Moonstruck Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of Moonstruck showcases a remarkable video presentation, courtesy of Criterion's meticulous restoration efforts. Presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p resolution, this new 4K digital restoration was created using a Lasergraphics Director film scanner from the original 35mm camera negative. The color restoration was overseen and approved by director Norman Jewison, with thousands of instances of dirt and scratches removed using state-of-the-art digital techniques. The result is an impressively clean image with excellent clarity and depth, allowing viewers to appreciate finer details in skin textures, costumes, and settings.

The dynamic color palette stands out, particularly in moonlit scenes where the organic appearance is a notable improvement over the previous release. While colors are vibrant and well-balanced, the nighttime footage and moonlight shadows add an atmospheric touch that is visually stunning. The use of light throughout, whether in the dimly lit basement where Loretta first meets Ronny or the bustling streets of New York, is rendered beautifully, offering a lifelike viewing experience. Black levels and contrast are notably enhanced, with stronger whites and natural skin tones providing a refined look without any significant signs of crushing.

This restoration also features a more stable and organic grain structure, enhancing the film's dimensionality without distracting artifacts. Indoor scenes and detailed backgrounds, such as the family kitchen or the opera house, demonstrate exceptional stability and depth. The restoration avoids problematic digital work, offering a clean presentation free from debris and damage marks. Overall, this Blu-ray edition of Moonstruck represents a significant upgrade over previous versions, making it a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's collection.

The Blu-ray release of "Moonstruck" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround soundtrack, meticulously remastered from a magnetic track using Avid’s Pro Tools and iZotope RX. Notably, the lossless track provides exceptional clarity and stability in dialogue, capturing the authentic Brooklyn dialects of the characters flawlessly. Cher, Aiello, and Julie Bovasso deliver performances with precise pronunciation, attributed to Bovasso's coaching. The mix successfully blends Dick Hyman’s unobtrusive score with vibrant ambient sounds, such as the roaring of Ronny’s bakery oven, and seamlessly integrates iconic musical pieces like Dean Martin’s "That's Amore" and arias from "La Bohème" to enhance the operatic narrative.

While the 5.1 mix remains front/center heavy, it opens up dynamically during critical musical sequences, fully employing all channels for a rich auditory experience. The sound design is particularly effective in street scenes, restaurants, and Ronny's basement bakery, providing a welcome surround presence. However, due to the romantic nature of the film, there isn't a significant demand for a robust surround mix. Despite this, the integration of dialogue, music, and ambient sound is well-balanced, ensuring that viewers experience a coherent and immersive audio presentation. Overall, "Moonstruck's" DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix delivers clear dialogue and precise sound reproduction, true to its original soundtrack, while offering occasional surround expansion where appropriate.

The Blu-ray extras for "Moonstruck" offer an extensive and diverse range of features that will greatly appeal to fans. Highlights include an archival audio commentary from 1998 featuring director Norman Jewison, Cher, and writer John Patrick Shanley, offering a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes insights. Cher's 2013 introduction for AFI's Night at the Movies and a new 2020 interview with Shanley provide additional depth and modern perspectives. Other notable components include interviews with cast members from NBC's Today show in 1987, scholarly discussions on Italian opera's influence on the film, and various archival interviews with those intimately connected to the production. These materials collectively ensure a comprehensive and engaging exploration of "Moonstruck."

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Cher: Archival video from AFI's Night at the Movies.
• Trailer: Remastered vintage trailer.
• John Patrick Shanley: Interview discussing his background and screenplay.
• Stefano Albertini: Scholar discussing La Boheme's influence.
• City Lights: Norman Jewison on the film's production.
• Today Show Excerpts: Cast interviews from 1987.
• AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions: Interview with Danny Aiello.
• Harold Lloyd Master Seminar: Audio excerpts with John Patrick Shanley.
• At the Heart of an Italian Family: Rehearsal footage and interviews.
• Music of Moonstruck: Exploration of La Boheme's role.
• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by Jewison, Cher, and Shanley.
• Leaflet: Illustrated with an essay by Emily VanDerWerff.

Norman Jewison's Moonstruck (1987) is a masterclass in romantic comedy, embodying a balance of quirky character-driven humor and heartfelt performances. The plot weaves the tale of Loretta Castorini (Cher), a Brooklyn bookkeeper entangled in a classic Italian American family drama. When Loretta accepts a marriage proposal from her safe yet underwhelming boyfriend Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello), who immediately departs to Sicily to see his ailing mother, she is charged with inviting his estranged brother Ronny (Nicolas Cage) to the wedding. This leads to an unexpected, passionate affair that complicates her plans. Embodying stereotypical yet deeply human characters, the film’s brilliance lies in its ability to blend cultural authenticity with universal themes of love and familial chaos.

The film’s exceptional script by John Patrick Shanley deserves its accolades for capturing the voices and essences of its characters within a compact runtime of 100 minutes. The narrative's seamless flow is bolstered by standout performances from Cher, who navigates her superstar persona to ground herself in Loretta’s pragmatic vulnerability, and Cage, whose wild energy renders Ronny both dangerous and endearing. Olympia Dukakis and Vincent Gardenia as Loretta's parents add layers of authenticity and wit, making their subplots not merely diversions but pivotal contributions to the film's emotional depth. The chemistry among the ensemble cast fuels the story, transforming the conventional romantic comedy structure into something refreshingly original.

Technical aspects reinforce Moonstruck's timeless appeal. The Criterion Blu-ray release ensures the film's rich aesthetics and intricate performances are showcased with pristine clarity. Enhanced by detailed supplemental features, including archival interviews and commentaries, this edition offers both new audiences and long-time fans a comprehensive understanding of the film's context and creative process. Moonstruck remains a delightful exploration of love's irrationality set against the backdrop of a vibrant cultural tapestry, retaining its charm and resonance over three decades after its release.

Moonstruck is a delightful ode to the romantic and comedic traditions of Italian cinema, reimagined within a contemporary American context. Evoking the spirit of Pietro Germi's seminal works like Seduced and Abandoned, the film, while slightly overpolished, nevertheless shines with its charm, encapsulated brilliantly by performances from Vincent Gardenia and Olympia Dukakis. Criterion's Blu-ray release, derived from an exclusive new 4K master, ensures that both long-time fans and newcomers can relish this classic in stunning clarity. The blend of humor, albeit sweetened, remains an enduring testament to the film's initial allure.

The Harold Lloyd Master Seminar provides invaluable insights into John Patrick Shanley's creative process, adding rich layers to the viewing experience. This offering from Criterion not only takes care of the film through a meticulous restoration but augments it with a comprehensive array of new and archival bonus features, enriching our appreciation for this timeless romantic comedy. Cher returns as the charismatic leading lady alongside a young Nicolas Cage, whose chemistry is both palpable and endearing. The supporting cast equally delights, contributing significantly to the film’s lasting appeal.

Overall, Moonstruck stands the test of time as a quintessential romance film bursting with whimsical charm and sharp wit. The Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release is a masterclass in preserving and celebrating cinematic history, complete with top-notch technical presentation and immersive supplementary materials. For aficionados of romantic comedies and film collectors alike, this is a must-have addition to your collection. Highly recommended.