Number One with a Bullet Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Number One with a Bullet" on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber offers a commendable 1080p transfer. This release benefits from a fresh 2K master derived from an interpositive, an excellent source choice that enhances the overall visual presentation. The film's color balance shines, offering a vibrant and healthy appearance throughout. However, there remains room for subtle improvements in more convincing darker nuances. While the image stability is laudable with no signs of problematic digital artifacting, minor cosmetic enhancements could address the occasional tiny white specks and scratches observed in certain scenes.

The Blu-ray transfer avoids significant digital correction issues, contributing to a natural viewing experience. The images display impressive clarity without any unwelcome enhancements that might detract from the film’s integrity. Despite these positives, some encoding optimizations could further refine the presentation. Overall, the film remains visually lovely and engaging, offering a satisfying aesthetic appeal. Note for potential viewers: the disc is Region-A locked; thus, it requires a native Region-A or Region-Free player for playback.

The Blu-ray release of "Number One with a Bullet" features a singular audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This track retains the original Ultra-Stereo characteristics, which imbue the audio with an impressive level of clarity and sharpness. Across most of the film, this clarity is consistently maintained, providing an engaging auditory experience, though some minor unevenness can be detected in certain scenes, such as before the characters Hazeltine and Barzak arrive at the nightclub. Importantly, there are no audio dropouts or distortions throughout the film, ensuring a seamless experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track delivers exceptional depth, making it an appropriate choice given the nature of the film’s sound design. While some minor thinning is present in isolated moments, it does not detract significantly from the overall quality. Optional English SDH subtitles are available to accommodate auditory impairments, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience.

In summary, while the transition to stereo from the original Ultra-Stereo tracks does serve the film well, offering a sound experience that supports its visual vibrancy, some audiences may notice slight inconsistencies in audio balance in specific scenes. Despite these minor observations, the audio presentation aligns well with the visual elements, contributing positively to the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Number One with a Bullet" offer a thoroughly engaging and insightful experience. The vintage U.S. trailer has been remastered, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s original marketing, albeit without subtitles. An exclusive new audio commentary by critics Mike Leeder and Arne Venema stands out, delivering an engaging conversation filled with humor and informative insights into the film's creation and its historical context within The Cannon Group's era. This commentary not only enhances the viewing experience but also enriches the audience's understanding of the film's place in cinematic history. Although specific home theater setups can impact the viewing experience, these extras are universally appealing and valuable additions for any film enthusiast interested in this classic piece of cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Remastered vintage U.S. trailer for "Number One with a Bullet."
• Commentary: Exclusive new audio commentary by critics Mike Leeder and Arne Venema, offering humorous and informative insights.

"Number One with a Bullet," directed by Jack Smight and released by Kino Lorber on Blu-ray, is quintessentially an emblem of 1980s urban action cinema, complete with its signature silliness and excess. The film spotlights two contrasting narcotics detectives from LA, Det. Hazeltine (Billy Dee Williams) and Det. Barzak (Robert Carradine), whose vibrant chemistry is more entertaining than the plot itself. The narrative, heavily borrowing from shows like "Miami Vice" and films such as "Freebie and the Bean," feels both familiar and scattered due to contributions from four different writers, including an interesting curve with Jim Belushi's uncredited involvement. The script, loosely followed during production, gives way to an improvised air, which Os critics argue detracts from its cohesiveness while others suggest adds spontaneity.

In execution, "Number One with a Bullet" leans into unfiltered humor and eccentric antics that create a lively if imperfect atmosphere. From Barzak's peculiar escapades in a female mud wrestling ring to a bingo hall infiltrated in drag, these sequences infuse color and high energy into the film, often resulting in moments both hilarious and bizarre. Yet, these elements can also feel vacuous when dissected individually, serving primarily as vessels for comic relief over narrative driving forces.

Ultimately, the film is a testament to the flamboyant ethos of The Cannon Group's 1980s productions, meant less for critical acclaim and more for capturing a specific aesthetic of action-comedy indulgence. It's not a nuanced thriller akin to "Trackdown" or "Hardcore," nor does it possess the gravitas of its unintended contemporary "Lethal Weapon," which overshadowed it upon release. Instead, it's a product of its time—a nostalgic nod to an era characterized by style over substance, punctuated by offbeat humor and vibrant set pieces.

"Number One with a Bullet," released by Kino Lorber, is not the pinnacle of buddy cop films, but it captivates audiences with its distinctive 1980s flair. Its vibrant portrayal of a colorful, slightly eccentric Los Angeles—paired with an undeniable homage to genre staples like "Miami Vice"—offers a nostalgic viewing experience. The film’s ability to blend silliness and excess, reminiscent of cult favorites such as "Busting," confirms its place in the heart of 80s cinema enthusiasts.

This Blu-ray presentation benefits from an exceptional new 2K master, which showcases the film in impressive detail. With the 1.85:1 widescreen format, visuals have been meticulously restored to almost new condition, boasting strong colors and contrasts. Furthermore, the DTS-HD Master Audio stereo, derived from original Ultra-Stereo tracks, enhances the auditory experience. The inclusion of optional English subtitles expands accessibility, and the Region "A" encoding ensures compatibility for a wide audience.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber has successfully revitalized "Number One with a Bullet" through high-quality technical remastering. While it may not rank among the elite in its genre, the release is a commendable tribute to a bygone era of niche 1980s filmmaking. Recommended for fans of vintage action-comedies and those seeking a well-executed piece of nostalgia.