The Manchurian Candidate Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Manchurian Candidate" offers a generally acceptable 1080p transfer framed in 1.85:1 widescreen, though it falls short of stunning high-definition standards. The image quality is a mixed bag; while it provides moderate textures and stable colors, the visual presentation fluctuates between razor-sharp clarity and occasional fuzziness, never descending into excessive softness. The opening Gulf War sequence is notably grain-heavy, but this graininess is subdued throughout the rest of the film. Black levels can be inconsistent, sometimes appearing too dominant and overshadowing finer details. Flesh tones retain a neutral hue, which is commendable. However, the print shows noticeable debris, an artifact of the older MPEG-2 compression codec used. While it's watchable and marginally better than standard-definition material, it might disappoint more discerning videophiles.

Paramount's choice to use different compression codecs for HD DVD (VC-1) and Blu-ray (MPEG-2) with a BD-50 dual-layer treatment is noteworthy. Despite this, there is little perceivable difference in quality between the two formats. The film's source print maintains an intended graininess that contributes to its filmic look, although this may distract some viewers. Certain scenes appear desaturated or tweaked inconsistently, with vivid hues shining through selectively, such as the striking reds in Raymond Shaw's campaign headquarters. Contrast is generally flat compared to more recent transfers, though specific sequences—like Denzel Washington's dream-like flashbacks—do exhibit notable pop. Mid-range and shadow detail are less impressive due to possible filter usage for a softer appearance. Overall, the Blu-ray exhibits improved depth over the standard DVD but doesn't ascend to the highest tiers of high-def presentations.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Manchurian Candidate" features both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround tracks, which unfortunately do not include any lossless or uncompressed options. This results in a competent but ultimately underwhelming auditory experience. The soundtrack, featuring contributions like Wyclef Jean’s rendition of “Fortunate Son” and Rachel Portman’s instrumental score, sounds somewhat cold and lacks the vibrancy typically associated with high-quality lossless soundtracks. Despite delivering decent volume levels, the music and effects fail to create a natural and engaging flow, leaving a rather flat impression overall.

Technically, the dynamic and frequency range are well-represented, but the audio mix is heavily front-loaded with sparse rear channel utilization. This results in a less immersive sound environment, despite the film's thematic need for an enveloping sense of paranoia and tension. Dialogue is clear but slightly mushy, not achieving the crispness and precision found in superior soundtracks. Surround effects, including those from political rallies and zooming trains, are present but lack the realism that could have enriched the cinematic experience. Though the tracks support the movie adequately, they fall short of creating a truly captivating auditory landscape.

In summary, while there is nothing technically erroneous in the audio presentation, its inability to create a more enveloping and realistic sound environment detracts from the overall experience. The mix doesn’t capitalize on opportunities for dynamic movement within the soundfield, making it a serviceable but ultimately unremarkable audio offering for this psychological thriller.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Manchurian Candidate" offer a well-rounded and informative look into the making of the film. The highlight is the feature-length audio commentary with Director Jonathan Demme and Screenplay Co-Writer Daniel Pyne, which provides a comprehensive discussion on editing, music, set design, and more. The set also includes "The Enemy Within: Inside 'The Manchurian Candidate'", a short but insightful look at the update process, and "The Cast of 'The Manchurian Candidate'", which briefly delves into the performances of the principal actors. Additional materials feature political commentary, deleted scenes with optional commentary, outtakes, a Liev Schreiber screen test, and the theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from Director Jonathan Demme and Screenplay Co-Writer Daniel Pyne on various filmmaking aspects.
• The Enemy Within: Inside 'The Manchurian Candidate': A look at the update process and thematic discussions.
• The Cast of 'The Manchurian Candidate': Examination of the ensemble cast's performances.
• Political Pundits: Interviews on American politics with optional commentary.
• Deleted/Alternate Scenes: Five scenes with optional commentary.
• Outtakes: Two segments with optional commentary.
• Liev Schreiber Screen Test: Early performance footage.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material in high definition.

Jonathan Demme's 2004 remake of "The Manchurian Candidate" strives to honor the essence of John Frankenheimer's 1962 classic while adapting it for a post-millennium audience. This modern update transposes the Cold War paranoia into contemporary fears of corporate manipulation and governmental corruption. While the original dealt with Communist threats, Demme’s narrative focuses on privatization run amok and the commodification of political power, making it as relevant as ever. The screenplay, drawing from both Richard Condon's novel and George Axelrod's adaptation, manages to retain the structure of the original while introducing new twists that keep audiences guessing. Demme's direction, complemented by innovative yet disorienting first-person camerawork, effectively instills a pervasive sense of dread and confusion, resonating strongly with today’s political landscape.

Despite its strong conceptual foundation, the film encounters pacing issues and moments where the suspense wanes, failing to fully capture the relentless tension of the original. Nonetheless, it boasts a stellar ensemble cast that often surpasses their 1962 counterparts. Denzel Washington delivers a nuanced performance as Major Ben Marco, capturing the character’s vulnerability and intense psychological turmoil. Liev Schreiber portrays Raymond Shaw with a deeply unsettling yet compelling presence. However, it is Meryl Streep who truly shines as the manipulative Senator Shaw, adding layers of complexity and a chilling edge to her role. Her portrayal alone merits repeated viewings to fully appreciate the intricate characterization.

In summary, Demme's "The Manchurian Candidate" is a commendable remake that, while flawed, offers an engaging and thought-provoking update on a timeless story. The film's exploration of corporate and political malfeasance, combined with a strong directorial vision and outstanding performances, makes it a significant entry in the canon of political thrillers. Its relevance and urgency underscore the perpetuity of its core themes, ensuring it remains a compelling experience for contemporary audiences.

The Manchurian Candidate (2004) by Jonathan Demme is an engrossing and intelligent update of the classic 1962 film, offering a contemporary take on political espionage and mind control. Despite lacking the prescience and timeliness of its predecessor, it delivers strong direction and stellar performances, making it a credible thriller in its own right. However, the slow pacing and absence of the original's spine-tingling suspense render it somewhat superfluous.

Paramount's Blu-ray release of this film provides a serviceable viewing experience with a 1080p, MPEG-2-encoded image that is solid but not exemplary. The lack of a lossless or uncompressed soundtrack, replaced by lossy 5.1 mixes, detracts from the overall audiovisual quality. Nevertheless, the inclusion of a decent assortment of extra materials adds some value to the release. While the HD DVD version of this film set a high bar, the Blu-ray does not surpass, but matches it adequately.

The Manchurian Candidate is a film that yields mixed emotions. On one hand, it delivers a solid updating to a classic film, but on the other, it ultimately feels somewhat superfluous. The picture also delivers a mixed response in structure, offering a slow pace and an absence of spine-tingling suspense, but Director Jonathan Demme does lend to the picture superb direction while his cast all deliver pinpoint and exceptional performances. Ultimately, the movie works but isn't in the same league as its counterpart. It's not a must-see and historically important picture, and perhaps most damaging, it just isn't as relevant today as its 1962 predecessor was in its time. Worth a watch but not worth the accolades and continued admiration that John Frankenheimer's picture still deservedly enjoys, Demme's take on a classic story seems destined to serve as little more than a footnote in the ever-expanding annals of Hollywood remakes, despite some real pluses along the way that, admittedly, make this one of the better remakes or re-imaginings of recent vintage. Unfortunately, Paramount's Blu-ray release of "The Manchurian Candidate" could stand for an upgrade. Featuring a serviceable 1080p, MPEG-2-encoded image and foregoing a lossless or uncompressed soundtrack in favor of a pair of wishy-washy lossy 5.1 mixes, the disc's technical specifications aren't up to par, but this Blu-ray does come with a good assortment of extra materials. As it is, "The Manchurian Candidate" is well worth a rental, but fans might want to hold out in hopes of a better version somewhere down the line.