Cutthroat Island Blu-ray Review
Score: 57
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
Cutthroat Island on Blu-ray boasts excellent picture quality and an explosive audio track, making it a charming, campy classic that's hilariously entertaining.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 62
The 1080p/AVC Blu-ray of 'Cutthroat Island' delivers a generally impressive video quality with rich colors, deep blacks, and crisp detail, despite occasional softness and minor motion artifacts. DNR is applied minimally, preserving a thin grain structure and filmic quality without significant loss of texture.
Audio: 66
The 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track of "Cutthroat Island" is a bombastic, immersive experience, delivering roaring cannon fire, detailed directional sound effects, and John Debney's riveting score with precision and clarity. The dynamic bass response and articulate dialogue create an engaging soundscape that elevates the home theater presentation.
Extra: 28
The Blu-ray extras for 'Cutthroat Island' include a candid and insightful commentary by director Renny Harlin, a 6-minute featurette offering limited behind-the-scenes content, and both theatrical and teaser trailers. Despite the minimal and somewhat superficial nature of the featurette, Harlin's earnest reflections provide significant value.
Movie: 63
Despite its notorious box office failure and some poor casting decisions, 'Cutthroat Island' offers bombastic action, lavish set pieces filmed in Malta and Thailand, and consistently entertaining pirate antics. The Blu-ray boasts an impressive transfer with a robust soundtrack, though it lacks substantial extras beyond Harlin’s commentary.
Video: 62
The Blu-ray release of "Cutthroat Island" presents the film in a stunning 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, offering viewers the most refined visual presentation of this adventure classic to date. The transfer stands out with its vibrant colors and striking contrast, providing a visual richness that elevates the viewing experience. Deep reds, lush greens, and vibrant blues pop off the screen, enhancing the vivid textures of period clothing and the lush tropical settings. Although there is a slight concern with Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) potentially creating a "plastic" look in some scenes, the film retains a subtle grain structure that maintains a cinematic quality without significant fidelity loss.
The transfer excels in clarity and detail. The intricate embroidery on tunics and the sheen of nautical elements like ropes and sails are depicted with remarkable precision. Close-ups are largely impressive, although some segments occasionally exhibit focus-related softness due to camera angles and lighting conditions. The film manages to balance black levels well, ensuring deep, dynamic shadows without crushing details in darker scenes. However, there is a minor issue with background details that can occasionally appear blurred or lacking texture, reducing the overall depth.
Overall, this Blu-ray transfer of "Cutthroat Island" is a visually satisfying and highly detailed representation that significantly improves upon any previous home video versions. Despite minor technical imperfections such as slight edge enhancement and occasional motion blur, the enhanced color palette and finely tuned contrast make this release a notable upgrade for fans of the film.
Audio: 66
The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack of "Cutthroat Island" offers an exceptionally dynamic and immersive experience that fully leverages its historical swashbuckling setting. The mix provides a bombastic performance that underscores the adventurous spirit of the film. From cannon fire to the swish of swords and the trotting of horses, every sound effect is meticulously rendered across all channels. Frequency response is consistently robust, with the subwoofer delivering deep, resonating bass that shakes the room during explosive sequences, such as the escape from Port Royal and the final epic battle. The audio track maintains a high level of clarity, allowing every detail—from the clattering of splintering wood to the background ambiance of chirping birds and rustling seas —to create an enveloping soundscape.
John Debney's orchestral score is unquestionably one of the highlights, sweeping and soaring with strings and brass that fill the soundstage with a rousing, cinematic quality. This score is delivered with remarkable precision and clarity, enhancing the overall emotional impact of action scenes and maintaining the high energy level throughout. Dialogue is another strong point; it remains clear and discernible across a variety of sonic environments, despite occasional competition from other sound effects. Directional sound placement is deftly executed, creating an engaging, multi-dimensional auditory experience. Sound effects are convincingly placed within the sound field, whether it's the lateral movement of flying birds or the impact of gunshots whizzing past.
While some minute details might get overshadowed in more chaotic moments, the overall presentation remains impressively detailed and enjoyable. The surround speakers are constantly active, contributing significantly to the immersiveness with precise ambient noises and impactful action sound effects. This audio mix serves as a testament to Lionsgate’s ability to revitalize older catalog titles with engaging, technically proficient surround experiences that are sure to please audiophiles and casual viewers alike.
Extras: 28
The Extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Cutthroat Island" are modest but somewhat insightful. The primary highlight is the commentary by director Renny Harlin, who frankly discusses the film's numerous challenges and shortcomings, while also sharing his infectious enthusiasm for pirate adventures. Conversely, the six-minute featurette titled simply "Featurette" offers minimal substance, serving more as an EPK with short on-set quips rather than an in-depth look at the production. Additionally, fans are provided with both the theatrical and teaser trailers. Overall, while the extras lack depth, Harlin's commentary provides an interesting perspective on the high-stakes production.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary by director Renny Harlin.
- Featurette: A six-minute EPK feature filmed on-set.
- Theatrical Trailer: Standard theatrical trailer.
- Teaser Trailer: A brief teaser trailer.
Movie: 63
Renny Harlin's "Cutthroat Island" presents itself as a lavish, fast-paced pirate romp with all the hallmarks of classic swashbuckling tales, echoing what was later popularized by the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. After taking over her father’s pirate crew, Morgan Adams (Geena Davis) embarks on a treasure hunt that is thrillingly absurd and visually spectacular. The narrative follows Morgan, along with her newfound ally William Shaw (Matthew Modine), who traverses treacherous seas to outwit the British navy and her villainous uncle Dawg Brown (Frank Langella). Filmed in picturesque locales like Malta and Thailand and free from excessive CGI, the film offers a series of bold, explosion-filled set pieces that encapsulate childhood pirate fantasies.
Technically, "Cutthroat Island" benefits from an impressive transfer by Lionsgate, offering a bombastic soundtrack and picture quality that significantly outshines previous releases. Despite sparse bonus content, the film's audio-visual fidelity makes it a captivating experience for home viewers. However, the film admits its flaws in casting and character depth. Davis, while spirited, is unconvincing as a pirate captain, and Modine’s performance veers towards theatrical excess rather than genuine charm. Langella’s Dawg Brown lacks menace, contributing to a sense of campy delight rather than genuine villainy.
In summary, while "Cutthroat Island" stumbles in certain areas, it gleefully embraces its hokey premise and provides non-stop entertainment. Its historical reputation as a notorious box office failure belies the simple joy it offers in its action-heavy, cliché-driven adventure. For those who delight in cinematic spectacle with a hearty dose of silliness, and can overlook the shortcomings in performance and narrative depth, climbing aboard this pirate ship remains an inviting prospect.
Total: 57
"Cutthroat Island," while one of the most notorious box office bombs, offers a surprising amount of charm, humor, and exhilarating adventure. On this Blu-ray release, the film's presentation shines, with top-notch picture quality that captures the elaborate pirate set pieces and lush island vistas in vivid detail. The audio track is equally impressive, boasting an explosive mix that accentuates the swashbuckling action and includes one of the most memorable scores of the 1990s. For those who missed it in theaters, this Blu-ray offers a compelling reason to dive into this adventurous romp.
Despite its shortcomings in plot and performances, "Cutthroat Island" compensates with substantial camp value and entertaining action sequences. The film is undeniably corny and at times, hilariously so. However, viewed with the right mindset, it transforms into an enjoyable spectacle. The combination of its over-the-top action and sharp audio-visual quality makes for a surprisingly fun viewing experience. It’s an ideal choice for a light-hearted movie night with friends, where the laughter can flow as freely as the pirate grog.
In conclusion, "Cutthroat Island" is an undeniable blend of corny charm and rousing adventure that benefits greatly from its Blu-ray restoration. While it's far from a cinematic masterpiece, its campiness paired with excellent technical presentation can turn the viewing experience into great fun. This release is recommended for those looking to enjoy some good, old-fashioned pirate antics with a group of friends, or anyone intrigued by its cult classic status.
avforums review by Chris McEneanyRead review here
Video: 70
But, before you label this release up as another studio-scuppered transfer, the thing is that the movie does, in fact, retain a thin layer of grain that is consistent, though barely visible, throughout...
Audio: 80
Screams and shouts echo across the deck, stretching out that frontal array, and the whole cacophony is steered with reasonably impressive precision....
Extras: 30
In this, the director is actually quite honest about the film's shortcomings - from screenplay, casting and OTT set-pieces - but he clearly enjoyed the opportunity to play pirates with a studio's coffers...
Movie: 70
The treasure chest seems woefully under-filled when it comes to extras, though, with only Harlin's commentary offering anything of worth....
Total: 70
Blu-ray.com review by Casey BroadwaterRead review here
Video: 80
There are few scenes that look softer than others�I'm specifically thinking of Morgan and Shaw dangling over a cliff on ropes� but overall clarity is great, allowing us to see even the smallest details...
Audio: 80
Channel movements often go for heft over finesse, but the surround speakers are alive and well throughout the film, spitting out gunshots and sloshing with the rush of seawater....
Extras: 30
It's not all doom and gloom, though, and Harlin is actually quite insightful about the filmmaking process, giving first-hand accounts of what it's like to helm an enormous $100,000,000 production....
Movie: 70
Still, if you look past some poor casting decisions and see the film for what it is�an old-fashioned pirate romp that never takes itself too seriously�then Cutthroat Island becomes a kind of scruffy underdog,...
Total: 70
It may have been one of the biggest box office bombs ever, and it may not have the highest-caliber performances, but Cutthroat Island is a sometimes charming, occasionally funny, and always exciting adventure...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Blacks stay consistent, delineation is near perfect, skin tones are mostly natural – with only a few instances of an orange effect happening....
Audio: 80
Everything that went right with the PQ is carried over to the audio department to deliver a bombastic and rousing soundtrack....
Extras: 40
He actually provides some insightful information about the snags that came up during filming and what led the movie into the waters of a box office bust....
Movie: 60
The only problem is that Morgan's father has two other pirating captain brothers who also have pieces to the map, but the family really hasn't been on speaking terms so to speak....
Total: 60
On the other hand it's got some fantastic camp value that will give any group of friends a hilarious time, which could earn it the maximum number of stars possible....
AVSForumRead review here
Video: 86
I appreciated the lucid quality and clearly defined edges that enhanced visual perspective during the majority of the presentation....
Audio: 92
This film uses a complex sound design that has to maintain a delicate balance so the plethora of sound effects, music and dialogue within the soundtrack can be clearly and easily interpreted by the audience....
Extras: 20
Audio commentary by director Renny Harlin Making of featurette - 6 minutes Trailer - Theatrical & teaser...
Movie: 60
With the help of William Shaw (Modine), a convict she buys at an auction, Morgan hits the high seas to recover the remaining sections....
Total: 65
Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier Philips TSU9400 Pro Series Touch Panel Remote Control Canton "Ergo" Series speakers Axiom Audio...
Director: Renny Harlin
Actors: Geena Davis, Matthew Modine, Frank Langella
PlotIn the 1600s Caribbean, a daring female pirate, Morgan Adams, relentlessly pursues her quest to find a fabled treasure. Morgan inherits a portion of a treasure map from her slain father, the notorious pirate Dawg Brown, and vows to claim the riches. She needs the remaining pieces of the map, held by her treacherous uncle, who killed her father for the same reason. As she attempts to gather her crew and the necessary resources for the perilous journey, Morgan crosses paths with a cunning and suave con artist, William Shaw, who lends his linguistic skills, hoping for a share of the loot.
Their voyage is fraught with danger as Morgan and Shaw must outsmart rival pirates, the relentless Royal Navy, and her ruthless uncle. They face numerous challenges, including treacherous betrayals within their own crew, deceptive alliances, and intense battles on both land and sea. The tension builds as they navigate through cunning traps and fierce confrontations, with high stakes and constant peril threatening their mission. As they draw closer to the treasure, the race against time and enemies becomes ever more intense, setting the stage for a climactic showdown.
Writers: Michael Frost Beckner, James Gorman, Bruce A. Evans
Release Date: 22 Dec 1995
Runtime: 124 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States, Italy, Germany, France
Language: English, Spanish, Latin, French