Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.0

Nashville Blu-ray Movie Review

Paramount has released the classic 1975 Robert Altman film 'Nashville' to Blu-ray as part of its prestigious 'Paramount Presents' line. The film has been 'newly remastered' and includes new bonus content. The film has been previously released to Blu-ray, notably in the United States under the Criterion label and also in the United Kingdom by Eureka Entertainment. Needless to say this landmark motion picture has enjoyed a storied history on Blu-ray, and this latest chapter is another excellent release. However, I cannot speak definitively to how this release compares to those previous issues; this is simply a new review of the Paramount disc.

Nashville Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Paramount's new Blu-ray release of Nashville has been "newly remastered from a 4K scan of the original elements." Paramount has certainly released another jewel with this one. The film elements are in fine shape; there are no signs of print deterioration to note and the encode is likewise clean and efficient. Considering its lengthy runtime the lack of artifacts and source wear are to be commended. The picture is beautifully filmic. Grain holds to a fine and firm, organic and original presentation, making for a flattering façade and an authentic appearance for the Blu-ray, recreating a healthy, handsome cinema flavor for home viewing. Details are sharp and expressive. While there are some softer elements inherent to the film, the clarity and textural definition are first rate and perfectly compliment the viewing experience. Faces are, of course, a highlight for up-close clarity and inspection while clothing elements are impressively sharp and well defined down to some of the finer point fabric lines and stitching. Environments delight for clarity and definition across a broad spectrum of interior and exterior locations, from warm and lower light recording studios to beautifully rendered outdoor venues. Colors are expressive and bold. They are nuanced and dialed in to a healthy, neutral contrast. Bright reds and greens prove pleasantly punchy and full. Bright clothing colors -- and there is no shortage of colorful attire to be found throughout the film -- yield satisfying depth and punch. Flesh tones appear spot-on accurate, Black levels are deep and detailed and whites are crisp and satisfying. There's little here to stand in the way of excellence. Paramount continues to dazzle and delight with its "Paramount Presents" line and Nashville is the latest, and one of the most excellent, of the bunch.

Nashville Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Criterion and Eureka both released Nashville to Blu-ray with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtracks and, indeed, that is the same configuration found on this Paramount release. How similar this track may be to those I cannot say, but exploring Dr. Atanasov's reviews it's likely that they are quite similar indeed. Nashville features an interestingly mixed audio presentation. There are frequently multiple layers at work, various "levels" of audio that often see one person, or group of people, speaking simultaneously, detached by space and conversational focus in the film but heard together in the track. Take, for example the sequence near film's start when Barbara Jean de-boards her plane. Dialogue is frequently blended with newscast reports, both telling key parts of the story at the same time. The overall balance is very good; both are audible and clear and, while it's not so easy to fully distinguish them by design, Paramount's mix integrates these dueling, yet complementary, components quite nicely. Similar elements appear throughout. The track further excels with its musical delivery, offering exemplary width and clarity. Surrounds and subwoofer channels are not extensively utilized but the overall feel for roominess and clarity yield an excellent listen.

Nashville Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Nashville includes an audio commentary track, a new featurette, and a trailer. Of course this supplemental package pales in comparison to the Criterion and Eureka releases which included a much larger selection of interviews and making-ofs; serious fans of the film will want to hold on to their other copies to ensure access to the full supplemental suite. This release is the 24th in the "Paramount Presents" line (Paramount touts this as important because "the film follows 24 distinct characters with intersecting storylines over five days in the titular city"). This special release also includes the slipcover with fold-open poster artwork. A digital copy code is included with purchase.

• Audio Commentary: Director Robert Altman.
• NEW! 24 Tracks: Robert Altman's Nashville (1080p, 15:56): Exploring the script's complexity, story development, characters, cast and performances, stories from the shoot, and more.
• Theatrical Trailers (480i): Included are trailers for Nashville (2:12), Popeye (1:56), and Urban Cowboy (3:04).

Nashville Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Dr. Atanasov perfectly positions the film in his review: "Robert Altman's Nashville is a true American classic. Incredibly thought-provoking and brilliantly directed and acted, the film is unquestionably in a league of its own. I personally also believe that it is as relevant today as it was during the '70s." Very well written. Paramount's Blu-ray delivers superb video and excellent audio. One new retrospective featurette is also included on top of a legacy audio commentary track. Highly recommended.