The Mod Squad Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Mod Squad" on Blu-ray, offered by Olive Films, is captured with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Originating from the Metro Goldwyn Mayer catalog, the visual quality delivers a mixed performance. The Blu-ray’s contrast often fluctuates, presenting an anemic appearance that casts a pervasive haze over already dark and poorly defined sequences, which chokes out both general and fine detail. Director Scott Silver's preference for shooting with unconventional lighting, particularly using blue artificial washes, further obscures details, even in close-up shots.

Outdoor scenes exhibit a slight improvement with a bit more visual impact, although the elements reveal signs of fading, with blues remaining notably vivid amidst this visual degradation. Throughout the presentation, the grain is consistently gritty and heavy but generally resolves in an organic fashion. Despite these variances, the presentation does deliver certain sequences with satisfactory clarity, though the overall visual fidelity appears compromised due to the combination of lighting choices and potentially aged source materials.

"The Mod Squad" Blu-ray presents an engaging audio experience through its lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This audio setup provides impressive surround sound, especially during the film’s larger, more action-packed sequences. The immersive quality of these moments is amplified by a sophisticated use of ambient sound, enriching the viewer's experience. The soundtrack's integration of source cues stands out, effectively enhancing scenes such as the energetic club sequences with a dynamic aural backdrop.

The track showcases its capacity for low-frequency effects (LFE), offering sporadic bursts of powerful bass that punctuate moments like explosions within the narrative, adding to the overall drama and intensity. This effective use of deep sound layers contributes significantly to the immersive environment, although these enhancements do not overshadow the core audio elements.

One minor observation is the occasional dialogue prioritization issue in sections where background noise is prevalent. While dialogue is generally clear and intelligible, certain chaotic environments, like those club scenes, sometimes pose a challenge to clarity. However, these instances are isolated and do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The sound design generally maintains a balanced profile, ensuring that dialogue remains largely prominent amidst an array of auditory details.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Mod Squad" offer an intriguing blend of content that reflects the film's vibrant production and thematic depth. These features provide a substantial glimpse behind the scenes, showcasing both the technical prowess and creative processes that contributed to the movie's unique style. While the interviews delve into character dynamics and narrative choices, the commentary offers rich insights from the filmmakers about the visual and thematic elements. The deleted scenes are a fascinating addition, illustrating alternate takes and ideas that were ultimately left out of the final cut. These extras effectively complement the main feature, enhancing viewers' appreciation for both its creative ambitions and practical executions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Brief overview of the film in high definition.
• Director Commentary: In-depth discussion of creative decisions.
• Cast Interviews: Insights into character portrayals and experiences.
• Deleted Scenes: Footage of removed content that enhances narrative understanding.

The Blu-Ray release of "The Mod Squad" revives a film that is marked by a palpable disconnect from its late 1960s roots, resulting in a reboot that struggles to resonate. The movie's era, the late 1990s, fails to capture the essence of the "mod time" that characterized the original series, which emerged amidst the socio-political turbulence of its day. Key elements from the television version, such as the characters Julie Barnes, Pete Cochran, and Linc Hayes, now appear generic and unengaging, with little depth added to their personas. Giovanni Ribisi's portrayal of Cochran as a comedic element hardly elicits laughter, and even the attempt to inject a new narrative arc for Captain Adam Greer (played by Dennis Farina) seems contrived and likely to irk loyal fans.

The plot of the film unfurls predictably, trafficking in clichéd themes of corruption within the police force and criminal machinations. Comedy relief is sporadic and often falls flat, with scenes like Linc Hayes' car being humorously subjected to an unintended interior carwash serving more as a distraction than an enhancement. The screenplay intermittently lands in repetitive emotional clichés, notably with the main characters engaging in dramatic brooding introspection—an aspect that could inspire a light-hearted drinking game for viewers looking for some entertainment amidst monotony.

Adding to the film's perplexity is its dark, nocturnal setting, which starkly contrasts with the sunlit optimism typically associated with Southern California. Unlike its TV predecessor, which oozed a beachy, carefree vibe while exploring social themes, this adaptation enshrouds its characters in dimly lit landscapes and somber tones. This departure from the sun-drenched Californian backdrop to a shadowy version strips away much of the original show's charm, leaving audiences yearning for the sunny escapism once synonymous with “The Mod Squad.”

The Blu-ray release of "The Mod Squad" offers a mixed experience, where technical excellence partially compensates for creative shortcomings. The video presentation is clear, maintaining a commendable level of detail and vibrant colors, but lacks the refinement expected for a film with such thematic potential. Audio performance, however, excels beyond expectations, delivering crisp soundscapes that enhance the overall atmosphere. Fans of high-quality audio will appreciate the Blu-ray's dedication to maintaining clarity and depth without distortion.

The adaptation's narrative struggles stem from attempts to modernize a story that inherently belongs to its original late sixties context. The decision to place the storyline in the nineties results in a disconnect between the material and its thematic roots. Performances, too, reflect this mismatch, with the leading trio's Method-style acting clashing with the film’s tone. Dialogue often feels constrained by awkward screenplay structuring that fails to capture the essence of both eras, leaving neither satisfactorily explored nor critiqued.

In conclusion, "The Mod Squad" on Blu-ray exemplifies the notion that while technical execution can be flawless, without a coherent narrative direction aligned with its source material, it ultimately falters. A period-appropriate setting would have better served the film, allowing more authentic storytelling or potentially embracing a satirical lens. The technical merits make it an appealing purchase for audio-visual enthusiasts, though the cinematic adaptation may leave narrative-driven viewers wanting.