie: 80
Her portrayal of Suzie is of a woman that is both tough and venerable at the same time, and her show-stopping performance on top of that piano about halfway through the film is undoubtedly one of the sexiest,...
Total: 60
While it's a shame 20th Century Fox didn't think enough of their movie to do their own mass release of this title (and perhaps give the title a much-deserved restoration), fans of the movie shouldn't be...
Director: Steve Kloves
Actors: Jeff Bridges, Michelle Pfeiffer, Beau Bridges
PlotJack and Frank are piano-playing brothers who have been performing together in small clubs for years, but despite their skills, they are stuck in a rut. To revitalize their act, they decide to hire a singer, and after a series of unimpressive auditions, they discover the mesmerizing Susie Diamond. Her sultry voice and captivating presence bring immediate success, breathing new life into Jack and Frank's act. As they begin to experience a resurgence in popularity, tensions also start to surface.
Jack, the brooding and more talented brother, feels creatively stifled by the routine nature of their performances, while Frank, who handles the business side, is more concerned with maintaining stability. Susie's arrival exacerbates existing frictions between the brothers and introduces new complications. As personal and professional lines blur, Jack faces a dilemma about his future, grappling with his artistic aspirations and the burgeoning emotional entanglements taking shape.
Writers: Steve Kloves
Release Date: 13 Oct 1989
Runtime: 114 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, West Germany
Language: English