![Blood Simple [Blu-ray]](http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/1/1b/50x50px-ZC-1b31416e_B00553K9OO-51VoL2Bk0LXL.jpg)
The Coen Brothers' (and Frances McDormand's) first feature film - a thriller that gives the film noir genre a twist as much as it pays it tribute - finally comes to Blu-ray. Though the release merely ports over the limited extras from past DVD releases, the quality high definition picture and sound make for a worthwhile upgrade.
Blood Simple
Release Date: August 30, 2011
Studio: MGM Studios / 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Packaging/Materials: Single-disc Blu-ray "ECO-BOX"
Year: 1984
Rating: R
Running Time: 1:35:38
MSRP: $19.99
| THE FEATURE | EXTRAS | |
| Video | 1080p high definition 1.85:1 | High definition |
| Audio | DTS-HD Master Audio: English 2.0 | Stereo |
| Subtitles | English SDH, Spanish | None |
The Feature: 4.5/5
It's a tale as old as time.
Man (John Getz) and woman (Frances McDormand) have affair. Woman's husband (Dan Hedaya) finds out. Husband hires all-around creep (M. Emmet Walsh) to have Man and Woman killed.
Where it all goes wonky is when the people who are supposed to be dead, really aren't. And everyone thinks the person who is actually dead, is still alive.
Thanks to misunderstandings, assumptions and happenstance foul play turns farcical.
Had "Blood Simple" been an actual farce instead of a neo-noir thriller, it would have had a madcap chase scene for its closer. Instead the would-be contract killer and the female protagonist are thrown together in a "face off" that is as grim as it is subversively humorous. It's a spin on the genre that hits all the right notes in terms of modern female empowerment, as well as being a tongue-in-cheek callback to the potboilers of yore.
Understandably the film - which was the Coen Brothers' first - received tremendous praise with its debut. Finally arriving on Blu-ray after some delays, "Blood Simple" remains one of their strongest projects even after the likes of "No Country for Old Men" and "True Grit." Now almost 30 years old, the film represents an auspicious start of a formidable directing team as well as a stellar debut for a talented female character actor. Over 12 years later another of their collaborations would win them Academy Awards, though based on "Blood Simple" this should have come as no surprise to anyone.
Note: The Blu-ray contains the 96-minute "director's cut" that was released theatrically in 2000 and on DVD in 2001.
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 4/5
Special Features: 2/5
The extras are essentially the same as the 2001 DVD release, which were spartan but entertainingly original.
Introduction by Mortimer Young of Forever Young Films (1:35, HD): The founder of the fictional film restoration company provides a brief background on the director's cut of the film.
Commentary with Kenneth Loring of Forever Young Films: Loring (whoever he is) provides a tongue-in-cheek track about the filmmaking process, including the use of "movie sweat."
Theatrical Trailer (1:41, HD)
Recap
The Feature: 4.5/5
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 4/5
Special Features: 2/5
Overall Score (not an average): 4/5
MGM Studios turns in a strong presentation for the Coen Brothers (and Frances McDormand's) first, remarkable feature film. The extras are limited, though consistent with past DVD releases. Owners of those standard definition versions should consider the Blu-ray release a worthwhile upgrade. It's also the clear choice for those looking to add the film to their collections for the first time.
