Midnight Run Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of Martin Brest's "Midnight Run," provided by Second Sight Films, exhibits significant technical deficiencies that detract from the viewing experience. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer is sourced from an older, problematic master. Issues such as filtering corrections and sharpening artifacts have led to a loss of detail and clarity, resulting in a harsh digital look that can be quite distracting. Despite the overall stability of the image, the colors lack the healthy nuances expected from a high-definition transfer, further underlining the need for a substantial remastering effort.

While some frames appear reasonably good, they are far outweighed by the pervasive softness and evident edge enhancement. Although black levels are decent, they do not effectively preserve shadow detail. This subpar presentation is a rare disappointment in current Blu-ray offerings and highlights an urgent need for rescanning and creating a new master. Collectors should note that this is a Region-B locked release, necessitating a compatible Blu-ray player for viewing.

Overall, while it avoids major physical damage like debris or stains, the existing master constrains this Blu-ray edition, preventing it from meeting even the modest expectations of surpassing previous DVD releases. The result is a fundamentally flawed video presentation that significantly diminishes the enduring appeal of "Midnight Run."

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Midnight Run" offers a commendable experience through its two primary options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0 tracks. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix emerges as the preferred choice, delivering clear, coherent dialogue across the front and center channels, complemented by a respectable surround presence. While atmospherics like gunshots lack the hefty impact seen in newer films, the energetic score by Danny Elfman is masterfully rendered, brimming with the same enthusiastic verve as his work on early classics like "Beverly Hills Cop". Despite this, occasional moments reveal slightly muffled details, particularly in dynamic scenes.

The LPCM 2.0 track, while offering good clarity, falls short in depth and range compared to the 5.1 mix. It provides stable and clean dialogue without any noticeable distortions, but Elfman's score doesn’t quite open up the film's dynamic textures as effectively. The overall coverage of effects and nuanced dynamics feels somewhat limited. Nonetheless, both tracks ensure that dialogue remains impeccably clear and free from any pops, cracks, audio dropouts, or distortions, making either choice a reliable option for enjoying the film's audio landscape. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided for accessibility, enhancing the viewing experience further.

The extras included in the Blu-ray for "Midnight Run" offer a comprehensive and engaging retrospective on the film's production, benefiting greatly from a series of new and extended interviews. Charles Grodin, Joe Pantoliano, John Ashton, George Gallo, and Yaphet Kotto each provide unique insights into their respective roles and working with director Martin Brest. Highlights include Grodin discussing his casting experience, Pantoliano sharing memories of interacting with Robert De Niro, Ashton reflecting on reuniting with Brest, and Gallo detailing the collaborative scriptwriting process. An original promotional feature rounds out an impressive selection, making these extras the highlight of the disc.

Extras included in this disc:

• We Got the Duke: Charles Grodin discusses his role and collaboration with Martin Brest.
• Moscone Bail Bonds: Joe Pantoliano reflects on his early career and experiences with Robert De Niro.
• Hey Marvin!: John Ashton talks about his acting career and key sequences in the film.
• Midnight Writer: Screenwriter George Gallo on the film's development.
• I'm Mosley!: Yaphet Kotto's audio interview on his FBI Agent role.
• Original Making Midnight Run Promo: Archival promotional piece with raw footage.

"Midnight Run" (1988), directed by Martin Brest, is a quintessential buddy-buddy action-comedy film that effectively combines elements of cop chaos, mobster mayhem, and witty banter. The story revolves around ex-cop turned bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro), who is tasked with transporting Jonathan Mardukas (Charles Grodin), a mob accountant who embezzled $15 million from the mafia. Their journey from New York City to Los Angeles features numerous obstacles, including an ever-persistent FBI agent (Yaphet Kotto), a rival bounty hunter (John Ashton), and a mafia boss (Dennis Farina) who wants them both dead.

What sets "Midnight Run" apart is the exceptional chemistry between De Niro and Grodin. Their dynamic elevates the film above its contemporaries, offering a blend of humor and heart as they navigate a series of increasingly difficult situations. George Gallo’s sharp, clever script also shines, delivering dialogues that keep every character fresh and memorable, even the supporting ones. The screenplay is punctuated by moments that make you laugh out loud while driving the plot forward with a steady tempo.

Technically, the film benefits from Donald Thorin’s cinematography, which captures picturesque locations across the United States, adding a visually appealing layer to this road movie. Particularly notable is the river shootout sequence, filmed in New Zealand, which stands out for its scenic beauty. Editor Chris Lebenzon ensures the film’s pace never falters, making it engaging from start to finish. Lastly, the soundtrack by Danny Elfman contributes to the vibrant yet nostalgic atmosphere that complements the action on screen, echoing some of the tonal qualities found in "Beverly Hills Cop." Overall, "Midnight Run" remains a masterclass in balancing action and comedy, bolstered by outstanding performances, witty scriptwriting, and proficient technical execution.

The Blu-ray release of the cult classic Midnight Run, directed by Martin Brest, offers an interesting mix of sound technical enhancements and disappointing visual quality. The film itself remains an entertaining example of an action-comedy from the late 80s, featuring standout performances by Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin. Second Sight Films has provided numerous exclusive new supplemental features, such as freshly minted interviews and other engaging materials that add significant value for fans of the film.

Unfortunately, this release suffers from a subpar visual presentation. The master supplied by Universal Studios introduces notable picture quality issues that detract from the viewing experience. This Region B-locked UK Blu-ray edition is hard to recommend as an upgrade due to these persistent visual flaws, which many viewers may find too distracting. The audio, however, is commendable, offering a solid sonic experience that aligns well with the action-packed narrative of the film.

In conclusion, while Midnight Run remains a beloved title and the new supplemental features are a definite plus, the unimpressive video quality makes it difficult to endorse this Blu-ray edition unequivocally. Despite its shortcomings, it might still be a worthwhile addition for die-hard fans who appreciate the rare opportunity to delve deeper into this Robert De Niro comedy. Just be prepared to overlook the visual limitations and savor the audio and extra features instead.