Miami Blues Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Miami Blues" under MVD Rewind Collection utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, marking subtle improvements over previous releases. While the core print remains consistent with the Shout! Factory version, this edition benefits from minor refinements in suffusion, brightness, and grain structure. The high-definition transfer exhibits a commendable balance between vibrancy and detail, enriching the film's dynamic visual aesthetic. Despite occasional signs of age-related wear and minimal specking, the image integrity holds up well, enhancing both the color palette and the overall viewing experience.

This release succeeds in maintaining a sharp, high-definition polish for much of the film, particularly excelling in wide shots that exhibit stunning clarity and a modern feel. However, certain interior close-ups reveal peculiarities such as occasional brightness contrast warp effects, particularly noticeable in bright costumes or rapid movements. These occurrences are not frequent enough to detract significantly from the viewing experience but offer insight into inherent limitations when reproducing certain scenes. Fans of vibrant, visually arresting films will appreciate the upgrade this edition offers.

Overall, "Miami Blues" on Blu-ray provides an engaging and visually satisfying presentation that both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate. With a mostly consistent and vivid image quality that captures the film's colorful essence, this release manages to surpass its antecedents in terms of detail and visual flair while faithfully retaining the film’s spirited aesthetic legacy.

The audio presentation for the Blu-Ray release of "Miami Blues" is a testament to the capabilities of the LPCM 2.0 track, offering a full-bodied and dynamic listening experience. While the release does not present a huge advancement over previous versions, it maintains a consistent quality that effectively complements the film's lively soundtrack and dialogue. Notably, the track preserves the excitement of Norman Greenbaum’s "Spirit in the Sky," which bookends the film, delivering vibrant performances without any trace of damage or distortion. Dialogue is crisp and clear, allowing viewers to grasp every nuance of Alec Baldwin’s quick-witted lines without relying heavily on subtitles or constant volume adjustments.

Technically, the LPCM 2.0 stereo mix offers impressive depth for a two-channel recording, capturing both the action sequences and more comedic moments with clarity and presence. Gary Chang’s score, which shifts between light-hearted and more intense moods, is well rendered, enhancing the film's narrative while maintaining a playful undertone. Although not a showcase for surround sound aficionados given its lack of advanced DTS or Dolby Atmos options, the track provides a dependable audio experience with optional English, French, and Spanish subtitles. Additionally, French and Spanish language dubs are available, expanding accessibility for a broader audience without compromising audio integrity.

In summary, while "Miami Blues" may not serve as an exemplar of sound innovation, its LPCM 2.0 track delivers a robust and enjoyable auditory experience that supports both the film’s action-packed scenes and its quirky humor. The inclusion of multiple language options further elevates this release as a versatile choice for diverse audiences seeking to enjoy the film in their preferred tongue.

The Blu-ray extras for "Miami Blues" are thoughtfully curated and well-executed, albeit not extensive. The standout feature is the Interviews with Alec Baldwin and Jennifer Jason Leigh. This segment, cleverly edited, merges insightful reflections from both actors with film footage, providing a deeper understanding of their characters and highlighting moments such as Baldwin’s portrayal choices and Leigh’s favorite scenes. Additionally, Baldwin’s engaging reflections on Fred Ward’s portrayal are noteworthy. Although this feature is carried over from a previous release, it remains a substantial inclusion. The Photo Gallery, automatically advancing yet allowing for manual pauses, offers viewers a nostalgic visual journey. The Trailers section provides both high-definition and standard definition content, rounding out the extras with essential promotional materials.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interviews with Alec Baldwin and Jennifer Jason Leigh: Detailed reflections with film footage.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of stills advancing automatically.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional preview.
• TV Spots: Three short-format promotional pieces.
• Original Orion Home Video Trailer: Vintage home video preview.

The Blu-ray release of "Miami Blues," part of MVD's Rewind Collection, reinvigorates this 1990 film with technical improvements and insightful bonus content, building upon the widely sought-after Shout! Factory edition. While it offers a more cost-effective option, the movie itself remains an intriguing exploration of dark comedy layered with quirky violence. Directed by George Armitage, the film adeptly adapts Charles Willeford’s novel, preserving the book's idiosyncratic energy. The narrative follows ex-con Frederick J. Frenger Jr., played with electrifying mischief by Alec Baldwin, as he navigates Miami’s seedy underbelly, embodying a rogue who masquerades as a policeman after robbing a homicide detective, played compellingly by Fred Ward.

Baldwin's performance is captivating, his portrayal of Junior Frenger a testament to his range and charisma. Jennifer Jason Leigh’s turn as Susie, the naive hooker, is both endearing and poignant, providing a unique depth to their unconventional romance. Ward’s performance as the beleaguered detective Moseley injects humor and complexity, adding flavor to the trio dynamic. This melding of distinct personalities ensures "Miami Blues" connects with audiences through its tapestry of absurd crime capers and deadpan humor.

Visually, the Blu-ray embraces a retro aesthetic, incorporating nostalgic elements like VHS tape-like effects on its packaging, which enhances the experience for fans of vintage film culture. The film's edgy comedic nuances are reminiscent of cinematic styles that foreshadowed Tarantino's rise, showcasing black comedy woven seamlessly with crime drama. Unexplained whimsical details and comedic sequences give life to this remarkable piece, making it an ideal choice for viewers in search of a film that combines wit with sharp narrative turns. Despite losing some momentum towards its conclusion, "Miami Blues" stands as a memorable gem full of madcap ingenuity and unmistakable character dynamics.

"Miami Blues," newly featured on Blu-ray, offers a captivating mix of entertainment and nostalgia that is bound to intrigue both long-time fans and newcomers. Alec Baldwin, in one of his early standout roles, imbues the film with a dynamic energy, supported admirably by his co-stars. Baldwin's performance, alongside the equally compelling contributions from Jennifer Jason Leigh and Fred Ward, forms a trio that is central to the film's ability to swing effortlessly between intense action and surprisingly tender moments. Director George Armitage masterfully navigates these shifts with a breezy pace that ensures the film never loses its momentum.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray release merit praise, notably improving upon previous versions, such as the Shout! Factory edition. The video quality is commendably enhanced, offering a clarity and vibrancy that enriches the viewing experience. Moreover, the MVD Rewind Collection delivers in terms of supplemental content, providing a host of enjoyable features that add value to the purchase. These elements are wrapped up stylishly in the collection’s trademark nostalgic packaging, ensuring this release stands out on the shelf.

Overall, "Miami Blues" is a gem that deserves renewed attention. Its eccentric blend of humor and violence requires a mature audience but rewards viewers with its surreal domestic scenes and dark comedy. This release strikes a balance between nostalgia and technical quality, making it a highly recommended addition for collectors and film enthusiasts seeking something fresh yet familiar.