All the President's Men Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "All the President's Men" delivers a predominantly natural and filmic experience, marked by its adherence to the original cinematic aesthetic typical of mid-1970s films. The AVC encoded 1080p transfer, framed at 1.78:1, retains the authentic grain structure, which some viewers might find gritty and overly soft. Despite the absence of digital noise reduction that would alter the film's texture, the transfer appears notably darker with an often orange-tinged color palette that can affect flesh tones, leading to a slightly faded appearance in certain scenes.

Contrast levels are modest, with several dark sequences, particularly the Deep Throat scenes, suffering from significant shadow crushing. However, the Blu-ray compensates for some of these shortcomings with solid black levels and well-rendered shadow delineation in less problematic areas. The overall clarity, while inferior to contemporaneous releases like "Network," is sufficient to reveal minute details such as blotches on newsroom walls and facial features in close-ups. Background elements, however, can appear fuzzy, detracting from the film's overall sharpness.

The color presentation includes instances of vibrancy, notably with the red chairs in the newsroom and outdoor greenery, which invigorate the otherwise muted palette. Though the film's look may not compete with modern high-definition transfers in terms of punch and sharpness, it remains a faithful representation of its original release. This release should satisfy purists and fans who appreciate an undisturbed filmic presentation devoid of digital alterations.

The audio presentation of "All the President's Men" on Blu-ray offers a notable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that is both robust and immersive for a film approaching its 35th anniversary. The opening sound of typewriter keys striking the paper makes an unforgettable first impression, grabbing the viewer’s attention immediately. Throughout, the mix delivers excellent fidelity, with clear and precise dialogue. David Shire's understated yet impactful score is beautifully rendered, adding depth to the viewing experience. While the soundtrack operates on a narrow soundfield, it still maintains a spry and active atmosphere with no hiss, damage, or other audio defects.

Details such as pencils scribbling, footsteps, and rotary phone dials are conveyed with remarkable clarity, contributing to a very dynamic range. The almost constant typewriter sounds are distinct and prevent any audio breakup or distortion. Dialogue intelligibility stands out, ensuring that every word is easily understood. Though there's minimal bass involvement, it’s not missed for this type of film—subwoofer action is unnecessary to appreciate the meticulous sound design. While a multi-channel audio track might have enhanced the ambience, especially in bustling newsroom scenes, the stereo mix still does a commendable job of immersing the listener into the film's atmosphere. This solid audio presentation will undoubtedly satisfy the fans of "All the President's Men."

The Blu-ray of "All the President's Men" offers a rich collection of supplements that enhance the viewing experience. Highlighting the offerings is an articulate and thoughtful audio commentary by producer-actor Robert Redford, which delves into the film's production intricacies, the dynamics between the real-life personalities, and creative choices like Gordon Willis' use of light and shadow. Several featurettes, such as "Telling the Truth About Lies" and "Woodward and Bernstein: Lighting the Fire," provide comprehensive insights into the making of the film and the historical impact of the Watergate scandal. These extras are complemented by vintage clips, including a 1976 interview with Jason Robards on "Dinah!" and a theatrical trailer. This robust array of special features underscores the significance and enduring relevance of this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Robert Redford provides insightful background information.
• Telling the Truth About Lies: Chronicles the film’s journey to the screen.
• Woodward and Bernstein: Lighting the Fire: Discusses journalism’s impact and legacy.
• Out of the Shadows: The Man Who Was Deep Throat: Examines motivations behind Mark Felt’s actions.
• Pressure and the Press: Combines on-set footage with interviews from 1976.
• May 27, 1976 Dinah! with Jason Robards: Interview clip with revelations about "All the President’s Men".
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

"All the President's Men" meticulously chronicles the prolonged unraveling of the Watergate scandal with a sense of urgency that remains compelling decades after its release. The initial seemingly minor break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in June 1972 slowly unfurls into a significant national crisis, revealing layers of corruption within President Nixon's administration. Director Alan J. Pakula, with a finely-tuned script by William Goldman, transforms the methodical pursuit of truth by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) into a quasi-thriller, underscoring the film's enduring suspense and gravitas.

The movie's authenticity is anchored in its detailed portrayal of a 1970s newsroom, back when typewriters clattered and editors like Ben Bradlee (Jason Robards, in an Academy Award-winning role), steered tenacious young reporters. The dynamic interplay between Woodward's conservative, by-the-book approach and Bernstein's liberal impulsiveness forms the spine of the narrative, with their dogged investigation peeling back layers of deception. The supporting cast, featuring seasoned actors like Ned Beatty and Jane Alexander, adds depth to the riveting depiction of journalistic perseverance. "All the President's Men" captures the essence of investigative reporting, emphasizing grit over glamour, and it is replete with memorable scenes that blend historical gravity with cinematic tension.

Pakula excels in creating a palpable atmosphere of paranoia and determination as Woodward and Bernstein chase leads, often facing apathy or outright hostility. The realistic procedural elements underscore the meticulous nature of their work, from making endless phone calls to decrypting clues from Deep Throat (Hal Holbrook). The film’s representation of journalistic integrity and the critical role of a free press in upholding democracy resonates powerfully, making "All the President’s Men" not just a historical document but a touchstone for cinematic representations of investigative journalism.

"All the President's Men" is a quintessential viewing experience that seamlessly combines meticulous investigative journalism with cinematic storytelling. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films about journalism, it transcends its origins as a Watergate movie, presenting a gripping detective story that reverberates with the challengingly persistent ethos of reporting. The performance by Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman is exceptional, with their on-screen synergy elevating the narrative, while not overshadowing the film’s core message about the power and importance of the First Amendment.

The Blu-ray’s presentation is both commendable and somewhat underwhelming. Warner's digibook edition retains all the supplemental material from the previous special edition DVD, ensuring a comprehensive package for collectors and enthusiasts. However, the image quality does have some limitations, which may disappoint those expecting a pristine visual experience. Despite these minor shortcomings, the audio quality maintains a high standard, amplifying key moments with clarity and efficiency that enhances the film’s gripping tension.

You may have lived through Watergate yourself or have learned about it in school, but "All the President's Men" makes it all come alive in a thrillingly visceral way. One of the finest depictions of the day-to-day grind in a newsroom tackling an epochal story like Watergate, this is probably Alan J. Pakula's crowning achievement. With knockout performances anchoring the film, this Blu-ray release—with its minor flaws—still stands as an essential addition to any collection. Highly recommended.