Film

Bryan Reviews ‘Trainspotting’!!! (A Blu-Ray Review)

ByBryan Kluger

Oct 12, 2011 danny boyle, drug, drugs, ewan mcgregor, jedi, jonny lee miller, robert carlyle, trainspotting

Hi Bryan Here….

This is such a delight to have on blu-ray. Danny Boyle’s first film sets the bar pretty high. Of course Boyle would go on to direct ‘127 Hours’, ’28 Days Later’, and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. But Trainspotting was an instant cult classic and starred a wide variety of then at the time unknown stars, but today are A-list actors. I have still not seen a film that has shown me the true distinction of agony and satisfaction as perfectly as this film did. Seeing the constant struggle with drug addiction and the highs and lows of going through a drug addiction was quite entertaining and so tragic. This dark comedy will take you through an insane psychadellic journey of devastation, pleasure, and the ultimate high. That is ‘Trainspotting’ for you.

THE FILM

Based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh, the film follows the lives of five close friends, Renton (Ewan McGregor), Sick Boy (Johnny Lee Miller), Spud (Ewen Bremner), Tommy (Kevin McKidd), and Begbie (Robert Carlyle), as they try to avoid the normal functions and life while they embark on a heroine and multi drug adventure. The film follows Renton closer than the other characters and we see his struggle to kick his drug habit and his recovery or lack their of due to his idiot friends. ‘Trainspotting’ does not follow the normal flow of film. There is not a central story plot really, but rather several stories woven together that shows us the lives of these drug riddle characters and their own personal struggle with addiction. The subject matter is not for the weak willed. There is some shit that goes on in this film, but it is done in such a dark and twisted comedic matter that you it will make you laugh, but feel guilty about it. Boyle definitely takes it to the next level with this visceral drug fueled cinema experience. An instant modern classic.

THE AUDIO/VISUAL

The movie is presented in a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio and it looks beautiful, yet real. There are a few hints of dust here and there, but nothing too noticeable. There is a very thin layer of grain in certain moments. The colors of the movie are filmed in this dark and plain manner, so the colors, while they look much more vibrant and bright from past releases, don’t pop out at you. But, needless to say, this video presentation is the best I have ever seen this film since the theatre release. The audio is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track along with optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles. The film’s killer soundtrack is fucking awesome in this audio mix. And the dialogue is crystal clear and dynamite sounding. Excellent audio presentation all around. Great job.

THE EXTRAS

Audio Commentary by Danny Boyle, Andrew Macdonald, John Hodge, and Ewan McGregor – Compiled from interviews recorded with the participants in 1996. It is quite fun to listen to. The filmmakers provide lots of details on various aspects of the movie’s production, including locations, casting, changes from the book, the look of the film, getting someone to actually let them use their baby in the movie, and information on deleted material.

Deleted Scenes (SD, 11 min) – Nine deleted scenes are available to watch separately or together, with or without commentary by the filmmakers. The scenes offer a bit more backstory and flesh out some of the secondary characters and were all cut either for time or to help shift the focus more clearly toward Renton.

Look of the Film (SD) – Two featurettes are included here. “Then” (4 min) features a vintage interview with the production designer showing off various visual references and inspirations for the movie. “Now” (3 min) includes interviews with the filmmakers conducted in 2003 further discussing the heightened visuals of the picture.

Sound of the Film (SD) – The sound of the movie is the focus here with two more featurettes once again separated into “Then” (8 min) and “Now” (5 min) sections. “Then” features an interview with Danny Boyle and Andrew Macdonald conducted during the movie’s original sound mixing and “Now” includes 2003 interviews with the filmmakers all discussing the sound design process and the importance of the music tracks used.

Interviews (SD) – Interviews with Irvine Welsh (5 min), John Hodge (8 min), Danny Boyle (15 min), and Andrew Macdonald (11 min) are all viewable separately. The participants discuss various aspects of the movie’s production including adapting the book, casting, financing, and audience reaction to the finished product.

Behind the Needle (SD) – This is an in depth look at creating one of the shots where Renton injects himself with heroin. Three different angles are available to view that feature either Danny Boyle watching and commenting on behind-the-scenes footage, the raw footage itself, or a split screen view of both (6 min). Also included is a brief interview with Ewan McGregor labeled “Calton Athletic Boys” (30 sec) that features the actor discussing his experiences with real drug addicts.

The Making of Trainspotting (SD, 10 min) – This is a basic making of featurette that includes on-set interviews with the cast and crew and some behind-the-scenes footage.

Cannes (SD) – Interviews with Martin Landau (1 min), Noel Gallagher (2 min), Damon Albarn (1 min), and Ewan McGregor (1 min) are included from the Cannes Film Festival where the movie screened out of competition. A brief Cannes Snapshot (2 min) is also presented that offers a quick look at the film’s screening party and includes more brief interviews with various stars.

Gallery (SD, 5 min) – This is a slideshow of production stills and on-set photos.

Theatrical Teaser (SD, 1 min) – The movie’s teaser is included in standard definition.

Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2 min) – The movie’s trailer is included in standard definition.

THE ULTIMATE WORD

This is one of the best drug fueled films ever made. The acting is out of this world by everyone and the direction is top notch by Boyle. There is violence, drugs, romance, comedy, and some real tragic shit rolled up in to this film. The soundtrack kicks ass and the audio/video presentation is a lot better from its previous releases. This is definitely worth getting and owning. An instant classic. Plus it has a jedi in it.

-Bryan Kluger

By Bryan Kluger

Former husky model, real-life Comic Book Guy, genre-bending screenwriter, nude filmmaker, hairy podcaster, pro-wrestling idiot-savant, who has a penchant for solving Rubik's Cubes and rolling candy cigarettes on unreleased bootlegs of Frank Zappa records.

Film News

ByBryan Kluger

By Bryan Kluger

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