Nixon Blu-ray Review

Kino Studio Classics has released a three-disc Special Edition of Oliver Stone's "Nixon," containing both the original 191-minute Theatrical Cut (HD premiere) and the extended 212-minute Director's Cut. Presented in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, both cuts utilize MPEG-4/AVC encoding on BD-50 discs. The theatrical version offers an impressive average video bitrate of 27972 kbps, slightly outpacing the Director's Cut's 22972 kbps. This release offers a visually rich experience, enhanced by Robert Richardson's diverse camera and lens selection, including 35mm anamorphic Panavision, 16mm Arriflex, and various vintage models for a textured, multi-era aesthetic. The meticulous use of bluescreen and greenscreen composites, along with processed imagery, heightens the film's dramatic moments.

The color timing on the Theatrical Cut is reminiscent of Buena Vista's 1999 DVD but with enriched hues of red, lavender, and green. Gaffer Christopher Strong’s innovative computer-controlled dimmer system ensures nuanced lighting contrasts. While minor film artifacts like tiny white specks intermittently appear, the archival footage maintains an intentional graininess that complements the quasi-documentary shots. The Director’s Cut, benefiting from previous clean-up efforts, mirrors the Collector's Edition print releases but with superior clarity in additional scenes (Screenshots #21-30).

Both cuts deliver consistent sharpness, detail, grain structure, coloring, and black levels, true to the film’s varied visual style. Although there is minor speckling in the Theatrical Cut, it generally isn’t distracting. This nuanced transfer highlights Stone’s eclectic imagery—oscillating between pristine new footage and deliberately grainy sequences—making this Blu-ray edition a compelling upgrade over previous DVD iterations.

The Blu-ray release of "Nixon" provides impressive audio fidelity, offering both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround (2200 kbps, 16-bit) and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo (1558 kbps, 16-bit) for the Director's Cut, alongside comparable tracks for the theatrical version. Oliver Stone's dialogue-centric narrative benefits significantly from the 5.1 Surround track, which ensures dialogue clarity and front channel precision. Although the mix from the 2008 BD-50 of the Director’s Cut delivered a more dynamic experience with LPCM 5.1 Surround (4608 kbps, 16-bit), the DTS-HD MA tracks on this current release still provide a substantial and enveloping soundscape. The potent .LFE effects, especially during sequences like the Cambodia bombings, engage listeners with palpable low-end response.

John Williams’ intricately crafted score is another highlight of this release. His dark, atonal compositions perfectly underscore the film’s exploration of Nixon's complex psyche. The music’s placement within the sound mix is meticulous, with nuanced use of all speaker channels to envelop the audience in its dark and brooding atmosphere. Notable cues such as "Growing Up in Whittier" are delivered with both warmth and precision, providing stark contrast to more ominous sequences like the 1968 Miami Convention speech, where crowd noises and musical elements are expertly blended.

Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray enhances Stone's cinematic vision, offering clear dialogue, robust bass responses, and a well-balanced mix of ambient and score elements that drive the narrative forward. Optional English subtitles are also available for both cuts, adding to the overall accessibility of the content.

Kino Lorber has meticulously compiled nearly all previously available extras for "Nixon" into this comprehensive Blu-ray release. The collection spans across all discs, ensuring every aspect of the film's production and historical context is meticulously covered. Disc 1 includes two insightful commentaries from Oliver Stone, who provides richly detailed anecdotes and historical insights, although some gaps are present. Disc 2 features an engaging, newly added commentary by film historian Jim Hemphill, which is both in-depth and enthusiastic. Disc 3 is a treasure trove of additional content, highlighted by an extensive collection of deleted scenes introduced by Stone, though it's disappointing that these remain in SD resolution. Overall, this exhaustive set appeals to both cinephiles and history buffs alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary 1: Oliver Stone discusses the film's performances, style, and script.
• Audio Commentary 2: Oliver Stone on the politics and history of the era.
• NEW Audio Commentary: A wide-ranging discussion by Jim Hemphill.
• Deleted Scenes: Introduced by Oliver Stone.
• Beyond Nixon: Mid-2000s documentary by Sean Stone.
• Charlie Rose Interviews Oliver Stone: Hour-long interview.
• Making-of Featurette: Promotional featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer
• Bonus Trailers

Oliver Stone's "Nixon" is an ambitious and intensely engaging biographical epic that expertly embodies multiple filmmaking styles, illustrating Stone's bold directorial vision. The film is notable for its eclectic use of vertical editing, diverse film stocks, and dynamic camera angles, creating a vivid narrative tapestry. It seamlessly transitions between color and black-and-white photography, echoing the techniques employed by legendary cinematic pioneers Griffith, Eisenstein, Welles, and Chaplin. Cinematographer Robert Richardson enhances this multi-layered approach with the use of antique cameras to recreate historical moments, contributing to an authentic period atmosphere.

Stone's narrative structure in "Nixon" is as intricate as its aesthetic. Mirroring the non-linear timeline of "Citizen Kane," events unfold out of chronological order, offering a fragmented yet compelling exploration of Richard Nixon's complex persona. Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Nixon is a standout, capturing the intricate nuances of a man beset by contradictions—brilliant yet paranoid, insightful yet corrupt. Stone frequently uses rapid cutaways and stark lighting effects to visualize Nixon's tumultuous mental state and his fraught relationship with his past and the Kennedys.

The film's ensemble cast delivers equally impressive performances, with Joan Allen, James Woods, and Paul Sorvino providing notable turns as Pat Nixon, H.R. Halderman, and Henry Kissinger, respectively. Despite initial critical backlash possibly due to its timing soon after Nixon’s death, the film's merits have become more appreciated over time. Stone examines Nixon not just through his political failings but also his personal tragedies and insecurities, presenting a nuanced character study. The recurring conspiracy references might blur historical accuracy but enhance the film's exploration of Nixon's paranoia. Ultimately, "Nixon" exemplifies insightful and multifaceted storytelling, reaffirming Oliver Stone's reputation for fearlessly tackling contentious historical subjects.

Oliver Stone’s “Nixon” Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber Studio Classics is an essential acquisition for film enthusiasts and historians alike. With a deep dive into the complexities of Richard Nixon’s character, Anthony Hopkins delivers a fierce and multi-dimensional performance that transforms the film into a gripping portrayal of a tragic figure undone by his own flaws. Spanning both the Theatrical Cut and the Director’s Cut, this three-disc release capitalizes on impressive A/V quality that enhances the viewing experience, bringing new life to Stone's already compelling narrative.

While the LPCM 5.1 track on Disney’s Election Edition might pack a slightly stronger punch, the uncompressed sound tracks offered here are extremely effective, ensuring an immersive audio experience. Additionally, this release includes most of the archival bonus features from previous editions, with the new audio commentary by Jim Hemphill being a standout addition. Though the lack of new interviews and featurettes might be felt by collectors, the existing content remains robust enough to satisfy both new viewers and longtime fans.

Conclusion: Each time I watch “Nixon,” I experience a flood of emotions. I laugh, cry, grow angry, and become sad. Stone’s staunchest critics have to acknowledge that this is a fair, balanced, and sympathetic treatment of a tragic figure who had a monumental impact on postwar American politics and policy. A strong case can be made that it’s Stone’s finest overall film. Kino Lorber Studio Classics has at last brought the long-awaited theatrical version to high-def. Some new interviews and featurettes would have vaulted this release to collector’s status but it comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.