American Buffalo
Blu-ray Company: Twilight Time
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Franz, Sean Nelson
Plot: Product Description: A small-time heist. A trio of losers. This stylized parody of classic
gangster films reveals some profound truths about “free enterprise” even as it
gives us a look at three resonant sad-sacks born into the “land of
opportunity.”
My Review and Thoughts:
Film: 3/5
I have to admit this is not a film that I watch over and
over. This is only the third time seeing it. It’s not a film that I overly enjoy
or talk about. Some will find this film more appealing than others, but this is
just one of those films that I really have to say, I don’t care that much for.
This review is for the film and product. So I will mainly speak of the product.
The product has no flaw. The beautiful amazing transfer of the film onto
Blu-ray is an excellent example of creating a new outlet for this film.
American Buffalo has not looked any better. Twilight Time Blu-ray has crafted a
product that stands out in vibrant colors, through an amazing transfer, and the
ultimate sound quality is utterly brilliant.
This is a dark comedy, drama written by one the greatest
writers of film and plays of all time. David Mamet is a master at crafting a
story that actors can thoroughly become the characters. His stories, and utter mastery through dialogue, and playing off each other, as the chemistry flourishes
on screen, is an art form that very few film/play writers have. Mamet has the
ability to create dynamic dialogue, and story. From film masterpieces like 1991’s
Homicide, 1992’s Glengarry Glen Ross, the much underrated 1992’s Hoffa, and the
much underappreciated 2005’s Edmond, among many others.
Mamet is a word god. And
American Buffalo showcases that brilliance in many ways.
American Buffalo is
from the stage play also written by Mamet and I feel in my personal view, probably
should have stayed there. But I want to make something clear, some like this
movie, and some don’t. Either way you look at it, it has the beauty and mastery
of Mamet all over it. The film is what it is, simple and most of all clichéd in
many ways.
The movie lacks a lot in the action, or anything taking
place, the film seems long winded. The movie has all the wonderful dialogue and
that hypnotic reality that Mamet uses through his words, or structure of script.
The plot is very simple. You have basically three characters, Donny, Teach and
Bobby. Donny runs a junk shop. Bobby and Teach spends most of the day at the
Junk shop. Teach starts coming up with a plain about robbing a home that supposed
to have a safe filled with rare coins. That is the plot of the story and
everything else happens around this plot.
Something that stands out about this is the flawless cinematography
and music. The cinematography by Richard Crudo stands out. He adds a run down,
decay style yet cinematic storytelling in imagery to this film. That one thing
that I feel really works for this movie is the sets or locations filmed. They
give a down to earth, personal reality to average everyday life.
The cast is brilliant. The amazing one of a kind Dustin
Hoffman needs no introduction to the acting world. Hoffman has always graced
cinema with total mastery, from my personal favorites like, Midnight Cowboy,
Straw Dogs, Marathon Man, Hook, and Lenny which Twilight Time Blu-ray has
released, you can read my review for it here: MY REVIEW . Also starring someone I have
always felt never got the fandom or praise he deserved, and that’s Dennis Franz.
Franz is an amazing performer, and the role of Don in American Buffalo is no
different. I also loved Sean Nelson as Bob. Nelson brought a freshness to the
role, and gave a younger side to the heavy laced plot.
Audio/Video: 5/5
1080P High Definition 1.85:1
Audio English 2.0 DTS-HD MA
Subtitles: English SDH
Nothing wrong in this department. It is beautiful both in image and sound.
Extras: 3/5
Isolated music track. Awesome special feature due to the
wonderful music by Thomas Newman. Newman is truly a wonderful musician that has
worked on some of the great films in cinema history, The Lost Boys, Fried
Green Tomatoes, The Shawshank Redemption, American Beauty, Erin Brockovich, In the
Bedroom, The Help and so many others. His style as musician and composer is
something that truly stands out in the films that he graces with his talent.
Audio Commentary with Film Historians Julie Kirgo and Nick
Redman. A great listen for any fan of cinema. Both Kirgo and Redman are true
cinema loving masters. Anytime they do these commentaries they showcase the importance of cinema.
Original Theatrical Trailer.
Insert Booklet by Film Historian Julie Kirgo, which I always
state is a wonderful added feature to these Blu-ray releases.
Overall:
If you have never seen it, it’s worth a watch, if you wish to own
it, this Blu-ray is the only way to go. A nice, beautiful, vibrant transfer
with excellent audio. Highly recommend this blu-ray.
INFO:
Make sure you head over to www.screenarchives.com to buy all
the wonderful Twilight Time Blu-rays. The main page that gives you these
beautiful releases on top quality Special Editions.
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