Cuba Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation of "Cuba" (1.85:1 aspect ratio) delivers an impressively clear and filmic representation, especially for a film nearing its 40th anniversary. The detailing is consistently engaging, with close-ups and set decoration benefiting the most, while the naturalistic locations are vibrantly depicted. The colors are secure and accurate, offering vivacity in period costuming and expansive greenery. Skin tones appear natural and the colder cinematography remains well preserved. Despite minor speckling, the source material is mostly in good shape, with grain structure maintained unobtrusively.

From a casual viewing standpoint, "Cuba" presents a bright and clean picture which immerses the viewer with little distraction. However, a closer inspection reveals some inconsistencies in sharpness across different scenes, along with occasional print damage and dirt, most notable during the opening credits. Nevertheless, the transfer upholds solid colors, especially the deep reds of Brooke Adams's dress and varying browns and yellows of clothing set against golden sunlight backdrops. The overall effect is a predominantly appealing visual experience that respects the period aesthetics and the integrity of the original film source.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio presentation for "Cuba" encounters a range of inherent audio issues which dampen the listening experience. The most glaring problem is the exceptionally artificial ADR work, resulting in a hollow and detached sound profile across numerous scenes. This issue is compounded by persistent hiss and pops, as well as some fluctuating audio levels. While dialogue exchanges are typically clear and easy to follow, emotional peaks tend to sound overly crisp. On the positive side, the musical scoring shines when fully engaged, providing comfortable instrumentation and well-defined emphasis.

The film's two-channel mono format, though delivered in DTS-Master Audio, offers limited dynamics. Notably, even scenes featuring gunfire and explosions fail to inject substantial variation, leading to a somewhat flat auditory experience. When dodging any artificial surround sound decoding like Dolby Pro-logic II, the audio remains noticeably compressed with minimal low bass response. Additionally, post-production looping is apparent, especially in scenes where dialogue fails to sync with visuals, causing voices to sound dry and isolated from their environment. These problems are traced back to the original production rather than the disc mastering, ultimately rendering the output rather constrained and dry.

The Blu-ray release of "Cuba" includes a variety of supplementary materials that provide some additional value, although fans seeking comprehensive behind-the-scenes content will be disappointed by the lack of in-depth features and audio commentaries. The extras offer a nostalgic look at promotional materials and trailers for both "Cuba" and other notable films from the era, primarily starring Sean Connery. Although only offering trailers, the included content does give a glimpse into the cinematic landscape during the movie's release period.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for "Cuba".
• The Great Train Robbery: An extended preview of this moderately popular Sean Connery film with washed out colors.
• Juggernaut: Preview of another forgotten Richard Lester film featuring Richard Harris and Anthony Hopkins.
• Meteor: Trailer for a pre-'90s disaster film reminiscent of earlier Irwin Allen movies.
• The Offence: A confounding trailer with Sean Connery in a slow-motion action sequence.

"Cuba" (1979) directed by Richard Lester presents an ambitious, albeit subdued thriller-romance set against the transformative backdrop of the Cuban Revolution in 1959. Structured as an attempt to evoke the classic "Casablanca," the film often emphasizes historical context over human drama, portraying the socio-political tensions with meticulous detail. Notably, director Lester's cold and detached narrative style tempers the emotive potential of the central love story between Sean Connery and Brooke Adams, focusing instead on the intricate dynamics of the revolutionary environment. The character development remains somewhat superficial, with emotional resonance often overshadowed by the geopolitical landscape.

Sean Connery stars as Major Robert Dapes, a British mercenary entangled with his old flame, played by Brooke Adams. Their reunion, marred by her entanglement in an unhappy marriage and his disillusionment with warfare, lacks profound chemistry, keeping their romance subdued. Supporting roles, played by Hector Elizondo, Martin Balsam, and Chris Sarandon, add dimension to the narrative but don't provide significant depth to elevate the overall story. Despite the high-caliber cast and esteemed director Richard Lester, known for his work with the Beatles and "Superman II," the film fails to achieve substantial dramatic impact.

The cinematography by David Watkins stands as a critical highlight, capturing vivid contrasts between opulent estates of the wealthy and dilapidated shanty towns of the impoverished. This visual disparity effectively underscores the socio-economic divide that fuels the revolution. Despite its picturesque settings and potential for suspenseful intrigue, "Cuba" falters in its aimless storytelling and lack of engrossing character arcs. Although rich in period detail and directorial flourishes, the film's episodic gunfire action and lukewarm romantic propositions leave it as a visually engaging yet emotionally inert experience, struggling to rise above mediocrity.

The Blu-ray release of "Cuba" showcases the technical expertise and artistic vision behind this visually compelling film. The cinematography, directed by David Watkin, brings the local atmosphere to life with vivid precision, capturing the economic divides and natural beauty of the land. The grit, humidity, and mystery of Cuba are cinematically represented, making the visual experience both engaging and immersive. While the high-definition transfer ensures that these elements are highlighted, the overall film tends to underwhelm in crucial areas, such as character development and narrative strength.

The inclusion of this lesser-known work by Richard Lester in the Blu-ray format is a commendable effort to preserve cinematic history, particularly as it broadens the accessibility of his retired works. While Lester's major films are well-documented in high definition, "Cuba" adds a layer of depth to his oeuvre, offering fans a chance to explore his less celebrated projects. However, for those seeking a film with more robust characters and a gripping story, "Cuba" may not entirely satisfy these expectations.

To conclude, "Cuba" is visually impressive and packs a rich atmosphere that will appeal to devotees of cinematic artistry. The Blu-ray release does justice to the film's aesthetic components, ensuring that the essence of Cuba is meticulously captured. While it falters in narrative impact, it remains a noteworthy addition to any film aficionado's collection, particularly for those who appreciate Richard Lester’s directorial legacy.