The Postman Always Rings Twice Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" offers a mixed bag on the video presentation front. The 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer is noteworthy for its authentic reproduction of cinematographer Sven Nykvist's finely detailed and evocatively earth-toned imagery. Set in the Depression-era California countryside, the movie's visual style is steeped in deep blacks and precisely cast shadows, ensuring a film-like appearance that is enhanced by its natural grain structure. Warner has managed to avoid the overuse of a teal wash commonly accused against their titles, resulting in a warm glow that bathes the image and delivers muted yet vibrant colors with excellent contrast and clarity.

However, the disc's compression issues cannot be overlooked. With an average bitrate of 18.41 Mbps over a total of 19.5 Gb for the feature film, compression artifacts such as mosquito noise are unavoidable. These artifacts are particularly noticeable in lighter portions of the frame like skies or walls, appearing as a rippling effect in darker areas. Despite the occasional bit of crush, shadow delineation remains relatively good. Unfortunately, the tight compression also leads to a visible absence of film grain, likely mitigated by sophisticated degraining techniques. This lack of grain might be mistaken for detail loss but primarily aims to counteract compression limitations.

It's disappointing that Warner did not utilize the additional available space on the BD-50 to reauthor the main feature for better compression, especially given the opportunity after such a prolonged wait. The result diminishes an otherwise superior image capture, making these artifacts more apparent on larger screens. Despite this, the Blu-ray still holds up reasonably well, particularly on screens smaller than 65 inches, capturing essential textures and natural fleshtones with stable background details. The overall pristine condition of the print, free from age-related defects or edge enhancements, underscores what could have been a more impeccable release.

The audio presentation of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" Blu-ray is offered in its original mono, reproduced via DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0. This track, despite its mono limitations, stands out with its finely preserved dynamic range and clarity. Michael Small's poignant score, an essential aspect of the auditory experience, is presented with a sweetness and romance that perfectly aligns with the film's tone. The overall condition of the track is commendably clean, ensuring that dialogue remains comprehensible and free from any distracting imperfections.

The DTS-HD MA 1.0 track delivers a well-balanced and bright audio experience, ensuring that both dialogue and musical elements are clear and distinct. Notably, Michael Small's evocative score fills the viewing space engagingly, enhancing but not overshadowing the on-screen drama. Furthermore, the audio track effectively handles subtle sound effects such as rain and wind, adding depth to the film’s atmosphere. Despite being mono, the track manages a wide dynamic scale proficiently, capturing highs and lows without distortion, and remains devoid of any pops, crackles, or hiss.

While this mono audio track might not offer the immersive experience of modern sound formats like Dolby Atmos, it fulfills its role admirably by delivering clear and balanced sound. This ensures that crucial dialogue, including those with challenging accents, is always understandable, helping to maintain the narrative’s engagement. Overall, the audio quality provides a solid framework that supports and enriches this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" offers a limited but high-quality selection of extras. Viewers can delve into an insightful audio commentary featuring director Bob Rafelson, writer David Mamet, and actor Jack Nicholson. This commentary, edited together from separate interviews, provides a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film. Rafelson discusses his Hollywood challenges and his gratitude towards Nicholson, while Nicholson elaborates on the film's sexual themes and his performance. Mamet adds depth with his take on adapting the novel for screen. This commentary is densely packed with valuable anecdotes and filmmaking insights. Additionally, the disc includes the original theatrical trailer, which highlights the film's provocative appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Scene-Specific Commentary by Bob Rafelson, David Mamet, and Jack Nicholson: Detailed insights into various aspects of the film's production and adaptation.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer emphasizing the film's intensity and critical acclaim.

Bob Rafelson's 1981 adaptation of James M. Cain's "The Postman Always Rings Twice" breathes new life into the classic tale, adding dimensions of gritty realism and raw, unbridled passion that were absent from the notably sanitized 1946 version due to stringent censorship. Starring Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange, the film captures the animalistic and sadomasochistic essence of the novel through David Mamet’s spare, efficient dialogue and Rafelson's focus on authentic character expression rather than taut, noir precision. The narrative, shot in bleak tones that emphasize the dire straits of its working-class characters, delves deep into their desperate and corrupt nature. Lange’s portrayal of Cora Papadakis as a discontented yet hardworking cook and Frank Chambers’ (Nicholson) transformation from a petty crook to a man impelled by flesh and greed add substantial gravitas to the story.

Notably, the infamous kitchen scene where the couple’s sexual rawness is depicted without nudity pushes boundaries further than its predecessor, highlighting their turbulent relationship initiated on a table littered with baking tools. Mamet skillfully reinstates the ethnic intricacies of the characters, particularly in John Colicos' Nick Papadakis and Michael Lerner's Jewish lawyer Katz, enriching the plot with layers of cultural context and legal intrigue. The film’s departure from traditional noir is most apparent in its extended, loosely episodic third act. Here, Rafelson explores the possibility of normalcy for the couple post-murder, allowing their relationship to serve as the focal point rather than an ensuing sense of doom—an approach that underscores his perspective on Postman as primarily a love story rather than a straightforward morality play.

Rafelson's deviation from Cain's original ending may leave some purists divided; however, it aligns with the film’s overarching theme of exploring flawed human connections in dire circumstances. Nicholson and Lange exhibit compelling chemistry, with Lange’s performance particularly marking a turning point in her career, showcasing her versatility beyond ornamental roles. While some might argue that the original 1946 adaptation embodies the essence of Cain's message more accurately, Rafelson's version provides a palpable depiction of the environments and desires that shape its doomed lovers, making it an equally valid—and intensely magnetic—interpretation of this classic American story.

The 1981 remake of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" impressively captures the novel's erotic and hard-boiled tone through powerful performances and adept direction. Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange deliver intense portrayals of Frank and Cora, whose explosive chemistry propels the film beyond typical noir clichés. The characters are richly complex; Nicholson's Frank is not just a simple patsy but a man with agency, while Lange's Cora is an enigmatic figure driven by deep, unpredictable passions. Their dynamic makes for an engaging, if sometimes unsettling, narrative journey.

Warner’s Blu-ray release, while sparse on supplementary material, does provide satisfactory video and audio transfers. Despite some minor video shortcomings, the quality is sufficient to vividly convey the film’s atmosphere of desire, tension, and desperation. The lack of extras might disappoint those looking for in-depth behind-the-scenes content, but the presentation still effectively immerses viewers in the hazy world Rafelson creates. Given the unlikelihood of a future revisit to this title by Warner, this edition is a valuable addition for enthusiasts of classic thrillers and erotic cinema.

Aside from the raw sexuality of its central couple, Rafelson's version of Postman is noteworthy for its stubborn refusal to reduce Frank and Cora to film noir clichés. Nicholson's Frank is more than just a poor sap caught in the web of a manipulative woman. He chooses his fate and does so repeatedly; indeed, he virtually bullies Cora into an affair and then requires very little encouragement to begin plotting her husband's demise. Lange's Cora is a complex and often inscrutable woman, but she's no manipulator. She barely knows herself. It’s as much a surprise to her as to anyone that a man she immediately recognizes as scum can inspire such unquestioning passion from deep inside. Cora doesn't plan; she reacts, and her reactions take her to unexpected places. If she and Frank had souls, they'd be soulmates. Highly recommended, despite the Blu-ray's video shortcomings, because it's unlikely Warner will ever revisit this title.