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

ADDITION: Masters of Cinema Blu-ray (July 2019): Eureka presents Robert Altman's "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" from a newly updated version of the 2012 TFF funded restoration. The film is located on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc and features a maxed out bitrate. The film has a heavy, thick texture that only emphasizes the authentically modest clarity of the visuals. This was the chosen look of the film (it was, after all, shot on super 16 and then blown up to 35mm.) We may compare to the 2015 Olive Blu-ray but strongly suspect that this Altman film in 1080p looks similar. This transfer is simply a function of how the film and it's low budget roots.

Thankfully, Eureka have chosen to include the film in its original uncompressed linear PCM (24-bit). Given that the film is based on a play, it is a relief that this track features crisp, intelligible dialogue. The music includes Jo Ann Harris' Keep on Walking, The McGuire Sisters' Sincerely, It May Sound Silly, You'll Never Know Till Monday, Seems Like Old Times, If It's a Dream and Melody of Love among others. There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'B' Blu-ray from Eureka's The Masters of Cinema.

There is a new commentary track with Lee Gambin. He talks about Altman's career, specifically in how he explored multiple genres and re-envisioned them. The film historian and author goes on to discuss how "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" falls in line with Altman's trio of female-centric horror films; "That Cold Day in the Park" (with Sandy Denis keeping a man trapped in her house,) "Images" (repressed sexuality and neurosis), and "3 Women" (to which Gambin terms an identity horror film). From there he covers many topics such as the play on which the film was based, to the wonderful cast and crew. This is a very well-researched commentary track, full of fascinating tidbits and asides, typical of Gambin. Kudos to Masters of Cinema for letting him cover this film (he also produced the other extras here on the disc) as he has a clear fondness for "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" and everyone involved. Speaking of those other extras, we get a 25-minute interview with film editor Jason Rosenfield and an 11-minute talk with art director David Gropman. The film's trailer rounds out the disc. There is also a collector's booklet featuring new essays by film critic and writer Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, and Travis Crawford.

How can you go wrong with a Robert Altman adaptation of an outstanding play by Ed Graczyk, starring Sandy Denis, Cher, Karen Black, Kathy Bates, and Mark Patton. The film is a powerful adaptation, with Altman working his magic to emphasize some subtext while creating an uncomfortable sense of the uncanny, not unlike "3 Women". Lee Gambin's commentary is worth the purchase alone, and despite not looking too polished, I would be curious as to how much better this film could look (given its super 16mm roots). Absolutely recommended to Region 'B' fans that didn't get the commentary-less Region 'A' Olive Blu-ray from 2015. 

Colin Zavitz