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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (April 2021): Kino have transferred Dennis Hopper's Neo-Noir The Hot Spot to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "Brand New 2K Master – Color Graded and Approved by Cinematographer Ueli Steiger ". It is on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate and the resulting image is very strong. Now, this was available previously in 1080P by Shout! Factory in a double feature with Killing Me Softly HERE. We don't have it on-hand to compare but it stands to reason the Kino is a step-up technically. Ueli Steiger's early usage in the film of coral filters is event giving the image a beautiful pink-hued look. The art direction of John Frick and Michael J. Sullivan evokes a very retro-noir-ish feel (50's cars, coca-cola machines, signs, fashion etc.). It really is gorgeous with tight close-ups and depth notable. 

NOTE: We have added 72 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Kino offer the choice of DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround or 2.0 channel stereo tracks (16-bit) in the original English language. There are a few adroit separations and intense effects. The film's score is by Jack Nitzsche (Blue Collar, The Indian Runner, Hardcore, The Crossing Guard, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Personal Best, 9 1/2 Weeks) with featured musicians John Lee Hooker, Miles Davis and Taj Mahal. There is other music in the film; Billy Squier's The Stroke appropriately played in the strip joint plus Chopin's Love Theme, some Hank Williams Jr., k.d. lang, Roosevelt Williams suiting a small-town atmosphere etc. . Kino offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray offers a new commentary by author Bryan Reesman who gives and overview of Noir, films codes, talks about the book, how it deviates from the film etc. he has done extensive research with Google Maps to cite locations in the film, buildings, restaurants etc., he discusses Hopper's life, what Virginia Madsen had to say about the film - her nudity, Connelly and Don Johnson's careers prior to The Hot Spot , Hopper wearing a suit everyday in the blazing Texas sun, the foreshadowing of Harry Madox's (Johnson) jail time and much more.  It is very through but his breakneck pace in the first 15-minutes was nerve-racking. I don't recall anyone speaking so quickly in my life. After that he calms and the information he imparts is most interesting and supports appreciation of The Hot Spot. There are also new interview with, still lovely, Virginia Madsen (Fire With Fire) and highly recognizable actor William Sadler (The Shawshank Redemption, The Mist) recollecting the production. Lastly is a theatrical trailer and the package has a slipcase as well as a reversible sleeve (see below.)   

Don Johnson does a decent job as the Mitchum-character - a morally-bankrupt drifter entangled with an equally self-serving femme-fatale (Madsen) while courting a virginal, helpless, angelic Jennifer Connelly - at age 19, playing 18-year-old Gloria. Certainly a 'Madonna-Whore' expression is evident. Dennis Hopper's The Hot Spot is fabulous and sexy Neo-Noir. I loved every minute of it. There is a definite Noir homage vibe supported by Hopper and the excellent a/v Kino Blu-ray is also stacked with the excellent commentary and interviews. Delicious stuff. Strongly recommended!

Gary Tooze