Next of Kin

The Blu Ray presentation of "Next of Kin" showcases an AVC encoded image with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio that struggles notably with black levels, often resulting in murky, indistinguishable evening and low-light scenes where background and costume details are lost. This is further compounded by the film's age, evident in the 1080p transfer that renders much of the picture soft and lacking in vibrancy. Despite this, there is a commendable level of fine detail in certain aspects, particularly in close-ups where facial expressions and some production design intricacies remain evident. The film's use of smoke machines to achieve an "alien" ambiance in the Kentucky sequences is a notable, if not entirely successful, attempt to add visual depth.

Color reproduction is another area where the transfer shows its limitations, with a palette that leans towards the muted and washed out, though primary colors manage to break through this drabness at times, particularly in urban night scenes. Skintones tend towards the pale, and while grain is present, it is consistently heavy throughout the film, not necessarily detracting from the viewing experience but certainly emphasizing the film's vintage. The print's cleanliness is a positive note, with only occasional blips and pops marring the visual presentation.

Overall, the video quality of "Next of Kin" on Blu Ray is reflective of its age and status as a lower-tier catalog title from the late 80s. While there are moments where the detail and cinematic grain offer a glimpse of the film’s original quality, these are consistently overshadowed by issues with black levels, color saturation, and overall sharpness, leaving much to be desired in terms of a modern high-definition viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Next of Kin" on its Blu-ray release is dishearteningly subpar, primarily due to its 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix. The most glaring issue with this mix is its pronounced shrillness, which becomes particularly uncomfortable when paired with soundtrack selections that starkly lack a much-needed balancing bass component. This absence of dimensionality places an overwhelming burden on the front channels, leading to a soundstage that feels notably flat and uninspired. Although dialogue remains intelligible, allowing accents and the pacing of performances to be easily discerned, the overall fidelity and clarity suffer greatly. Moreover, the syncing issues sporadically disrupt the viewing experience, hinting at less-than-ideal ADR work that detracts from the film's auditory cohesion.

Further compounding these issues are the numerous instances of poor ADR execution, which result in a glaring misalignment between the actors' spoken words and their on-screen movements. This problem is not just infrequent but persistent, undermining any attempt to engage fully with the narrative and performances. The mix's deficiencies extend to its handling of music and sound effects; both elements come across as garbled and anemic, respectively. Music lacks the clarity and richness one would expect from a high-definition audio track, while sound effects fail to add any meaningful depth or texture to the film's audio landscape.

In essence, this audio mix presents a litany of frustrations that include, but are not limited to, inadequate syncing, muffled dialogue, and a general lack of clarity and fidelity. Despite the scoring's efforts to animate without overpowering dialogue and the strong register of atmospherics, they are not enough to salvage the overall experience. This audio presentation is alarmingly deficient, making it a challenge for even the most tolerant of listeners to endure without frequent adjustments to the volume or, ultimately, questioning the merit of the listening experience altogether.

The Blu-ray edition of "Next of Kin" offers a distinctly minimalist approach when it comes to supplementary material, echoing a sentiment that can often be found in more purist cinephile circles. In a bold move, the producers have chosen not to include any extra features or special content on this disc. This decision is reflective of a confidence in the standalone strength of the film itself, implying that it requires no additional context or embellishment to be fully appreciated. The absence of extras suggests a dedication to offering audiences an undiluted cinematic experience, reminiscent of the film's original theatrical presentation.

Extras included in this disc:

• There are no extras included on this disc.

In the peculiar cinematic landscape of 1989, Patrick Swayze found himself nestled between the phenomenal success of "Dirty Dancing" and the spectral romance of "Ghost," with "Next of Kin" offering a starkly different vehicle for his unique talents. Unlike the high-octane brawl that was "Road House," this film veers into the cop drama territory, albeit with a distinctly southern twist that should have leveraged Swayze’s physical prowess but somehow leaves his dynamic presence underutilized. Portraying Truman Gates, a Kentucky-born detective in Chicago, Swayze navigates a complex web of family loyalty, vengeance, and duty with a performance that, while committed, feels slightly muted against the backdrop of the film’s ambitious but uneven narrative.

The screenplay, the sole feature film credit for Michael Jenning, threads a line through familiar tropes with an attempt at depth—exploring familial bonds and the clash of cultures as Gates grapples with his brother's murder by a cartoonishly inept mafia. This thematic richness is sporadically successful, buoyed by seasoned performances from Liam Neeson as the revenge-driven Briar and Adam Baldwin’s portrayal of the antagonist Joey Rossellini, whose depth is hinted at but never fully realized. The film endeavors to marry the gritty streets of Chicago with the backwoods of Kentucky, crafting a conflict that is as much about place as it is about people. However, the action sequences, when they do arrive, feel constrained, echoing a sentiment that the film restrains rather than unleashes Swayze's capabilities.

Despite these missteps, "Next of Kin" does briefly captivate with its cultural nuance and character dynamics, particularly in the interplay between Truman and Briar, capturing a palpable tension and familial strife that prove more engaging than the overarching plot. Director John Irvin navigates between moments of introspection and physicality with mixed success, crafting a film that feels simultaneously ambitious and underwhelming. While aiming to offer more than your standard revenge narrative, "Next of Kin" struggles to coalesce its myriad elements into a cohesive whole, leaving an impression that is intriguing yet ultimately forgettable in Swayze's illustrious career.

The Blu-ray release of "Next of Kin" presents a unique amalgamation of rural charm and urban conflict, yet struggles beneath the weight of its own aspirations. With a narrative that oscillates between engaging interludes of familial loyalty and awkward mafia stereotypes, the film's ambition is evident but inconsistently realized. The portrayal of the mafia feels cartoonish at best, undermining the more serious undertones of the blood feud it aims to depict. This, coupled with a climatic showdown that lacks originality and imagination, detracts from what could have been a gripping narrative. However, Patrick Swayze’s undeniable dedication to his role adds a level of sincerity and depth, particularly in scenes that highlight the film’s rural backdrop and emotional complexities, offering a glimmer of redemption amidst an otherwise median presentation.

On the technical front, this Blu-ray release leaves much to be desired, echoing sentiments that question its value proposition. With average video quality that does little to enhance the cinematic experience, and audio quality that can only be described as subpar, one wonders why this particular title was resurrected from the Warner vault. These technical shortcomings are a disservice to the film's few merits and fail to justify its acquisition for anyone but the most forgiving fans seeking a nostalgia trip or a quirky addition to their collection.

In conclusion, while "Next of Kin" manages to salvage some appeal through its moments of genuine character interaction and Swayze's commendable performance, the Blu-ray release does not do it any favors. Hindered by lackluster technical quality and a narrative that can't quite balance its tonal disparities, it stands as a testament to missed opportunities rather than a must-have for enthusiasts. For collectors and fans of the genre, there might be some quaint charm in owning this release, but for the general audience, it may be best left as a relic of its time, overshadowed by films with more cohesive executions and Blu-ray presentations that offer a more enriching viewing experience.