DVD Corner

Five Easy Pieces Criterion 4K UHD Review

“Five Easy Pieces” is a 70’s classic.

Penned by Adrien Joyce, “Five Easy Pieces” is an original drama story that revolves around Bobby Dupea. At the start of the story, the former piano wiz is working as an oil rigger alongside pal and colleague Elton. The rather moody and free spirited Bobby tends to spend his time with his waitress girlfriend Rayette, drinking, and goofing around with Elton. Things turn south for Bobby when Elton is arrested and Rayette reveals she is pregnant. Bobby decides to quit his job and later travel to Washington to visit his dying father at his childhood home. He embarks on a road trip with Rayette and two hitchhikers before arriving at his destination. At his home, he reunites with his father, brother (Carl), sister (Partita), and meets a piano student (Catherine) that is training under Carl (whom she is also seeing). Bobby falls for Catherine, but the disconnected and withdrawn Bobby might get in his own way. 

Directed by Bob Rafelson (who wound up working with Jack Nicholson multiple times), “Five Easy Pieces” was a pivotal indie film in 1970. Not only was it raw, free flowing, and lacking a standard Hollywood narrative, but it was a deep existential character piece about a man who becomes disillusioned by life. Bobby is a truly fascinating character. He possesses real talent as a piano player, but is struck by wanderlust and seems unable to commit to anyone or anything. It is Bobby who drives the rather unpredictable narrative. You’re never sure where he’s going or what he will do all the way down to the iconic and unforgettable ending. 

On the subject of Bobby, Jack Nicholson gives one of his great performances here. I say one because, let’s face it, the legendary actor has many. He really embodies the character and gives him multiple dimensions. Elsewhere in the cast you have Karen Black as Rayette whose lower class life clashes with Bobby’s upper class family. Her stellar work here earned an Oscar nomination. Susan Anspach also shines here as Catherine whose dynamic with Bobby proves to be nothing short of compelling.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? Presented in Dolby Vision HDR, “Five Easy Pieces” looks better than ever with a 4K digital restoration that maintains the 70s look and feel and provides sharper image quality and colors.

Audio Track: Uncompressed Mono. How does it sound? Expect an all-around crisp Mono track. 

Extras (On the Blu-ray unless noted):
* Blu-ray copy
* A booklet with an essay by author and filmmaker Kent Jones
* Commentary by Bob Rafelson and interior designer Toby Rafelson (on the 4K and Blu-ray).
* 2 teasers and a trailer
* Audio excerpts of an AFI discussion with Bob Rafelson from 1976 about his career, directing, and more.
* “Soul Searching In Five Easy Pieces”- A 2009 interview with Bob Rafelson and Jack Nicholson (separately) about the creation of “Five Easy Pieces.”
* “BBS: A Time For Change”- A 2010 30 minute extra about the movie studio BBS Productions (the outfit Bob Rafelson, Bert Schneider and Steve Blauner headed).
* “BBStory”- A 2009 documentary about BBS Productions featuring a host of interviews from industry veterans.

June 9, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 70's Movie, Bob Rafelson, Criterion Collection, Five Easy Pieces Criterion 4K UHD Review, Jack Nicholson, Karen Black