Boogie Nights 4K UHD Review
“Boogie Nights” is one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterpieces.
Based on a short film Paul Thomas Anderson made (which in turn is based on the life of adult film star John Holmes), 1997’s “Boogie Nights” is set in the San Fernando Valley in 1977. The story primarily revolves around a well endowed young night club dishwasher (Eddie) who gets noticed by adult filmmaker Jack Horner and is soon brought into the world of adult films to be a big star known as Dirk Diggler, but it’s also an ensemble piece about this adult film world community/family. The players in this story: Maggie/Amber (an adult film actress who essentially mothers people), Buck (an actor who dreams of operating a stereo store), Rollergirl (a young adult film actress), Reed (an adult film actor and aspiring magician), Scotty (a shy gay sound man), and Little Bill (an AD whose wife is constantly cheating on him). The story follows these characters to the year 1983 where things take a dark turn for many. Not only is the adult film industry changing as it becomes all about home video, but many of the characters spiral due to drugs and bad life choices.
For 29 years now, Paul Thomas Anderson has directed many of the best films in this time span including “Boogie Nights.” Since its release, the film has only grown in stature. It’s an enduring story about change, losing yourself, chosen families, the adult film industry (a topic not often explored in Hollywood), the 70s and 80s eras, desperation, aging, violence, and egotism. There’s a lot going on within the framework of this story. Sure, it’s also a rise and fall story about Dirk Diggler who hits the big time and hits rock bottom, but that’s only a fraction of the ambitious story being told here.
“Boogie Nights” also feels like the birth of a true auteur. Yes, PTA made the underrated “Hard Eight” before this, but with ‘Boogie’ he establishes his style, his talent, his brilliant use of music (the soundtrack is one of the all-time greats), his brilliant use of tracking shots, his ability to tackle multiple genres at once, his creation of tension (see the Alfred Molina sequence), and his ability to write believable dialogue between characters. There’s an authenticity to the conversations the characters have. It can be funny, it can be dramatic, it can be awkward. It feels genuine.
It goes without saying that this film features one of the best casts ever assembled with Burt Reynolds, Heather Graham, Luis Guzman, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly, Don Cheadle, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, Ricky Jay, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Thomas Jane, Alfred Molina, Melora Walters and Philip Baker Hall. Burt Reynolds was at the top of his game here even though he disowned the film. Mark Wahlberg has never been better than he was here. It’s hard to believe this is the same actor who appeared in “The Happening” or other atrocious films. John C. Reilly is one of my favorite actors because he can do anything. He’s hilarious here. Julianne Moore gives a very human and heartbreaking performance. Alfred Molina only has 1 sequence, but it’s unhinged and wholly memorable. Heather Graham gives a sexy and layered performance. Really, everyone is great here no matter the length of their role.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.35:1 2160p. How does it look? This is a respectable 4K upgrade. It’s not a glossy or showy print, but it’s a big step up from past releases nonetheless.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The lack of an Atmos track is disappointing but this 5.1 track still packs a punch. The soundtrack is incredibly lively here.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* 10 deleted scenes with optional commentary
* A music video for Michael Penn’s “Try” with optional commentary.
* A solo commentary by Paul Thomas Anderson and a cast commentary by Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly, Don Cheadle, Julianne Moore, William H. Macy and Heather Graham.
* 2 American Cinematheque Panels (one with PTA and John C. Reilly and the second with PTA).
* Additional Footage: The John C. Reilly Files- 3 outtakes.
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