‘Blow Out 4K Ultra HD Movie Review
The 1981 film noir thriller from director Brian De Palma has now been given a new visual life in 4K disc format in the bonus full version of Blow Out (criteria, R rating, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, 108 minutes, $49.95).
The action follows Jack Terry (John Travolta), a sound effects designer for a feat movie, who records the sound of a car one night as he watches it fall off a bridge into a river.
Jack traps secret bodyguard Sally Bedina (Nancy Allen) in the car, but the male driver is killed. When the driver is revealed to be running for governor and president, Jack's officials and the police are forced to forget about it.
However, he listens to the audio recorded that night, hears the gunshots before the crash, and discovers more sinister crimes that higher levels of government may be involved in.
mr. De Palma does an excellent job of stoking tensions by adding little-known political conspiracy theories to the process, but ends up bringing Jack's adventure to a vague and superficial conclusion.
Photographer Vilmos Zsigmond, deep focus elements (e.g. a character's face in the foreground with the same movement in the background, simultaneous focus), shadows that convey tension, and close-ups with clear angles. . action (drowning links in public baths).
It all shines thanks to a 16-bit 4K restoration using a director-approved original camera negative based on a 2K restoration previously released by Criterion in 2011.
Movie buffs will appreciate simple shots like checking a shiny pencil or an old musical instrument, as well as beautiful shots outside Philadelphia City Hall and inside the 30th Street Station. A very vivid moment can be seen when Jack hugs Sally in front of him. fireworks.
Best Extras: All digital bonus content is in the Blu-ray version of the movie, plus all extras from the 2011 Criterion release.
Start with a lavish one-hour intimate interview with the acclaimed director, conducted in 2010 by director Noah Baumbach at a small round table in his New York City room. The interview covers most of Blow Out. and his film themes and career highlights.
Watch an excerpt from a 25-minute interview with Ms. Allen in Los Angeles in 2011 as you delve into your casting while working with Mr. Travolta and his role as a blonde.
Also of interest is a 15-minute interview with Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown. He shows off his creativity and explains the camera used in the opening scene of Blow Out.
Also, what I call "beyond the call of duty" is Mr. De Palma, "Trendy Murder," 1968.
Shot on 16mm film (1.35:1 aspect ratio), this 80-minute black-and-white detective film follows three men who solve or commit the murder of a model. This unusual film has its own song, and a scene from it even appeared on television in the movie Breakthrough.
The package includes a 36-page color booklet with reproductions of the photographer who filmed the accident, with a fake magazine image highlighted on each frame; Review by Pauline Kael in The New Yorker, July 17, 1981; and an essay by critic Michael Sragov.
