The War of the Roses Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The War of the Roses" on Blu-ray is commendable, capturing the nuanced visual elements meticulously. Encoded with AVC at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film’s softer, darker photography is faithfully rendered. The HD image retains a pleasing presence of grain, which maintains the filmic quality without overt filtering. Details are well-preserved, from household tchotchkes to the subtle textures in costumes, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Natural skin tones and detailed facial expressions are well-represented, while paper and costumes sustain their intended textures with high accuracy. Shadow detail is generally satisfactory, although some minor moments of crush occur.

The transfer strikes a balance that can elicit mixed reactions from viewers. While some may find it lackluster due to its softer appearance and evident film grain, others will appreciate the absence of DNR and the preservation of the director’s vision. Skin tones are properly balanced and free of defects or dirt, suggesting a faithful replication of the original theatrical appearance. Although colors appear somewhat muted, this aligns with the film’s intended visual aesthetic. The interior scenes showcase tasteful hues that retain their snap, contributing positively to the film’s seasonal transitions and overall ambiance.

Fox’s 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoding presents "The War of the Roses" with stunning quality and meticulous attention to detail, making it feel almost contemporary despite its 80s origin. The image's three-dimensionality enhances the immersion, making viewers feel as if they are peering through a window into the film’s world. Facial tones remain consistent and strong throughout each scene, and texture runs extremely high, offering an almost tactile sense of the fabrics and surfaces depicted. This superior restoration job provides "The War of the Roses" with an amazing visual presentation that exceeds expectations for an older film.

The audio presentation of "The War of the Roses" Blu-ray offers an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, alongside an English Surround Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish Dolby Digital 1.0, and French Surround Dolby Digital 2.0 options. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix is predominantly front-heavy, providing a straightforward auditory experience suitable for this dialogue-centric movie. Dialogue is crisp and well-separated, ensuring clarity without interference from other sound elements. The low-end presence is minimal but effectively employed during key moments, such as Barbara's truck scenes, adding depth without overpowering the primary audio.

While the score contributes appropriately to emotional tones, it does not dominate the listening experience, instead augmenting dramatic sequences with subtlety. Surround channels are utilized sparingly, primarily for ambient sounds like wind and rain and to establish spatial awareness, but do not offer extensive directional activity or immersive effects. This restrained use aligns well with the film's needs, particularly in the climactic moments where it maintains coherence without drawing undue attention.

Overall, the audio mix is functional and complements the film's nature, though it lacks the dynamism of more effects-driven soundtracks. Subtitles are available in English SDH and Spanish, rounding out a solid but not extraordinary audio package. This DTS-HD MA 5.1 track matches the movie's requirements adequately, supporting its narrative focus and maintaining a balanced yet unremarkable soundscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "The War of the Roses" encompass a rich and varied array of materials that offer in-depth insights, blending legacy content from the original laserdisc release with recent HD featurettes. Danny DeVito takes center stage across much of the supplemental content, offering detailed commentary and engaging discussions that delve into the technical and creative processes behind the film. The inclusion of deleted scenes, trailers, a comprehensive production gallery, and a draft script provides a thorough look at the film's production journey. Although the deleted scenes remain in SD, the majority of the extras benefit from HD quality, ensuring a polished viewing experience for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Danny DeVito: In-depth, from 1991 laserdisc, humorous and technical insights.
• Revisiting 'The War of the Roses': DeVito and James L. Brooks discuss film production.
• The Music of 'The War of the Roses': Discussion with composer David Newman.
• Deleted Scenes Montage: Uncut scenes with DeVito's introduction.
• Production Gallery: Over 100 behind-the-scenes photographs.
• Script: Complete shooting script with uncut scenes.
• Trailer A, C, D, E & TV Spots: Various promotional materials.

"The War of the Roses" delivers an unforgettable dark comedy experience masterfully directed by Danny DeVito. Starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, who play Oliver and Barbara, the film chronicles their descent from passionate lovers to bitter adversaries. Their marriage, which begins with an enchanting "meet-cute," rapidly spirals into sinister conflicts as Oliver's obsession with work and Barbara's search for purpose clash violently. The narrative cleverly plays on marital claustrophobia and escalating antagonism, featuring scenes where marital strife evolves into dangerous physical altercations and outrageous schemes, making the film both wickedly funny and disturbingly dramatic.

DeVito's directorial prowess is evident as he transforms Warren Adler's 1981 novel into pure cinema replete with rich, dreamlike production values. With his keen sense of dark humor and impeccable timing, DeVito turns what could have been an uncomfortable narrative into a highly theatrical and engaging spectacle. The film cleverly utilizes a storytelling device through DeVito's character Gavin, a lawyer narrating the chaotic dissolution of the Roses' marriage to a potential client. This approach provides a buffer for the disturbing content while adding layers to the storytelling. The grand use of detailed sets, intricate process shots, and clever lighting enriches the overall viewing experience, creating an inviting atmosphere despite the film's dark subject matter.

Douglas and Turner excel in their roles, bringing a seductive blend of charm and menace to their characters. Their performances are complemented by DeVito's daring direction, which maintains a fine balance between absurdity and reality, ensuring the film's darkly comic tone never falters. The screenplay by Michael Leeson seizes every opportunity to push the boundaries of marital warfare, presenting a relentless Thunderdome of emotional and physical chaos. As a result, "The War of the Roses" stands out not just for its stark humor but also for its daring depiction of matrimonial discord, making it a timeless piece that resonates across different generations.

"The War of the Roses" Blu-ray release by Fox is a standout addition to any film buff's collection, particularly within their Filmmakers Signature Series. Maintaining its punch after over 20 years, the dark comedy directed by Danny DeVito still resonates strongly with today's audience. With top-tier video display and fitting audio quality, this technical presentation offers an exceptional viewing experience. The visuals are crisp, enhancing the film's aesthetic, while the sound design is effectively balanced, ensuring dialogue is clear against the backdrop of tumultuous events.

This release shines not just in its main feature but also through its comprehensive set of supplemental materials. Danny DeVito’s involvement adds significant value, providing deep dives into the production process through engaging and informative featurettes. The bonus content feels purposeful, avoiding the pitfall of superfluous additions that do not contribute meaningfully to the viewer's understanding or appreciation of the film. Additionally, the included booklet is a thoughtful touch, offering further context and insights for both fans and newcomers.

At nearly two hours in length, "The War of the Roses" can be exhausting due to its relentless comedic bile, yet it rewards viewers with an incredible ending that underscores DeVito’s skillful handling of acidic humor. The conclusion is a natural, disastrous finish that speaks volumes about the brutal realities of love and divorce, resonating particularly with those familiar with such experiences. This Blu-ray release masterfully encapsulates DeVito's directorial prowess and ensures that the film's legacy endures, making it a worthy addition to any serious collector’s library.