2 Days in the Valley Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "2 Days in the Valley" on Blu-ray is notably refined, supported by a new 4K scan sourced from the original 35mm camera negative and delivered through a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. This results in a commendable visual experience, featuring an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 that effectively caters to large screen displays. The film's imagery displays impressive delineation, clarity, and depth, equating nearly to 4K quality. Remarkable image stability and color balance further enhance the viewing experience, contributing to a presentation that feels freshly updated and well-cared-for.

In comparison to earlier media formats, this iteration provides significantly improved clarity and contrast. The film grain is light, aligning with the production era, and colors appear robust, diverging from the dullness seen in previous versions. The new transfer navigates with ease through the entire film without black crushing, and the absence of damage marks across the source is evident. Although certain scenes, such as Paul Mazursky’s encounter with Marsha Mason at the cemetery, reveal minor color saturation inconsistencies leading to blues slipping into turquoise, these are rare distractions in an otherwise stable presentation.

While this release does not include a full 4K version, it nevertheless raises "2 Days in the Valley" to a new standard of aesthetic quality that will surely satisfy any cinephile. It's a Region-A locked Blu-ray, necessitating compatible playback equipment, but promises to meet expectations through its meticulous remastering process and superior technical execution.

The Blu-ray of "2 Days in the Valley" offers two main audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with optional English SDH subtitles that reside within the image frame when activated. Notably, the 5.1 track provides a more expansive sound experience, enhancing not just action sequences but the overall aural presentation of the film. Dialogue is exceptionally clear and sharp across both tracks, though the 5.1 mix delivers greater dynamic intensity, enriching the viewer's experience when the volume is increased.

The 5.1 track, though limited in surround effects, compensates with impressive musical and bass quality. The balance between dialogue and music remains consistent and well-executed. In particular, sound effects such as gunshots and physical impacts demonstrate added depth in the 5.1 mix compared to the 2.0 track. Both audio tracks are notably clean, devoid of hiss or damage, ensuring a pristine auditory experience throughout. Overall, the audio treatment on this Blu-ray caters admirably to audiophiles seeking precision and richness in their home viewing experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "2 Days in the Valley" offer an insightful exploration into both the film and its creators. The standout feature is a compelling conversation between Sylvester Stallone and John Herzfeld, revealing their rich history, production challenges, and shared creative instincts. This dialogue not only delves into the film's peculiar production anecdotes but also highlights their formidable partnership in Hollywood. Complementing this is an engaging audio commentary by Herzfeld, providing an in-depth perspective on the filmmaking process. A lively Q&A from a 2016 screening reunites key cast members, offering candid reflections and humorous anecdotes. Additional materials such as a making-of featurette, B-rolls, and sound bites further enhance the viewer's understanding of the film's development.

Extras included in this disc:

• Sylvester Stallone and John Herzfeld Conversation: Discusses personal and professional history.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by John Herzfeld.
• Q&A at Cinefamily: Reunion discussion with cast and crew.
• Making of Featurette: Archival insights into production.
• B-Rolls: Raw footage from filming.
• Cast and Crew Sound bites: Clips from interviews.
• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer.
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage art.

"2 Days in the Valley," presented on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, is a compelling exploration of human connections and conflicts, captured through the lens of writer-director John Herzfeld. The film intricately weaves together a mosaic of varied characters linked through their frustrations and desires. The opening sequences are notably disjointed, designed with precision by Herzfeld to involve viewers in a network of seemingly random yet cleverly interconnected events. The plot involves a diverse cast including two hitmen (James Spader and Danny Aiello), an Olympic athlete (Teri Hatcher), and others embroiled in a complex web of relationships tied to an elaborate insurance scam. The narrative's unpredictability forms its core strength, immersing audiences in L.A.'s chaotic yet compelling mystique.

Herzfeld's direction is supported by memorable performances, where actors like Charlize Theron stand out despite the initial doubts about her casting. Herzfeld's script, originating from a burst of creativity and largely unchanged since its inception, is both a strength and a drawback. While it showcases moments of brilliant dialogue and Altman-esque character mosaics, it occasionally drifts into dialogue that feels forced or derivative of Tarantino-style narratives. This dissonance doesn’t detract from the film's energetic tension and dark humor as it navigates through its layered plot.

Cinematographically, Olive Wood's work adds visual sophistication through exquisite framing of Hollywood Hills' vistas that enhance the storytelling with a rich visual context. Despite moments that feel disparate, Herzfeld’s craftsmanship shines in piecing together these fragmented elements into a coherent picture. While not universally acclaimed as an overlooked gem from the 1990s, "2 Days in the Valley" serves as an evocative reflection of its era—a must-watch for enthusiasts of complex narratives and dark humor blended with 90s' stylistic fervor.

"2 Days in the Valley," directed by John Herzfeld, is rightly acclaimed as a standout piece of filmmaking. Featuring an intricately woven narrative and a cast that delivers robust performances, the film holds its own alongside titles like "Thursday" and "One False Move," each sharing an affinity for peculiar characters and dark humor. The film navigates seamlessly through various genres, blending drama and black comedy to craft a unique viewing experience. This Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber Studio Classics significantly elevates the film’s visual appeal with a new 4K master sourced directly from the original 35mm camera negative.

The 4K restoration showcases a remarkable clarity and depth in visual presentation, breathing new life into the film’s rich cinematography. Such a meticulous restoration ensures that details are crisp, while the color palette remains vibrant, amplifying the viewing immersion. Accompanying the stunning video quality are valuable supplemental materials, including enlightening interviews with Sylvester Stallone and John Herzfeld, adding layers of understanding to the film's creative process. These features enhance the Blu-ray as not just a viewing format but also an insightful exploration of the film's production background.

In conclusion, "2 Days in the Valley" is not only an engaging cinematic work but also benefits immensely from this Blu-ray release. Kino Lorber’s careful attention to restoration quality and enriching bonus content makes this edition a compelling addition to any film collection. Highly recommended for both fans of the movie and those new to Herzfeld’s oeuvre, this release is an excellent opportunity to experience a film expertly balanced between narrative complexity and visual allure.