7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Paul Newman makes his directorial debut in this sweeping saga. Based on the best-selling novel from author Ken Kesey (ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST), the story focuses on a two-fisted Oregon family that busks their close-knit timber community to deliver a shipment of logs in defiance of a strike. In the process, one man is killed, the family patriarch (Henry Fonda) is injured, and the eldest son (Paul Newman) almost loses his wife (Lee Remick) to his half brother (Michael Sarrazin). Filled with complex characters and issues that still resonate today, SOMETIMES A GREAT NOTION is an intense and riveting portrait of life set against the rugged backdrop of logging.
Starring: Paul Newman, Henry Fonda, Lee Remick, Michael Sarrazin, Richard JaeckelDrama | Insignificant |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Paul Newman's "Sometimes a Great Notion" (1970) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Shout Factory. There are no supplemental features on this Blu-ray disc. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.
The final load
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Paul Newman's Sometimes a Great Notion arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Shout Factory.
The high-definition transfer is quite inconsistent. It has been struck from a dated source and more often than not it clearly shows. Generally speaking, detail and clarity range from decent to pleasing, but traces of light to moderate sharpening corrections are visible throughout the entire film. Naturally, during close-ups and larger panoramic shots depth isn't pleasing (see screencapture #9). Light electronic noise also sneaks in from time to time (see screencapture #4). Some grain has been retained, but it is almost always mixed with the aforementioned electronic noise as well as some artifacts. Sharpness levels have also been slightly elevated. Color reproduction is at times adequate, but saturation and stability are not impressive. Some light edge flicker is noticeable. All in all, there is definitely quite a bit of room for serious improvements in practically all of the key areas we typically address in these reviews. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray disc. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location).
There is only one audio track on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. For the record, Shout Factory have provided optional yellow English SDH subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it.
The lossless track opens up the film in all the right places quite well. Generally speaking, there is good depth and even some decent dynamic movement. The dialog is always crisp, stable, and easy to follow. There is no heavy background hiss. Also, there are no audio dropouts and distortions to report in this review.
Unfortunately, there are no supplemental features to be found on this Blu-ray disc.
There are portions of Sometimes a Great Notion that are very good, but it does not work quite that well as one piece. I am not familiar with the film's editing history, but I get the feeling that a lot was left on the cutting floor, including some absolutely crucial scenes. Especially during the final third of the film there are subplots that feel seriously underdeveloped. Still, the cast is outstanding, and the cinematography wonderful. The technical presentation, however, is average at best. RENT IT.
1960
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Limited Edition to 3000
1973
Warner Archive Collection
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Warner Archive Collection
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