The Long Kiss Goodnight Blu-ray Review

The Long Kiss Goodnight receives a 1080p High Definition video transfer on Blu-ray, displayed in the original 2.4:1 theatrical aspect ratio. With no apparent remaster, it still outshines previous SD-DVD versions, free from the edge enhancement and softness characteristic of those releases. Detail quality is commendable across both close-ups and wide shots, with softer moments attributable to intentional cinematographic choices rather than transfer issues. The film exhibits a consistent grain layer that aligns with director Harlin's visual style in Cliffhanger and Die Hard 2, enhancing its filmic charm.

The color palette is expansive, ranging from warm family scenes filled with browns and creams to icy blue flashbacks and red-dominated sequences. Night-set segments towards the latter part of the film feature rich blacks, though slight crush is noticeable. Primary colors are striking and bold, supporting the shadow-rich, dynamic palette envisioned by cinematographer Guillermo Navarro. The contrast can sometimes be overbearing, risking minor detail loss but never crossing into problematic territory. While there are some brief instances of artifacting and banding, they don't significantly detract from the overall viewing experience.

Textures are generally crisp, edge definition maintains stability, and macroblocking, aliasing, and smearing are effectively managed. Any softness can be traced back to the source rather than an issue with the encoding process itself. Despite some imperfections, this release marks the best visual presentation this 15-year-old film has enjoyed to date, ensuring that fans are likely to be satisfied with the visual upgrade.

The Long Kiss Goodnight's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track effectively complements its high-octane action scenes and snappy dialogue. Known for its bombastic nature, the track delivers a robust auditory experience, focusing on clear and coherent dialogue predominantly from the frontal array. The action sequences bring the surround speakers to life with impressive atmospheric detail, even if quieter moments can seem less engaging. Although the precision and subtlety of sound could be improved, the consistent bass presence during intense scenes ensures that fans will appreciate the powerful delivery.

Warner's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track on The Long Kiss Goodnight showcases explosive action elements with aplomb. From booming LFE channel impacts to spirited rear-speaker activity, the mix adeptly captures the film's dynamic soundscape. While minor gaps in soundfield continuity reflect the age of the film’s original sound design, dialogue remains clean and well-prioritized. Directionality is engaging, with swift and smooth pans adding to the immersive experience. Though not quite at the level of contemporary action mixes, it stands out as a commendable fifteen-year-old catalog mix, maintaining the energy and intensity of Renny Harlin's frenetic direction.

Overall, Warner's lossless audio track significantly enhances the viewing experience, providing a great aural presentation that aligns well with the film's thrilling tone.

The Blu-ray release of "The Long Kiss Goodnight" severely lacks substantial extras, offering the bare minimum—a missed opportunity for this cult classic. The sole additional content is the theatrical trailer, which remains unchanged from the previous SD-DVD release. This limited inclusion undermines the potential of celebrating the film’s heritage with fans. Despite the vibrant market for retrospectives and in-depth behind-the-scenes glimpses, this edition fails to offer any featurettes, interviews, or deleted scenes, leaving enthusiasts yearning for more insightful content. This omission raises questions about the investment in enhancing the Blu-ray experience for such back catalogue titles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for the theatrical release (SD, 3 minutes).

"The Long Kiss Goodnight," directed by Renny Harlin, is a quintessential '90s action-thriller that combines explosive set-pieces and balletic gunplay with a sharp script by Shane Black. While the storyline may lack depth, the dialogue between Geena Davis's Charly Baltimore and Samuel L. Jackson's Mitch Henessey is highly engaging and immensely quotable. These performances elevate the film from being a run-of-the-mill action flick to an enjoyable ride. Jackson's charisma and Davis's unexpected intensity make for an entertaining duo, providing both wit and robust action sequences throughout the film.

Styled with Harlin's signature over-the-top action, the movie intertwines its convoluted amnesia plot with relentless gusto. The narrative may falter in coherence, but it's held together by vigorous performances and Black’s deft scripting. Despite the now-dated pre-DVD era visuals and audio quality of the Blu-ray transfer, the film stands out due to its engaging character dynamics and relentless pace. Jackson’s delivery of fierce, memorable dialogue and Davis's transformation from a schoolteacher to a lethal CIA assassin create a unique viewing experience.

With its blend of high-octane action, humor, and dramatic undertones, "The Long Kiss Goodnight" is an exemplar of ‘90s popcorn cinema. It might appeal to action movie enthusiasts and fans of Shane Black’s writing. The film oscillates between extremes with carefree abandon, serving up a mix of thrills and laughs that keep viewers engaged. Despite its lack of substance, it offers ample entertainment value through its unabashedly grandiose execution and memorable character arcs, making it a notable entry in action-comedy cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "The Long Kiss Goodnight" delivers mixed results, making it an enticing yet incomplete addition for collectors. Directed by Renny Harlin, this '90s action thriller features strong performances from Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson, elevating it beyond typical genre fare. The film is a quintessential product of its time: unapologetically grandiose, yet loaded with unexpectedly clever moments. It may not be his finest work, but Harlin delivers an engaging and relentless action spectacle that continues to captivate audiences.

The audio presentation on this Blu-ray release impresses with a robust DTS-HD Master Audio surround track that effectively envelops the viewer in its high-octane sequences. However, the video transfer leaves much to be desired. Minted from an older master, the video quality, while decent, falls short of contemporary standards, diminishing the overall viewing experience. The lack of substantial bonus features—offering only a theatrical trailer—further detracts from the package.

Despite these limitations, the Blu-ray of "The Long Kiss Goodnight" remains a valuable addition for fans of '90s action cinema. Its low price point makes it a feasible purchase, even with its technical shortcomings. Harlin's film should not be dismissed merely as 'Big Dumb Fun'; its enduring charm and layered performances offer much more beneath the surface.