The Last Detail Blu-ray Review

"The Last Detail" on Blu-ray features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, purportedly sourced from a 4K restoration of the Sony-Columbia catalog film. The restoration respects Hal Ashby's distinctive directorial style, characterized by naturally lit, unfussy cinematography. This approach results in a highly textured, grainy presentation that at times almost resembles Super 16. Though some viewers, particularly those unfamiliar with such stylistic choices, might find this roughhewn appearance less detailed, it remains a faithful reproduction of Ashby’s intended aesthetic.

The film’s color palette favors cooler hues in keeping with its fall/winter setting, which slightly desaturates primary colors. Reds are crimson, blues lighter, and yellows paler, while flesh tones maintain a natural balance without skewing too pink or sickly. Strong black levels offer substantial depth to the image, although occasional instances of crush are noticeable during night scenes where dark costumes and backgrounds merge, creating a slight floating head effect. Despite slight speckling and minor chroma anomalies during the darkest moments—likely exacerbated by compression—the overall image is clear and film-like, ensuring it retains the grain and texture synonymous with Ashby's work.

While some may be critical of the subtle chroma issues and shadow definition under dim lighting conditions, these do not overshadow the pleasure of witnessing Ashby's classic through a modern lens. The 4K restoration provides a nuanced yet evocative viewing experience that is both respectful of the original film’s integrity and suitably enhanced for contemporary audiences.

"The Last Detail" offers a commendable audio presentation with its lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 mono track. This format successfully captures the essence of the original theatrical experience. The track excels in delivering clear and crisp dialogue across various scenes, especially in the numerous intimate exchanges between characters. Johnny Mandel's engaging score, which incorporates period-specific source cues, resonates well within this audio framework. Reproduction of urban environments and background sounds like those in train and bus station scenes is particularly well-realized, providing a palpable sense of space and atmosphere.

Despite the inherent limitations of a mono track and lack of channel movement, this presentation maintains a sense of directionality, effectively supporting the film's narrative structure. Imaging is subtle but effective, ensuring that critical audio details are preserved without overshadowing the dialogue. Importantly, levels are consistently maintained within the midranges, avoiding abrupt spikes in volume that could detract from the viewing experience. The absence of age-related audio artifacts such as hiss, pops, or breaks further underscores the high fidelity of this track. In summary, "The Last Detail" delivers a robust mono audio experience that aligns well with its original theatrical intentions and enhances the overall immersion.

The extras included in the Blu Ray release of "The Last Detail" provide a rich array of insightful and well-curated content, truly enhancing the experience for any aficionado. The highlight is an Isolated Score Track, presented in pristine DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, allowing listeners to appreciate the movie's soundtrack in its purest form. The Original Theatrical Trailer is available in high definition, running 2:58, giving viewers a nostalgic glimpse of how the film was originally promoted. These features are supplemented with additional extras that offer a comprehensive understanding, making this disc a valuable addition to any collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer running 2 minutes and 58 seconds.

Hal Ashby's 'The Last Detail,' starring Jack Nicholson, Otis Young, and Randy Quaid, stands out as a heartfelt exploration of human resilience amid adversity. The narrative revolves around petty officers Buddusky (Nicholson) and Mule (Young), who are assigned to escort Seaman Laurence Meadows (Quaid) to a naval prison. Despite the ostensibly somber premise, the movie manages to infuse considerable warmth and humor. Nicholson's performance as the crass yet compassionate Billy Badass Buddusky is a highlight, earning him an Academy Award nomination for his visceral portrayal. Quaid also gives a notably emotional performance as the naïve and endearing Meadows, which serves as the film's emotional anchor.

The simplicity of the storyline belies its depth. The journey transforms from a routine assignment into an an unexpected voyage of self-discovery for all involved. Buddusky and Mule, initially eager for a quick trip to enjoy some relaxation, find purpose in making Meadows’ final days of freedom memorable. The camaraderie that develops between the trio highlights the underlying compassion amidst their rough exteriors. This is poignantly juxtaposed with Robert Towne's expletive-rich screenplay, which adds authenticity to the portrayal of life in the armed forces.

Ashby employs a quasi-verité style that underscores the film's realism without sacrificing its bittersweet charm. The screenplay deftly combines humor with deeper themes, referencing contemporary issues such as the Vietnam War. The supporting cast, including Carol Kane and Nancy Allen, augments the film with their brief but impactful roles. 'The Last Detail' is not just a film about small moments of joy but a celebration of life's simple pleasures. It's a testament to Ashby's ability to craft narratives that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth, making it a standout in his oeuvre.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "The Last Detail" brings renewed life to Hal Ashby's 1973 dramedy, capturing its intricate blend of humor and pathos with a notable A/V presentation. Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Buddusky remains a career highlight, infused with both fervor and subtlety, while Randy Quaid’s performance exudes an unexpected tenderness. The film's adaptation from Darryl Ponicsan's acclaimed novel is executed with precision by Robert Towne, showcasing a narrative richness that resonates authenticity—especially meaningful for those familiar with military life. However, the frequent use of strong language may be off-putting for some viewers.

Technically, this Blu-ray release is commendable. The visual transfer does justice to Ashby's direction, presenting a crisp and clear picture that enhances the viewing experience. Audio is equally robust, allowing the film's dialogue and subtle background score to come through with clarity. However, the release’s major drawback lies in its sparse supplemental content. With the exception of an isolated score track, the lack of additional features is noticeable, potentially disappointing aficionados who seek a comprehensive collection of extras.

It's rare to find a film that displays as much heart as "The Last Detail" does while also pummeling the viewer with some of the most consistently blue language imaginable. Performances are top-notch, including a wonderfully forceful Nicholson and a surprisingly touching Quaid. This is certainly not a film for those who blanch at expletives, but for those who have had any experience with the military, there's a very authentic feeling to this film which is testament to Ponicsan's original source novel as well as to Robert Towne's smart adapted screenplay. Technical merits are strong and despite a relative lack of supplements The Last Detail comes Highly recommended.