Cuba Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Cuba Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 26, 2016

1979’s “Cuba” is director Richard Lester’s attempt to fashion his own “Casablanca,” boldly using elements from the 1942 classic to inspire another tale of tight-jawed love in a turbulent corner of the world. Not a helmer known for warmth, Lester keeps matters characteristically calm for this exploration of a country on the brink of revolution, showing more interest in the details of the land and its inhabitants than he does the lead characters, who often seem stuck without emotions as the picture investigates unrest and desire at the end of a political era.

Sean Connery and Brooke Adams portray the distanced lovers, reunited in Cuba during the revolutionary year of 1959. She’s struggling with her position as power shifts throughout the nation, and he’s an aged warrior dealing with a new frontier of moral ambiguity. The story doesn’t indulge heartache in full, but it plays with romantic intentions, using such warmth to pull viewers in while the rest of the story identifies Cuban divide as American interests generate local poverty, inspiring initial plans to retake the country. Performances are acceptable (the cast includes Hector Elizondo, Martin Balsam, and Chris Sarandon), but Lester likes to keep a tight leash on passion, almost afraid to indulge a romantic mood despite the production’s natural inclination towards yearning.

Cuba Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is inviting, providing a clear, filmic look at production achievements. Detail is interesting throughout, best served with close-ups and set decoration, while the naturalistic aspects of the locations are open for survey. Colors are secure and accurate, finding life in period costuming and expansive greenery. Skintones are natural. Delineation manages well, preserving colder cinematography. Source offers speckling, but remains in good shape.

Cuba Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is kneecapped from the start, as "Cuba" features exceptionally artificial ADR work, which gives the film a hollow sound for long stretches of screentime. This is an inherent problem, but comfort is additionally diluted by hiss and pops that carry throughout the listening event, and some fluctuating levels. Dialogues exchanges are easy enough to follow, though emotional highs tend to be on the crispy side. Scoring is best when fully engaged, offering comfortable instrumentation and emphasis.

Cuba Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:55, SD) is included.

Cuba Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Saving "Cuba" is style, with the local atmosphere coming through vividly, isolating economic divides and naturalistic beauty, with cinematographer David Watkin contributing impressive work as the grit, humidity, and mystery of the land is cinematically represented. If only the rest of the effort enjoyed such creative precision, as "Cuba" tends to underwhelm where it matters the most.