Trouble Man Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "Trouble Man" on Blu-ray offers a competent, albeit slightly dated, image transfer. The source material appears to come from an older master, and there is a minor amount of filtering that flattens the viewing experience somewhat. Despite this, the detail is well-preserved, particularly in highlighting facial textures and costuming, ensuring a clear view during street encounters and other scenic elements. Delineation during evening scenes remains adequate, providing coherent visual information even as light decreases. While overt damage isn’t prevalent, minor scratches and speckling are occasionally noticeable.

In terms of color performance, the Blu-ray presents a mixed experience. Colors register with their intended hues, serving best when showcasing period ornamentation that accentuates yellows and greens. However, the color palette does appear muted at times, which could be considered a shortcoming. The fine film grain is consistently noticeable throughout the viewing experience, contributing positively to the overall texture of the image. Black levels are commendably solid, reinforcing the visual depth in darker scenes. The image softness is observable but does not severely detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.

Overall, "Trouble Man" comes across as a visually satisfying presentation given the material's age, with highlights in detail retention that appeal to fans of classic cinema.

The audio presentation of "Trouble Man" on Blu-ray features a 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix, which unfortunately does not fully stabilize to deliver a consistently satisfying audio experience. Throughout the film, there is a notable fluctuation between the hushed dialogue interactions and the louder musical segments. This inconsistency is exacerbated by the age of the source material, which presents a detectable hiss and occasional pops. Dialogue often requires some manual volume adjustment to ensure clarity, but overall, no essential details are lost in translation. The jazzy score by Marvin Gaye, despite retaining its distinct intent and charm, comes across as somewhat tinny and limited in the mix.

Atmospherically, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix does a commendable job of capturing the echoed interiors and portraying group activities within scenes. Sound effects, including gunshots, are adequately snappy and manage to bounce through the soundscape effectively. While the scoring cues support the narrative acceptably, there is room for enhancement to fully harness the depth and richness expected from such a significant musical contribution. Overall, the audio track is passable but does require active engagement with volume adjustments to navigate the variances in dialogue and musical elements.

The Blu Ray extras for "Trouble Man" offer a comprehensive and engaging enhancement to the main feature. The highlight is the Audio Commentary with film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger, who provide an in-depth and captivating examination of the film, shedding light on its cultural and cinematic significance. The collection also includes a series of Theatrical Trailers in standard definition, which not only revisit "Trouble Man" but also offer nostalgic glimpses into related films from the same era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film Historians Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger provide an in-depth examination of ‘Trouble Man’.
• Theatrical Trailers:
  • Trouble Man
  • Truck Turner
  • Across 110th Street
  • Cotton Comes to Harlem
  • Report to the Commissioner

"Trouble Man," a pivotal entry in the blaxploitation genre, veers away from ubiquitous action sequences and instead cultivates a more nuanced narrative. Directed by Ivan Dixon, the film stars Robert Hooks as T, a suave and formidable figure in the Los Angeles underworld. Unlike contemporaries such as ‘Shaft’ and ‘Super Fly’, "Trouble Man" attempts to bring a different texture by emphasizing character-driven dynamics over sheer physical conflict. Hooks captivates with an effortlessly cool demeanor anchored by a strong moral compass, but the screenplay by John D.F. Black struggles to deliver consistent energy, often relying on lingering gazes and heavy exposition that slow the pace.

Plot intricacies revolve around T being hired to secure a local dice game, only to be ensnared in a plot that frames him for murder. As T navigates through a labyrinthine frame-up orchestrated by Chalky Price (Paul Winfield) and Pete Cockrell (Ralph Waite), we move through diverse settings – from seedy pool halls to luxurious penthouses. Despite these vibrant backdrops, the narrative occasionally drags with extended scenes like T methodically picking out suits, which offers style but adds little substance. Nevertheless, a distinguishing feature is how the film portrays T's interactions with authority, showcasing his sharp wit and knowledge of legal loopholes in a manner uncommon for 70s action heroes.

What "Trouble Man" uniquely offers is a steely dedication to its detective noir roots, making it a significant if slightly uneven piece within its genre. Critical acclaim may have eluded it upon release, but the film found resonance among audiences for its mature depiction of black characters—an underpinned thematic resonance throughout. Add to this Marvin Gaye’s groovy soundtrack which seamlessly integrates into the film’s fabric rather than overshadowing it, and "Trouble Man’’ remains more than just another P.I. story; it’s a cultural artifact whose stylish beats still echo in cinematic history.

"Trouble Man" arrives on Blu-ray with an impressive restoration that breathes new life into this 1972 blaxploitation classic. The film follows Mr. T, a tough private detective navigating the dangers of inner-city Los Angeles. While the plot veers toward formulaic simplicity, the performances, especially by Robert Hooks as Mr. T, provide a solid anchor. Audiences expecting complex mysteries may be disappointed as the film reveals its antagonists early on. However, the journey is less about the reveal and more about Mr. T’s commanding presence on screen.

The film's visual and audio restoration by Kino Lorber captures the essence of 70s crime cinema with remarkable clarity. The groovy soundtrack by Marvin Gaye remains a standout, rescuing moments when the narrative drags. Although the story may lack the gritty edge some might anticipate from the genre, Dixon’s direction ensures it’s still a worthwhile watch due to its stylish cinematography and committed cast. The included cinephile-worthy commentary track offers valuable insights, enhancing the overall viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

While matters eventually explode in the final act, it's too late for "Trouble Man" to revive a snoozy picture. As blax­ploitation escapism goes, the movie is too caught up in performances to really build steam, while the central mystery isn't much of a shocker. Trouble Man has a promising central figure, but it doesn't do enough with him, content to have the original Mr. T engage in staring contests, not fisticuffs. However, for those interested in a piece of 70s film history with respectable A/V presentation and engaging performances, "Trouble Man" is worth another look.