The Straight Story Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, "The Straight Story" on Blu-ray, released by Via Vision Entertainment, offers a mixed visual experience. The source material stems from a restored 4K master, yet the presentation reveals signs typical of older masters, manifesting in inconsistencies. Daylight scenes suffer from overdone highlights that obscure finer details, as seen in several screencaptures, while traces of light sharpening add an unwelcome harshness to these sequences. Conversely, darker scenes display relatively better balance, although issues with delineation and depth persist.

Despite these drawbacks, the Blu-ray still manages to deliver reliable visuals characterized by plenty of fine details and textures, maintaining a stable image throughout. Colors show adequate stability; however, there is room for improved saturation and balance to enhance the overall visual appeal. On the positive side, the image is free from large marks, debris, or cuts, ensuring a distraction-free viewing experience. Yet, considering the film's potential, there is a strong case for seeking a more organic appearance through further refinement of the current high-definition presentation. This Blu-ray release is region-free, providing compatibility with players worldwide.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Straight Story" features two primary audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0, with optional English SDH subtitles available for the main feature. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers a robust, lossless experience that expertly handles Angelo Badalamenti's score, delivering the music with clarity and depth. Nonetheless, there are moments where the track could benefit from a wider and more immersive soundstage, akin to the atmospheric depth found in scores from other films like "Mulholland Drive". Despite these minor shortcomings, dialogue remains extraordinarily clear, clean, and stable throughout, ensuring maximum intelligibility for viewers.

Switching to the LPCM 2.0 track, while not as dynamically expansive as its 5.1 counterpart, it provides a solid stereo experience. The balance between the dialogue and score is well-maintained, offering a listenable mix that suits those with simpler audio setups. These tracks showcase the delicate nuances of the film's audio elements effectively, though the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 remains preferable for a fuller immersion.

Overall, the audio offerings on this Blu-ray release balance clarity with fidelity, capturing the essence of the film's sound design precisely. While there may be room for increased dimensionality, particularly for aficionados seeking broader sonic landscapes, both tracks perform admirably in detailing the film's understated yet impactful auditory elements.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "The Straight Story" deliver a profoundly enriching experience for fans and film enthusiasts alike. The commentary by critic Peter Tonguette offers insightful perspectives on Disney's involvement and David Lynch's distinct directorial style. Through Mark Har and Bob Medcraft’s discussions in “Mark and Bob Tell It Straight,” viewers are taken into the meticulous location selection process. John Thorne’s examination in “Straight and Narrow: Inside the Film” unravels the film’s conception, while Daniel Schweiger’s analysis in “Far and Wide: Inside the Score” highlights Angelo Badalamenti’s impactful musical composition. Ian Mantgani’s visual essay adds depth with its interpretation of the film’s redemption arc. Overall, these features provide a comprehensive exploration of this unique cinematic piece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: An audio commentary by critic Peter Tonguette.
• Mark and Bob Tell It Straight: Insights from location managers Mark Har and Bob Medcraft.
• Straight and Narrow: Inside the Film: John Thorne discusses the film's conception.
• Far and Wide: Inside the Score: Daniel Schweiger examines Angelo Badalamenti's score.
• Found Highway: The Lynchian Redemption of The Straight Story: Ian Mantgani's visual essay.
• Trailer: A vintage trailer.

David Lynch's "The Straight Story" on Blu-ray from Via Vision Entertainment is a cinematic exploration that transcends the director’s typical narrative style, capturing a poignantly unique tale of redemption and resolve. Richard Farnsworth’s portrayal of Alvin Straight is heartbreakingly authentic, as his deteriorating health becomes indistinguishable from his character’s plight. Farnsworth doesn’t just play Alvin; he embodies him, bringing resonance to every moment with his expressive eyes and weary physicality. The film’s cinematography showcases the untouched beauty of the American Heartland, offering a genuine portrayal that contrasts with Hollywood's often glamorized depictions, highlighting its serene landscapes and the integral communities that inhabit them.

The strategic use of Angelo Badalamenti's soundtrack amplifies the film’s emotional depth, adding layers of melancholy and hope that align seamlessly with the visuals. Initially skeptical due to the film's divergence from Lynch's typical style, Badalamenti delivered a score characterized by simplicity and elegance, which enhances the narrative without overpowering it. While diverging significantly from Lynch's conventional themes of surrealism, "The Straight Story" excels as a raw narrative driven by its powerful performances and authentic setting. The film's success lies in its ability to tell a quintessentially human story, where Farnsworth’s role stands as a testament to both his own life and the real Alvin Straight’s extraordinary journey.

Ultimately, "The Straight Story" is a departure for Lynch that not only earns its place within his diverse portfolio but also highlights the profound storytelling potential found in authenticity and simplicity. It’s a masterful depiction of resilience and reflection, anchored by Farnsworth's hauntingly genuine performance that documents both an actor's final farewell and a heartwarming voyage of familial reconciliation.

The Straight Story, directed by David Lynch, stands out as a remarkable exploration of Americana, featuring a mesmerizing performance by Richard Farnsworth. Farnsworth’s portrayal is so authentic, it transcends traditional acting, inviting viewers to experience a personal journey that feels genuine and deeply moving. The Blu-ray release by Via Vision Entertainment is a notable addition to any film library, especially due to its rarity in other regions. This release captures the essence of the film beautifully, retaining its emotional depth and visual simplicity. The transfer presents a faithful representation of Lynch's cinematic vision, preserving the landscape's serene beauty and expansive Midwestern vistas.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers a solid representation with vibrant color accuracy and well-preserved detail, enhancing viewer immersion. While the film’s original sound design is fairly understated, the audio quality on this disc remains crisp, serving to complement the narrative with subtle yet effective soundscapes. Additionally, the inclusion of exclusive new bonus features enriches this release, providing deep insights into both the film's production and thematic substance. Despite digital enhancements not being groundbreaking, they adequately maintain the film’s soft, warm aesthetic essential for its storytelling.

In conclusion, The Straight Story on Blu-ray is a commendable release that bridges accessibility and quality, inviting both new audiences and long-time fans alike to rediscover this Lynch gem. It comes highly recommended for collectors and cinephiles who appreciate authentic storytelling and masterful performances. Given its rarity in other markets and the robust selection of bonus content, securing a copy via this release offers not only a glimpse into Lynch's unique oeuvre but also ensures a piece of cinematic history is preserved in stunning high definition.