While influenced by "DOUBLE INDEMNITY," "THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE," and many more film classics, "BLOOD SIMPLE," stands well as finding its own rightful place amongst the best of film-noir. Dan Hedaya plays a seedy bar owner tired of his wife's philandering. It's bad enough that most of the town knows she(Frances McDormand) has been involved in various adulterous affairs, but it's perhaps most unsettling to find she's been hooking up with the bartender(John Getz)right under the owner's own eyes. While each of these performances are fantastic, and the characters are given more depth than typically found in such films, M. Emmett Walsh virtually steals the whole film with his portrayal of a really sleezy private detective.

While some have argued "BLOOD SIMPLE" is only memorable for cinematic tricks(there are plenty of remarkable scenes), the narrative moves along at a steady pace and is compelling. The camera does call attention to itself, blatantly, during particular sequences, but there's much more to "BLOOD SIMPLE" than the feel of a camera gliding over the bar to the sound of a classic song. Before becoming a Director, Barry Sonnenfeld was the cinematographer for this film! While this reviewer enjoys some of Sonnenfeld's films(GET SHORTY), what he achieves here almost makes one wish he'd stayed on! "BLOOD SIMPLE" looks great! But, everything about the film feels masterfully done. The acting, writing, music, editing, all culminate in what will stand the test of time as a real classic!

There are images, eg. the scene with Walsh and the gunshots to free a hand, with light piercing through, that are so embedded in this reviewer's mind, that will remain with every viewer as well. But, mostly, it's the entire "BLOOD SIMPLE" experience one remembers. It's a great film, and it's easy for one to be jealous of those lucky viewers being able to experience it for their first time!

MGM/FOX has provided the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray release. While the image of this director's cut, is limited by the modestly budgeted source material, one can't help but be impressed! When comparing it to the previously available dvd, colors are richer(although intentionally seldom vibrant) and contrast is notably improved. The nuances of detail in frequently darkly lit scenes, are amazing! There are some soft instances, but typically what's presented is terrific to observe, and pushes the potential for how good a blu-ray release of a catalogue title can really look!

MGM/FOX has provided a DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix. While there are moments wherein the lossy mix shines, it veers towards extremes(great or bad) with various effects. While dialogue(thankfully)is always intelligible and free of distortion, music, bass and effects can alternate between sounding too tinny or heavy at times. The final result isn't actually bad, but it's still disappointing when observing how great a transfer has been given for the video portion.

A trailer(poor quality)is provided and a commentary that's too pretentious to listen to in its entirety. (Just wish that the Coens offered one for this release!)