Absolute Beginners Blu-ray Review

"Absolute Beginners" receives a polished Blu-ray presentation, showcased through a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in the 2.34:1 aspect ratio. While it appears to have been sourced from an older master from the MGM library via Orion, the overall quality retains its charm despite some minor flaws. A prominent feature of this high-definition upgrade is the striking and vivid color saturation, providing a significant enhancement over the previous MGM DVD release. The film’s palette, especially the neon lights and rich primary hues, stands out vibrantly against its varied settings.

Although the close-ups deliver commendable fine detail, and the textures of fabrics are depicted with clarity, midrange and wide shots occasionally exhibit a moderate fuzziness. This could be mitigated by utilizing a newer transfer. Dark sequences, particularly interiors or night scenes, are slightly undermined by insufficient shadow detail, hampering overall contrast consistency. While grain is evident and mostly well-rendered, it fluctuates at times, not always achieving a natural appearance.

Noteworthy is the retention of grain structure which preserves the film's authenticity, juxtaposed against meticulously restored 40-year-old visuals. The clearer resolution, however, does accentuate some of the artificial aspects of studio-bound sets. Iconic scenes—such as David Bowie's musical number—are detailed enough to reveal behind-the-scenes elements like visible wires. Despite these points, the overall picture quality maintains high standards typical of Twilight Time releases, ensuring satisfaction among dedicated fans of the film.

"Absolute Beginners" offers both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. These tracks are characterized by their remarkable fidelity and clarity. The 5.1 mix particularly excels during musical numbers, significantly expanding the soundstage. However, dialogue during these sequences can occasionally become slightly buried, requiring volume adjustments for optimal intelligibility. In contrast, the dialogue scenes are more condensed with the 2.0 mix. Despite minor prioritization issues in the surround mix, there is no evidence of technical damage such as dropouts or distortions, ensuring a pristine audio experience overall.

The audio inconsistency in terms of intelligibility and surround sound separation appears to originate from the original production elements rather than the transfer itself. An early example is seen in the opening scene where the narration is dynamically spread across the front channels before retracting to the center. This engaging effect, however, is not utilized throughout the remaining dialogue scenes, where voices often struggle for clarity in the center channel. Furthermore, the lines spoken by British actors occasionally lack enunciation, necessitating the use of captions which are commendably accurate. The 5.1 mix's bass reproduction is modest, and opportunities for a more immersive surround experience are missed, with rear channels underutilized even during riotous crowd scenes and street violence.

The Extras on the Blu-ray for "Absolute Beginners" provide a comprehensive and engaging experience for fans of the film and its acclaimed soundtrack. The Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 is particularly noteworthy, allowing viewers to appreciate the soundtrack by David Bowie, Ray Davies, and Sade in its fullest glory, separating it from the movie’s dialogue and sound effects. Additionally, an illustrated booklet featuring a detailed essay by film historian Julie Kirgo offers insightful commentary. The MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer adds nostalgic value with clips from MGM's library of classics. These extras collectively enhance the viewing experience and offer a richer understanding of both the movie and its cultural context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Illustrated Booklet: Essay by film historian Julie Kirgo.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: A celebration of MGM's classic library.

"Absolute Beginners" is a vivid blend of musical creativity and theatrical storytelling, though it stumbles in finding coherence. Julien Temple's direction channels an infectious, eclectic energy, replete with sophisticated camera work and inventive set designs. Renowned jazz arranger Gil Evans, known for his groundbreaking work with Miles Davis, contributes to a soundtrack that's as diverse as the film itself. The storyline, adapted from Colin MacInnes' 1959 novel, attempts to capture the socio-cultural upheavals of late 1950s London but sprawls into a somewhat disconnected narrative. It's an ambitious effort with racing thematic elements such as racism and consumerism juxtaposed against a vibrant yet quirky aesthetic.

The film’s central figures, Colin (Eddie O’Connell) and Suzette (Patsy Kensit), are embroiled in a dance between youthful ambition and the temptations of an emerging consumerist society. Colin's likability is undercut by his inert demeanor and clichéd dialogue, which diminishes his emotional depth. Suzette, vibrant and opportunistic, finds herself drawn into the chic world of fashion through Henley (James Fox) and PR maestro Vendice Partners (David Bowie). The film oscillates between personal storylines and broader societal critiques, flirting with profound topics but often returning to superficial stylistics.

Despite its shortcomings in narrative cohesion and character development, "Absolute Beginners" shines in its musical sequences and visual flourishes. The anachronistic musical cameos, though jarring, add a layer of whimsical charm. Memorable set pieces, like a surreal musical number by Bowie on oversized props or Ray Davies' dollhouse staging, stand out amidst the chaos. Ultimately, while Absolute Beginners does struggle with focus and impact, its visual and auditory spectacle coupled with Temple's boundary-pushing direction offer a rewarding experience for those willing to appreciate it on aesthetic terms alone.

"Absolute Beginners" occupies a unique niche in cinematic history, blending a remarkable array of visual styles and musical influences. This new Blu-ray transfer adeptly captures the essence of the film's artistry, presenting its audacious color schemes and intricate lighting effects with unparalleled clarity. The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is particularly well-rendered, showcasing the meticulous details director Julien Temple packed into each frame—details that prior transfers failed to bring to light. However, this high visual fidelity stands in stark contrast to the inconsistent 5.1 sound mix, which lacks balance between dialogue, music, and effects, often necessitating frequent volume adjustments to comprehend conversations while avoiding abrupt exposure to loud musical sequences.

The Blu-ray’s audio offerings are notably sparse, with the isolated audio track of Gil Evans’s jazzy score serving as the lone extra feature. While Gil Evans's score is beautifully captured and enhances the overall auditory experience, the absence of supplementary material such as director commentary or additional behind-the-scenes content is a missed opportunity. Nonetheless, Julie Kirgo's liner notes do provide some insightful context, compensating slightly for the lack of dynamic extras.

In conclusion, "Absolute Beginners" is best appreciated for its bold visual style and the way it captures a curious mix of eras and genres. It's an essential watch for fans of cinematic curiosities and David Bowie enthusiasts alike. Despite its uneven sound mixing and minimal extras, the Blu-ray edition remains recommended for its exceptional visual presentation alone.