Back Roads Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Back Roads" on Blu-ray offers an AVC encoded image (1080i, 2.35:1 aspect ratio) that falls well short of modern standards. The transfer, which is surprisingly interlaced despite liner notes claiming 1080p, showcases a multitude of technical issues. The lack of sharpness and detail is immediately apparent, with the image presenting as a soupy mess due to its outdated scan. Close-ups lack texture, resulting in a noisy and soft visual experience that hampers overall clarity. Although colors are not entirely blown out, they appear lethargic and dull, even when dealing with more vibrant hues.

Black levels are merely average, and while delineation remains fairly solid, the source material is riddled with specks and minor scratches that detract from the overall viewing pleasure. Essential textures are often wiped away, making even nearby objects and faces appear flat and lifeless. Moiré patterns are unfortunately evident, further contributing to the disappointing visual fidelity of this release. The Blu-ray is divided into eight chapters, though this structural feature does little to mitigate the inherent visual shortcomings. Overall, the video quality of this Blu-ray is underwhelming and lacks the crispness and vibrancy seen in more modern transfers.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix for "Back Roads" stands out as a typical but commendable effort for a film of its era. The audio presentation provides an intimate and engaging sound experience, where dialogue is clear and distinct, despite some minor flaws such as noticeable looping in outdoor scenes. The balance between dialogue and Henry Mancini’s country-tinged, easy-going score is well-maintained, ensuring neither element overpowers the other.

Atmospherics play an essential role in enhancing the film's setting, with effective handling of crowd scenes and environmental sounds from rural America. While the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix lacks the force seen in more contemporary audio formats, it compensates with a supportive score and generally helpful ambient sounds that round out the overall auditory experience. There is a slight presence of soft hiss in quieter scenes, but this minor imperfection does not detract significantly from the overall sound quality.

The Blu-ray release of "Back Roads" includes a notable selection of extras that provide deeper insights into the film’s production and themes. Fans will appreciate the engaging featurettes that delve into the behind-the-scenes processes, although the overall offering could be more extensive. The included promo trailers offer a quick glimpse into other feature films but add minimal value to the main content. The technical presentation of these extras is consistent, ensuring both audio and visual quality align with the high standards expected of Blu-ray releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Promo Trailers: Brief trailers, including "The Package" and "Blown Away."

Martin Ritt's 1981 film "Back Roads" falls short of the expected charm and narrative depth, despite top-tier talent like Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. The film attempts to merge comedy and drama but struggles with tonal consistency, resulting in a muddled narrative. Set against the gritty backdrop of Mobile, Alabama, the film follows Amy (Field), a guilt-ridden prostitute, and Elmore (Jones), an ex-boxer turned petty thief, as they embark on a road trip to escape their dismal lives. Their journey, however, is marred by constant mishaps and grim encounters, from theft and bad weather to near-rape and failed money-making schemes. The screenplay by Gary DeVore sets up one catastrophe after another without much payoff, leaving the audience with fleeting moments of authentic local flavor rather than a cohesive story.

One of the film’s critical failings is the palpable lack of chemistry between its leads. Much of the movie hinges on the idea that Amy and Elmore are kindred spirits finding solace in each other's company amidst adversity. However, viewers are left unconvinced as Field and Jones appear visibly uncomfortable together, undermining the romantic subplot. Jones delivers a motor-mouthed Southern charm while Field clings to her character's inherent sadness and frustration, yet the supposed bond between them feels forced. Notably, supporting performances stand out briefly; David Keith shines as a gullible sailor whose eyes are opened to harsh realities, while other notable appearances—such as Nell Carter and Michael V. Gazzo—are too brief to leave a lasting impact.

Ritt's direction fails to balance the comedic elements with the sobering aspects of Amy and Elmore's lives, making "Back Roads" an uneven and ultimately unsatisfying experience. The occasional interesting sequences, such as an extended fairground stroll or a desperate boxing match, hint at potential but are overshadowed by the overarching bleakness and disjointed storytelling. The film's attempt at portraying human intimacy and understanding through a mishmash of pratfalls and grim misfortunes falls flat, resulting in a disjointed narrative that never quite finds its footing.

"Back Roads" on Blu-ray offers viewers a moderate viewing experience characterized by the potency of its leading and supporting actors, coupled with the seasoned direction of Martin Ritt. However, even with these positive elements, the film seems to fall short in several areas. The narrative lacks a compelling drive, often lingering on mundane behaviors and contrivances. This not only hampers the story’s progression but also diminishes the potential emotional impact. Despite the post-Oscar confidence exuded by Sally Field, her role remains unadventurous and fails to resonate deeply with the audience.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer presents standard visual and audio quality, but it doesn’t elevate the overall viewing experience significantly. There are no notable enhancements or features that make this release particularly memorable. The film stumbles through its runtime with a series of hackneyed encounters and an unearned redemptive arc, leaving the audience confused about its intent. This confusion is amplified by the film’s insistence on an optimistic conclusion, which feels at odds with the rest of the narrative’s depressive extremes.

In conclusion, "Back Roads" struggles to maintain a consistent tone and narrative drive, resulting in a film that lacks the necessary depth to engage fully with its audience. While the performances of Field and the supporting cast do add some value, they are ultimately not enough to save the film from its mediocrity. The Blu-ray release doesn’t offer any remarkable technical improvements, making this a rather lackluster purchase for most viewers. Despite its attempts at reaching a broad appeal, "Back Roads" remains a misguided effort that fails to capture the imagination or warm the heart.