Gorky Park Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with an MPEG-4 AVC 1080p transfer, "Gorky Park" emerges on Blu-ray through the efforts of Kino Lorber, marking its high-definition initiation. This release follows its older sibling from 2014, both derived from an unchanged MGM master. Nonetheless, this edition distinguishes itself by employing correct gamma levels and utilizing a dual-layer disc for encoding, promising subtle technical refinements over its predecessor. Despite these enhancements, the source's age reveals its limitations, particularly concerning light blooming in daylight scenes and noisy grain in darker segments, slightly marred yet further by occasional nicks and blemishes. Although color stability is commendable, there's a noticeable need for improved saturation across primaries and finer nuances.

Upon closer examination, the updated release exhibits an enhanced dynamic range in certain segments, slightly elevating the visual experience on large screens, hinting at an improved density in some areas without manifesting a groundbreaking difference. This nuanced improvement provides the film with the finest technical display available to date, albeit within the constraints of the original mastering. With an undercurrent of expectation set against the potential of a future 2K or 4K restoration, one can't help but anticipate what a proper overhaul might unveil for this visually demanding title. It’s pertinent to note that accessibility is dictated by regional encoding, restricting playback to Region-A or compatible players.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics' endeavor to revisit "Gorky Park" seemingly mirrors their approach to other catalogue titles, focusing on encoding optimization and disc capacity over source upgrades. The resultant video quality represents a balance between preserving the filmic essence—ensured through respectable handling of fine textures and grain—and navigating the inherent challenges posed by the original material. While black levels and contrast largely impress with their depth, occasional deviations and slight crush hint at the limitations of the existing master. Whites maintain clarity without encroaching blooming, despite sporadic film specks that scarcely detract from the overall viewing experience. This recent iteration reaffirms a commitment to elevating the visual integrity of "Gorky Park," though within the confines of its archival constraints, leaving room for future enhancements that a comprehensive scan and HDR implementation could potentially offer.

The Blu-ray release of "Gorky Park" is endowed with a solitary but solid audio track, the English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The lossless audio track excels in delivering crystal clear, sharp dialogue, a testament to its quality when the volume is cranked up. There's an evident care in the mix that preserves the film's auditory essence, with an interesting dynamic contrast provided by its somewhat unusual soundtrack. Despite this solidity, one could argue about the potential for improvement. However, any such enhancements would likely be superficial, given the track's current state exhibits no significant signs of degradation or lack in any critical areas. The focus on clarity and stability indicates a masterful handling of the audio elements, suggesting that future remastering efforts would mainly enhance balance and perhaps add a touch of warmth to the overall sound profile.

Within this dialogue-oriented narrative, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix doesn’t falter, efficiently handling the weight of dialogue interspersed with occasional action sequences. The film’s soundtrack, penned by James Horner, is reminiscent of his work from the early '80s and brings with it an additional layer of nostalgia for familiar audiences, despite its peculiar placement alongside the film's visual components. Sound effects throughout "Gorky Park" are sufficiently active and create an immersive space that complements both quiet discussions and sporadic moments of intensity well.

The audio presentation for "Gorky Park" on Blu-ray manages to marry clarity with a rich tapestry of sound effects and music, ensuring that dialogue—regardless of the variety of accents—is transmitted impeccably to the audience. While the film's nature as a predominantly dialogue-driven experience could suggest a straightforward audio track, the nuanced delivery and strategic use of James Horner’s memorable score elevates it, making this aspect of the Blu-ray a noteworthy achievement in auditory experience for this classic thriller.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Gorky Park" offer a modest yet insightful collection that leans heavily on archival materials to provide context and appreciation for this cinematic adaptation. The highlight is undoubtedly the interview with director Michael Apted, offering a reflective look at the film’s production challenges, themes, and its grounding in reality, which is a precious resource for fans and new viewers alike. Despite the absence of a coveted new commentary track, the inclusion of original promotional content such as trailers and TV spots, along with a KLSC trailer gallery showcasing other films, rounds out the package. These features collectively serve to not only celebrate the film's legacy but also situate it within a broader cinematic landscape, albeit leaving enthusiasts longing for a deeper dive into its making and impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Director Michael Apted: Archival program discussing production challenges, film themes, and realities.
• Trailer: Vintage trailer for "Gorky Park".
• Teaser Trailer: Vintage teaser for the film.
• TV Spots: A couple of spots sourced from VHS.
• KLSC Trailer Gallery: Includes trailers for "Prime Cut," "Dog Day," "F/X," "Ffolkes," "The Final Option," "Runaway Train," and "The Hunter".

Michael Apted's adaptation of "Gorky Park" (1983), available on Blu-ray through Kino Lorber, encapsulates a period-piece thriller set against the bleak and complex backdrop of 1980s Soviet Russia. Despite its gripping premise, revolving around a Moscow police detective Arkady Renko's (played by William Hurt) investigation into a chilling triple homicide, the film grapples with a problematic portrayal of Soviet reality, which might detract from its authenticity for some viewers. The screenplay, criticized for its far-fetched scenarios, particularly concerning the KGB's depicted leniency towards foreign entities' involvement in a domestic murder investigation, struggles to marry its fictional narrative with the historical rigor of its setting. This discord is echoed in relationships portrayed within the story, such as Renko's interactions with Joanna Pacula’s character, which seem implausible within the tightly controlled societal norms of the time.

Notwithstanding these historical and narrative incongruences, "Gorky Park" shines through its character-driven storyline and the performances of its cast. William Hurt’s portrayal of the astute detective Renko, along with notable performances by Brian Dennehy and Lee Marvin, ground the film’s ambitious plot with a sense of urgency and depth. The film’s atmospheric setting is enriched by its on-location cinematography, depicting the starkness of Soviet life alongside its underlying tensions and intrigues. However, the lack of linguistic authenticity, opting for English spoken with Russian accents rather than employing the Russian language, can occasionally pull audiences out of the immersive experience Apted otherwise meticulously crafts.

While "Gorky Park" may falter in its fidelity to historical accuracy, it compensates with a captivating murder mystery that entwines political intrigue with human drama. Despite the screenplay’s missed opportunities to delve deeper into the complexities of Soviet governance and espionage, the film manages to maintain a compelling narrative pace. Its blending of genuine character motivations with the intricacies of a well-constructed whodunit keeps viewers engaged. The Blu-ray presentation underscores the film's cinematic qualities, though it inevitably brings to fore the challenges of adapting Martin Cruz Smith's bestselling novel to screen—a task fraught with the balancing act between creative storytelling and the portrayal of a bygone socio-political era.

The recent Blu-ray release of Gorky Park brings back a polarizing film that has elicited mixed feelings from its audience. On one hand, the film's interpretation of Soviet reality has been criticized for its lack of accuracy, casting a shadow over the story’s credibility and the drama it aims to portray. Despite this, the movie unites a commendable ensemble of actors who deliver performances that elevate it beyond its flawed historical context, an effort likened to the ambitious, yet historically inaccurate, productions funded by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus for the Cannon Group. The technical quality of this reissue is noted to be marginally improved, suggesting that those with adequate home theater setups might be the ones to truly appreciate the enhancements in video and audio quality.

Conversely, for fans of thrillers and murder mysteries, Gorky Park offers a satisfyingly complex narrative delivered by director Michael Apted and anchored by a compelling early performance from William Hurt, alongside a memorable appearance by Lee Marvin. The setting in Russia provides a unique backdrop that adds depth to the plot without necessarily making it inaccessible for audiences unfamiliar with Russian culture. The Blu-ray disc itself is described as visually appealing despite some imperfections, with solid audio quality that complements the viewing experience. However, the sparse selection of bonus features leaves something to be desired, although the inclusion of an interview with Apted is recognized as a valuable addition.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of Gorky Park serves as a testament to the film's divisive legacy. For cinephiles and enthusiasts of the murder mystery genre, this reissue offers an opportunity to revisit or discover a film that crafts its narrative in the shadowy alleys of Cold War-era Russia, supported by strong performances and a serviceable home media presentation. Despite its historical liberties and the wish for more extensive special features, this Blu-ray edition is worth considering for those intrigued by its blend of thriller elements and character-driven storytelling.