Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! Blu-ray Review

Pedro Almodovar's classic, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, makes a remarkable entrance on Blu-ray with a meticulously restored, 1080p high-definition transfer, adhering to its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This transfer, conducted at 2K resolution from the 35mm original camera negative, under the careful supervision of Pedro Almodovar and Augustin Almodovar, demonstrates a significant upgrade from previous home video releases. The detail in this release is astounding, with close-ups revealing intricate textures such as individual hairs and fine scars, adding depth and clarity to the cinematic experience. Notable improvements are visible in panoramic shots, especially the final sequence with Antonio Banderas, confirming an impressive fluidity and substantial enhancement in image stability.

Color reproduction stands out as one of the most dramatic improvements. The wide range of Almodovar's signature vivid colors appear far better saturated and balanced than in earlier standard definition transfers. The black levels are deep and inky, while skin tones maintain a natural appearance, contributing to the organic feel that many fans appreciate. The fine layer of grain remains intact, preserving the film’s authentic filmic quality without signs of degraining or over-sharpening corrections. Debris, scratches, and other blemishes have been meticulously removed, resulting in a remarkably clean and healthy visual presentation.

Despite minor instances of flicker at the film's beginning, the overall technical execution is exemplary. The restoration efforts have successfully enhanced depth, clarity, and color fidelity, making this Blu-ray release a definitive visual upgrade that honors Almodovar's original vision. This Region-A locked Blu-ray requires compatible playback hardware but delivers a top-tier presentation that gives viewers an opportunity to experience the film with stunning precision and vibrancy, as the director intended.

The audio presentation on this Blu-ray release of "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" is offered solely in Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, accompanied by highly accurate English subtitles. The upgrade from the lossy track on the R2 DVD to this lossless 5.1 track results in a significant improvement in both depth and clarity. Notably, the final sequence featuring Victoria Abril and Antonio Banderas highlights the enhanced separation between different musical instruments, adding depth and an overall crispness to the soundscape.

Dialogue throughout the film is consistently crystal clear and exceptionally easy to follow, with each voice well-balanced and devoid of excessive loudness or screechiness. While the audio mix is predominantly front-heavy due to the film's dialogue-driven nature, ambient noises and sound effects do periodically emerge from the rear speakers, adding subtle liveliness to the overall experience. The musical score is particularly impressive, contributing effectively to the film's tone without overshadowing the dialogue or sound effects.

This presentation is free from any audio imperfections such as pops, cracks, background hiss, or dropouts, ensuring a polished auditory experience. Whether through its stable and coherent dialogue delivery or the immersive depth of its musical elements, this Blu-ray release delivers an excellent audio performance that significantly enhances the film’s presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" provide a comprehensive look into the film's production, reception, and the collaborative efforts of its key figures. Highlights include a 2014 Criterion-produced documentary that delves into the controversial US rating, Almodovar's direction, and interviews with cast and crew. The disc also features an enlightening conversation from 2003 between Pedro Almodovar and Antonio Banderas, giving personal insights into their artistic collaboration and the film's challenging themes. Michael Barker's interview offers a deep dive into Almodovar's impact on Sony Pictures Classics and his cinematic style. Archival footage from the Madrid premiere captures the energetic performance of "Resistiré" by cast and crew. Lastly, a richly illustrated 26-page booklet enhances appreciation with articles and interviews about the film’s creation and impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer in Spanish with optional English subtitles.
• Untied! Reflections on Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!: Documentary with interviews and production history.
• Pedro and Antonio: 2003 conversation discussing their collaboration and film themes.
• Michael Barker: Interview on Almodovar’s work and its US reception.
• Resistire: Archival footage from the 1989 Madrid premiere.
• Booklet: 26-page illustrated booklet featuring various essays and technical credits.

Pedro Almodovar's "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" (1989) is an audacious blend of dark comedy and romance, arriving in pristine Blu-ray quality thanks to Criterion. This version retains the uncut NC-17 rating, capturing the film at its intended 102 minutes. Antonio Banderas stars as Ricky, a former thief with a troubled past released from a mental institution, fueled by an obsessive love for Marina (Victoria Abril), an actress transitioning from adult films to horror roles. The plot straddles the line between disturbing and tender as Ricky kidnaps Marina, attempting to coerce her into reciprocating his affection.

The film's once-controversial premise has aged well, continually challenging cinematic clichés. Controversially rated X by the MPAA, it earned the first NC-17 rating after legal contention, underscoring its provocative content. The dynamic chemistry between leads Banderas and Abril makes their complex relationship believable, preventing the film from descending into farce. Almodovar's visual style is unmistakable, defined by vivid colors, extreme close-ups, and slow pans that enrich the narrative’s emotional resonance.

Ennio Morricone’s score enhances the film’s atmosphere with light, gentle compositions that often elevate scenes to an almost indescribable beauty. Tracks like "If You Knew How Many Nights" are standouts in Morricone's illustrious career. As a whole, "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" remains an essential Almodovar work, combining bold storytelling with exquisite technical execution—a testament to its lasting appeal in modern cinema.

Criterion's release of "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" is a masterful presentation of Pedro Almodóvar's quirky and darkly humorous film. The controversial nature of its original release has thankfully given way to broader appreciation, and this recent 2K restoration brings the film's vibrant palette and intricate details to Blu-ray with stunning clarity. The film benefits from outstanding performances by Antonio Banderas and Victoria Abril, whose portrayals elevate the eccentric, heart-felt narrative. As expected from Criterion, both the video and audio quality are exceptional, highlighting the film's distinct visual style and immersive soundtrack.

A standout feature of this release is the supplemental content, including an exclusive documentary that provides an in-depth exploration of the film’s production and legacy. The inclusion of a new video interview with Michael Barker, co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics, enriches the historical context and offers valuable insights into the film's journey and impact on cinema. These extras do not just complement the main feature; they enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of Almodóvar's artistry.

This smartly written and colorful film directed by the great Pedro Almodóvar looks every bit as charming today as it did in the early '90s. It was once quite controversial in the United States, but thankfully now all of the nonsense that was thrown at it is a thing of the past. Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! has been recently restored in 2K and looks wonderful on Blu-ray. Criterion's upcoming release also has some excellent supplemental features, including a very informative exclusive documentary and a new video interview with Sony Pictures Classics co-founder Michael Barker. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.