Pure Luck Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Pure Luck" suffers from several technical shortcomings due to its reliance on an older scan. The AVC encoded image features a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, which is notably soft throughout, resulting in a loss of critical facial textures and decorative details. While the source is in good condition, there is a lack of dimension and depth. The color palette, mainly aged but still vibrant in certain locations and costuming, manages to convey some primary strength. Although skin tones appear adequate, the overall delineation is inconsistent, struggling with clarity.

This release from Mill Creek delivers a master that is merely passable. Though the resolution allows for some details to emerge, the print clearly shows its age, and could benefit from a cleanup. However, the encoding introduces significant issues, with rampant artifacting that detracts from the viewing experience. The compression fails to maintain stability, and long shots devolve into a chunky, DVD-like quality. Black levels are shallow and unable to conceal additional blocking in shadowed areas. The color reproduction appears slightly dry and dull but remains within acceptable limits, providing decent flesh tones and average primary hues.

In summary, while the overall video presentation of "Pure Luck" provides a nostalgic visual experience, it is hindered by encoding inconsistencies and an outdated scan. The colors and high resolution do offer some redeeming qualities, but viewers may find the lack of detail and prevalent artifacting distracting. This Blu-ray lacks the refined image quality that modern audiences have come to expect but manages to preserve the essence of its vibrant setting to a certain degree.

The Blu-ray of "Pure Luck" presents an audio experience characterized by a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, which provides a reliable reproduction of dialogue exchanges. The mix adeptly captures the tonal contrasts between Martin Short's flamboyant and Danny Glover's more gravelly vocal deliveries, ensuring clarity and engagement for the listener. The orchestral scoring cues, although subtle, are effectively integrated to convey a whimsical and mischievous atmosphere that supports the film’s comedic intent without overwhelming the performances.

In terms of ambient sound, the audio track offers a fundamental portrayal of background noises, such as community hubbub and movement during travel scenes. These elements, though basic, add an ancillary layer to the film's aural environment. Additionally, the DTS-HD stereo format maintains a tight and firm dialogue presentation, focusing predominantly on central channels without notable directional effects. This centrality of audio, while limiting spatial dynamics, does deliver dependable fidelity for both dialogue and score.

While the audio mix may not exhibit the advanced surround sound features found in more contemporary formats like Dolby Atmos, it serves the film's presentation needs effectively. The balance between dialogue clarity and musical cues demonstrates thoughtful audio engineering, making the 2.0 DTS-HD mix suitable for audiences seeking a clear auditory experience of this lighthearted comedy.

The Blu-ray release for "Pure Luck" significantly underwhelms in the realm of special features. Despite high expectations typically associated with Blu-ray extras, this release fails to provide any form of supplementary material to enhance viewers' appreciation or understanding of the movie. It’s noteworthy that "Pure Luck" shares its disc space with another Martin Short comedy, "Cross My Heart," which may contribute to the absence of additional content. The lack of commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, or interviews results in a disappointing package for fans seeking a deeper insight into the production and creative processes behind this comedy. The omission deprives audiences of the typically enriching and engaging experience that well-curated extras can provide.

Extras included in this disc:
None. There are no supplementary materials featured on this release.

"Pure Luck," a slapstick comedy directed by Nadia Tass, reimagines the 1981 French film "Le Chevre" with mixed results. The film, starring Martin Short as the perpetually unlucky Eugene and Danny Glover as his skeptical partner Raymond, follows their misadventures in Mexico as they search for a CEO's missing daughter, Valerie. While Short's adept physical comedy shines through, the film struggles with uneven writing and pacing. Tass's direction feels hesitant, and her attempt to balance the quirky detective narrative with farcical elements often stalls the comedic momentum. Though Short's antics, like inflating after a bee sting, display his comedic flair, they seldom anchor a coherent storyline.

The plot relies heavily on Eugene's misfortune to drive the narrative forward, but the comedic style lacks punch and urgency. Instead of a dynamic series of escalating gags, viewers encounter long stretches defined more by their predictability than by laughter. Glover's performance as the straight man adds some depth to the film, but his subdued approach clashes with Short's extroverted energy. Episodes that should evoke laughter, like repetitive farewell scenes or aimless physical humor, come off as cumbersome. Moreover, occasional attempts at darker humor seem out of place in an otherwise lighthearted framework.

Despite its potential as a buddy comedy and its effort to adapt Verber's unique humor, "Pure Luck" largely falters in execution. The film fails to capitalize on the comedic talents of its lead actors, often rehashing tired tropes without infusing them with inventive flair. While there are glimpses of Martin Short's comedic brilliance, such moments are few and far between, making this adaptation feel like a missed opportunity rather than a triumphant comedy.

"Pure Luck" on Blu-ray offers a foray into the world of slapstick comedy that is interwoven with a series of misadventures. The film's humor stems from its reliance on physical comedy, notably through scenes involving head injuries, a quicksand gag, and the precarious dangling of a Jeep over a cliff. These moments, while intended to amuse, often feel like filler rather than essential parts of the narrative. There is also an extended detour into a Mexican prison and a protracted scene involving a humorous misjudgment about a bar patron's profession, highlighting a lack of cohesion commonly seen in films prioritizing gags over story development.

The comedy is quintessentially a buddy film, attempting to build chemistry between its lead characters, Eugene and Raymond. However, it suffers from insufficient comedic timing, preventing it from achieving the status of a genre classic. The central dynamic and interactions, despite their potential, fail to resonate deeply due to an oversight in crafting sharp comedic exchanges that would elevate the narrative beyond its singular humorous premise.

In conclusion, while "Pure Luck" offers moments of amusement typical of a light-hearted buddy comedy, its shortcomings in comedic precision and narrative depth limit its impact. The Blu-ray presentation retains the film's original charm but does not significantly enhance it beyond nostalgia-driven appeal. As such, this release may attract those appreciating slapstick antics or seeking to revisit this era of comedy, yet it lacks the vital finesse to remain memorable beyond initial viewing.