Raw Deal 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Studio Canal's latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Raw Deal" showcases an ambitious undertaking, employing a thorough 4K restoration from various 35mm sources by VDM Laboratory in France. This restoration aimed to deliver an image with a native 3840 x 2160p resolution, maintaining the original 2.39:1 aspect ratio while implementing High Dynamic Range (HDR10 and Dolby Vision) for enhanced color depth and a broader dynamic range. The restoration process notably addressed pre-existing physical damage, presenting a significantly improved image over the 2010 Optimum Blu-ray release. Viewers can expect a noticeable enhancement in detail, such as the finer textures in clothing and environments, alongside a more balanced grain structure that stays true to the film's 35mm origins. Blacks are deeper, and colors are more vibrant without overpowering, employing Wide Color Gamut (WCG) judiciously for a realistic palette.

However, the transition to 4K is not without its drawbacks. Some have criticized the color grading process, stating it introduces inconsistencies and artificiality to the film's visual presentation. Observations point to a problematic color grade that infuses parts of the film with an unnatural cyan hue, affecting blues, reds, and whites, thereby diminishing the film’s native dynamic range and casting a digital veneer over scenes that should otherwise radiate with a 35mm filmic essence. These grading choices have led to a divisive reception among enthusiasts, as they appear to compromise the authenticity and intended visual atmosphere of the original cinematography.

Despite these color grading concerns, the technical enhancement from the restoration work is evident. The disc exhibits a stable image free from compression artifacts, maintaining consistency even with variances in bitrates. While some may find the color balance and dynamic range manipulation contentious, there's an acknowledged improvement in image sharpness, grain resolution, and overall fidelity compared to prior releases. This showcases Studio Canal's commitment to preserving and presenting films in their best possible light, though it also underscores the challenges inherent in transferring film to digital formats while satisfying purists and modern audiences alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Raw Deal" provides a choice of soundtrack options that cater to diverse preferences, with English LPCM 2.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, French LPCM 2.0, French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and German LPCM 2.0 tracks included along with English SDH, French, and German subtitles. An assessment of these tracks, especially when experienced through a high-quality Denon AVR-X4300H and a sophisticated 7.2.4 KEF speaker setup, reveals that while the film features robust action sequences punctuated by explosions and gunfire, the audio experience differs markedly between the provided audio tracks. Notably, the English 2.0 track outshines its 5.1 counterpart in both clarity and impact.

The English LPCM 2.0 soundtrack emerges as a surprisingly superior choice over the previously available English DTS-HD MA 5.1 option. The latter's performance, characterized by a noticeable lack of depth and presence, pales in comparison to the former's robust delivery. The stereo track, free from any attempts at matrixing into Dolby Surround, invests in a muscular portrayal of the film's audio, especially noticeable in its handling of Chris Boardman's eclectic score—a mix of orchestral themes, distorted guitars, and synth pop percussion. This concoction is given ample room to breathe across the stereo field, ensuring each element retains its distinct space without causing auditory congestion. Sound effects like gunfire and explosions also gain a remarkable sense of weight and body in the stereo mix, overshadowing the LFE-enhanced but otherwise underwhelming 5.1 track.

A detailed exploration validates the decision to switch from the English 5.1 to the 2.0 track for an optimized audio experience. The latter's implementation smartly exploits its stereo capability to enhance narrative immersion significantly, leveraging tight mid-range and clean separation of sound elements. These technical qualities ensure that the film's dynamic score and action-packed sequences are conveyed with vigour and precision. Therefore, while both tracks have their merits, enthusiasts and audiophiles alike are recommended to experience "Raw Deal" with the LPCM 2.0 track for a more potent auditory journey, echoing the sentiment that sometimes simplicity, when expertly executed, trumps complexity in delivering sensory satisfaction.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Raw Deal" includes the same roster of extras featured on the previous Optimum disc, without any enhancements or additions to improve their quality for high-definition presentation. The extras comprise a vintage trailer, a significant documentary on Arnold Schwarzenegger's rise in Hollywood, and a featurette about the production of "Raw Deal." These supplements, while informative, especially the documentary that provides insights from various directors and the featurette that offers a glimpse into the movie’s production, do not offer anything new for fans who might be purchasing this edition as an upgrade. The lack of HD upgrades or additional content may be disappointing for enthusiasts hoping for more exclusive material in this release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage preview of "Raw Deal" in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger - The Man Who Raised Hollywood: Documentary feature exploring Schwarzenegger’s transition from bodybuilder to movie star, featuring interviews with directors.
• A Generic Gangster Film: Discussion by Dave Saunders on "Raw Deal" and its production history.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's foray into the action genre with "Raw Deal" (1986) showcases a period of transition and experimentation in his career, veering into a mobster narrative under John Irwin's direction. The film, initially conceived as a traditional gangster flick, underwent significant retooling to accommodate Schwarzenegger's unique persona and cinematic presence. At a time when Schwarzenegger was seeking to diversify his roles beyond the muscle-bound characters of "Conan the Barbarian" and "The Terminator," "Raw Deal" offered an opportunity to explore a different facet of his acting prowess. Despite its intentions, the film emerges as an odd blend of genres, mixing elements of action, comedy, and crime thriller, albeit with mixed results. The narrative thrust, revolving around Schwarzenegger's character, Mark Kaminski—a disgraced ex-FBI agent turned small-town sheriff seeking redemption by infiltrating the Chicago mob—leans heavily on the actor's physicality and screen charisma, often at the expense of narrative coherence and depth.

Technically, the movie does not stand out in terms of cinematography or editing, with many potentially impressive shots of Chicago's landscape falling flat and action sequences that, while decent, don't elevate the film beyond its core identity as a Schwarzenegger vehicle. The script struggles to imbue its characters with complexity or to fully exploit the dramatic potential of its premise, settling instead for a straightforward revenge plot that culminates in predictable shootouts. Notably, the film's attempts at humor and dramatic tension often feel incongruous with Schwarzenegger's established screen persona, leading to moments that are awkwardly executed. Nonetheless, "Raw Deal" remains a curious artifact of its time—an attempt to meld the gangster genre with action sensibilities, anchored by a star whose presence alone commands attention. Even as the film meanders through its paces, Schwarzenegger's undeniable charisma and the novelty of seeing him in a less typical role provide a peculiar charm that keeps it watchable.

While "Raw Deal" may not rank among Schwarzenegger's most memorable or critically acclaimed works, it nonetheless plays an intriguing role in his filmography as an experimental detour. Its existence speaks to the actor's willingness to stretch his capabilities and to Hollywood's broader trends during the mid-1980s. Despite the film’s shortcomings—its tonal inconsistencies, underdeveloped plotlines, and missed opportunities for richer character exploration—it serves as a showcase for Schwarzenegger's screen presence and the audiences' appetite for his larger-than-life persona. In this sense, "Raw Deal" is emblematic of a transitional phase in action cinema, reflecting both the era's cinematic conventions and the shifting dynamics of Schwarzenegger's storied career.

Raw Deal" might not feature at the pinnacle of Arnold Schwarzenegger's filmography, but it undeniably secures its spot as a delightfully entertaining, if flawed, spectacle. The latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Studio Canal is met with both anticipation and a dose of skepticism. This version brings forth an improved visual and sound experience, with the introduction of a new English stereo track that adds a refreshing dynamism to the film. Though marred by a lack of new extras, the package includes previously released content that still adds value, making this release a compelling proposition for both newcomers and veteran fans of the movie.

However, the technical presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc has stirred controversy among cinephiles. Despite utilizing high-quality raw 4K scans from original 35mm elements, the color grading stage has been critiqued for significantly detracting from an otherwise immaculate restoration. This oversight gives parts of "Raw Deal" a digital, almost video game-like appearance rather than highlighting the rich textures and nuances of 35mm film. Such mismanagement in the color grading process underscores a recurrent issue within the industry, spotlighting a pressing need for consistent and respectful handling of classic film restorations.

In conclusion, while the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Raw Deal" offers an unequivocally enhanced auditory and visual feast, its full potential is undermined by questionable color grading choices. This release serves as yet another reminder of the delicate balance between technology and artistry in film restoration. For enthusiasts eager to revisit Schwarzenegger's charismatic performance in stunning resolution, this edition warrants consideration. Nevertheless, the missed opportunity for a definitive home video version due to technical missteps leaves room for future endeavors to resolve these persistent challenges in the archiving and appreciating of cinema classics.