Do the Right Thing Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Do the Right Thing" from Criterion, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and featuring a 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, is nothing short of spectacular. The digital transfer, supervised by cinematographer Ernest Dickerson, was created in 16-bit 4K resolution using a Lasergraphics Director film scanner from the original 35mm camera negatives. The meticulous restoration process involved the manual removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps using MTI Film's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix for jitter and flicker correction. The final product delivers an image quality that approaches the look of native 4K, especially noticeable when upscaled.

The remaster's clarity and detail are simply stunning. Facial features, architectural details, and subtle textures all come to life with remarkable precision. The color grading is particularly exceptional, with the film's signature warm tones—especially reds and oranges—beautifully preserved and rendered. Golden yellows and piercing blues are equally vibrant, enhancing the film's heated atmosphere. Black levels are deep and nuanced, presenting inky shadows and excellent depth without any blooming; contrast is impeccable. Film grain remains visible but fine, adding a lush, film-like texture without any speckling or damage.

This transfer excels in every technical aspect. Colors are vivid yet balanced, flesh tones are natural, and whites crisp. The image is free of artefacts, banding, or compression issues, resulting in a visually spotless presentation. The attention to depth and character spacing enriches the viewing experience by showcasing the spatial dynamics of the film’s setting. Overall, this Blu-ray release stands as a benchmark for high-quality film restorations and transfers, making it a must-see for enthusiasts seeking top-tier home video presentations.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Do the Right Thing" is delivered through English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with optional English SDH subtitles. The mix, evidently the same as Universal's 2009 release, showcases exceptional clarity, depth, and overall fidelity, reflecting a notable enhancement from Criterion's previous DVD offering. Dialogues and music tracks are impressively clear and well-balanced, especially in ensemble scenes where balance and separation stand out.

This DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix is a dynamic and engaging presentation of Spike Lee’s urban soundscape. The scenes featuring Radio Raheem and his boombox are particularly striking, with Public Enemy's vivid bass contributing profoundly to the low-frequency extension. The mix provides excellent imaging, where individual characters and sound effects occupy distinct points within the soundscape—an exemplary demonstration of meticulous sound design. Supervised by sound designer Skip Lievsay and approved by Spike Lee, the remastered 5.1 surround soundtrack meticulously retains the interaction between dialogue clarity and environmental noise, with rear channels effectively capturing the bustling ambiance of Bed-Stuy.

In terms of sound fidelity, the audio experience is cohesive, dramatic beats resonate authentically, and comedic sequences allow for natural audience reactions. The mix appropriately balances dialogue with ambient sounds, ensuring that key audio elements remain prominent during pivotal moments. This restoration effectively brings to life the vibrant and multi-layered audio landscape of "Do the Right Thing," making it an auditory experience that matches its compelling visuals.

The Blu-ray edition of "Do the Right Thing" from Criterion Collection offers a comprehensive and meticulously crafted set of extras that delve deeply into the film's production, legacy, and cultural impact. The standout features include a vintage commentary track by Spike Lee and key crew members, and a wide array of deleted and extended scenes. There are archival documentaries offering behind-the-scenes insights and new interviews that enrich the understanding of the film's aesthetic and thematic choices. The two-disc set presents a thorough examination of this seminal work, complemented by a 106-page booklet featuring critical essays and Spike Lee’s personal journal entries.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Features Spike Lee, Ernest Dickerson, Wynn Thomas, and Joie Lee.

Behind the Scenes: Vintage footage from pre-production to post-shooting block party.

Deleted and Extended Scenes: Collection of scenes excised from the final cut.

The Riot Sequence: Storyboards with Spike Lee's introduction.

Trailer and TV Spots: A collection of promotional material.

The One and Only Do the Right Thing: Discussions on the film’s themes with various commentators.

Ruth E. Carter: Interview with the costume designer.

Making Do The Right Thing: Archival documentary with production history.

Cannes Press Conference: 1989 conference footage with Spike Lee and cast.

Barry Alexander Brown: Archival interview with the film's editor.

Back to Bed-Stuy: A look back at the filming location.

Twenty Years Later: Reflections from cast and crew on the film’s legacy.

Fight the Power: Original music video by Public Enemy.

Spike's Last Word: Final message from Spike Lee.

Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" (1989) makes a stellar entry into the Blu-ray format courtesy of Criterion, offering a range of supplemental features that enrich the viewing experience. The dynamic collection includes archival audio commentary by Lee and key collaborators, footage from the Cannes Film Festival, and an exclusive interview with costume designer Ruth E. Carter. Additionally, the release offers a comprehensive 106-page book with essays and excerpts from Lee's personal production journal. This extensive package ensures a deep dive into the intricacies of the film and its creation, with technical elements and pressing details meticulously preserved.

Set in Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood, the film portrays an ensemble cast navigating the tensions of an extraordinarily hot summer day. Lee stars as Mookie, a pizza delivery man working for Sal (Danny Aiello), whose two sons add to the local color and conflict. Characters like Da Mayor (Ossie Davis), Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn), and DJ Mister Señor Love Daddy (Samuel L. Jackson) bring vitality to every frame, weaving a tapestry of diverse personalities and interactions. The film excels in balancing humor, drama, and social commentary, providing both a searing examination of racial relations and an engaging "hangout movie" atmosphere.

The technical prowess behind "Do the Right Thing" is manifest in its vivid cinematography by Ernest Dickerson, which captures the rich colors and unique vibrancy of Bed-Stuy. Lee’s direction ensures the film remains sharp, energetic, and provocative. Scenes blend comedic timing with dramatic tension, heightened by montages and monologues that explore racial dynamics with both humor and gravity. The film stands as a masterful example of Lee's ability to fuse style with substantive storytelling, emphasizing themes that resonate profoundly even today.

Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" remains a crucial piece of cinematic history, tackling social issues with precision and nuance. This iconic film captures a vibrant slice of life in a unique community while simultaneously addressing profound and enduring themes such as race relations and social injustice. Critically acclaimed, Lee’s masterwork balances comedic and dramatic elements, making it an engaging yet intense exploration of urban reality. Its significance has not diminished over time; instead, it serves as a poignant reminder of ongoing societal challenges.

Criterion's release of "Do the Right Thing" is exemplary, featuring a superb 4K restoration supervised by the film’s cinematographer, Ernest Dickerson, which visually revitalizes the film for contemporary viewers. The Blu-ray's audio quality is equally exceptional, enhancing the immersive experience. The collection is further enriched with an array of bonus features, offering critical insights and additional context to Lee’s vision, though some featurettes have been previously available.

In conclusion, "Do the Right Thing" is both a time capsule and a timeless study of social dynamics. While it presents moments of comedy and warmth, it compellingly confronts darker themes, provoking thought and discussion about the role of violence in societal change. The Criterion release underscores the film's enduring importance and technical brilliance, making it an essential addition to any serious film collection. RECOMMENDED.