The Hunter Blu-ray Review

The Hunter Blu-ray release, presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, benefits from a 1080p transfer derived from a new 4K master sourced from the original camera negative. Despite the inclusion of minor nicks and speckling, the film displays excellent delineation, clarity, and depth, with robust density levels that enhance large-screen viewing. The natural film grain appearance complements the sharp detail rendering, capturing the gritty essence of late 70s Chicago streets and the nuances of McQueen’s performance. While the color palette is healthy, some inconsistencies are noted, particularly a shift toward turquoise shades that affect certain scenes' authenticity. Black levels remain largely intact, with occasional crushing but nothing severe. The final sequence demonstrates commendable shadow management and depth.

Colors are stable, offering bright primaries and natural skin tones; however, mismatched blues—resulting in a cooler overall image—are evident. Examples include the alteration of blues to light turquoise, impacting the visual integrity of elements like cars and sirens in specific screencaptures. Reds occasionally display brownish hues. Nevertheless, this release exceeds its DVD counterpart and matches its Australian predecessor in quality, with potential advantages in detail rendition.

Image stability is noted throughout, with only minor imperfections in optical transitions and effects sequences. Despite these issues, most viewers will find the presentation satisfying, though slightly improved blues could have elevated it to a definitive version. Region-A locking mandates compatible players for viewing, emphasizing that the Blu-ray offers a strong, if not perfect, visual experience that respects the film’s original aesthetic.

The Blu-ray release of "The Hunter" features a singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The audio track impressively maintains clarity and sharpness across the board, ensuring dialogue is consistently clean and clear. Sound effects are adeptly rendered, providing an authentic and immersive atmosphere that enhances each scene and location. The action sequences particularly benefit, with dynamic soundscapes capturing the intensity of roaring engines, the explosive power of dynamite, and the iconic rush of Chicago’s L trains.

Michel Legrand's musical score, along with contributions from Charles Bernstein, shines in this DTS-HD presentation. The soundtrack faithfully delivers the movie's emotional breadth, augmenting tension during critical scenes and offering levity where needed. Accompanied by classical music pieces from Mozart, Verdi, and Rossini that fit the film’s narrative context seamlessly, the score boasts a solid balance within the sound mix. Audio levels are well-calibrated and free from age-induced artifacts, surpassing previous releases such as the Paramount DVD. This disc is a testament to the film's audio fidelity and stands as a significant improvement over previous iterations.

Overall, this Blu-ray release provides an exceptional auditory experience for "The Hunter," presenting its original mono content with precision and fidelity. Audiophiles and fans of the film will appreciate this high-quality presentation for its absence of distortion and fidelity to the film’s original sound design. This rendition not only preserves but elevates the auditory elements, likely making it the definitive audio edition for home viewing.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Hunter" offer a mix of insightful commentary and vintage promotional content. The highlight is a comprehensive audio commentary by film historians Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, who provide a detailed analysis of Steve McQueen’s final film, including production insights and personal anecdotes. While the extras may lack mass, the quality of the commentary makes it essential. The disc also includes a variety of vintage trailers and TV spots giving a glimpse into the film's original marketing efforts. However, it misses some notable features like Jason Ney's commentary and the documentary "Steve McQueen, Man on the Edge," seen in other editions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: A detailed audio commentary by critics Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson.
• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer from Paramount Pictures.
• TV Spots and VHS Trailer: Collection of promotional trailers and TV spots.
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art.

"The Hunter," directed by Buzz Kulik, emerges on Blu-ray through Kino Lorber, offering an intriguing, albeit uneven, narrative. Steve McQueen, portraying Ralph "Papa" Thorson, delivers a bittersweet and vulnerable performance amidst personal afflictions and action-packed sequences. Known for his charisma, here McQueen's portrayal seems subdued and introspective, reflecting his deteriorating health. The narrative revolves around Thorson, a seasoned bounty hunter navigating a life that's rapidly changing with an impending fatherhood and a past re-emergent menace threatening his existence. The dichotomy of Thorson’s world is compelling yet underexplored, split between exhilarating action scenes and complex personal challenges.

"The Hunter" attempts to balance tension and levity, albeit erratically. Moments of gravity, such as the personal losses Thorson endures or confrontations with dangerous fugitives, are interspersed with scenes of comical car chases reminiscent of lighter-hearted films. Kulik and writers Levinson, Link, and Hyams endeavor to blend genres—gritty thriller with comedic elements—but the film struggles to find a consistent tone or depth, especially in character development. Nonetheless, some action sequences, like the Chicago chase involving an El train and a perilous pursuit through a Marina City parking garage, showcase impressive stunt work and pacing.

Supporting performances bolster the film’s narrative fabric despite its inconsistencies. Eli Wallach, LeVar Burton, and Kathryn Harrold bring nuance to their roles against McQueen’s somber presence. Notably, Tracey Walter’s portrayal of a vengeful ex-con adds a menacing undertone but fails to reach full dramatic potential due to underdeveloped subplots. While "The Hunter" may not stand among McQueen’s most acclaimed works, it offers glimpses of what could have been in a film made earlier in his career—a testament both to his enduring appeal and the unfortunate timing of production amid his health battles.

Steve McQueen's final film, "The Hunter," delivers a bittersweet conclusion to his illustrious career. Despite being completed during McQueen’s battle with terminal illness, the film manages to showcase the actor's iconic charisma, albeit juxtaposed with poignant glimpses of his declining health. Sadly, the film falls short of its potential as a compelling thriller; it struggles with a disjointed narrative that never builds sustained suspense. However, fans will still find value in McQueen's dedicated performance and memorable scenes, like those featuring him atop the L train.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release, sourced from a new 4K master, enhances the film’s visual and audio presentation substantially. The high-definition transfer is robust, featuring a crisp and clear representation that breathes new life into the film's cinematography. The audio mix complements this, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. While bonus features are minimal, the inclusion of an engaging audio commentary provides deeper insights into the film’s production. Though additional features like TV spots and trailers offer a nostalgic touch, their limited presence might underwhelm some collectors.

In conclusion, "The Hunter" may not redefine action thrillers, but it remains a significant entry for both Steve McQueen devotees and cinema enthusiasts alike. Its imperfections are eclipsed by the raw appeal of McQueen’s final on-screen moments and Kino Lorber's polished presentation. Despite mixed critical reception and a moderate box office performance, this release is a recommended acquisition, particularly for those seeking to embrace McQueen’s enduring legacy on the high-definition format.