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

ADDITION: Criterion Blu-ray (March 2022): Criterion have transferred Theodore Witcher's Love Jones (accurately 'love jones') to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "New 4K digital restoration, supervised by director Theodore Witcher". It has organic softness probably giving a strong replication of the theatrical appearance with pleasing textures. Contrast, always a Criterion Hallmark, is excellent and colors appear naturalistic without embellishment. It looks like a much younger film. 

NOTE: We have added 30 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Criterion use a robust DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track (24-bit) in the original English language. Love Jones has no overtly aggressive sequneces but a few deft separations including restaurant crowds and the rain. Love Jones has music composed by Darryl Jones and Wyclef Jean with plenty of pieces like "In a Sentimental Mood" performed by John Coltrane and Duke Ellington and other music samplings by Charlie Parker, Al Green, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Buddy Guy, Macy Gray, Dionne Farris, Kenny Lattimore, Cameo, Maxwell, Charles Cameron and Sunshine Festival, Jamiroquai and others sounding pleasing in the lossless transfer. The music selection definitely suits the film effectively transmitting moods of desire, passion, confusion etc.. Criterion offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region 'A' / 'B' Blu-ray.

The Criterion Blu-ray offers a new commentary by writer/director Theodore Witcher. He discusses the Woody-Allen-esque black and white opening contextualized as a moving version of Nina's photographs, intended to be reflective of seeing them later in the film. He's great and gives a revealing conversation of his strong feature debut work from more than 25-years ago. It remains only directorial work to date. He has a clear voice and is likeable - I enjoyed it very much. Criterion include a new 45-minute conversation with director Theodore Witcher talking to film scholar Racquel J. Gates (author of Double Negative: The Black Image and Popular Culture) about making love jones. There is also a 1/2 hour conversation, recorded in 2021 by Criterion, with music scholars Mark Anthony Neal and Shana L. Redmond who talk about the wonderful soundtrack of love jones. There is an hour-long panel discussion featuring Witcher, cast and crew. This program features a June 7th, 2017, discussion featuring director Theodore Witcher; actors Bill Bellamy, Lisa Nicole Carson, Nia Long, Leonard Roberts, Bernadette Speakes, Larenz Tate, and Isaiah Washington; producer Julie Chasman; editor Maysie Hoy; composer Darryl Jones, music supervisor Pilar McCurry; and director of photography Ernest Holzman. It is moderated by filmmaker Barry Jenkins. Lastly is a short program featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with director Theodore Witcher and actors Nia Long, Larenz Tate, Bill Bellamy, and Lisa Nicole Carson. The Criterion package includes a liner notes booklet with an essay by critic Danielle Amir Jackson.

Love Jones is is an unconventional romance-drama and it is the feature film debut Theodore Witcher. The characters played by Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah Washington, Bill Bellamy, and Lisa Nicole Carson do indeed appear natural - almost vérité at times. This film has a loyal following for it's realistic depiction of African-American life without utilizing violence, crime and drug-use as a focus. It is very re-watchable. I strongly recommend it. The Criterion Blu-ray and its 4K-restored, director-approved, transfer is a solid package. I was pleasantly surprised by my very positive reaction to it. Certainly recommended!

Gary Tooze