Of Mice and Men Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Of Mice and Men" on Blu-ray from Olive Films is an 1080p/AVC-MPEG-4 encoded transfer displayed at 1.85:1, sourced from the MGM archives. Although the transfer exhibits the aged look typical of catalog high-definition releases, the elements are in generally good shape concerning age-related wear and tear. The telecine wobble and noticeable specks of white and black suggest an older transfer that may benefit from modern restoration efforts. Additionally, viewers may observe a slight clumpiness in the film grain and occasional instances of image jitter, with one particularly noticeable occurrence at 1:34.

Colors are presented in strong, natural hues, with the greens and browns of the countryside appearing rich and the red dress vibrant. However, flesh tones lean towards ruddy, a possible reflection of the characters' prolonged exposure to the sun. Detail in close-ups is commendable, providing clear textures on costumes and fabrics and offering a very good sense of depth. Unfortunately, some nighttime or dimly lit scenes suffer from limited shadow detail, occasionally obscuring objects in darkness. The overall result shows solid video quality that is never less than watchable but does not reach optimal standards expected from more recent transfers.

Blacks exhibit impressive richness, and some darker sequences achieve effective shadow delineation, like the opening scene of George in a train car under intermittent light. Conversely, other scenes struggle with grain resolution issues that limit the visual depth, reflecting an inconsistency in quality. While this presentation is far from perfect, it provides a respectable viewing experience fitting for its archival origins.

The Blu-ray release of "Of Mice and Men" boasts a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, which effectively underscores Mark Isham's evocative score. Isham's composition subtly recalls the work of Aaron Copland, imbuing scenes with added emotional depth and authenticity. The fidelity of the track is commendable, devoid of any discernible damage or distortion, ensuring a pristine listening experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix not only highlights Isham's musical contribution but also carefully balances the film's dialogue and ambient sounds. Notably, the train sequences bookending the film provide an immersive audio journey; bass rumbles convincingly through the speakers while the crossing bell creates an authentic sense of movement across channels. The engine whistle's placement in the right speaker showcases precise audio engineering, clearly delineating the spatial dynamics of the scene.

Dialogue throughout the film remains clear and intelligible, with well-mixed elements that ensure no single aspect overpowers another. While the track occasionally includes louder moments, such as train sounds and character shouts, these do not compromise the overall clarity and cohesion. Despite appearances suggesting a limited dynamic range, the mix demonstrates its capability to handle varying audio intensities smoothly and without noticeable compression.

The Blu-ray extras for "Of Mice and Men" offer a comprehensive selection that delves deep into the making of the film. Director Gary Sinise's commentary provides intimate insights into his passion for the project, his dual role as actor-director, and the adaptations made from the original novella. The sit-down conversation with screenwriter Horton Foote enriches the experience, detailing their collaborative efforts and influences. However, some of the supplemental materials appear to be upscaled standard definition rather than true 1080p, which might be noticeable to discerning viewers. Overall, these extras provide valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives and are a noteworthy addition for fans and film enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary with Director Gary Sinise: Intimate insights into making the film and adaptation choices.
• In Conversation with Director Gary Sinise and Screenwriter Horton Foote: Detailed discussion on their collaboration and influences.
• Making Of Mice and Men: Brief featurette with scene footage.
• Deleted Scenes: Optional commentary by Sinise explaining cuts.
• Makeup Tests for the Main Characters: Silent footage showcasing character looks.
• Sherilyn Fenn Screen Test: Multiple takes of a pivotal scene.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

Gary Sinise's 1992 adaptation of John Steinbeck's acclaimed novella "Of Mice and Men" delivers a poignant exploration of human vulnerability set against the backdrop of the Depression-era American West. This adaptation resonates with emotional and visual authenticity, enriched by Sinise's careful direction and an exceptional cast. John Malkovich, portraying the mentally disabled Lennie, delivers a performance characterized by a poignant depth, though his portrayal can sometimes feel overly mannered. Sinise, also starring as George, embodies a protective yet frustrated figure, showing clear familiarity with the character dynamics. Their portrayal of the complex bond between George and Lennie offers a powerfully symbiotic relationship that drives the narrative.

Cinematographer Kenneth MacMillan's work heightens the film's emotional resonance through a visually stunning, almost Andrew Wyeth-inspired aesthetic, contrasting starkly with the 1939 black-and-white version. Sinise's decision to shoot vast exterior scenes allows for a breathtaking scenic tour that enhances the story's setting and mood. While remaining faithful to the original material, Horton Foote's screenplay introduces minor deviations that offer additional context, such as bookending segments not present in Steinbeck’s original versions.

Foreshadowing is meticulously woven throughout the narrative. This is evident in scenes involving characters like Candy (Ray Walston), whose subplot about his ailing dog mirrors the central theme of mercy killings and moral dilemmas faced by George with Lennie. Sherilyn Fenn’s portrayal of Curley's flirtatiously dangerous wife further heightens the impending sense of tragedy. Sinise’s directorial choices prioritize naturalism, maintaining a subdued tone amidst inherently dramatic situations. The film stands out thanks to its finely balanced performances and evocative visual storytelling, urging viewers to revisit Steinbeck’s timeless novella.

Gary Sinise’s adaptation of "Of Mice and Men" showcases a commendable interpretation of John Steinbeck's poignant narrative. Sinise delivers an affecting and effective rendition of this classic tale, presenting themes of sadness and resilience with gravitas. The performances, especially by Sinise and his co-stars, are impressive and capture the emotional depth of the characters. The film’s scenic beauty is also noteworthy, transporting viewers to the Great Depression era with authenticity.

While the video quality of the Blu-ray release leaves room for improvement, the audio presentation maintains a high standard, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Olive Films has done a commendable job with the high-definition transfer, which, though not perfect, serves the film well. The inclusion of the informative extras from the 2003 DVD release adds substantial value to this version, providing insightful background on the film’s production and reception.

In conclusion, despite some minor technical shortcomings, Sinise’s "Of Mice and Men" remains a highly recommended Blu-ray for its superb performances, outstanding direction, and faithful adaptation of Steinbeck's enduring story. The film’s timeless themes are effectively highlighted, making this a valuable addition to any classic film collection.