Mystic Pizza Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Mystic Pizza" is presented in a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 format with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The source material remains largely in good condition, though the opening scene shows significant print damage, including specks, scratches, and dirt. These issues are noticeably reduced in subsequent scenes, but occasional specks remain throughout. The retention of the film's natural grain contributes to its low-budget, naturalistic aesthetic and, while some moments appear soft, there is satisfactory overall fine detail. The choice of a BD-50 disc for the 104-minute film ensures that there are no compression-related problems.

Color levels are solid, yet the overall image lacks depth and appears somewhat flat. Fleshtones are accurate and black levels are deep enough to maintain good shadow detail in night scenes. There's stability in contrast across different lighting conditions, which retains the film's visual consistency. It’s worth noting that no digital noise reduction (DNR) or artificial sharpening seems to have been employed, preserving the film’s natural look.

In summary, while this Blu-ray release doesn’t offer a revolutionary improvement in picture quality, it effectively maintains the film's original look. The overall presentation is competent, ensuring that "Mystic Pizza" looks possibly as good as it ever will in high-definition, without any glaring errors or enhancements that could detract from its authenticity.

The audio presentation of "Mystic Pizza" on Blu-ray is provided via an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, a Spanish Dolby Surround track, and a French mono track, with subtitles available in English SDH and French. The DTS-HD track, while not a surround track, delivers clear and centered dialogue effectively. Ambient sounds such as water, boats, traffic, and various crowd scenes are lightly integrated into the surrounds, creating a gentle and immersive experience. However, the bass extension is minimal and the dynamic range remains fairly flat, though some 80s music tracks provide occasional punch.

Despite some minor shortcomings, including thin dialogue and sporadic crackles, the audio remains serviceable for the type of film "Mystic Pizza" is. The original Ultra-Stereo soundtrack is faithfully reproduced in DTS lossless format. Background score elements are handled competently without overwhelming the dialogue or environmental sounds. Although this film was not originally designed with a sophisticated surround sound mix, the auditory experience effectively supports its narrative without requiring significant directionality or deep bass extensions. Ultimately, while not extraordinary by modern standards, the audio quality is sufficient to facilitate an enjoyable viewing experience.

The Extras on the Blu-ray release of "Mystic Pizza" are minimal and underwhelming, reflecting a budget-conscious mastering approach indicative of Fox's handling of MGM discs. The included special feature, a theatrical trailer, is presented in high-definition but suffers from noticeable wear and tear. Alas, this single feature lacks the depth and breadth of content that collectors and enthusiasts might expect from a comprehensive Blu-ray release, limiting the overall value of the supplementary materials.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer: Presented in HD, but in rough shape with substantial print damage.

"Mystic Pizza," directed by Donald Petrie, emerges as an enduring exploration of young womanhood in the late 80s. Centered around three childhood friends—Daisy (Julia Roberts), Kat (Annabeth Gish), and Jojo (Lili Taylor)—the narrative unravels in the quaint seaport town of Mystic, Connecticut. Employed at the local pizza parlor, the trio navigates complex romantic entanglements, familial expectations, and personal ambitions. Daisy's relationship with the affluent yet rebellious Charles Gordon Windsor, Jr. (Adam Storke) and Kat's precarious involvement with Tim Travers (William R. Moses), a married client, reflect their struggles with social mobility and emotional depth, while Jojo's hesitant engagement to Bill (Vincent D'Onofrio) epitomizes the fear of traditional domesticity.

The film shines due to its ensemble cast and refreshingly character-driven storyline, reflecting nuanced perspectives on women's lives that mainstream cinema often overlooks. Despite drawbacks, such as predictable plot mechanics and somewhat clichéd character arcs, "Mystic Pizza" captivates with its earnest performances and skillful direction. Julia Roberts' early portrayal is notable for the sparks of charisma that hint at her future stardom, bringing vibrancy to a tepid and formulaic script. Annabeth Gish and Lili Taylor complement Roberts, each imbuing their roles with sincerity and wit that lift the film above its conventional trappings.

While the film may not offer groundbreaking commentary or innovative storytelling, it achieves a rare blend of warmth, humor, and relatable drama. The depiction of Portuguese American culture through wedding traditions and the cherished family recipe for pizza sauce adds a unique flavor, grounding the story in a tangible reality. "Mystic Pizza" is not without flaws; it oscillates between charm and mediocrity but remains an endearing slice of 80s cinema that continues to resonate with audiences craving heartfelt, character-centric narratives.

'Mystic Pizza' has earned its place as a charming, albeit simple, slice-of-life film that captures the essence of small-town America in the late '80s. Starring a young Julia Roberts, the movie is a breezy romantic comedy that navigates the lives of three waitresses working at a pizzeria in Mystic, Connecticut. The Blu-ray release offers a faithful representation of the original film's aesthetics. While the video transfer retains the movie's nostalgic, slightly grainy texture, it also enhances color vibrancy and details that elevate the viewing experience. The audio, presented in a clear Dolby Digital 2.0 mix, does justice to the dialogue-driven film.

While some may argue 'Mystic Pizza' is a disposable romantic comedy with a straightforward plot, its strength lies in its authentic portrayal of everyday lives and relationships. The Blu-ray, unfortunately, falls short when it comes to additional content, offering only a theatrical trailer. This lack of extras might be a letdown for enthusiasts hoping for behind-the-scenes insights or interviews with the cast and crew. Nonetheless, the film’s heartwarming themes and engaging performances make it worthwhile.

One has to be careful not to oversell a little film like 'Mystic Pizza,' and yet it's hard to get around the fact that simple dramas about ordinary people have become an endangered species on the American scene. The major studios have abandoned them altogether, and even their specialty divisions seem to need some sort of clever marketing hook before they'll take a chance. For a similar film to be made today, it would probably have to be subtitled and set in Europe. Strasbourg Croissant, anyone?