Iguana Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Iguana" offers a video presentation that, while not exemplary, provides a satisfactory viewing experience. The AVC encoded image in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio delivers decent detail and dimension, benefiting from what appears to be clean, fresh source material. However, the overall softness and occasional crush issues in black levels detract from the image quality. Colors are rendered adequately, maintaining the island hues and natural skin tones. While the print shows some minor damage and speckling, it remains largely intact, preserving the film’s character.

The 1080p HD transfer presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio does a commendable job considering the film’s 27-year age. This is not a Criterion-level restoration, yet it effectively balances the grindhouse aesthetic with a more polished presentation. The detail is soft, enhancing the filmic look with a pleasant grain overlay. Close-ups reveal better detail, especially in makeup effects, providing a tactile sense of texture. Colors are well-saturated, although they lack the vibrance seen in high-budget blockbusters. Skin tones appear natural, despite black levels occasionally suffering from consistent crush problems. Issues with dirt, debris, and aliasing are present but seem appropriate for the film's gritty tone.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Iguana" is anchored by a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that has received mixed reviews for its quality and consistency. Reviewers point out noticeable fluctuations in volume levels, impacting the overall listening experience. Quiet dialogue exchanges often compete with louder sounds from island and cave environments, making it difficult to consistently understand spoken words. The mix captures atmospheric effects quite effectively, delivering immersive sounds such as crashing waves and hollow cave echoes, though these sounds occasionally overpower the dialogue.

Another noted concern is that the sound mix seesawing between loud shrills and soft dialogues can be jarring. The ambient noises of island life contribute significantly to the audio landscape but at times reach shrieking levels that are uncomfortable to listen to. Sound effects were described as too loud and unrealistic in nature, which detracts from immersion. However, the musical score appears to be well-balanced and holds its ground amidst the somewhat tumultuous audio environment. Despite the various issues, it seems there are moments of clarity in dialogue and the periodic presence of music is satisfactory, albeit not enough to mitigate the dissonance experienced by reviewers.

The Blu-ray extras for Monte Hellman's "Iguana" are a deep dive into the director's uncompromising perspective. The feature-length interview with Hellman is refreshingly candid, offering insight into the challenges of adaptation and the hazards of on-location shooting. Hellman’s no-nonsense approach makes the interview particularly engaging, especially as he reveals his initial reluctance in accepting the project. Additionally, the offerings encapsulate the historical context and creative decisions that went into making this film, enriching the viewing experience with valuable background information.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Monte Hellman: Director Monte Hellman candidly discusses production challenges, location dangers, casting choices, and adaptation issues.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original teaser providing a glimpse into the film's narrative and tone.
• Booklet: An 11-page document featuring a transcribed interview with Monte Hellman and his biography.

Monte Hellman’s "Iguana" is an intense exploration of power and humiliation, based on Alberto Vazquez-Figueroa’s novel. The film delves into the story of Oberlus, a disfigured 19th-century seaman portrayed by Everett McGill, who transforms from a marginalized individual into a tyrant on an uninhabited island. Hellman’s direction ambitiously tackles themes of religion, punishment, and psychological transformation, showing Oberlus' descent from victim to a violent ruler. The narrative showcases his brutal reign, filled with maiming, torture, and consistent rape, illustrating his twisted sense of vengeance against humanity.

Despite the compelling subject matter, "Iguana" falters in its execution. The film struggles with inefficient editing and performances that come across as wooden and unresponsive. Hellman’s direction, while unflinching, lacks the cinematic intensity needed to truly immerse the audience in Oberlus' horrors. The film’s theatricality undermines its dramatic impact, leaving a sense of exaggerated melodrama rather than penetrating realism. The characters are depicted in one-dimensional terms, their motivations and true natures revealed too quickly, which diminishes the suspense and leaves the story feeling monotonous and tedious at times.

"Iguana" presents an intriguing premise but falls short in storytelling and character development, relying too heavily on introspective, rather than literal, narrative techniques. This method weakens the film's pace and engagement. While there are glimpses of deeper humanity within Oberlus, these are fleeting and not sufficiently developed. Overall, "Iguana" aspires to be a powerful psychological drama but ultimately fails to fully capitalize on its potential due to its flawed execution and overly dramatic delivery.

The Blu-ray release of "Iguana" presents a film that is richly layered in thematic ambition but falls short of its potential due to several critical missteps. Directed by Monte Hellman, the film explores Oberlus's journey of vengeance and dominance on an isolated island, utilizing captivating locations that contribute significantly to its atmospheric tension. However, the execution falters, with Hellman unable to fully manifest the level of horror and psychological complexity the narrative demands. The operatic resolution feels unearned, and despite the intriguing premise and setting, the film ultimately struggles to maintain coherence and impact.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray’s video and audio presentations are underwhelming. Despite the vibrant, natural landscapes that serve as the film’s backdrop, the visual quality lacks the sharpness and clarity expected from a high-definition release. Audio-wise, the presentation is serviceable but doesn't elevate the atmospheric or emotional weight of the film. One redeeming aspect is a supplementary feature that offers insightful perspectives worth exploring, adding some value to the overall package.

"Iguana" is quite unpleasant to watch at times, despite locations that are endlessly fascinating to study, with Oberlus using the island to his advantage, building a kingdom in its caves. The production certainly has the right idea as it studies Oberlus's vengeance, his dalliance with religion, and his quest to maintain control of a life that's rarely been his before. "Iguana" is a curious misfire, and perhaps that's the best way to appreciate the film, enjoying the minor bits of behavior it successfully articulates instead of focusing on the creative failures that eventually sink the effort.

In conclusion, "Iguana" offers an intriguing albeit flawed cinematic experience that is both challenging and frustrating. While there are moments of brilliance and potential within its storytelling and setting, these are undermined by uneven execution. The Blu-ray’s technical flaws further detract from its overall presentation. It’s a film that may warrant a single viewing, particularly for those interested in Hellman’s body of work or unique narrative experiments but is difficult to recommend for purchase without reservation.