Twilight Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Twilight," as released by Kino Lorber, offers a mixed bag of visual qualities, reflecting both its strengths and shortcomings rooted in the source material. This release is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 with MPEG-4 AVC encoding, yet it leans on an outdated master from Paramount Pictures, resulting in a lack of remastering that compromises the film's visual potential. The transfer often appears harsh, especially impacting the depth and organic nuances vital to the film's atmosphere. Grain exposure is inconsistent, occasionally contributing to a problematic experience rather than enhancing it. Despite these limitations, colors maintain stability, though they sometimes fall short of the richness expected from a modern Blu-ray release.

On the brighter side, the 1080p transfer does highlight certain assets of Piotr Sobocinski’s cinematography, allowing the noir elements to stand firm. Black levels are generally deep, assisting in defining the film's shadowy narrative spaces, reminiscent of classic noir aesthetics like Venetian blinds. Though the transfer carries minor imperfections such as flecks and blemishes, superior clarity and contrast are achieved in many scenes, with excellent detail articulation. This preservation of texture, particularly through evident grain and sharp close-ups, sustains the film's cinematic feel. Elements such as skin tones and various fabrics render naturally, providing depth in visual storytelling despite the need for potential remastering to fully realize the film's original look.

In summary, while the Blu-ray release successfully retains certain vital characteristics of a modern-day noir, evident in its detailed rendering and stable colors, it cannot completely overcome the limitations imposed by its aging master. Improvements in remastering could elevate this release significantly, allowing "Twilight" to reach its full visual potential, enticing audiences seeking a more polished viewing experience.

The "Twilight" Blu-ray offers English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 audio tracks, with English SDH subtitles as an option. The primary DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is robust, providing clarity, sharpness, depth, and stability. Dialogue is consistently clear and distinct, ensuring an engaging auditory experience. While there are no significant surround activities detected, the audio mix successfully captures nuances such as a creaky door or waves crashing, enhancing the film’s atmospheric tone. Balance in certain areas could be improved, though these minor fluctuations align with the original sound design, suggesting deliberate artistic choices.

Sound effects are impactful, with gunshots and shattering glass presented crisp and clear, supported by a solid dynamic range that remains distortion-free. The mix effectively blends ambient sounds to enrich the scenes' atmospheric quality. Elmer Bernstein’s score is delivered with precision; deep, dark chords heighten the film’s mood, offering a driving energy without any audio interference like pops or crackles. Despite being described as straightforward and somewhat conventional, the mix fulfills its purpose by accommodating both high energy and more subtle moments effectively, making it satisfactory for most viewers.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track performs similarly well, mirroring the clarity and dynamic handling of its 5.1 counterpart. Therefore, both tracks provide a dependable audio experience without significant variance in quality or effect. Overall, while it may not be groundbreaking, the audio presentation of this Blu-ray conveys all necessary elements with competence, allowing viewers to appreciate the film’s auditory dimensions as intended.

The Blu-ray extras for "Twilight" provide a deep dive into the film's neo-noir landscape with insightful contributions from renowned film critics. The Audio Commentary by Alain Silver and James Ursini stands out, offering an analysis of Robert Benton's directorial choices and the narrative's allusions to classic noir. They emphasize Paul Newman's role as a modern reflection of his past characters, providing context on the era's cinematic landscape compared to contemporaries like Tarantino and Stone. The critics' observations about the film's setting in authentic locales and the nuanced portrayal of characters, especially Catherine, add layers to the viewing experience. Additionally, viewers receive a nostalgic glimpse into the film's initial promotion through vintage trailers and TV spots, which sometimes include scenes cut from the final edit.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful exploration of neo-noir with thematic connections.
• Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots: Original previews contain unseen scenes.

Robert Benton's Twilight (1998) presents an intriguing blend of classic film noir elements and introspective brooding on mortality. Paul Newman stars as Harry Ross, a former detective with a checkered past, caught in a web of deceit involving his damaged friends, played by Gene Hackman and Susan Sarandon. The narrative taps into tropes of the late 1940s and 1950s noir but with a twist of aging protagonists. Despite its star-studded cast, including James Garner and Reese Witherspoon, the movie struggles to fully harness the chemistry expected from such acting prowess.

Although the film attempts to honor the best of the neo-noir genre, it falls short in replicating the intensity found in classics like Body Heat and L.A. Confidential. Cinematically, Twilight is well-crafted, with Piotr Sobocinski's cinematography standing out, though one could argue that a black-and-white treatment might have heightened its noir authenticity. Benton, collaborating once more with Richard Russo, crafts a literate screenplay marked by significant pauses and nuanced interactions that reveal more upon a second viewing. However, these subtleties are often overshadowed by the film's languorous pace and simplistic storytelling.

Technically, the Blu-ray release features a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video codec and DTS-HD Master Audio tracks in both 5.1 and 2.0 configurations, showcasing crisp visuals and sound. Supplementary content includes insightful commentary from critics Alain Silver and James Ursini. While Twilight excels in evoking nostalgia for a bygone cinematic era and offers entertainment bolstered by accomplished performances, its gentle presentation ultimately leaves a lesser impact than intended, echoing Newman's role as an aging detective in his twilight years.

"Twilight" evokes the tones of classic noir through an array of esteemed performances from legends Paul Newman, Gene Hackman, and Susan Sarandon. The film, a neo-noir directed by Robert Benton, navigates themes of obsession, illusion, and misdirection with an "old-school sensibility." Unfortunately, the filmography of its cast fails to achieve the grandeur expected from such stalwarts. Despite quality performances, it struggles to connect its noirish material compellingly, leaving audiences with an underwhelming experience. Notable is the use of actual locations, enhancing its attempts to capture an authentic noir ambiance. Benton's narrative, though not groundbreaking, successfully integrates humor with poignant seriousness, characteristics definitive of his style.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber brings "Twilight" home with excellent video and audio quality. However, it is sourced from an arguably suboptimal master supplied by Paramount Pictures. The sole extra feature is a commentary track that provides insightful behind-the-scenes context, discussing neo-noir aesthetics and resonating allusions to classic noir themes and characters. Critics Alain Silver and James Ursini offer detailed reflections on these elements. Compared to contemporaneous directors like Tarantino or Stone, Benton's film is an anachronism in its restrained approach to violence and language, drawing more character-focused intrigue than visceral spectacle.

Ultimately, "Twilight" falls short of its potential as a genre-defying swan song for its iconic cast but still holds value for fervent fans of the neo-noir genre. Its engaging narrative style, juxtaposed with Humour and drama, ensures it is a worthy exploration for aficionados of Paul Newman and his fellow co-stars. Kino's Blu-ray presentation, complemented by thoughtful commentary, makes this release worth considering for enthusiasts seeking to complete their collections with a work representative of its era's stylistic shifts.