Blu-ray Review 9½ Weeks Blu-ray Review (1 Viewer)

Adrian Lyne’s notorious erotic drama isn’t quite the controversy it used to be, its more graphic elements tamed for the most part by the age of the Internet. The film’s debut on Blu-ray is a strong one in terms of the presentation, though fans looking for a little behind-the-scenes will be disappointed by the lone extra in the special features section.



9½ Weeks
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Studio: Warner Home Video
Packaging/Materials: Single-disc Blu-ray "ECO-BOX"
Year: 1986
Rating: R
Running Time: 1:56:51
MSRP: $19.98

The Feature: 3/5
Since its 1986 debut, Adrian Lyne’s erotic drama “9½ Weeks” has been eclipsed by films like “Color of Night” (1994) and “Showgirls (1995) – and to some extent Lyne’s own “Unfaithful” (2002) – in respect to nudity and sexually charged, pulpy melodrama.

By comparison, the film for which Kim Basinger will be forever known (her award-winning turn in “L.A. Confidential” notwithstanding) seems tasteful, though its story about a recently divorced, and slightly repressed, art gallery director losing herself to a charming, but sexually dominating, lothario (played by a still-dreamy Mickey Rourke) plays out with few surprises. Still, there’s no denying the chemistry between the two leads, and the film’s atmospheric cinematography does a lot for what’s otherwise the perfunctory rise and fall of a relationship that’s never going to last.  

In fact the relationship drama is so inert that anyone looking for a “raison d'être” won’t find one beyond the carnal bits, which have been further diminished by the visual immediacies of the Internet. Those seeing the film for the first time especially, will wonder what was so upsetting to make over 95% of a screening audience walk out on it. Indeed, that “9½ Weeks” was one of THE explicit films to see back in the day now makes the ‘80s seem precious, if not downright quaint.

Video Quality: 4/5
Presented in 1080p with the AVC codec, the transfer approximates the 1.85:1 aspect ratio by filling the entire 16:9 frame. The naturalistic, available light cinematography is presented to great effect in the high definition encode, delivering satisfying black levels, strong contrast and stable color. The sometimes heavy grain, resulting from what I assume was the use of high speed film stock, also appears uncompromised either by compression noise or noise reduction measures. Overall sharpness tends to be a little soft and there are more than a few instances of what look like focusing errors, but this edgy quality is perfectly suited to the sometimes gritty and dark narrative.

Audio Quality: 3.5/5
Dialogue in the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track can be a little unclear at times, especially as Rourke’s character has a bad habit of whispering his commands to his lover. Surround effects are limited to a bit of support to the pop music soundtrack, though the songs also provide a great showcase for the track’s low frequency activity.

Special Features: 1/5

• Theatrical Trailer (2:10, SD)

Recap
The Feature: 3/5
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 3.5/5
Special Features: 1/5
Overall Score (not an average): 3.5/5

Warner Home Video gives Adrian Lyne’s "9½ Weeks" solid treatment in terms of presentation but comes up short in the special features. Fans of the film will consider it a must-buy regardless, while those who have only heard its reputation would be best served by a rental first.

Thanks Cameron.

Those seeing the film for the first time especially, will wonder what was so upsetting to make over 95% of a screening audience walk out on it. Indeed, that “9½ Weeks” was one of THE explicit films to see back in the day now makes the ‘80s seem precious, if not downright quaint.

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I'm starting to feel old

Warning, Adam.

These ever-changing standards for morality is what turns a parent's hair gray mighty fast.


I'm certainly one who remembers this title as representing something quite scandalous at the time of it's release.

Thanks for the review, Cameron. I've added a link to the RoundUp.

Aren't we only a couple years apart Adam?