Crash Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Crash" comes courtesy of Criterion, delivered in an aspect ratio of 1.67:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, featuring a pristine 1080p transfer. This release benefits from a recent 4K restoration supervised by the director of photography, Peter Suschitzky, and approved by David Cronenberg. The transfer leverages the original 35mm camera negatives and an interpositive, providing an exceptional upgrade over previous DVD editions from New Line Cinema. Notably, the fine layer of natural grain imbues the image with a film-like quality that adds to its authenticity. The transfer meticulously balances clarity and depth, particularly in darker footage, although some deeper blacks show slight crush—a limitation likely mitigated in native 4K presentations.

The color palette remains restrained yet convincingly accurate, capturing the subtle hues and cooler tones integral to the film's thematic continuity. Contrast is sharp, enhancing crisp whites and vivid highlights while maintaining inky black levels with superb gradation. The video presentation shines in its reproduction of intricate details; from the stitching on car interiors to the lines and textures in actors' clothing, even minute elements in Vaughan's attic are distinctly visible. The high quality of this restoration extends to the film’s visual effects, maintaining the integrity of injury makeup without revealing artifice. The title sequence's transition from DVD to Blu-ray is particularly noteworthy, with formerly shimmery text now appearing as intended—dented metal—thus complementing the film’s aesthetic from the outset.

Overall, this Criterion Blu-ray offers a technically accomplished and visually stunning presentation of "Crash," maintaining its fidelity to the original cinematographic vision while enhancing every detail to an impressive standard.

The Blu-ray release of "Crash" features a sole, but highly commendable, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track (48kHz, 24-bit). The audio upgrade from the original Dolby stereo print master to this lossless format is substantial and highly effective. The effort to maintain the original balance and dynamic range without introducing new elements results in an acoustically clean and detailed mid-range with a persistent warmth. The enhanced clarity, sharpness, and stability of this new track are consistently remarkable, with no encoding anomalies detected.

The front-heavy presentation effectively utilizes its three front channels to create a broad and engaging soundstage. The nuanced score by Howard Shore benefits significantly from the superb clarity and orchestration definition. Vocals are precisely prioritized, offering a clear and satisfying low-end presence that matches the film’s intensity. Crucial background activities are presented with distinct movements, enhancing the immersive experience. The original dynamic range is preserved beautifully, ensuring that scenes of driving and metal clashing remain disturbingly authentic without veering into exaggerated, Hollywood-style embellishments.

Overall, this new 5.1 track substantially improves upon previous releases, with superior dynamic range and better separation not just in action scenes but throughout. The lossless presentation does justice to both the aural and visual aspects of Cronenberg's psychological thriller, making it a highly recommended upgrade for both casual viewers and audiophiles alike.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Crash" includes a comprehensive selection of extras that effectively contextualize the film within its original release period. They offer insightful, albeit not retrospective, commentary on the film's provocative themes and production process. Amongst the highlights, David Cronenberg’s archival audio commentary from the 1997 Laserdisc elaborates on the creation of complex scenes. Additionally, an extensive 1996 discussion at the British Film Institute with Cronenberg and J.G. Ballard dives deeply into the novel and film adaptations. Press conference footage from the Cannes Film Festival provides reactions from cast and crew, complementing archival press kit materials that showcase behind-the-scenes interviews. Vintage trailers round out the collection, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director David Cronenberg's scene-by-scene insights.
• Ballard and Cronenberg: Deep discussion at a BFI event.
• Cannes Press Conference: Cast and crew discussions post-Cannes 1996.
• Press Kit Footage: Archived interviews and raw production footage.
• Trailers: U.S. and International promotional trailers.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with essay by critic Jessica Kiang.

David Cronenberg's "Crash" (1996) enters the Blu-ray realm through Criterion's impeccable release, reinforcing its place as a provocative exploration of sexual fetishism tied to car crashes. The narrative centers on James Ballard (James Spader), who after a near-fatal car accident is introduced to a clandestine group led by Vaughan (Elias Koteas). They derive sexual satisfaction from car crashes, transforming these violent collisions into bizarre yet intimate encounters. The film's opening scenes establish the unconventional marriage between James and Catherine (Deborah Kara Unger), setting a foundation for their disturbing journey. Cronenberg's detached, almost clinical portrayal invites viewers to either engage fully with the characters' deviant world or remain distant and judgmental.

Cronenberg’s cold, objective lens scrutinizes the characters without offering backstory or explicit judgment, which aligns with the detached narrative style of J.G. Ballard’s novel. The explicit sexual acts in "Crash," while graphic, serve as the primary storytelling mechanism. They reveal the characters' deeper truths and complexities, much like musical numbers convey emotion in traditional films. Performances by the lead actors, including a riveting Rosanna Arquette, are unapologetically raw and physically nuanced. Special effects, particularly the prosthetics representing scars and mutilations, are convincingly realistic, enhancing the film's unsettling verisimilitude.

Technically, Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation excels with vibrant transfers that maintain Cronenberg's intended visual and auditory fidelity. Supplemental features, such as archival audio commentary and press conference footage, provide rich context and deeper insight into the film’s creation and reception. The inclusion of Jessica Kiang’s essay offers valuable critical perspectives, adding layers of analysis to an already complex film. This release ensures that "Crash" continues to challenge and mesmerize viewers with its unique blend of eroticism, violence, and existential inquiry.

David Cronenberg's "Crash," based on the novel of the same name, plunges viewers into a darkly strange but oddly insightful narrative exploring the intersection of human instinct and cold technological reality. The film, starring James Spader, Holly Hunter, and Elias Koteas, delves into a mysterious cult of fetishists who confront and embrace the implications of their desires in a detached, modern world. With its unique subject matter and audacious storytelling, "Crash" challenges conventional cinematic expectations, provoking deep philosophical questions about mortality and human connection.

The Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray edition of "Crash" delivers an impeccable audio-visual experience. Sourced from a meticulous 4K restoration supervised by cinematographer Peter Suschitzky, the HD video presentation is stunning. The visuals are sharp and contrast-rich, detailing the cold, metallic aesthetic that is central to the film's atmosphere. Additionally, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack enhances the immersive experience, faithfully reproducing every nuance of Howard Shore's haunting score and the film's complex soundscape. Complementing the main feature, the Blu-ray comes with a robust suite of bonus materials that offer deep insights into Cronenberg's filmmaking process and the initial controversy surrounding its release.

While Criterion’s edition does an admirable job in terms of presentation and supplementary content, it does fall slightly short in providing current reflections from the cast and crew, which could have added a contemporary perspective on this provocative film. However, the existing material is comprehensive enough to satisfy both new viewers and seasoned fans.

I would be lying if I wrote that I understand precisely what turns on the people in David Cronenberg's "Crash." I can see how it happens, but I can't fully rationalize the attraction and what they perceive to be pleasure. During a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, Cronenberg mentions that in a way "Crash" is a meditation on mortality. It is an unusual description but perhaps partially correct because most of the time it looks like Cronenberg's camera is in fact observing people in a very bizarre state of trance. My problem with this film is that the relationships that are supposed to give it its structure are underdeveloped, making the graphic violence and explicit sex seem gratuitous at times. It is an amusing film but deeply flawed and at times intolerably frustrating. Criterion's Blu-ray release is sourced from a wonderful new 4K restoration. Buy with confidence if you are a fan of "Crash," but consider a rental first if you have not seen it before.