The Big Lebowski (HD-DVD)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B Extras: C Film: C+
When The
Coen Brothers began making films, they were the most formidable duo around with
gems like Blood Simple, Miller’s Crossing and Barton Fink. Still formidable, they decided to change
course leaning more towards their own special brand of demented humor. With The
Big Lebowski in 1998, that sensibility took over and sometimes to the
detriment of their edge as filmmakers.
There are some who enjoy that and others who do not.
First, an
enthusiastic previous review:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/3027/The+Big+Lebowski+-+Collector
Though it
is a professional, well-rounded and even funny film, it just never worked for
me. I want to see any filmmakers grow,
but this was more of one of their lightweight films for me. The cast performances by Jeff Bridges, John
Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi and John Turturro are good, while The
Coens have made a well-rounded film, but it is an acquired taste and one that
has achieved a cult status that is growing.
The 1080p
1.85 X 1 VC-1 digital High Definition image is just enough of an improvement
from the previous DVDs to justify this HD-DVD edition, though the print copy
still has its issues after what The Coens went through to save the film. The Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 mix is only a tad
better than its standard Dolby mix from the DVD, showing the age of the sound
and soundmaster materials. I only
wondered if this might have been better in DTS.
Except for the Achiever’s Edition
bonus bowling towel, et al, the extras are the same here as the previous
Universal DVD edition at the above link.
- Nicholas Sheffo
