Get Shorty Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory's release of Get Shorty, under their Shout Select line, touts a new 4K transfer that demonstrates notable enhancements from previous versions, despite some claims that it resembles the MGM 2011 Blu-ray transfer. The new 4K remaster is presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, ensuring an authentic viewing experience. Color reproduction has seen marked improvements; Delroy Lindo’s banana yellow suit and the maroon red of Travolta’s shirt are now richer and more vibrant. Blacks, especially in Travolta’s hair and leather jacket, hold strong, providing superb contrast that amplifies the film’s overall visual appeal.

However, while the 4K-derived transfer provides an uptick in color vibrancy and maintains a healthy grain structure, it is not without its flaws. Some users noted a drift in flesh tones towards chalky and orange hues, and a minor mosquito noise was observed on rare occasions. The resolution generally sags, leaving most scenes softened rather than strikingly detailed, which might be attributed to the film stocks used at the time of the original shoot. Despite these drawbacks, the bright and energetic presentation keeps the overall visual experience engaging and enjoyable.

In terms of encoding, Shout has opted for an MPEG-4 AVC encode with an average video bitrate of 31993 kbps. This technical choice ensures that the grain structure remains fine and that noise is minimal in darker scenes. While some viewers mentioned that indoor and nighttime footage appears a bit less sharp than exterior shots, this could well be inherent to the film's original cinematographic choices rather than an issue with the transfer itself. Overall, Shout Factory's Blu-ray of Get Shorty stands out as a visually compelling edition, breathing new life into Barry Sonnenfeld’s classic film.

Shout Factory’s release of "Get Shorty" on Blu-ray offers commendable audio options in the form of DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround (3590 kbps, 24-bit) and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo mix (2062 kbps, 24-bit). Although Shout Factory opted not to remix the audio significantly, the provided tracks are clear and precise, maintaining the same dialog-heavy mix from MGM's original release. The 5.1 mix is notably front-heavy, with most of the dialogue centered and a strong focus on front-of-room sounds. Ambient noises adeptly fill out the surrounds, rendering an immersive experience during scenes at restaurants or Hollywood sets. Occasional effects, like raindrops pelting down and the rumble of aircraft, subtly enhance the environment without overwhelming the listener.

The audio presentation benefits from high fidelity and general clarity, with neither track showing signs of age-related artifacts such as hiss or distortion. John Lurie’s jazzy, vibrant score and Booker T. & the M.G.s' ballads are reproduced smoothly on both tracks. The timbre and integrity of the music tracks remain high, underlined with a clean bass line that compliments the jazz elements effectively. Airplanes passing overhead and other dynamic effects like quick-cut scenes at an airport showcase the active soundstage of this DTS-HD mix.

In terms of dialogue, it's well-recorded, mixed impeccably within the soundscape, and allows all comedic elements to shine through effectively. The 2.0 stereo track adds an alternative listening option that still delivers quality separation and clarity, making it more than sufficient for viewers who prefer this format. Optional English SDH subtitles are also included for the main feature, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "Get Shorty" by Shout Factory compiles a robust array of supplementary features, primarily sourced from MGM's 2005 two-disc Collector's Edition and an earlier DVD release. Director Barry Sonnenfeld's audio commentary is insightful, albeit occasionally silent. Notable extras include "Look at Me" and "Wise Guys and Dolls," both upscaled to 1080i, which thoroughly explore the character dynamics and source material. "Going Again" showcases an engaging behind-the-scenes look at Danny DeVito’s improvisations. The "Party Reel" and "Vignettes" provide additional candid footage, while "Page to Screen" offers a comprehensive 30-minute making-of feature. The deleted "Graveyard Scene," accompanied by an introduction from Sonnenfeld and Ben Stiller, is particularly commendable for its detailed analysis. Despite the lack of new content in this edition, the inclusion of these extras makes for a complete and rich viewing experience for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary from Director Barry Sonnenfeld: Insightful, with noticeable silent gaps.
• Get Shorty: Look at Me: Explores the novel-to-film adaptation.
• Get Shorty: Wise Guys and Dolls: Focus on character dynamics.
• Going Again: Behind-the-scenes with Danny DeVito improvisations.
• Get Shorty Party Reel: Candid set footage.
• Page-To-Screen of Get Shorty: Comprehensive making-of feature.
• The Graveyard Scene and Featurette: Deleted scene analysis with an introduction.
• Vignettes: Four short interview segments.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer in HD.

"Get Shorty," directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, is a biting satire of Hollywood, bringing Elmore Leonard's novel to life with verve and precision. John Travolta excels as Chili Palmer, a Florida loan shark who transforms into a savvy Hollywood producer, navigating the industry's murky waters with ease. Gene Hackman shines as the bumbling Harry Zimm, a B-movie producer with more debt than talent. The film's ensemble cast, featuring Rene Russo, Danny DeVito, and Dennis Farina, play their roles with a perfect balance of dry wit and exaggerated caricature, encapsulating the ludicrousness of Hollywood's inner workings. Challenging the status quo, "Get Shorty" humorously dissects the interchangeable nature of mobsters and movie producers.

Scott Frank's screenplay deftly captures Leonard's satirical prose, creating rich dialogue that rivals Quentin Tarantino's best. One standout scene features Travolta and Delroy Lindo discussing a script with serious faces while subtly ridiculing Hollywood mechanics. The humor is intrinsic to character interactions rather than punchlines, making every scene a masterclass in comedic timing. The seamless transition from multiple settings—Miami, Brooklyn, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles—adds dynamism. However, the film slightly falters by leaving David Paymer's character underdeveloped in the third act. Despite this minor flaw, the carefully crafted plot keeps audiences engaged and entertained.

In "Get Shorty," the real magic lies in its astute observations and satirical edge. The film industry is portrayed as a circus where financial manipulations and mob-like dealings are ubiquitous. Figures like Travolta's Palmer easily outmaneuver Hollywood insiders, further emphasizing the absurdity of the system. Iconic scenes, such as Travolta passionately debating classic Westerns or fanboying over Welles's "A Touch of Evil," reflect his character’s deep-seated love for cinema—a stark contrast to his ruthless efficiency in the mob world. "Get Shorty" remains timeless, as relevant and entertaining today as when it was first released.

Shout Factory’s Blu-ray release of "Get Shorty" captures the essence of this classic comedy, which masterfully satirizes Hollywood's business dynamics through its sharp and witty narrative. Featuring an outstanding cast led by John Travolta, Gene Hackman, and Rene Russo, the film still resonates over two decades after its initial release. Barry Sonnenfeld directs with precision, and the screenplay by Scott Frank, adapted from Elmore Leonard's novel, remains a highlight. The comedic exploration of mob interactions in the Hollywood system sustains its relevance and charm.

In terms of technical specifics, the Blu-ray features an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 AVC and offers an audio experience in English DTS-HD MA 5.1 with SDH subtitles. The 4K transfer provides a slight upgrade over the previous MGM edition, though the enhancements are marginal. Shout Factory includes all the bonus materials from prior releases; however, there are no new extras added—a point of contention for existing owners who might consider whether the upgrade is worthwhile. While the package is aesthetically enhanced with new artwork, the AV improvements alone may not justify the additional cost for those who already own the movie on Blu-ray.

Conclusively, while "Get Shorty" remains a must-watch film delivered in a commendably robust package by Shout Factory, it is prudent for existing Blu-ray owners to assess the value of the minor upgrades versus the expense. Nonetheless, for new buyers or those yet to add this gem to their HD collection, this release is unquestionably the most comprehensive edition available. The film’s enduring appeal and nuanced humor make this Blu-ray release a highly recommended acquisition for any film aficionado.