Straw Dogs Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Straw Dogs" offers a significant visual upgrade that will satisfy enthusiasts of the classic thriller. This 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer, maintaining the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, sharpens Peckinpah’s evocative cinematography, ensuring clarity and resolution in fine textural details. Grain remains intact, providing an authentic texture, though it can appear heavy and noisy in certain scenes, such as against white clouds or during the duck hunting sequence. Despite minor specks and occasional frame wobbles, the print’s overall condition impresses with its depth and consistent grayscale, capturing the film’s moody and bleak aesthetic.

The color palette is aptly muted and lived-in, fitting the film’s rural setting, with deep but not overly bright hues and balanced skin tones. Interiors, like those of the farmhouse, show subdued vitality while some scenes, such as at the Wakely Arms, display warmer tones. Contrast is reliable, with accurate black levels that offer considerable shadow detail, maintaining clarity even in the darkest sequences, notably during the siege scene. The image retains impressive detail, from individual hairs to the textures of stone walls, enhancing the gritty realism without overindulgent sharpening or obvious digital enhancements.

While there is a slight potential for cleaner restoration and improvement under more meticulous care, possibly by the Criterion Collection, the Blu-ray transfer is a formidable enhancement. The presentation deals effectively with older photographic elements, delivering vibrant colors where necessary and maintaining a faithful reproduction of Peckinpah’s intense atmospheric visuals. Despite some areas showing their age, this high-definition version remains a highly worthwhile acquisition for both newcomers and devoted fans of the film.

The audio presentation of "Straw Dogs" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, which admirably updates the original mono track without introducing any unwanted alterations. The expanded lossless surround track maintains a mostly front-heavy presentation, but delicately incorporates the rear channels for ambient bleed from Jerry Fielding's score and subtle environmental effects. Dialogue remains consistently clear, even with Dustin Hoffman's occasionally mumbled lines, and there are no distracting hisses, crackles, or drop-outs. This mix retains the integrity of the vintage sound design, ensuring purists will appreciate the faithful reproduction.

Fielding's unsettling score is given space to breathe within the soundstage, though it does sound slightly thin, a characteristic typical of films from this era. The music and numerous sound effects, including startling gunshots and breaking glass, are well-reproduced with appropriate bass responses and a decent level of distinction. The sudden shrillness of the bagpipe music and the subsequent realistic differentiation between nearby and distant playbacks highlight the mix’s attention to detail.

Though limited in surround activity, the track’s natural ambience—like birdsong and village sounds—is delivered with subtlety and realism, supported effectively by the rear channels. Prominent sound effects such as the metallic snap of the man-trap and the face slaps and scuffles maintain their original brusk quality without enhancement, preserving authenticity. Overall, this well-prioritized audio mix succeeds in expanding the soundscape to match modern standards while honoring and maintaining the original recording's aged charm. The included optional English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles ensure accessibility for diverse viewers.

The Blu-ray edition of "Straw Dogs" for its 40th anniversary is significantly lacking in supplemental content, especially when compared to previous releases. This edition includes only a theatrical trailer and three brief TV spots, all presented in standard definition. This is rather disappointing given the rich array of extras found on the Criterion Collection’s 2-disc DVD set and other international versions, which featured extensive insightful material such as commentary tracks, documentaries, and interviews. The lack of engaging and informative featurettes or behind-the-scenes content significantly diminishes the value of this release for fans and film enthusiasts who seek a deeper understanding of Sam Peckinpah's controversial yet seminal work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical preview.
• TV Spots: Three short promotional spots in standard definition.

"Straw Dogs" presents an intensely impactful film experience, masterfully helmed by Sam Peckinpah. From the outset, the narrative plunges viewers into an atmosphere dense with dread and confrontation. Dustin Hoffman, playing the role of David Sumner, delivers a nuanced portrayal of an American academic who seeks solace in rural England but instead finds escalating hostility. Susan George is equally compelling, embodying a complex character caught in the crosshairs of male aggression. The film methodically transitions from a disquieting introduction with the local townspeople to a nerve-wracking crescendo, climaxing in an unforgettable home invasion sequence. Peckinpah's ability to blend everyday interactions with underlying menace ensures a mounting tension that grips audiences throughout.

Technically, "Straw Dogs" is rich in its exploration of violence and masculinity, raising profound questions about moral boundaries and primal instincts. Peckinpah utilizes rapid-fire editing to juxtapose scenes of raw brutality with moments of psychological turmoil, creating a disorienting yet immersive viewing experience. The infamous rape scene involving Susan George’s character remains controversial for its ambiguous presentation, drawing criticism and praise alike for its complexity. As the conflict intensifies, Hoffman's character morphs from passive intellectual to a ferocious defender of his home, encapsulating Peckinpah's bleak commentary on human nature.

Acknowledged as one of Peckinpah's most distinguished works after "The Wild Bunch," "Straw Dogs" remains a seminal piece of cinema due to its unflinching portrayal of societal violence and individual breakdown. The Blu-ray version retains the uncut, 118-minute length, ensuring that modern viewers experience the film in its full, intended form. This edition solidifies "Straw Dogs" as a cornerstone in suspense cinema, characterized by its ability to evoke visceral reactions while probing deeper societal issues.

Sam Peckinpah’s “Straw Dogs” remains an excellent example of his filmmaking prowess, transitioning from Westerns to a suspense thriller that continues to resonate forty years later. The film is marked by its shocking violence and controversial themes, making it a memorable addition to any collection. Dustin Hoffman's riveting performance as a timid intellectual pushed to the edge underscores the film's tension and intensity.

The Blu-ray release brings this classic to high definition with an exceptional video presentation and pristine audio quality, enhancing the viewing experience for both new audiences and long-time fans. However, it is important to note the absence of supplementary materials that were previously available in Criterion's 2-disc DVD set. This might be a slight disappointment for collectors who value comprehensive special features.

Overall, despite the lack of additional content, this Blu-ray edition of “Straw Dogs” is highly recommended. The superb visual and audio upgrade alone makes it a worthy addition, especially for those who haven't yet owned the film. While the remake may generate some interest, it is unlikely to surpass the original's powerful and incendiary impact. Secure this must-have for an intense cinematic experience.