Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Blu-ray Review

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' arrives on Blu-ray with a VC-1 1080p transfer in widescreen 2.35:1, offering a notable enhancement over previous DVD releases, including the Criterion version. This disc excels in delivering intricate detail and razor-sharp definition that enriches the viewing experience. Facial close-ups reveal an astonishing level of minutiae, from Duke's powder-dusted nostrils and crooked teeth to Dr. Gonzo's sweat-sodden chin. Textures pop, capturing the woolen and linen fabrics, the furry texture of Depp's Hawaiian shirt, and various intricate patterns donned during the 70's Vegas scene. Shadow detail is significantly improved, bringing otherwise murky back corridors and seedy bars to life, complimented by a bold, vibrant color palette that fully embodies the neon frenzy of The Strip.

Nonetheless, minor drawbacks exist. The transfer retains the film’s original grain, mirroring its period authenticity but at times introducing noticeable dirt and damage, particularly during outdoor scenes where open skies expose the wear on the film source. Grain, however, remains unobtrusive in many scenes. There are persistent issues such as edge enhancement and occasional aliasing that disrupt image integrity. A few scenes exhibit inherent softness that BD cannot rectify, though these instances are minimal compared to the overall improvement in clarity and detail.

The color palette is markedly vivid with ruby red cocktails and absurdly bright telephones that pop off the screen. Black levels are deep and inky, providing strong contrast that holds up during even the most intense sequences. Despite minor gripes with grain and periodic artifacts, this Blu-ray release is a commendable upgrade over its DVD predecessors, offering fans a richer and far more immersive visual experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" features a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio surround track that closely adheres to the original sound design by Terry Gilliam. True to its source, the audio mix is highly front-oriented, providing crisp and well-prioritized dialogue anchored to the center channel. Johnny Depp's narration, despite being occasionally mumbled due to the film’s drug-induced haze theme, remains discernible. The audio fidelity ensures that each word and sound effect—whether intentional or chaotic—is delivered as intended. Bass support is generally subdued but enjoys a notable exception during the adrenalized adrenochrome scene, which provides a short-lived but gut-rumbling experience.

Zooming into technical specifics, the track incorporates dynamic use of the front channels with effective directional cues, such as the palpable rush of a car in the opening scene. However, the rear speakers often remain underutilized, thus limiting the overall enveloping experience. Ambient noise and atmospheric acoustics are present but are largely two-dimensional, occasionally dissipating the immersive potential one might expect from modern surround sound setups. The eclectic 1960s soundtrack—featuring classics like Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual" and Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love"—is presented in a mix that resonates with the film’s psychedelic visual narrative.

Overall, while the DTS-HD Master Audio track is an adequate representation of the film's original quirks and incongruities, it falls short of delivering a robust home theater experience. Those seeking pronounced surround activity or a high-octane audio showcase may find the track lacking. Nonetheless, for purists and fans of the film, this Blu-ray release offers a faithful auditory journey that aligns with Gilliam's distinctive vision. Additional features include a French DTS 5.1 track and multiple subtitle options, providing accessibility for a broader audience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" from Universal offers a limited selection of extras, significantly pared down from the comprehensive Criterion Collection release. Despite the inclusion of D-Box motion coding, BD Live, and a basic "How To" guide, the key supplements are a batch of unfinished deleted scenes of negligible substance, and an EPK-style behind-the-scenes featurette offering the cast and crew's insights into the film's frenetic creation. These extras, though modestly engaging, fail to match the depth and breadth of Criterion's expansive set, which boasted multiple commentaries, documentaries, and rare materials exploring the film's production and thematic intricacies.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Four scenes of unfinished quality featuring Gonzo and Raoul.
• Spotlight on Location: Behind-the-scenes look with insights from Terry Gilliam, Johnny Depp, and Benicio del Toro.

"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," directed by Terry Gilliam and based on Hunter S. Thompson's notorious novel, is a hallucinogenic plunge into the psychedelic inferno of late 60s Las Vegas. Johnny Depp's portrayal of Raoul Duke, paired with Benicio Del Toro's Dr. Gonzo, underpins a narrative that submerges audiences in a drug-fueled odyssey. This adaptation captures the chaos and surrealism of Thompson's work through Gilliam's unique visual style, crafting a grotesque, yet fascinating mosaic of America's dark underbelly.

The film's episodic structure navigates Duke and Gonzo’s wild escapades, meeting a cavalcade of eccentric characters played by notable Hollywood faces including Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, and Gary Busey. Gilliam’s use of vivid, nightmarish visuals and an eclectic 70s soundtrack deftly mirrors the characters' disintegrating mental states, making for an unsettling yet mesmerizing viewing experience. This frenetic pace might exhaust some viewers, but for those who endure, the movie’s relentless pursuit of excess becomes paradoxically captivating.

What elevates "Fear and Loathing" beyond mere spectacle are the performances of Depp and Del Toro. Their unfaltering commitment inhabits their characters so fully that they transform what could be repulsive into a compelling critique of American culture and consciousness. The film's raw portrayal of paranoia and disillusionment during the Vietnam era resonates powerfully, capturing both the allure and peril of Thompson’s hedonistic escapism. Gilliam masterfully channels this energy, making the film both an homage to Thompson's unrestrained prose and a standout in his own directorial oeuvre.

Overall, the movie remains polarizing but undeniably engrossing. Though not for everyone, its audacity and stylistic bravado ensures its place as a memorable cinematic experience on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of Terry Gilliam's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" presents a noteworthy upgrade over previous editions, though it falls short in certain areas. Visually, the transfer is generally sharp and well-defined, capturing the chaotic vibrancy of the film. However, the source material's deliberate 70's aesthetic means some scenes are of lesser quality. Auditorily, the DTS-HD Master Audio mix leans towards being front-heavy but remains an accurate and robust representation of the original surround track.

Performance-wise, Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro deliver a whirlwind of inspired insanity that fans of Gilliam and Hunter S. Thompson will thoroughly enjoy. Despite these strengths, the supplementary content is severely lacking, with only twenty minutes of extras compared to the more comprehensive Criterion DVD package. This omission is regrettable given the rich context and background that could further enhance viewer appreciation of this cult classic.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray edition is far from perfect, it offers enough improvements in audio and visual quality to justify an upgrade for many fans. Nonetheless, it is advisable to retain your Criterion release for the definitive collection of additional content.