The Big Chill Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Lawrence Kasdan's "The Big Chill" is meticulously crafted, showcasing the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with a 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC encoding that breathes new life into this cinematic classic. According to the detailed liner notes, a 4K digital transfer was undertaken with the utmost care, utilizing a wetgate Oxberry film scanner on the 35mm original camera negative. This process was conducted at Cineric in New York City, with color correction at Colorworks in Culver City, California, and further restoration work at MTI Film in Los Angeles. The entire venture benefited from the supervision of director of photography John Bailey and received the final nod of approval from director Lawrence Kasdan, ensuring fidelity to their original vision.

Technical execution is paramount in this release, with the transfer showing an exceptional balance and smoothness that honors Bailey's cinematography without succumbing to digital over-processing. Close-ups reveal an impressive depth and clarity, while panoramic shots maintain a commendable fluidity, elevating the viewing experience. The color palette is rich and nuanced, reinforcing the film's period setting effectively. Moreover, the restoration process has successfully eradicated any signs of wear such as debris or damage marks, making this presentation appear pristine. Grain is handled with subtlety across the board, affording the film a texture that is both authentic and pleasing to the eye.

The original monaural soundtrack was also given attention, remastered from the 35mm magnetic tracks at 24-bit quality, with an alternate 5.1 surround sound mix that incorporates stereo music masters and elements from the original dialogue, music, and effects stems. This auditory restoration, supervised by Kasdan and processed at Chace Audio in Burbank, California, ensures that clicks, thumps, hiss, and crackle are meticulously removed. Despite some minor issues with shadow detail which can obscure objects and a tendency for edges to soften, detracting slightly from sharpness and depth, the overall visual presentation remains strong. Skin tones and colors, despite occasionally leaning towards light hues or appearing too pink, still contribute to a visually pleasing experience.

The Big Chill's Blu-ray audio presentation comes equipped with two distinguished audio tracks: the original English LPCM 1.0 and a beautifully remastered English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 version, ensuring that both purists and those seeking an immersive experience have something to look forward to. Criterion extends its meticulous care to accessibility by including optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature, an appreciated touch for ensuring the film's wide appeal. The Mono track impresses with its clarity and balance, especially in handling the film's iconic soundtrack and dialogue, free of any auditory blemishes such as pops or hisses, making for a pristine listening experience that matches the film's emotional depth with technical excellence.

Delving into the technologically superior DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track reveals a layered audio experience, crafted from a remastering process that involved the original monaural soundtrack and stereo music masters being meticulously recreated from the original sources. Under the watchful eye of Kasdan and with technical wizardry from Chace Audio in Burbank, California, the sound team utilized tools such as Pro Tools HD and isotope RX 3 to cleanse the audio of imperfections, ensuring a crisp, vibrant soundscape. This audial enhancement elevates scenes with its dynamic range, particularly benefiting the Motown and classic rock selections that pulsate through each speaker, enriching the viewing experience by enveloping the listener in a cocoon of nostalgia-inducing melodies paired with crystal-clear dialogue.

The comparison between the Mono and 5.1 tracks underlines a pivotal choice for viewers; while both offer exceptional clarity, the 5.1 option expands the soundstage, offering an enriched depth and better separation of elements, particularly during sequences with intricate soundscapes such as vehicles arriving at the funeral, where audio cues are positioned with remarkable precision. Despite this sophisticated enhancement, there remains a charm in the Mono track’s simplicity and historical authenticity, suggesting that preference will vary amongst viewers. Experimentation with both tracks is encouraged to fully appreciate the nuanced differences and select a preference that complements individual viewing experiences, ensuring that The Big Chill not only remains a visual feast but an aural delight as well.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "The Big Chill" offer a comprehensive and deeply engaging look at both the historical context and the creation process behind this iconic film. With exclusive interviews, detailed documentaries, and a rich assortment of deleted scenes, viewers gain intimate insight into the challenges faced by director Lawrence Kasdan within the studio system, as well as the collective efforts of the cast and crew to bring their shared vision to life. A standout feature is "Success in the System," where Kasdan shares his influences and experiences in Hollywood. "The Big Chill: A Reunion" and the "Thirtieth Anniversary Q&A" provide profound retrospectives from the cast and crew, offering a nostalgic and intimate look at the film's legacy. Additionally, the inclusion of original trailers, a gallery of deleted scenes, and a thoughtfully curated booklet with essays provides a well-rounded and immersive experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for The Big Chill.
• Success in the System: Lawrence Kasdan discusses challenges within the studio system and his influences.
• The Big Chill: A Reunion: Documentary on the film's production history and success.
• Thirtieth Anniversary Q&A: Q&A session with cast and crew at the Toronto International Film Festival.
• Deleted Scenes: Gallery of deleted scenes.
• Booklet: 22-page illustrated booklet featuring essays by Lena Dunham and Harlan Jacobson.

Lawrence Kasdan's "The Big Chill," an Oscar-nominated masterpiece from 1983, makes a notable entrance into the Blu-ray domain through Criterion's expertise. This release is not just a mere revisitation but a celebration of its legacy, featuring commendable supplements like an original trailer, deleted scenes, a newly-conducted interview with Kasdan himself, and the noteworthy documentary "The Big Chill: A Reunion" by Laurent Bouzereau, alongside a Q&A with the cast and crew. The inclusion of a 22-page booklet enriched with absorbing essays underlines the film’s cultural significance, catering to both longtime admirers and newcomers. Accentuated by impeccable technical specifications and housed in a dual-format release, the Blu-ray presents the movie in English with optional English SDH subtitles, ensuring an inclusive viewing experience for Region-A audiences.

Set against the backdrop of a weekend gathering following a friend's funeral, "The Big Chill" delves into the intricated lives of a group of college friends confronting their past decisions and the divergence between their youthful aspirations and their current realities. Under Kasdan’s direction, coupled with Barbara Benedek's collaboration on the screenplay, the film's narrative richness is matched by its stellar ensemble cast, contributing to its enduring appeal. The characters' introspective journey is beautifully complemented by a legendary soundtrack featuring iconic tracks from the 60s and 70s, enriching the emotional authenticity and nostalgia of the film.

Critical to the film's resonance is its exploration of themes such as idealism versus reality, the complexities of adulthood, and the enduring value of friendship. "The Big Chill" extends beyond its era, capturing the essence of a generation's confrontation with its ideals, facilitated through Kasdan's nuanced storytelling and the profound collective performance of the cast. This Blu-ray presentation admirably encapsulates the film’s atmospheric depth and cultural impact, making it an essential acquisition for cinephiles aiming to explore or revisit this seminal work in optimal quality.

Criterion's release of "The Big Chill" on Blu-ray revitalizes Lawrence Kasdan's iconic early '80s American film, elevating it to more than just a cinematic gem; it becomes an exemplary showcase of digital remastering done right. This edition not only stands out due to its pristine image quality but also offers audio versatility with two tracks: a mono track for purists and a 5.1 surround sound track that truly allows the film's celebrated soundtrack to flourish. The inclusion of extras that delve into the film's creation and legacy provides viewers with a comprehensive insight into what makes this movie so enduringly beloved.

Moreover, the significance of "The Big Chill" being Kasdan’s singular contribution to The Criterion Collection cannot be overstated. It highlights the film’s unique place in American cinema through its combination of stellar writing, dynamic acting, and a soundtrack that has become as iconic as the film itself. The Blu-ray package respects and enhances these elements, ensuring that aficionados and new audiences alike can experience the movie in the best possible quality. The added features effectively contribute to understanding the depth of the film's impact on both its audience and the broader spectrum of American film.

In conclusion, this Criterion Blu-ray release is not merely a repackaging of "The Big Chill" but a carefully curated experience designed to celebrate its legacy. Its high-definition transfer, audio options, and insightful extras justify its position as a must-own for both collectors and first-time viewers. It truly embodies the essence of what makes "The Big Chill" resonate decades after its initial release. This Blu-ray edition is, without doubt, very highly recommended and merits inclusion in any discussion about the best home video releases of the year.