A visually impressive 4K release that highlights the enduring legacy of David Fincher's cult classic
Fight Club returns in a visually striking 4K SteelBook release that showcases the film's gritty atmosphere and enduring appeal.
The first rule of Fight Club: you don't talk about Fight Club.
Chuck Palahniuk (Choke) had an altercation one weekend while camping, but when he returned to work, he was fascinated that none of his coworkers inquired about his injuries. Trained as a writer but working as a diesel mechanic, Palahniuk immediately started formulating the idea for a novel where a seemingly harmless individual consistently shows up for work in an increasingly disheveled state with bruises on his face and body. Thus, Palahniuk's first published novel, Fight Club, was born.
The narrator (Edward Norton; Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)) is a nondescript person who is an automobile recall coordinator who suffers from insomnia. When his doctor suggests he attend a cancer support group to see "what real suffering looks like," he suddenly finds he can cry in such support groups, which releases his pent-up emotions, allowing him to sleep. When he meets a stranger named Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt; Mr. & Mrs. Smith), they become friends and start Fight Club. However, everything starts to unravel when the narrator learns his real identity and Fight Club morphs into a domestic terrorist group led by Durden.
Directed by David Fincher (Seven), Fight Club has some interesting shots, scenes, and transitions. The fight sequences aren't too long and are strategically interspersed between the dramatic moments. The pacing overall, however, is a little slow, especially at the beginning of the film, while the third act seems to fly by as if one were watching a Formula 1 race.
The best part of this release is the upgraded video and audio aspects. Presented in 2160p resolution with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the picture quality is excellent. The copious amounts of blood seen in the film have a rich and deep red hue with a tinge of black to make it look authentic. The shabby and run-down look of Tyler's dwelling feels authentic, and just watching it made me want to get a tetanus shot and invest in bug spray and insect traps.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 gives the soundtrack a rich and robust feel while it highlights the dialogue. The effects (i.e., punching sounds - fists connecting with face) feel and sound authentic, making the fight scenes truly come alive.
This release has a very "cool-looking" SteelBook with a bar of pink bubble gum soap splashed across the cover. However, there aren't any "goodies" accompanying the set, such as a poster or postcards, but there are several extras.
Sadly, while said extras are plentiful, they are all archival, with nothing new added for this release. The extras are Commentary by Director David Fincher, Commentary by David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton & Helena Bonham Carter, Writers' Commentary by Chuck Palahniuk and Jim Uhls, Technical Commentary by Alex McDowell, Jeff Cronenweth, Michael Kaplan & Kevin Haug, A Hit in the Ear: Ren Klyce and the Sound Design of Fight Club, Flogging Fight Club Featurette, Insomniac Mode: I Am Jack's Search Index, Work Behind-the-Scenes Vignettes with Multiple, Angles and Commentary, Deleted and Alternate Scenes, Publicity Material Trailers, TV and Internet Spots, PSAs, Music Video, Promotional Galleries, and Art Galleries.
Fight Club has gained quite a following since it was first released in 1999, and fans absolutely love the film. I, however, don't typically enjoy watching boxing, and since I also found the beginning of the movie to drag on a bit, I can't say I loved it. I did appreciate the complexity of the story with the "surprise" reveal at the end, but overall, I don't think I would want to watch Fight Club over and over again. For those who do, though, this collector's SteelBook edition is a must purchase to keep for many years to come.
Grade: B+
