Bamboozled Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Bamboozled," brought to us by The Criterion Collection, utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The transfer involves a new 2K master created from the original SD PAL DV footage and new scans of the original Super 16 mm film, all under the supervision of cinematographer Ellen Kuras and approved by director Spike Lee. While the film inherently possesses limitations owing to its use of late 90s digital video cameras (DV) and 16mm film, this 2K remastering effort has brought a commendable amount of clarity and detail to both formats.

The DV segments, although intrinsically limited by their standard definition origins, exhibit a noticeable improvement in detail and color thanks to Criterion's meticulous restoration process. However, inherent issues such as softness, aliasing, and color distortion are still present. On the contrary, the Super 16mm footage used especially for the New Millennium Minstrel Show scenes is substantially superior, featuring vibrant colors, enhanced detail, and a visible grain structure that significantly enhances the depth and vividness of these sequences. The result is a presentation that achieves a balance between acknowledging the technical limitations of the source materials while extracting as much visual fidelity as possible.

The black levels in the footage, especially during poignant scenes like the application of blackface makeup, stand out with excellent depth and clarity. However, darker scenes shot with DV can appear mottled at times. Color reproduction shows marked improvement in the Super 16 segments but remains somewhat muted and soft in DV scenes. Despite these constraints, the deliberate cinematographic choices do offer moments where the visuals truly shine, making this transfer a notable achievement in preserving the artistic intent while maximizing the available quality. Criterion's effort with "Bamboozled" offers an engaging viewing experience that respects the limitations of its original production technology.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Bamboozled" is notably proficient, offering an immersive and dynamic auditory experience. Music, ranging from the heartfelt tunes of Stevie Wonder to the provocative minstrel material, is supported superbly, ensuring robust and accurate sound reproduction throughout. Directional effects, such as Glover’s dancing sequences, reverberate with precision, enhancing the viewer's engagement. Dialogue is clear and clean across the board, with no discernible issues reported, ensuring that all vocal elements remain coherent and impactful.

This mix tends to be front and center during quieter segments of the film, where robust incidental soundscapes are less necessary. However, with the advent of The New Millennium Minstrel Show's song and dance routines, the soundstage expands significantly. Surround channels then become fully engaged, creating a vibrant and rich auditory environment. The score by Terence Blanchard adds a moody and atmospheric layer that enlivens the sound design during conversational scenes. The low-frequency extension is utilized effectively during musical numbers and specific pivotal moments toward the film's end, adding depth without overwhelming the primary audio elements.

Remastered from the original 35 mm magnetic track using advanced audio tools like Avid’s Pro Tools and iZotope RX, the resulting 5.1 surround sound is strong and center-focused, yet adept at utilizing supporting channels when required. This mix's dynamics ensure a balanced delivery of music and dialogue even when overlapping, making it a highly effective component of the film's overall presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Bamboozled" offers a comprehensive collection of extras, seamlessly blending new insights with archival content to form an indispensable companion to Spike Lee's provocative film. The commentary by Spike Lee, recorded in 2001, delivers profound truths about the film’s creation, contextualizing its impact and intentions. The making-of featurette provides an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at the film's production. Interviews including Spike Lee’s conversation with Ashley Clark and discussions with key cast members like Tommy Davidson and Savion Glover offer compelling reflections on the film's themes and the actors' experiences. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s interview and the piece on blackface and minstrel shows further enrich the viewer’s understanding of the film's cultural and historical significance. Additionally, a variety of music videos, commercials, deleted scenes, and an informative essay by Ashley Clark complete this robust package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring Spike Lee: Insightful commentary recorded in 2001.
• In Conversation: Spike Lee with Ashley Clark: A deep discussion from 2019 exploring the film's context.
• Manray & Womack: Interviews with Tommy Davidson and Savion Glover from 2019.
• Ruth E. Carter: 2019 interview with the Oscar-winning costume designer.
• On Blackface and the Minstrel Show: Historical analysis by Raquel Gates from 2019.
• The Making of Bamboozled: Extensive making-of featurette from the original DVD release.
• Deleted Scenes
• Music Videos and Commercials
• Poster Gallery
• Trailer
• Essay by Ashley Clark: Provided in the insert.

Spike Lee’s "Bamboozled," starring Damon Wayans as Pierre Delacroix, a black television executive frustrated with the industry's demands for stereotypical content, is a searing satire on race relations and depiction in media. Wayans portrays Delacroix, who concocts a plan to air a modern-day minstrel show, expecting it will be so offensive that it will get him fired. Contrary to his expectations, the show, featuring black performers in blackface, becomes an unprecedented hit, reflecting harsh criticisms of systemic racism and media exploitation. Michael Rapaport as the tone-deaf network executive Dunwitty intensifies the narrative, highlighting the painful absurdity of racial appropriations. Savion Glover and Tommy Davidson shine as Manray and Womack, performers caught in this exploitative scheme, while Jada Pinkett Smith’s Sloan provides a grounding perspective.

Visually, the film is distinctive with its mix of Mini DV digital video and Super 16 formats. The raw, almost home-video look juxtaposed against the well-polished minstrel show sequences creates a stark contrast, amplifying the film’s biting critique. The notably unvarnished Mini DV footage emphasizes the low-budget realism of Delacroix's world, while the minstrel sequences are ironically given a cinematic gloss, underscoring their disturbingly attractive but pernicious appeal.

"Content-wise," Bamboozled is less about mere entertainment and more about an incisive social commentary, challenging viewers to reflect on media consumption and inherent biases. The film isn’t just about race caricatures; it’s a broader critique on cultural appropriation and identity. With performances that deftly navigate satire and uncomfortable truths, powerful visual choices, and a potent soundtrack blending R&B, hip-hop, and jazz by Terence Blanchard, "Bamboozled" stands as a provocative piece that remains highly relevant even amidst ongoing discussions about race in contemporary society. Yet, its tendency to occasionally overstate its point and Wayans’ somewhat jarring portrayal of Delacroix could detract from its impact for some viewers.

Spike Lee's "Bamboozled," originally overlooked upon its release in 2000, has aged into a biting satire that forces audiences to critically reexamine their entertainment sources and societal values. Its provocative content, delivered through a blend of early digital video and 16mm film, is inherently diverse in visual quality, creating a deliberately heterogeneous aesthetic. Despite this, the performances are compelling, with actors navigating the tension between discomfort and humor masterfully. The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray edition meticulously presents the film with an improved visual and audio experience, incorporating an active surround mix that enhances the gritty realism of Lee's vision. The supplementary package, filled with insightful extras, offers audiences a deeper understanding of the film's ambitious undertones and creative process.

The film juxtaposes challenging themes and unorthodox stylistic choices with potent social commentary, making it not just a viewing experience but a conversation starter. While some might find Lee's approach heavy-handed or screed-like, the film's intent to provoke thought and dialogue is unmistakable. This release by Criterion ensures that "Bamboozled" receives the focused attention it deserves, providing a comprehensive collection of bonus features that dissect the film’s multifaceted nature.

In conclusion, "Bamboozled" is not an easy film to watch, and no doubt Spike Lee intended it to be that way. Personally, it was hard to laugh at any of this, though it seems like Lee wants to provoke humor founded in discomfort. The underlying conceit is devastating; some may feel Lee's approach is heavy-handed and screed-like. Performances are winning, despite the provocation. Though heterogeneous in appearance due to hybrid technologies used during the shoot, the audio is excellent, and the supplementary package outstanding. Highly recommended.