Nashville Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Robert Altman's "Nashville," provided by Criterion, demonstrates a commendable advancement in video quality. The film is rendered in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio using a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, sourced from a 35mm interpositive with a 2K restoration on a Spirit 2K film scanner. Paramount Pictures' digital restoration at Technicolor Los Angeles leveraged MTI's Correct and Inferno software systems to meticulously enhance the film's visuals. Image stability is excellent, with no signs of warping or significant debris. The retention of natural grain results in a pleasingly textured presentation that respects the original cinematographic intent, though it can occasionally appear slightly fuzzy.

Attention to detail is evident, especially during the daylight scenes where improvements in clarity and image depth are noticeable. Colors are stable, well-saturated, and primary hues offer solid pop without appearing boosted. The contrast is well balanced, with steady and deep blacks, albeit with minor pulsing in shadows. While the sharpness could have been marginally improved, the image largely avoids issues from degraning or sharpening adjustments. Certain sequences may appear softer due to the filmmaking techniques employed, particularly those utilizing long lenses, contributing to a more flat appearance in some scenes.

Overall, the transfer produced by Criterion is authentic and nearly pristine, free from significant age-related wear or unnecessary digital manipulation. Although there are minor flecks and scratches present sporadically, these do not detract from the overall quality. This high-definition presentation is a faithful and respectful enhancement of Altman's classic, ensuring an organic filmic experience that will undoubtedly satisfy dedicated fans.

The audio presentation of the "Nashville" Blu-ray excels with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and optional English SDH subtitles. This lossless track demonstrates remarkable clarity, depth, and an impressive soundstage that gives the elaborate soundtrack the fluidity it requires. Dialogue is crisp, free of both background hiss and distortions, and notably stable, ensuring an easy follow-through without any audio dropouts. This upgrade from the previous DVD edition is palpable, providing a balanced and clean listening experience aligned with Altman’s characteristic immersive soundscapes.

A significant highlight of this release is its handling of the film's music. Leveraging original songs, the soundtrack thrives in this surround environment, excelling in range and separation, effectively filling the room with sound during musical numbers. Low frequencies are robust, and the general ambiance captures the bustling essence of Nashville vividly. Effects work also benefits from a sense of directionality and spatial awareness, enhancing the dynamic feel of the setting. Dialogue, while occasionally mixed in with background chatter typical of Altman’s productions, remains distinctly audible where intended. The choice to mic numerous actors simultaneously pays dividends, capturing nuances that enhance the film’s organic atmosphere.

In summary, Criterion’s DTS-HD MA 5.1 track for "Nashville" sets a high bar for audio fidelity and immersive experience. The surround sound delivers distinct yet cohesively blended dialogue, effects, and especially music, ensuring viewers can appreciate this iconic film’s auditory landscape in its full depth and richness.

Criterion delivers a robust selection of extras with their Blu-ray release of "Nashville," offering insightful commentary and substantial retrospectives. Noteworthy is the commentary by Robert Altman, recorded in 2000, where he dissects the film's production intricacies and his directorial approach. The included Making of Nashville documentary is indispensable for enthusiasts, featuring interviews with cast and crew that delve into Altman's unique and unconventional methods. The archival interviews with Altman from 1975, 2000, and 2002 further enrich the viewer’s understanding of the film’s narrative origins and improvisational style. Behind-the-scenes footage captures raw moments from significant sequences like the highway crash, while the Keith Carradine Demo provides an auditory treat with his original song recordings. These features collectively create a comprehensive behind-the-scenes experience of "Nashville."

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Robert Altman: An informative track touching on production trivia and anecdotes.
• The Making of Nashville: A retrospective documentary produced by Criterion in 2013.
• Robert Altman Interviews: Separate interviews from 1975, 2000, and 2002 discussing the film’s genesis and Altman's direction.
• Behind the Scenes: Archival footage without sound from the shooting of key scenes.
• Keith Carradine Demo: Audio demo of original songs accompanied by production photos.
• Trailer: The original trailer for "Nashville".

Robert Altman’s Nashville (1975), now available on Blu-ray via Criterion, remains a landmark in American cinema, effortlessly intertwining comedy, drama, and musical elements. This genre-defying film captures five days in Nashville, amidst a music festival and a bustling presidential campaign, focusing on the sprawling lives of over twenty-four eccentric characters. Rather than adhering to traditional narrative structures, Nashville operates with a meandering, quasi-documentary style. Altman’s wide shots, zoom lenses, and multi-track dialogue recording help craft an atmosphere that feels both authentic and spontaneous. The film’s fragmented narrative weaves together disparate conversations and events into a rich mosaic of American life, revealing diverse attitudes and reactions.

The film benefits from an impeccable ensemble cast that includes Keith Carradine as womanizing folk singer Tom Frank, Lily Tomlin as a gospel singer wrestling with temptation, and Geraldine Chaplin as a pretentious BBC reporter. Each actor delivers performances brimming with personality, contributing to the film’s overarching exploration of American culture in the 1970s. The musical numbers, performed by the cast themselves, range from sincere to faintly parodic, seamlessly integrated into the narrative fabric.

Nashville subverts conventional filmmaking techniques, abandoning strict plot structures in favor of capturing the ebb and flow of life in the eponymous city. Through its satirical and heartfelt examination of fame, politics, and social dynamics, Altman crafts a complex portrait of American life that feels timelessly relevant. The film’s masterful blend of humor, tragedy, and social commentary culminates in a climactic concert scene that serves as a microcosm for the nation’s idiosyncrasies. In sum, Nashville is a testament to Altman’s distinctive directorial vision, presenting a jumbled yet cohesive depiction of Americana that remains as impactful today as it was upon its release.

Robert Altman's Nashville is an undisputed American classic and a masterpiece in filmmaking. The film's intricate blend of comedy, music, and drama provides a keenly satirical exploration of American culture and politics, all while maintaining relevance from its initial release in the '70s to today. Criterion’s Blu-ray release does justice to the film's grandeur, offering an exceptional technical presentation that preserves the filmmakers' original vision. The clean, sharp video and the rich, immersive audio ensure that viewers experience the film as intended.

Criterion enriches this release with extensive supplemental content, including a remarkable new documentary featuring interviews with various cast and crew members that provide profound insights into the film's creation. A director’s commentary from Robert Altman himself adds further depth and context, making this release invaluable to both devoted fans and newcomers. The disc's meticulous care in presentation and special features vividly showcases the significance of Nashville within American cinema.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray edition of Nashville is essential for any film enthusiast’s collection. Its thoughtful assembly of high-quality visuals, engrossing audio, and comprehensive supplements pays fitting tribute to Altman’s iconic work. This release not only preserves Nashville for future generations but enhances its legacy. Highly recommended.