My take: Blow

HD Goofnut

Title: Blow (2001)
BD-50 Dual-Layer Disc
Video: 1080p/VC-1
Audio: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
Aspect Ratio: 2:40:1
Subtitles: English Only
Run time: 123 minutes
Studio: New Line Cinema
Rating: R
Region Coding: Region Free
Player used for review: LG BH200

Cast/Crew Info:
Johnny Depp as George Jung
Penélope Cruz as Mirtha Jung
Franka Potente as Barbara Buckley
Rachel Griffiths as Ermine Jung
Paul Reubens as Derek Foreal
Jordi Mollà as Diego Delgado
Ethan Suplee as Tuna
Ray Liotta as Fred Jung
Directed by Ted Demme

My take: (the breakdown)

In my personal opinion movies about a business or practice that is illegal is typically rather interesting. What sets Blow apart from most other drug dealing movies is that it is based on the real life of George Jung. Beginning with George's childhood we discover that his mom is a spoiled woman who wants to be rich, but can't on his father's construction wage. We find out at this point that George is and will always be closest to his father. When George is slightly older he makes up his mind that he will not be poor when he gets out on his own. He first starts a marijuana business then later moves on to cocaine. After being busted several times for possession and intent to distribute he tries to clean his life up. However, Jung just can't seem to stay focused and on track. I say this is worth a rental if you have never seen it and a purchase if you are a fan of the film. Also, due to profanity this is not a movie for children.

Blow was released theatrically in 2001 and I was actually impressed by the treatment that is has received on Blu-ray. Colors are rich, vibrant, and well saturated. Flesh tones also seem to be rather accurate. Fine detail is well done most of the time, but I felt that a few of the closeups suffered from some DNR due to some waxy side effects. I also thought it was kind of strange that there was very little film grain. I just felt with a movie sat in the 60s through 80s that at more grain was appropriate, but this is still an above average transfer on the whole.

We are supplied with a 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track that is actually quite engaging for a film that is predominately a drama. Dialogue is extremely easy to hear and comprehend as this is the majority of the audio. The surrounds are used quite frequently. Take note that in many of the scenes involving a lot of people that clamoring envelops the entire soundfield. The music also fills up all the channels nicely and is not overbearing. There are also a few instances where your sub will see some work. Again, for a drama was I very impressed by this audio mix.

I thought I would try simply listing the features in the supplemental package and followed by what resolution they are presented in:

George Jung Interviews: 16 minutes @ 1080 (Most interesting)
Lost Paradise: Cocaine's Impact on Columbia: 23 minutes @ 1080
Addiction: Body and Soul: 6 minutes @ 1080
Deleted Scenes: 28 minutes @ 1080
Character Outtakes: 9 minutes @ 1080
Production Diary: 17 minutes @ 1080
Different trailers for the film: Less than 10 minutes @ 1080

Movie: 7/10
VQ: 8.5/10
AQ: 8/10
Supplements: 8/10
Final word: A Purchase For Fans

As always thanks for reading folks.

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