The Hot Spot Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of The Hot Spot by Kino Lorber presents the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and featuring a 1080p transfer derived from a new 2K master. The visual upgrade compared to the earlier 2013 Shout Factory release is substantial. Notable improvements are evident in the color reproduction, with lush primary hues and nuanced shades that bring out the richness of the film's cinematography. This heightened clarity and depth are particularly striking on larger screens, rejuvenating the film’s viewing experience to closely match its theatrical presentation.

Despite these advancements, the 2K master sourced from an interpositive introduces certain limitations. The visuals can appear slightly thicker and sometimes flatter than ideal, with shadow details occasionally getting lost in darker scenes. This issue further affects the overall balance when heavier blacks dominate the frame, though it’s consistent with other recent 2K masters. Film grain remains organic, and image stability is commendable with only minimal white specks and no major damage such as scratches or tears. While not perfect, this transfer represents the best home video presentation of The Hot Spot to date, far surpassing previous Blu-ray and DVD versions in quality.

This Blu-ray release of "The Hot Spot" offers two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track retains a solid auditory experience, boasting excellent clarity, sharpness, and balance without any detectable age-related imperfections. However, it could have benefitted from a more open mix, particularly in scenes where the distinguished music score shines.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, likely remixed from the original Dolby SR soundtrack, provides an exceptional auditory experience that elevates the film's sound quality far above previous releases. Dialogue is consistently strong and clear, with no noticeable distortion, hissing, or crackling. The mix accurately captures Jack Nitzsche's score, performed by a roster of legendary blues and jazz artists, including John Lee Hooker and Miles Davis. This track undoubtedly represents the pinnacle of the film's soundtrack on home media, ensuring that both dialogue and music are faithfully and dynamically rendered.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Hot Spot" provide a commendable deep dive into the film’s production and its contributions to the neo-noir genre. Particularly noteworthy are the exclusive interviews with Virginia Madsen and William Sadler, who share rich, behind-the-scenes anecdotes about working with director Dennis Hopper and their character development. These interviews offer invaluable insights into Hopper’s directing style, including his preference for long takes. The new audio commentary by Bryan Reesman is densely packed with information about the movie's production, cast, and trivia, though its rapid pace may necessitate multiple listens. The vintage trailer rounds out the extras with a nostalgic touch, and the reversible cover appeals to collectors with its classic poster art.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A remastered vintage trailer for "The Hot Spot."

• Interview with Virginia Madsen: Virginia Madsen discusses her role as Dolly Harshaw and her collaboration with Dennis Hopper.

• Interview with William Sadler: William Sadler talks about his character and behind-the-scenes experiences.

• Commentary: Bryan Reesman provides an in-depth audio commentary covering production details and the neo-noir genre.

• Cover: Reversible cover featuring vintage poster art.

Dennis Hopper's The Hot Spot (1990) stands out as a quintessential neo-noir film that uniquely blends old-school charm with modern sensibilities. Based on Charles Williams’ 1955 novel Hell Hath No Fury, the film follows the story of Harry Madox (Don Johnson), a drifter who enters a sleepy Texas town and quickly entangles himself with two women: the seductive Dolly Harshaw (Virginia Madsen) and the innocent Gloria Harper (Jennifer Connelly). Madox ascends from a car salesman to become embroiled in a love triangle while plotting to rob the town bank, leading to a complicated mix of passion and deception.

Hopper’s direction excels in incorporating the ambiance of the Texas setting, with Ueli Steiger's cinematography capturing the scorching heat and stark expanses to heighten the noir atmosphere. The film also benefits from its richly atmospheric soundtrack, featuring compositions by Jack Nitzsche performed by artists like John Lee Hooker and Miles Davis, which adds depth and authenticity. However, some critiques point to a pacing issue, noting that the film’s two-hour runtime could have been trimmed to maintain its suspense more effectively. Despite this, it remains captivating with solid performances from a stellar cast, particularly Madsen’s sultry, wicked portrayal of Dolly and Connelly's compelling, vulnerable Gloria.

While The Hot Spot may not reach the acclaim of classics like Chinatown (1974) or L.A. Confidential (1997), it stands as a notable entry in the neo-noir genre. Hopper brings a raw, edgy touch that illuminates the intricacies of his characters' moral ambiguities amidst a vividly rendered backdrop. The film’s magnetic allure lies in its fusion of searing visuals, haunting music, and an intense narrative that grips from beginning to end. It is a hidden gem deserving rediscovery for any connoisseur of film noir.

Dennis Hopper's "The Hot Spot" stands out as a quintessential piece from the late '80s and early '90s, a period marked by a renaissance of film noir. This neo-noir thriller, based on Charles Williams' novel, presents deeply engrossing performances by its lead actors, notably Virginia Madsen and Jennifer Connelly. The film is known for its edgy narrative and the sultry atmosphere that Hopper creates. Despite its initial box office failure, the movie has stood the test of time, maintaining critical acclaim and appreciation among noir enthusiasts.

The recent Kino Lorber Blu-ray release elevates "The Hot Spot" with an exceptional 2K master transfer that highlights the film’s exemplary visual style. Image quality is pristine, with improved clarity and color depth, bringing new life to Hopper’s vivid cinematographic choices. Complementing the visual upgrade are several noteworthy special features, including insightful interviews with Virginia Madsen and William Sadler, which provide valuable context and behind-the-scenes perspectives.

Hopper’s directorial choices, especially in the film's gripping finale, showcase a blend of caution and artistic vision, though some fans may feel a slight alteration could have added an intriguing twist. Nevertheless, the overall impact of the film remains profound.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray edition of "The Hot Spot" revitalizes this underrated neo-noir classic with superior technical quality and enriching supplementary content. This release is highly recommended for both avid collectors and those newly exploring the genre.