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Fargo: Collector's Edition
[Blu-ray 4K]
Blu-ray ALL - America - Shout! Factory Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (28th November 2023). |
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The Film
 "Fargo" has left an indelible mark on popular culture, solidifying its importance as a cinematic touchstone. Beyond its critical acclaim and commercial success, the film has become a cultural reference point, inspiring countless works across various media. The distinctive accents and quirky dialogue of its characters have seeped into the vernacular, with phrases like "You betcha" and "Oh, jeez" becoming instantly recognizable. The film's exploration of the mundane colliding with the criminal has influenced subsequent crime dramas, inspiring a sub-genre that combines dark humor with intense storytelling. "Fargo" has not only shaped the landscape of filmmaking but has also contributed to the broader cultural conversation, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to resonate with audiences and creators alike and Shout! Factory has finally given us a brilliant new 4K scan of the film to enjoy. The film revolves around Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a financially desperate car salesman in Minnesota, who hatches a plan to have his wife Jean (Kristin Rudrüd) kidnapped in order to extort ransom money from his wealthy father-in-law Wade Gustafson (Harve Presnell). Jerry hires two criminals, Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) and Gaear Grimsrud (Peter Stormare), for the kidnapping. However, things quickly spiral out of control as the bumbling criminals and the pregnant but persistent Police Chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) become entangled in a series of violent and unforeseen events. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, stands as a testament to the Coen brothers' unique ability to blend dark humor, suspense, and character depth into a cinematic masterpiece. Released in 1996, the film not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved cult status for its distinctive narrative and unforgettable characters. One of the film's strongest assets is its compelling narrative structure. "Fargo" unfolds in a series of interconnected events, with each scene meticulously crafted to advance the plot. The Coen brothers' use of a non-linear timeline adds a layer of complexity, keeping the audience engaged as they piece together the puzzle of crime and deception. This narrative strategy elevates the film from a typical crime thriller to an intellectually stimulating cinematic experience. The film's setting plays a crucial role in establishing its unique atmosphere. Set against the snow-covered landscapes of Minnesota, the chilling cold becomes a metaphor for the emotional detachment and moral ambiguity that permeate the characters' lives. The Coen brothers use this backdrop to create an almost surreal environment, enhancing the film's overall mood and contributing to its darkly comedic undertones. Central to the film's success is its stellar cast, led by Frances McDormand in her Academy Award-winning role as Marge Gunderson. McDormand's portrayal of the pregnant police chief is a masterclass in nuanced acting, infusing Marge with a perfect blend of intelligence, warmth, and humor. As a result, the character has become an iconic representation of female strength in cinema. The supporting cast, including William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, and John Carroll Lynch, deliver performances that seamlessly complement the film's offbeat tone and all add unique and interesting characters that are undeniably memorable. "Fargo" is also notable for its exploration of the human condition within the context of crime. The characters, though engaging in morally questionable actions, are portrayed with a depth that transcends mere criminal archetypes. This nuance allows the audience to empathize with their flaws and vulnerabilities, adding a layer of complexity to the traditional crime genre. The film's dark humor is another defining feature, with the Coen brothers skillfully navigating the fine line between tragedy and comedy. The juxtaposition of gruesome violence with witty dialogue creates a unique viewing experience, leaving the audience unsure whether to cringe or laugh—an artistic achievement that sets the film apart from conventional crime films. Back in 1996 there simply wasn't anything like it before. On a technical level, the film excels in its cinematography and score. Roger Deakins' cinematography captures the stark beauty of the snow-covered landscapes, while Carter Burwell's haunting score complements the film's atmospheric tension, enhancing key moments and deepening the emotional impact. Deakins would earn an Oscar nomination for his work, and it's a damn shame that Burwell's score wasn't nominated, it should have been, even today it stands as one of the most unique and interesting scores ever composed for film. 27 years later, "Fargo" remains a cinematic gem that has stood the test of time. Its intricate narrative, memorable characters, dark humor, and artistic craftsmanship make it a compelling exploration of crime and morality. The Coen brothers' ability to seamlessly blend genres and deliver a film that is both thought-provoking and entertaining cements it as a classic in the annals of cinema.
Video
Presented in the film's original theatrical ratio 1.85:1 widescreen mastered in 4K 2160p 24/fps using HEVC compression and enhanced with HDR10 and Dolby Vision, this transfer is a brand new restoration from the original camera negative and has been supervised and approved by Cinematographer Roger Deakins. Shout! took their time in releasing this film, it was announced they were working on it over a year ago and fans were champing at the bit for the disc to finally come out, and here we are. For the first time in 4K and more importantly a brand new transfer that looks stunning. When I say "stunning" I mean it, this film looks gorgeous in 4K, Deakins took his time in making sure this presentation would be the most accurate to the filmmaker's vision and the wait was entirely worth it. The image is clean, crisp, detailed, shows off subtle textured, film grain is embraced and not scrubbed, skin tones look great, depth is immense, blacks are deep and bold. There is literally nothing I could find to fault this transfer. As far as we're concerned this is the most definitive version of the film available on home video and a must in terms of an immediate upgrade.
Audio
Two audio tracks are included in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo. For the purposes of this film I chose to view it with its 5.1 surround track and just like the picture the audio is another winner. Clean and clear dialogue, excellent depth that helps immerse the viewer with its brilliantly mixed and subtle surround activity, matched with the score, you can't go wrong. Optional subtitles are included in English for the hearing impaired.
Extras
Shout! Has included a decent package of extras, below is a closer look. DISC ONE: 4K UHD This disc features the film in 4K 2160p 24/fps and accompanying it is a feature-length audio commentary with director of photography Roger Deakins, originally recorded back in 2003, Deakins is a legend of his craft and listening to him is a pleasure. He talks about his involvement in the film, how they approach the shoot, the challenges they faced, and on his relationship with the Coens among other things. DISC TWO: BLU-RAY This disc features the standard 1080p HD version of the film and the samefeature-length audio commentary with director of photography Roger Deakins is also included here. Next up is the "Minnesota Nice" a 2003 featurette (27:48) features the usual collection of cast and crew interviews about the making of the film. Interview with Joel and Ethan Coen, and Frances McDormand by Charlie Rose (20:32), a round table interview from Rose's show. The film's original theatrical trailer (1:58) is included. As is a TV spot (0:33), the "American Cinematographer" article (15:57) compromising of 37 pages, and finally a photo gallery (5:57) with production stills.
Packaging
Packaged in a 2-disc keep case housed in a cardboard slip-case.
Overall
"Fargo" transcends genres, standing as a classic that combines intellectual stimulation with emotional impact, offering a unique and enduring cinematic experience. This new 4K is a considerable upgrade over all previous editions, despite not having any new extras it's worthy of an upgrade.
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