Blue Velvet is one of cinema’s classics, and it only makes sense that MGM is going to release a tremendous Blu-Ray on the film’s 25th anniversary. After picking up a copy and popping it in, the first thing that viewers will notice is exactly how much care was taken in bringing the film to a contemporary and current set of visuals. After taking in the feature, viewers should check out the different featurettes that were created for this release. This means that, beyond the trailers that are common fare, the original Siskel & Ebert review is contained, along with some footage that was previously thought to be lost. I found myself enthralled by the Mysteries of Love documentary, which provides a tremendous amount of context for the references and trends that I was not yet old enough to pick up on when the film originally was released.
While most of the audio work that is present in these Blu-Ray re-releases are merely cleaning up audio artifacts, I feel that there was additional work done to match the substantial work taken in the video department. While the outtakes that are present on this Blu-Ray break slightly from the immersive aspect of the main film, I personally like seeing the actors behind the roles.
For fans of this David Lynch classic, pony up the $17 or so (online retailers) and have this release be a perfect sort of stocking stuffer. No matter whether the giftee has seen the film in the past or is coming into it with a fresh mind, I feel that the Blue Velvet Blu-Ray should be a purchase. Here’s to hoping that the rest of Lynch’s films get more of the same treatment on their anniversaries.
Rating: 8.5/10
Blue Velvet (Blu-Ray) / 2011 MGM / 120 Minutes / http://www.mgm.com