NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Imprint Blu-ray (May 2022): Imprint have transferred Rod Lurie's The Contender to Blu-ray. This 1.78:1 transfer doesn't appear to be from a new or restored scan. It looks reasonably bland on a dual-layered disc with a middling bitrate. It's a notch up from SD - only moderately in contrast and color depth via this 1080P and generally unremarkable in terms of the HD image.

NOTE: We have added 58 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Imprint use a DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track (16-bit) in the original English language. The Contender is a fairly passive film audio-wise, and there aren't many distinguishing separations here. It's clean and consistent with music credited to Larry Groupé (who has composed most for shorts, documentaries and some TV work), sounding subtle in supporting the film. What I did like was the opening that had June Carter Cash's Ring Of Fire performed rock-a-billy by Jeff Bridges and Kim Carnes and there are inspirational classical pieces; Ebben, Ne Andro Lontana From 'La Wally' performed by Miriam Gauci and Brussels Philharmonic (as the BRT Philharmonic Brussels) plus the Minuet From Don Giovanni and Chopin's Polonaise Op. 26, No 1 performed by pianist Bruce Donnelly. It sounds very good if not convincingly dynamic. Imprint offer optional English subtitles (see sample below) on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Imprint Blu-ray offers supplements. It ports the extras over from the 2001 DVD with the commentary by writer/director Rod Lurie and lead Joan Allen recorded together. Lurie has the most to say with some keen details on production and the usual complimentary anecdotes of the strong cast. “The Making of a Political Thriller” runs over 21-minutes and has a variety of interviews with the principals but is fairly common without much depth. There are also 16-minutes of deleted scenes - 10 of them - with optional commentary from director Lurie. These include more scenes with Bridges and Philip Baker Hall among others. Lurie describes why theses particular scenes were excluded - as they not reflect intended themes of principles and leadership. Additionally is an interview with actress Joan Allen for about a dozen minutes - she's quite gracious - and lastly are two TV Spots and a theatrical trailer. The packages has a limited edition slipcase on the first 1500 copies.

I was very keen on Rod Lurie's The Contender the last time I watched it - close to two decades ago. I was also anxious to see it, finally, come to Blu-ray. Unfortunately, the film rings a bit hollow in these times - more a fantasy - about aspiring politicians with nobility. I am told that it served as a response to President Bill Clinton's Lewinsky scandal. The Contender had changes that Gary Oldman (Sheldon Runyon in the film) - who also co-produced - openly denounced. The speeches aren't as compelling but the performances are very worthy from Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Christian Slater with support from Sam Elliott, William Petersen, Saul Rubinek, and Philip Baker Hall. The Contender is still an extremely well-realized film and decent-thriller, if I found 'dated' by my older jaded attitude. It has finally reached 1080P and many will appreciate this handsome package regardless of a lackluster video transfer that handily beats SD.  

Gary Tooze