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

ADDITION: Imprint Blu-ray (April 2023): Imprint have transferred Joseph Ruben's Return to Paradise to Blu-ray. It is cited as being "from a 4K scan of the original negative". The 1080P looks marginally digitized although I could find no extreme examples of edge enhancement - only a touch of low frequency halos. It looks a shade overly smooth and flat but this is consistent and may be a function of the source. The oddly lit Southeast Asia beach scenes were filmed in Thailand. Grain is not prevalent. Home theater aficionados sensitive to this should be warned. This appearance, while certainly not ideal, didn't deter my enjoyment of this strong film. 

NOTE: We have added 44 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Imprint offer the option of a DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track or a, surprisingly more robust, linear PCM stereo track - both 24-bit and both in the original English language. I didn't note a lot of discreet separations in the surround. Return to Paradise has aggressive moments but none that stand out with egregious bass. It is clean and clear. The pleasing score was by Mark Mancina (Beyond Suspicion, also with Anne Heche.) Some may also note Domenico Scarlatti's Sonata In F Minor. I liked the suspenseful interludes and tropical flare. The dialogue is consistent and audio effects supportive via the lossless transfers. Imprint offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Imprint Blu-ray offers new interviews with director Joseph Ruben ('Force Majeure: Directing Return to Paradise') for 1/2 hour and composer Mark Mancina ('A Godless Place: Scoring Return to Paradise') for a dozen minutes. These are relevant reflections on the film from over 20-year ago. Certainly of interest. There are also brief archival interviews with actors Vince Vaughn + Anne Heche plus another, longer one, with Joaquin Phoenix. Lastly is a theatrical trailer. 

Joseph Ruben's Return to Paradise is a well-made film that totally slipped through my radar. It offers a look at the moral dilemma of two friends, played by Vince Vaughn and David Conrad, returning to accept responsibility for a drug charge in Malaysia which in-turn saves a third friend (Joaquin Phoenix) from a death sentence. If one of them returns, it will be six years in prison but if they both come back it's three years apiece. Hmmm... The judge gives a compelling speech on respecting the customs of the country with reasons behind their strong stance while castigating the US and how drugs are destroying their cities. I always find Anne Heche (RIP) likeable and the entire 'emerging star' cast offers deft performances. Strong themes of responsibility and loyalty arise. I found this a very effective film. Despite reservations on the image we applaud the Imprint Blu-ray for bringing Return to Paradise out in 1080P with new supplements. You definitely might want to see this. Certainly recommended!

Gary Tooze