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The Crying Game [Blu-ray]
(Neil Jordan, 1992)
Review by Gary Tooze
Production: Theatrical: Palace Pictures Video: BFI
Disc: Region: 'B' (as verified by the Oppo Blu-ray player) Runtime: 1:52:37.958 Disc Size: 44,323,034,024 bytes Feature Size: 30,439,094,400 bytes Video Bitrate: 29.72 Mbps Chapters: 12 Case: Standard Blu-ray case Release date: February 20th, 2017
Video: Aspect ratio: 2.39:1 Resolution: 1080p / 23.976 fps Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
Audio: LPCM Audio English 2304 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2304 kbps / 24-bit Commentary: LPCM Audio English 2304 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2304 kbps / 24-bit
Subtitles: English (SDH), none
Extras: • The Making of the Crying Game• Audio commentary with writer and director Neil Jordon • Alternative ending with commentary by Neil Jordon (4:55) • Northern Trouble (8:50) • Trailer 1 (1:37)
• Trailer 2 (0:54) DVD
Bitrate:
Description: 'The Troubles' provide the backdrop for a
study of sexual intrigue in this landmark British drama from
director Neil Jordan (Mona
Lisa,
Interview with the Vampire) and producer Stephen
Woolley (Carol).
The Film: Jordan's thriller hangs together at all. After the opening carnival scene, it virtually turns into a statically theatrical two-hander; then, when Fergus reaches London, both locations and focus become more diffuse as the narrative steadily winds itself up for a bloody finale. There's a problem not only in the clumsy structure, but in Jordan's determination to keep surprising us with twists. Even though the whole is never more than the sum of its parts, the film does work, raises a plethora of questions concerning loyalty, violence and the nature of desire, and is in some respects a summation of the various themes that have emerged from Jordan's work. Excerpt from TimeOut located HERE
When the film's subplots, all of which are germane, are stripped away,
"The Crying Game" becomes a tale of a love that couldn't be but proudly
is, although even this love could be a substitute for another love that
never quite was.
Image : NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc. The Crying Game gets an impressive transfer to Blu-ray from BFI. It is dual-layered with a high bitrate for the almost 2-hour feature. Colors are bright and true and there is no noise in the darker sequences. The 1080P supports solid contrast exhibiting healthy, rich black levels and some minor depth in the 2.39:1 frame. It's pristinely clean showcasing some hi-def detail and there are really no flaws with the rendering. Depth is readily apparent. This Blu-ray does an excellent job on the HD video front.
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Audio :The Crying Game is presented with a robust linear PCM stereo track and effects are suported with some depth. The score is by Anne Dudley (Vicky Cristina Barcelona, American History X, Tristan + Isolde.) plus Percy Sledge's When A Man Loves A Woman, Kate Robbins (for Jaye Davidson) and, separately Dave Berry and finally Boy George singing The Crying Game 'theme' composed by Geoff Stephens. It sounds excellent. There are optional English (SDH) subtitles and my Oppo has identified it as being a region 'B'-locked.
Extras : I appreciated the audio commentary with writer and director Neil Jordon who discusses how Nicholas Ray was a big influence, the low budget and the evolution of The Crying Game to the screen. It's rewarding with some short gaps as he lets the film run. There is also a poor (VHS-quality) 5-minute alternative ending with, optional, commentary by Neil Jordon. To get the funding Jordan had to agree to change the ending of The Crying Game. A new ending was subsequently shot. After it was viewed, it was determined that the ending Mr. Jordan had originally written, was the appropriate one for the film. The filmmakers were then given the money to shoot the ending that was in the film today. This alternate ending does give some insights into the process of filmmaking and also gives us a look at The Crying Game that might have been. Northern Trouble is a 9-minute video while touring Belfast and getting some political insights from two individuals. There are also trailers and the package has an illustrated booklet with new essay by film critic Ashley Clark and full credits. NOTE: There is a 'making of' but I had trouble viewing it and have reported that to BFI.
BOTTOM LINE: Gary Tooze February 1st, 2017
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About the Reviewer: Hello, fellow Beavers! I have been interested in film since I viewed a Chaplin festival on PBS when I was around 9 years old. I credit DVD with expanding my horizons to fill an almost ravenous desire to seek out new film experiences. I currently own approximately 9500 DVDs and have reviewed over 5000 myself. I appreciate my discussion Listserv for furthering my film education and inspiring me to continue running DVDBeaver. Plus a healthy thanks to those who donate and use our Amazon links.
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