The brilliant Gena Rowlands (A Woman Under the Influence, Opening Night) gives an Oscar-nominated performance (Best Actress, 1980) as an ex-gun moll and showgirl suddenly forced to protect a six-year-old kid in Gloria. Pioneering director and Rowlands’ partner, John Cassavetes (Faces, Husbands), known for his unique approach to filmmaking, creates a powerful, tension-filled story. An accountant (Buck Henry, Heaven Can Wait) is in possession of a ledger which could put a number of mob bosses behind bars for a long time. Before he is killed, however, he manages to entrust the ledger and his son to a neighbor, Gloria, for protection. Gloria reluctantly takes the kid on the run while keeping the mob at bay, sometimes at the point of a gun. Finally, tired of running, she decides to confront them head on!
For thoughts on Gloria (1980), please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
[youtube https://youtu.be/EXMMI2aDpio?t=950]
Video Quality
Gloria (1980) returns to Blu-Ray with a digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer that does not appear to be a new master but looks good regardless. This film was previously released on Blu-Ray via Twilight Time which is long out of print. I do not have that disc, making direct comparisons impossible. This new presentation is unlikely to disappoint fans with only a few minor issues holding it back.
This transfer retains the natural film grain which brings forth a greater level of detail. The grain can occasionally get especially gritty, but mostly it resolves well without clumping or swarming. Clarity and texture is strong with skin tones that look natural with nuances on display in closeups. Print damage is not a persistent issue with only fleeting specks visible. The transfer provides some distinct textures within the clothing and the production design. Colors appear slightly dull but this matches the grimy nature of the city. Black levels could be a bit more substantial in their depth with some loss of detail in darker moments. This new presentation from Kino Classics honors the aesthetic of the film despite the lack of a new master.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray comes with a fine DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that serves this movie without issue. While this narrative has consistent exchanges of dialogue, largely from the young kid, there is a special emphasis placed on the environmental elements of the bustling city. Dialogue works very well with all competing elements for a pleasing audio experience. The score never overshadows the dialogue or other important information. This track presents with a very slight amount of age related wear and tear in a few places, but nothing that would pull you out of the experience. Kino Classics has provided a worthy sonic experience for this one. There are optional English subtitles included for the feature film.
Special Features.
- Trailers: There is a Trailer #1 (3:09) and Trailer #2 (2:57) provided for Gloria. There are also trailers provided for Gloria (1999), Gorky Park, 52 Pick-Up, Code Of Silence, Number One With A Bullet and Lonely Are The Brave.
Final Thoughts
Gloria (1980) is not an obvious effort for John Cassavetes on the face of it, but the filmmaker brings the personal and human to what might otherwise be a straightforward genre picture. Gena Rowlands takes this even further with a performance full of fire and determination which makes you completely buy into this journey. The feature does feel a bit more stretched out than necessary, but overall this is a really entertaining piece of filmmaking. Kino Classics has delivered a Blu-Ray release that sports a good A/V presentation but almost nothing in the way of special features. If you are a fan of the talent involved, this should earn a place in your collection. Recommended
Gloria (1980) is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Kino Classics 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
