‘Dark Blue’ (2002) [Imprint] 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review – Kurt Russell Leads Gritty Look At Police Corruption

Starring Kurt Russell, Ving Rhames, and Brendan Gleeson, director Ron Shelton helmed Dark Blue (2002), a tense tale of corruption and obsession, packed with explosive drama and twisted police brutality. Set in the Los Angeles Police Department in 1992, Dark Blue is a thriller that takes place just days before the acquittal of four white officers in the beating of black motorist Rodney King and the subsequent L.A. riots. In this racially charged climate, the LAPD’s elite Special Investigations Squad is assigned a quadruple homicide. As they work the case, Detective Eldon (Kurt Russell) tutors SIS rookie Bobby (Scott Speedman) in the realities of police intimidation and corruption.

For thoughts on Dark Blue, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: 

Video Quality

Imprint Films debuts Dark Blue on 4K UHD Blu-Ray in the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 courtesy of a new 4K restoration of the Original 35mm Camera Negative in 2160p with Dolby Vision/HDR. The new master looks pretty amazing, but the execution on disc does not completely live up to the full potential. This label is based in Australia, but both the 4K UHD and Blu-Ray discs in this set will play in all 4K UHD and Blu-Ray players, including those in the United States. The film was previously released on Blu-Ray in the US from an older master by MGM in 2009 and Olive Films in 2015. We have the latter disc, and this new presentation easily outpaces anything that has come before. Nevertheless, we wish it could be more consistent, given the price tag. 

The standout aspect of this disc is the implementation of Dolby Vision, which dials in the color palette to its most precise state. This is a dingy, gritty environment, which complements the moral rot of the characters, and every shade is represented thoughtfully. The lighting elements, clothing, and production design all stand out in their own ways. You also get a mighty handling of the contrast and overall clarity. Black levels are deep and allow the picture to provide a sterling amount of depth in the shadows. Highlights are dialed in and deliver stability without veering into blooming. There is also no notable print damage thanks to a thoughtful restoration process. 

It is also a pleasure to report that this transfer retains the natural film grain, which keeps this feature from looking overly crisp and sterile. There is impeccable facial detail, such as stubble and perspiration, as well as texture on clothing and within the production design. Under ideal circumstances, this could be an A-tier presentation that ranks among our favorites from this era. Where the disc comes up short is in the encoding, as the screen gets a bit blocky when things stumble with the compression. Imprint has had some discs that were perfectly encoded in the past, but this does not come close. The remaster gets props for looking strong, but it just isn’t executed well. Those who are less sensitive to these issues may generally be pleased with how this looks, but most dedicated physical media fans will want better. 

Audio Quality

Imprint Films brings us this new 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio surround sound track and an LPCM 2.0 stereo track that offer a dynamic audio experience. The environmental effects are in full effect from the opening scene, and every sound is distinguished effectively, including kicking in doors and plenty of gunfire. The soundtrack crafts a specific mood for this story, and every tune comes through with impeccable fidelity alongside the amazing Terence Blanchard score. Dialogue emerges clearly without being drowned out by the music or other natural effects. The track does not experience any overt damage or distortion. Imprint Films has delivered a first-rate audio experience. Optional English HOH subtitles are provided on this disc.

Special Features

The Imprint 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Dark Blue includes an exclusive 60-page hardcover booklet with an essay from film historian Samm Deighan and production notes. This explores the legacy of the feature, its themes, the background of the creative figures, and more, which is very illuminating. There is also a foldout poster featuring the film’s main cover art. The on-disc special features are as follows: 

• Audio Commentaries: A new and archival commentary track is provided which delves into the production in great detail with the creatives and analyzes the film from a historical perspective.

• • Audio Commentary #1: Film historians Alain Silver and Jim Ursini

• • Audio Commentary #2: Director Ron Shelton

• Out of Policy – Interview with Director Ron Shelton: A new 18-minute interview with the filmmaker in which he discusses being boxed into certain genres, rewriting elements of the script when he came on board, the casting of various roles, working with the performers, and more. 

• Brothers In Arms – Interview with Producers Caldecot Chubb and David Blocker: A new 23-minute discussion between the producers in which they discuss the development of the script, working with director Ron Shelton, bringing together the ensemble, and more. 

• A Source of Strength – Interview with Actress Lolita Davidovich: A new 16-minute interview with the actress in which she discusses what appealed to her about the character, the expansion of her role, the collaborative nature on set, and more. 

• Settling the Score – Interview with Composer Terence Blanchard: A new 17-minute interview with the composer in which he discusses how he judged which moments could handle a more pronounced score, getting his start with Spike Lee, his creative process, and more. 

• Code Blue – Archival Making-Of Featurette: An 18-minute vintage piece in which the cast and creative team discuss the production of the film. 

• By the Book – Archival Interview with Art Director Tom Taylor, Production Designer Dennis Washington, and Costume Designer Kathryn Morrison: A seven-minute look at the design elements of the film with the department heads. 

• Necessary Force – Archival Interview with Technical Advisor Bob Souza: A seven-minute piece in which a professional law enforcement official discusses the real-life units depicted in the film. 

• The Fire Next Time – Archival Featurette: A three-minute look at the importance of the city to this story. 

• Archival Interview Clips with Cast and Crew (15:53)

• Trailer (1:57)

• TV Spots (1:35)

• B-Roll Footage (18:42) 

Final Thoughts

Dark Blue is an underrated cop drama from the early 2000s that shows corruption with an unflinching eye. Kurt Russell has always been a personal favorite, and it is a treat to see him sink his teeth into a morally compromised character who never slips into cartoonish villainy. The rest of the ensemble provides a good foundation, as well, including several performers who would gain more popularity in the following decades. The film is paced very well and includes plenty of thrilling developments throughout. It is great to see it get a new lease on life with this release. Imprint Films has delivered a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray that offers a mixed bag of an A/V presentation and some amazing special features. Recommended

The Imprint Films edition of Dark Blue is now available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Imprint Films has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.