American Graffiti Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray rendition of "American Graffiti" is notable for its missed potential largely due to technical missteps. The 1080p/VC-1 transfer, while clean and devoid of severe artifacts like banding or aliasing, falters under the weight of aggressive noise reduction (DNR) and edge enhancement (EE). Persistent halos, ringing, and a lack of fine detail mar what could be an outstanding high-definition presentation. Despite Jan D'Alquen and Ron Eveslage's evocative, albeit dark and nuanced, cinematography, the image suffers frequently from muted black levels and a lack of texture. Colors retain Lucas’s early '60s palette, displaying bold period colors with somewhat lifelike skin tones, though they occasionally veer into muddiness.

Further compounding the problems are inconsistent detail levels and frequent crush, with elements such as hair often disappearing mid-shot. Noise, while minor, combined with random bouts of softness, diminishes overall clarity. Skin tones frequently appear red and over-saturated, and mid-scene color sap further flattens the image. Edge enhancement is prevalent and strong, contributing to an artificially smoothed look devoid of texture transitions. This smearing effect detracts significantly from the viewing experience, as clothing and other details appear slathered in unappealing gunk.

In summation, this Blu-ray presentation of "American Graffiti" offers a somewhat faithful but flawed visual experience. It avoids severe artifacts but suffers critically from overzealous DNR and EE applications, ultimately falling short of its potential quality.

The audio presentation of "American Graffiti" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that preserves the film's authentic aesthetic. While it may lack the depth and immersive experience typically associated with modern 5.1 surround tracks, it remains true to George Lucas’s original sound design. This two-channel track delivers clear and intelligible dialogue and distinct, though somewhat thin, sound effects. The absence of low-frequency effects (LFE) and rear speaker support might be a letdown for some, but it allows the film's groundbreaking, shot-from-the-hip American Zoetrope aesthetic to shine through without compromising its historical significance.

The option of an English 2.0 DTS-HD track captures the essence of the movie’s soundtrack, encapsulating the viewer with a wall of sound in scenes featuring distant radio play. This approach maintains the integrity of the original elements and ensures the music, a pivotal aspect of "American Graffiti," is experienced as intended by Lucas. However, there are noticeable limitations such as suboptimal separation and occasional inconsistencies in sound clarity. Additionally, the film’s age shows in this mix, but it's treated respectfully, making it a pleasing if not remarkable listening experience. Three subtitle options—English SDH, Spanish, and French—are also included, enhancing accessibility.

The Blu-ray release of "American Graffiti" offers an engaging array of extras that enhance the viewing experience, though not all are presented in HD. The highlights include a 78-minute documentary, "The Making of American Graffiti," which provides an in-depth look at the film's production, complete with candid interviews from George Lucas and key crew members. Fans will appreciate the U-Control video commentary featuring George Lucas, although the PiP elements could be more comprehensive. The pop-up feature "The Music of American Graffiti" adds context to the film's iconic soundtrack but cannot be used simultaneously with the commentary track. Also included are original screen tests with notable cast members, and a theatrical trailer, rounding out a solid set of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• U-Control Video Commentary: George Lucas discusses the film and production anecdotes.
• The Music of American Graffiti: Pop-up windows reveal details about the soundtrack.
• The Making of American Graffiti: A seven-part documentary with cast and crew insights.
• Screen Tests: Original screen tests featuring the main actors.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer in standard definition.

George Lucas' "American Graffiti" captures the essence of 1960s youth culture through an episodic narrative that blends nostalgia with a hint of realism. Set in 1962 Modesto, California, the film chronicles a night in the lives of four recent high school graduates—Curt (Richard Dreyfuss), Steve (Ron Howard), John (Paul Le Mat), and Terry (Charles Martin Smith). As these characters navigate their impending adulthood against a backdrop of cruising, sock-hops, and Thunderbirds, Lucas alludes to the era's innocence being overcast by the looming socio-political changes of the '60s. Despite a production fraught with challenges, including a limited budget and tight shooting schedule, Lucas effectively utilizes a soundtrack filled exclusively with period-accurate rock-and-roll hits to anchor his semi-autobiographical film.

The film’s strength lies in its meticulous attention to detail and authentic portrayal of the era. From believable set designs to costumes and classic cars, Lucas creates a vivid and immersive depiction of '60s Americana. Despite these strengths, performances are uneven, partly due to Lucas' shooting style which often felt spontaneous and unrehearsed. While Dreyfuss and Howard shine with natural ease, others like Le Mat and Smith occasionally struggle, reflecting Lucas' admitted discomfort with the shooting process. However, the film's innovative use of music, featuring tracks from Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and The Platters, combined with its nuanced sound design, compensates for these inconsistencies.

"American Graffiti" exemplifies independent cinema and stands as a cultural milestone, capturing the transitional phase of American youth with both charm and poignancy. Although not without flaws, such as some contrived character interactions and an arguably unnecessary epilogue detailing the future lives of the characters, the film’s genuine nostalgic undertone and its vibrant recreation of the past make it an enduring piece of American cinema. Through his lens, Lucas crafts a narrative that is both uniquely personal yet universally relatable.

George Lucas's "American Graffiti" serves as a nostalgic ode to the early 1960s, capturing the essence of an era filled with cruisin' and rock 'n' roll. This film, released before Lucas's ascent with the "Star Wars" franchise, stands apart for its vivid portrayal of teenage life and culture. The Blu-ray release of "American Graffiti" presents a mixed bag. On one hand, the video transfer retains the film's charm and authenticity, but it is marred by overzealous edge enhancement that detracts from its visual appeal. The DTS-HD Master Audio stereo mix, while faithful to the original sound design, exhibits inconsistencies that might leave audiophiles wanting more.

Despite these technical shortcomings, the Blu-ray package offers a wealth of supplemental content to engage both longtime fans and newcomers. From behind-the-scenes footage to insightful interviews, there is ample material to explore the film's production and legacy. However, it does fall short of providing a comprehensive collection that some aficionados might hope for. The film's influence in ushering in the era of the “summer blockbuster” cannot be understated, as it paved the way for future cinematic ventures by Lucas and his contemporaries like Steven Spielberg.

In conclusion, "American Graffiti" is a seminal piece of cinema that holds its place in history not only for its nostalgic resonance but also for its role in shaping modern filmmaking trends. Though Universal's Blu-ray release does have its flaws, it is nonetheless a valuable addition to any film enthusiast’s collection. The package may not be perfect, but it is sufficient to allow audiences to rediscover and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of Lucas's early work. Fans of the era, as well as cinephiles in general, will find much to celebrate in revisiting this classic film.