Lost in America Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Lost in America" presents a meticulously restored 2K transfer, supervised by director Albert Brooks. This restoration boasts a lifelike, vivid image quality, utilizing the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Sourced from a new 35mm interpositive created from the original camera negative, the film's visual presentation is impressively stable and spotless, devoid of any digital anomalies. The color palette is lush and natural, with remarkable nuances—highlighted by the panoramic shots of Las Vegas—which exhibit excellent stability and balance. Throughout the film, a moderate-to-heavy grain layer provides a texture that maintains the film's authentic look, though it occasionally leads to a faintly fuzzy appearance. Notably, the image detail is solid, especially in wide road trip shots, though some scenes present a comparatively softer, diffuse style.

The technical execution of the restoration process involved advanced digital tools to manually remove thousands of dirt instances, debris, scratches, splices, and warps. The final result showcases vibrant colors and well-maintained contrast levels, although some dark scenes suffer from slightly crushed black levels and murky shadow detail. Despite these minor fluctuations under varying shooting conditions, the overall image integrity remains intact without unnecessary processing artifacts. The audio section, remastered from a 35mm magnetic track, provides a clear but somewhat limited monaural mix that is well-mixed for discernibility but lacks depth.

Overall, this Criterion release ensures "Lost in America" appears in its best possible form for modern audiences while retaining the filmic quality appropriate for its era. The combination of careful supervision and sophisticated restoration techniques results in a video presentation that respects the original material while providing a fresh and engaging viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation for "Lost in America" is delivered via an English LPCM 1.0 mono track, which, though limited in scope, effectively serves this dialogue-driven film. The soundtrack is expertly mixed, ensuring that speech remains clear and well-balanced throughout, giving prominence to Brooks' signature rants and comedic dialogue. While the soundstage is notably restrained with minimal ambience, it accurately captures essential background sounds like the hustle of Vegas slot machines or office clatter, which subtly enrich the viewing experience.

There are no traces of age-related imperfections or digital distortions, maintaining a stable and clean dialogue track with no balance issues. While the overall sound design is fairly unimpressive, given the potential of some musical sequences, depth and dynamic intensity surprisingly shine during key musical moments. The score and music selections sporadically expand the auditory range, particularly notable in songs like "New York, New York" and "Born to be Wild," offering a brief yet effective departure from the otherwise tight mono mix. Optional English SDH subtitles add a layer of accessibility, making this release serviceable and straightforward, though not extraordinary in its audio execution.

The Blu-ray of "Lost in America" offers a robust collection of extras that enhance the viewer's appreciation of the film. Each supplement is meticulously crafted, shedding light on different facets of the production and the people involved. The highlights include an enlightening conversation between Albert Brooks and filmmaker Robert Weide, in which Brooks delves into his multifaceted career and creative process. Interviews with Julie Hagerty, Herb Nanas, and James L. Brooks provide additional perspectives on working with Brooks and the film's unique attributes. Presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital sound, these features are comprehensive and insightful, making them a valuable addition for fans and film enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• New conversation with Brooks and filmmaker Robert Weide: A deep dive into Brooks' career and the making of "Lost in America."
• New interviews with actor Julie Hagerty, executive producer Herb Nanas, and filmmaker James L. Brooks: Individual insights from key collaborators.
• Trailer: Original Geffen/Warner Bros. trailer.
• Essay by critic Scott Tobias: In-depth written analysis.

Albert Brooks’ "Lost in America" offers a razor-sharp satire that deftly navigates the choppy waters of Reagan-era materialism and existential discontent. The film follows David Howard (Brooks) and his wife Linda (Julie Hagerty) who abandon their cushy Los Angeles jobs, liquidate their assets, and hit the road in a Winnebago, seeking liberation from societal constraints much like their fictional idols in "Easy Rider." Brooks' barbed wit and competent direction illuminate this soul-searching journey, exposing the yawning chasm between the American dream and reality. Notably, Hagerty's performance, especially her infamous gambling scene, contributes substantially to the film's humor and emotional weight.

In this Blu-ray release by Criterion, viewers are rewarded with a meticulously restored presentation that highlights the film’s clever narrative and Brooks' incisive comedic timing. Supplementary features enrich the viewing experience: a new conversation between Brooks and filmmaker Robert Weide, and an insightful video interview with Julie Hagerty are particularly noteworthy. The illustrated pamphlet featuring Scott Tobias' essay provides deeper critical context, adding layers to the film’s already multifaceted satire. From humorous fish-out-of-water moments to biting social commentary, "Lost in America" remains a significant, albeit hilarious, critique of the relentless pursuit of happiness within modern America. Watch as David and Linda's idealized dream disintegrates into an ironic nightmare that challenges their preconceived notions of freedom.

The Criterion release of "Lost in America" delivers a satirical masterpiece that tackles the allure of materialism and the realities of American life with humor and sharpness. Directed by Albert Brooks, the film cleverly revisits themes akin to "Easy Rider" but through a farcical road trip that unveils the difficulties of dropping out. Its humor is often brilliant, shedding light on the polarizing truths Americans are either choosing or forced to live with—a notion especially relevant in contemporary times.

Criterion's release is sourced from an excellent 2K remaster supervised by Albert Brooks himself, ensuring the video transfer sustains authenticity and clarity. The audio track, while not groundbreaking, provides a modest yet genuine experience that complements the film’s narrative effectively. Though the package might not overflow with special features, the included interviews offer valuable insights into the film's creation and its thematic relevance.

High technical standards and engaging content make this edition highly recommended. For those seeking a multifaceted portrayal of modern disillusionment captured with humor and poignancy, this Criterion release of "Lost in America" is an essential addition to any collection.