Peggy Sue Got Married Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Peggy Sue Got Married" is a laudable yet imperfect restoration of Jordan Cronenweth's cinematography. Notably, this release finally presents the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, rectifying previous incorrect framing issues. The 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer maintains a mostly pristine condition and adheres to high standards, delivering a film-like image experience. Colors transition succinctly from a subdued 1985 palette to vibrant 1960 hues, adding thematic depth. The natural grain structure is finely rendered, avoiding artificial sharpening, although a slight dip in detail is noted during the opening credits due to optical superimposition.

However, the transfer does have some inconsistencies. While daytime exteriors show excellent detailing, the overall image remains soft by modern standards, with several sequences poorly resolved. Contrast appears flat and fluctuates across different scenes, with highlights blooming and clipping in many interior shots. This affects finer details and introduces mild noise and posterization. Despite rich black levels, darker portions of the image sometimes suffer from notable crush, which obscures small background details. Colors, though cleanly rendered, do not consistently pop or impress.

In summary, while the Blu-ray offers a definitive upgrade over previous home video editions—obviously an improvement from the pan-and-scan formats—it falls short of representing a comprehensive high-definition leap. The Blu-ray's 103-minute film comfortably fits on a BD-25 with an adequate average bitrate of 24.88 Mbps, maintaining a generally solid but occasionally flawed visual fidelity.

The lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 remix of "Peggy Sue Got Married" significantly enhances the original mono track while keeping its conservative and front-oriented nature. Dialogue clarity is exceptional, with Nicolas Cage's high-pitched inflections and Kathleen Turner's deep voice rendered naturally and distinctly. The remix achieves excellent fidelity with a broad, clean, and well-balanced channel separation, retaining much of the action within the front soundstage. Dynamics and acoustics are presented with detailed accuracy, ensuring differentiation in music and some action sequences. Low bass is adequate and appropriate for this romantic comedy, providing a pleasing auditory experience.

The score by John Barry benefits greatly from the expanded soundstage, with stereo separation highlighting the musical performance at the reunion by the Marshall Crenshaw Band and Charlie's ensemble in 1960. While the mix avoids gimmicky sound effects, it employs a few discrete effects to extend the soundfield, achieving impressive directionality. Overall, this lossless mix delivers a substantial improvement over the original mono design, offering a satisfying and immersive auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray edition of "Peggy Sue Got Married" includes no supplemental materials, which is a notable omission for enthusiasts expecting at least minimal extras such as trailers or featurettes. Historically, Sony's 1998 DVD contained trailers for "Peggy Sue Got Married," "Guarding Tess," and "It Could Happen to You." However, this current Blu-ray release provides none of these, resulting in a pared-down offering for collectors and fans of the film alike. This lack of extras leaves an unfortunate gap in contextual content that could further enhance the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

None

"Peggy Sue Got Married," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, stands out as a heartwarming yet introspective film released in a particularly tumultuous phase of Coppola's career. Following several setbacks in the early 1980s, Coppola took over the project from Penny Marshall, helming a script written by Jerry Leichtling and Arlene Sarner. The narrative cleverly intertwines time travel with a reversed romance, providing a platform for Kathleen Turner's riveting performance as Peggy Sue Bodell. Turner imbues the character with an infectious charm, skillfully conveying her internal struggles and moments of nostalgic reflection through a remarkable range of emotion.

The film's premise, where Peggy Sue awakens in her high school era after collapsing at her 25th reunion, serves as both a whimsical exploration and a poignant dive into the 'what-ifs' of life. As Peggy navigates her past with adult sensibilities, encounters with familiar faces such as her high school sweetheart Charlie (Nicolas Cage) and friends Maddy (Joan Allen) and Carol (Catherine Hicks) offer both comedic and heartfelt moments. Charlie’s character, portrayed with a cartoonish flair, adds a layer of both humor and depth to his and Peggy's complex relationship dynamic. Supporting performances, especially by Jim Carrey and Barry Miller, enrich the plot’s nostalgic undertone.

Coppola's direction here is notably more straightforward compared to his signature boldness in projects like "Apocalypse Now" or "The Godfather." This restrained approach allows the narrative to shine on its own merits, balancing light-heartedness with introspection. The film's legacy, bolstered by Turner's standout acting, lies in its universal appeal and the thoughtful execution of the idea that altered choices could change everything. The Blu-ray release by Image Entertainment, while lacking in special features, provides an excellent transfer, preserving the film's charm and technical quality for contemporary audiences.

Francis Ford Coppola's "Peggy Sue Got Married" is a charming romantic-comedy that deftly blends humor and introspection, making it a standout in Coppola’s diverse filmography. Starring Kathleen Turner in a captivating performance and Nicolas Cage, the film delves into themes of regret and second chances with an emotional resonance that still feels relevant today. A recurring visual motif is the use of mirrors, cleverly executed with doubles to avoid showing the camera crew, adding a layer of metaphor for self-reflection and personal growth.

The Blu-ray edition offers modest improvements over previous home video releases. The picture quality, while upgraded, may not meet the highest standards of modern high-definition presentations. However, the audio quality excels, providing a clear and immersive experience. This release is somewhat let down by a lack of bonus materials, which could have provided valuable insights into the making of this film and Coppola's unique directorial choices.

In conclusion, despite its minor technical shortcomings, "Peggy Sue Got Married" remains a delightful and thought-provoking film, highly recommended for both nostalgic fans and new viewers alike. The subtle interplay between its visual storytelling and thematic depth, especially through clever mirror shots, enhances the narrative’s meaningful exploration of personal reflection and understanding.