Broadcast News Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, James L. Brooks' "Broadcast News" on Blu-ray is a visual treat courtesy of Criterion. Supervised and approved by director James L. Brooks and editor Richard Marks, this high-definition digital transfer was meticulously created on a DFT SCANITY Film Scanner in 4K from the original 35mm camera negative, followed by color correction on a Baselight Eight in 2K resolution. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker were manually removed using MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system. The telecine work was overseen by James L. Brooks, Richard Marks, and Lee Kline, with colorist John Persichetti of Sony Colorworks, Los Angeles.

The transfer results are outstanding. The 1080p presentation features exceptional fine object detail, superb clarity, and consistent contrast levels throughout the film. There are no significant issues with edge-enhancement or macroblocking. The fine film grain is well-resolved and consistent, and color reproduction impresses with rich and natural hues. Reds, blues, greens, yellows, browns, grays, and blacks all look vibrant and fresh, though minor color instability is noted at the airport scene towards the end—this appears to be inherent in the original material. Close-ups are particularly striking with depth and tightness, and darker studio scenes hold up remarkably well. There are no noticeable stability issues or major damage marks; overall, the film's visual integrity is preserved excellently.

The high-definition transfer brings a film-like quality to the image with slight grain enhancing the authenticity of the period cinematography. Despite some inherent softness attributed to the film's original characteristics and age, clarity and sharp resolution shine through. Details in actors’ faces, clothing, and architecture are distinct even in dim lighting. The contrast is pitch-perfect with crisp whites and rich black levels providing excellent depth of field. Colors especially benefit from this meticulous remastering, popping with vibrancy and conveying a lively visual quality that enhances this classic 80s comedy’s enduring charm on Blu-ray.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Broadcast News" is a robust and meticulously remastered English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. According to the included booklet, the 2.0 surround soundtrack was restored at 24-bit from the original 35mm Dolby A magnetic tracks, with manual removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, and additional crackle reduction via AudioCube’s integrated audio workstation.

This remastering delivers a stereo presentation that exhibits exceptional fidelity and dynamic range. Dialogue is clean, stable, and easy to follow, capturing the subtleties and emotional nuances in the actors’ performances. The front soundstage is notably spacious and immersive, providing an authentic audio experience that complements the film's network office environment seamlessly. Along with Bill Conti’s music score, which is well-balanced without overshadowing dialogue, there are no detectable audio artifacts such as pops, cracks, hissing, or dropout.

In summary, the Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio track for "Broadcast News" skillfully combines warmth and clarity, ensuring an engaging auditory experience that complements the film’s unique romantic dramedy narrative.

The Blu-ray edition of "Broadcast News" meticulously assembled by Criterion includes an excellent array of extras that enhance and contextualize the film. The audio commentary by director James L. Brooks and editor Richard Marks is particularly notable, providing an in-depth look into the making of the film from its conception to specific camera techniques. Notably, Brooks's overwhelming contributions make it both informative and engaging. The documentary "James L. Brooks: A Singular Voice" offers a comprehensive exploration of Brooks's influential career across television and film. Additionally, the interview with Susan Zirinsky adds depth to Holly Hunter's portrayal of Jane Craig, highlighting impressive real-life parallels. The featurette and on-set interviews provide nostalgic promotional content including cast perspectives and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Viewers will also appreciate the alternate ending with director commentary and a curated selection of deleted scenes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: In-depth discussion by James L. Brooks and Richard Marks.
• James L. Brooks – A Singular Voice: Three-part documentary on Brooks's career.
• Alternate Ending: Explored with director's introduction.
• Deleted Scenes: Compilation of omitted scenes.
• Susan Zirinsky: Interview with the real-life inspiration for Jane Craig.
• Featurette: Promotional material with raw footage and cast interviews.
• Interviews and On-Set Footage: Additional segments not included in the featurette.
• Trailer: Original theatrical preview.
• Booklet: Contains essay by critic Carrie Rickey.

James L. Brooks' "Broadcast News" (1987), a Silver Bear Award winner at the Berlin International Film Festival, presents an incisive exploration of the news industry. The film follows three dedicated professionals: Jane Craig (Holly Hunter), a driven producer balancing her intense work ethic with personal insecurities; Aaron Altman (Albert Brooks), a talented but camera-challenged reporter harboring unspoken feelings for Jane; and Tom Grunnick (William Hurt), an attractive yet less skilled anchor pursuing corporate success. Set against the backdrop of a chaotic news bureau in Washington, D.C., their interactions unravel the complexities of work-life balance amidst the pressures of delivering world events.

At its core, "Broadcast News" delves into the intricacies of personal and professional relationships in a high-stakes environment. The characters' inability to communicate honestly highlights their paradoxical prowess in conveying global news versus managing their lives. Jane's compulsive pursuit of perfection clashes with her longing for intimacy when she is charmed by Tom, leaving Aaron to cope with unrequited love and professional jealousy. Brooks' expertly crafted dialogue and character-driven storytelling imbue the film with authenticity, underscoring the emotional depth and idiosyncrasies of his protagonists.

Against the vibrant, competitive world of television news, "Broadcast News" masterfully balances romantic tension with insightful social commentary. The film's clever subversion of romantic comedy tropes is complemented by strong performances from Hunter, Brooks, and Hurt. Their nuanced portrayals encapsulate the tension between career ambition and personal fulfillment, creating a poignant and humorous narrative. Supporting roles by Joan Cusack and Jack Nicholson add further texture to this compelling depiction of media transformation and personal vulnerability, making "Broadcast News" an enduring classic that resonates with both media enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

James L. Brooks' "Broadcast News" is a compelling and sharp-witted film that skillfully balances humor and poignant observations. This romantic dramedy, starring William Hurt, Albert Brooks, and Holly Hunter, delves into the chaotic world of network news and explores the complexities of modern relationships with intelligence and wit. The film benefits greatly from Criterion's meticulous restoration, which includes contributions from Sony Colorworks. The result is a Blu-ray release with stunning visual quality and excellent audio fidelity, ensuring that the film’s intricate details and subtleties are preserved beautifully.

Visually, "Broadcast News" has been treated to a newly remastered picture that elevates the experience, bringing crisp clarity to each frame. The audio presentation is equally impressive, preserving the integrity of the original source materials while offering a finely tuned listening experience. This release also shines in its array of supplemental features. These extras are crafted specifically for this Criterion Collection edition and offer deep dives into the film’s creation, themes, and impact. They significantly enhance the viewer’s appreciation of both the narrative and technical prowess behind this classic.

In conclusion, "Broadcast News" on Blu-ray is an exemplary package that offers both an excellent audiovisual experience and insightful supplementary content. Criterion's treatment elevates an already extraordinary film, making it a must-have for fans and newcomers alike. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a smart, enjoyable, and technically superior cinematic experience.