The Last Days of Disco Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Last Days of Disco" boasts a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, supervised by director Whit Stillman. The transfer, created from a 35mm interpositive via a Spirit Datacine, underwent extensive cleaning using MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean, with Image Systems' DVNR for additional noise and grain reduction. Despite these efforts, the transfer has its limitations. Close-ups offer decent detail, but sharpness levels fluctuate and contrast can be overly intense. There's noticeable edge enhancement, filtering, and occasional light artifacts.

Color reproduction is mixed—vibrant in some scenes yet unstable elsewhere, particularly with reds and blues under strong lighting. Club scenes, central to the film’s ambiance, often display oversaturation but can also appear soft. Mild aliasing is seen on certain patterns like striped shirts and iron-rod fences. Despite these drawbacks, the transfer vastly outperforms previous DVD editions, offering a generally clean image with consistent grain levels and bold colors amid minor banding issues during heavy neon strobing. Criterion’s efforts are commendable, but potential buyers should consider renting before committing to this Region-A locked disc.

The Blu-ray release of "The Last Days of Disco" features a single audio track: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature provided by Criterion. The original 5.1 surround soundtrack was intricately remastered at 24-bit from the original 35mm magnetic audio tracks. Attention to detail during the remastering process ensured that clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum were manually removed using Pro Tools HD, and crackle was attenuated using AudioCube's integrated workstation.

The audio presentation stands out not only in terms of clarity but also in depth and balance. The film’s disco music soundtrack delivers a rich and immersive experience, especially during the dynamic club sequences. The lossless track allows the high-fidelity disco tunes to shine through with excellent depth and crispness, without any distortions, pops, or cracks. While the surround channels create an enveloping atmosphere within the dance scenes, they remain more subdued in non-club settings, maintaining a natural and immersive listening experience throughout the film.

Dialogue reproduction is clear and well-balanced with the music and ambient sounds. Even under the pulsating bass typical of dance music, every word remains discernible. Although some ADR might cause minor distractions due to imperfect syncing with mouth movements, the clarity of the vocal track remains noteworthy. Criterion's meticulous audio remastering highlights the film's energetic and nostalgic soundtrack, ensuring that both music aficionados and casual viewers enjoy an engaging aural experience.

The Blu-ray of "The Last Days of Disco" features a carefully curated set of extras, providing significant insight and depth into the production. The highlight is an audio commentary by director Whit Stillman and actors Chris Eigeman and Chloe Sevigny, recorded in 2009, which offers an informative retrospective on the film's creation. Four deleted scenes with optional commentary reveal additional layers of character development and plot. Whit Stillman’s reading from his novel, a reflective expansion on the film, is particularly engaging. A behind-the-scenes featurette provides raw footage accompanied by brief comments from the director and cast, although its quality is somewhat low. The stills gallery includes numerous production photos with detailed text descriptions by Stillman, augmenting the visual appreciation of the film’s aesthetic. Despite a few technical shortcomings, the extras included create a rich tapestry that both fans and scholars of "The Last Days of Disco" will appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Deleted Scenes: Four deleted scenes with optional commentary.
• From the Novel: Whit Stillman reads from his book.
• Featurette: Behind-the-scenes footage with director and cast comments.
• Stills Gallery: Production stills with text descriptions by Whit Stillman.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Whit Stillman, Chris Eigeman, and Chloe Sevigny.
• Leaflet: Essay "Pop Paradise" by David Schickler.

Whit Stillman’s "The Last Days of Disco" (1998) is an incisive exploration of early 1980s nightlife, stylishly captured and now presented on Blu-ray by Criterion. The film navigates the intertwined lives of Charlotte (Kate Beckinsale) and Alice (Chloe Sevigny), two recent college graduates working in the publishing industry who frequent a chic New York disco club reminiscent of Studio 54. Beckinsale’s character, Charlotte, is aggressive and unlikable, whereas Alice, portrayed by Sevigny, is more understated and amiable. Despite their opposite personalities, both characters are drawn to the dazzling yet ephemeral world of disco. They encounter a colorful array of characters including Jimmy Steinway (Mackenzie Astin), club manager Des McGrath (Chris Eigeman), and assistant district attorney Josh Neff (Matt Keeslar) as they attempt to navigate their young adult lives.

The film achieves a blend of nostalgic ambiance with sharp social commentary, effectively capturing the euphoria and subsequent decline of the disco era. This transition is illustrated through the maturation and cynicism of the main characters, who confront new responsibilities that profoundly alter their perspectives. Disco’s unifying power is highlighted, showcasing a diverse community where identity markers like skin color and social status were secondary to the collective experience. However, the film's intellectual pretentiousness can be alienating, with philosophical debates and obscure discussions that sometimes fail to engage the viewer meaningfully. Subplots involving the club’s owner feel misaligned with the central narrative.

Stillman’s direction and the film’s raw but fitting style underscore its compelling yet uncomfortable depiction of this self-serving period. While Beckinsale’s performance sometimes feels forced, Sevigny imbues her role with as much depth as the script allows. The ensemble cast's interactions often feel pretentious and difficult to empathize with, particularly as they indulge in rather esoteric analyses of cultural touchstones. Despite this, "The Last Days of Disco" remains a fascinating if divisive glimpse into the final throes of an era defined by its excesses and its eventual implosion.

The Blu-ray release of Whit Stillman's The Last Days of Disco delivers a mixed yet intriguing experience. Those who experienced the disco craze of the early '80s will find themselves genuinely resonating with the vibrant social settings depicted in the film, even if certain eccentricities might not blend seamlessly with the period's atmosphere. Despite an engaging narrative that sheds light on the death of disco, the film’s slow pace and soap opera-like second half might detract from its overall appeal for some viewers.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation excels in delivering fantastically remastered video and audio, ensuring an immersive experience for aficionados. However, the absence of new special features might disappoint those looking for additional content. Although the cast of characters may come off as unlikable or even sociopathic, which can be off-putting, the film manages to pull viewers in with its cohesive and entertaining storytelling.

In conclusion, The Last Days of Disco on Blu-ray is best suited for fans of Whit Stillman's work and those nostalgic for the disco era. While it might not warrant multiple viewings for everyone, it offers thorough insight into the early '80s social scene. With its high-quality remastering and unique narrative qualities, it is recommended to rent before deciding to add it permanently to your collection.