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

ADDITION: Fun City Editions Blu-ray (November 2023): Fun City Editions have transferred Herbert Ross's T.R. Baskin to Blu-ray. It is on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate. The image is intentionally soft - with a soft lens and showcases very pleasing grain textures. Colors carry some depth (red and yellow clothing) and contrast is adept. The quality is consistent and it was clean. A very fine transfer. 

NOTE: We have added 60 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Fun City Editions use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. T.R. Baskin has no aggressive audio - maybe some planes at O'Hare International airport before the title (7-minutes in.) It's very much dialogue-driven. The score was by Jack Elliott (Support Your Local Gunfighter, The Jerk, many TV movies and series)  sounding subtly supportive with consistent dialogue in the lossless transfer. Fun City Editions offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Fun City Editions Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Ben Reiser and Scott Lucas of 70 Movies We Saw in the 70s. They identify many of the Chicago locations in the film, discuss the structure of the story - editing, how neglected the film is, writer / producer Peter Hyams, they quote director Herbert Ross about T.R. Baskin, talk about the flashback style, Gerald Hirschfeld's cinematography and much more. It's an excellent commentary. 'Get in the Tent,' is a new 1/4 hour interview with producer/writer Peter Hyams discussing the film and his career. The package has a limited edition slipcover with brand-new art by Pip Carter and a booklet with a new essay by Kat Sachs.   

Herbert Ross's T.R. Baskin is a very interesting film that I knew nothing about. The slow pace may deter some but I appreciated how the story was expressed visually without over-explaining dialogue. T.R.'s (Candy Bergen) satirical, wise-cracking, facade eventually breaks down after multiple disappointments with work, her colleagues and men. Just when she thinks she's made an intellectual connection - via a one night stand with Larry (James Caan) - it's not 'love at first sight' but a negotiation - presumably her initiation into escort-like prostitution. She's a practical gal - always knowing she was "different from others". T.R. Baskin may have been considered by some, including director Ross, a mess - but it covers it so well with the performances - cold Bergman, and Hirschfeld's cinematography with unique angles, reflections and shots through hazy windows. It sorely deserved reappraisal and the Fun City Editions Blu-ray will expose it to an appreciative audience; a cold, lesser-seen film, commentary, writer/producer interview, great packaging - absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze