Brubaker Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Brubaker" by 20th Century Fox is a standout in terms of video presentation, epitomizing the excellence of recent catalog releases. The remastering reflects careful and non-intrusive cleanup, enabling an image quality that preserves the film’s original essence while enhancing its pristine clarity. The source materials have been meticulously restored, with negligible print damage—only a few minor white specks were noted. Importantly, the heavy film grain characteristic of the era has been retained, contributing to a natural and authentic filmic experience, free of texture-smearing noise reduction or edge enhancement. Clarity is exceptional, revealing fine details such as the lines on Redford’s face and the textures of the prison uniforms, which are remarkably tangible.

Colored perfectly balanced and stable, the transfer avoids oversaturation while maintaining strong contrast and consistent black levels. The color grading transitions subtly yet effectively, matching the narrative's shift from dinginess to improved conditions under Brubaker's reforms. Skin tones are lifelike and stable throughout. Furthermore, there are no evident compression issues or other artifacts that might detract from the visual experience. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer presents "Brubaker" with vivid detail and color accuracy, setting a high standard for future Fox catalog releases.

Fox’s Blu-Ray release of "Brubaker" presents two audio options, both in the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio codec: a 5.1 surround mix and a mono track that stays true to the source. While the 5.1 surround mix marginally employs surround speakers for subtle ambient sounds, its primary focus remains on delivering a robust front speaker experience. The predominantly front-centric sound ensures consistent clarity, with dialogues articulated crisply against Lalo Schifrin’s rich and resonant score. This updated mix introduces an immersive layer in scenes demanding heightened involvement, such as the rooftop cave-in during a thunderstorm, without deviating from the original aura.

For purists seeking to replicate the original theatrical audio experience, the English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track is an excellent option. Both tracks are devoid of age-induced distortions like hisses or dropouts, maintaining stable, high-quality audio throughout the film. The balanced integration of dialogue, musical scores, and ambient noise further elevates the auditory experience. Supplementing these is additional support for Spanish, French, and German dubs coupled with comprehensive subtitle options in English SDH, Spanish, and German, all presented in crisp white lettering to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in viewing.

This dual-offering approach caters effectively to both modern surround-sound enthusiasts and those who prefer a more authentic mono experience, making Fox's presentation of "Brubaker" versatile and thoroughly comprehensive in terms of audio quality.

Fox's Blu-ray release of "Brubaker" is well-executed in terms of video and audio transfer; however, it falls short in the extras department, merely porting over slim features from the 2003 DVD edition. Fans looking for an in-depth retrospective or comprehensive archival featurettes will be left wanting. The existing extras, which unfortunately reveal major plot points, are basic and not sufficient for enthusiasts desiring a deeper dive into the film’s production and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer: Brief summary of the movie, but gives away key plot points.

TV Spots: Several 30-second spots that reveal much of the film's secrets.

"Brubaker," directed by Stuart Rosenberg, offers a gritty exploration of corruption and inhumanity within the prison system, as seen through the eyes of Robert Redford's character, Henry Brubaker. Based on Tom Murton's true-life account of exposing abuse in an Arkansas prison, the film effectively transports the viewer to the grim realities of a 1960s state penitentiary. Rosenberg, who previously directed "Cool Hand Luke," imbues "Brubaker" with similar themes of oppression, brutality, and the dehumanizing effects of incarceration. However, where "Cool Hand Luke" soared as an iconic piece, "Brubaker" is somewhat bogged down by its didactic tones and Redford’s character’s flat delivery. Despite these shortcomings, the film's relevancy remains intact, especially in light of ongoing discussions about prison reform.

The narrative begins with Brubaker undercover as an inmate at Wakefield State Penitentiary, a facility marred by rampant corruption, including trustee prisoners lauding power over common inmates with brutal enforcement. Key scenes, like Morgan Freeman’s intense portrayal of a death row inmate and the subsequent revelation of Brubaker’s true identity as the new reformative warden, add weight to this exposé of systemic rot. The supporting cast, featuring Yaphet Kotto, Tim McIntire, and Jane Alexander, enrich the storytelling with diverse and riveting performances that mirror the corrupt hierarchy Brubaker is up against. As Brubaker uncovers layers of abuse and exploitation—ranging from insurance fraud to slave labor—the film starkly portrays the depths of institutional decay, highlighting his Sisyphean battle against entrenched interests.

While the screenplay occasionally prioritizes its social message over character development, leading to a somewhat impersonal portrayal of Brubaker, the film's strengths in its ensemble cast, gritty cinematography, and Lalo Schifrin’s evocative score outweigh this flaw. Overall, "Brubaker" stands as a compelling indictment of how correctional facilities can be mismanaged to the moral detriment of society, albeit without reaching the iconic status of Rosenberg's earlier prison film.

"Brubaker," directed by Stuart Rosenberg, stands as an engaging and powerful prison drama that delivers a compelling critique of institutional corruption and systemic injustice. While it may not reach the iconic status of Rosenberg's "Cool Hand Luke," it remains a solid piece in his filmography, effectively supported by Robert Redford's strong performance. The recent Blu-ray release from 20th Century Fox brings this classic to new life with an impressive high-definition transfer. The remastering process has resulted in a sharp, filmic image devoid of any noticeable print damage or compression artifacts, truly enhancing the viewing experience for both new audiences and returning fans.

The film's visual restoration is a massive leap forward from the 2003 DVD release. The Blu-ray's clarity and color authenticity breathe new life into the cinematography, making it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone passionate about collecting high-quality classic films. However, it is essential to note that the Blu-ray edition lacks substantive extras beyond a trailer and some TV spots, which might be a slight disappointment for enthusiasts seeking deeper insights or behind-the-scenes content.

In conclusion, Stuart Rosenberg's "Brubaker" is a gripping and thought-provoking film that stands out for its thematic depth and Redford's dynamic performance. The new Blu-ray presentation by 20th Century Fox significantly enhances the visual quality of the film, making it the definitive version for home viewing. Despite the minimal special features, the exceptional high-definition remaster elevates this release to a must-have status for serious movie buffs and collectors. Recommended (with no possibility of parole).