Blood Simple [Criterion Collection] [Blu-ray] [1984]

Criterion has given The Coen Brothers debut the treatment it deserves with this stunning release. Blood Simple is a dark, cynical tale that harks back to the days of Dashiell Hammett and Jim Thompson. A story centering around a jealous husbands' obsession over his wife's infidelity which eventually leads to murder at the hands of a psychotic private eye played by M. Emmet Walsh. Walsh here is at his best as the P.I. Vesser who is in the Frank Booth school of scary psychopath who seems to be having a bit of fun with his deeds at times. His opening narration over the Texas landscape sets up the film's dark tone perfectly. Dan Hedaya also gives one of his best performances as the jealous husband Marty who emotes vengeance and desperation although does show some inner conflict before he sets forth destruction across the Texas landscape. John Getz and Francis McDormand are both wonderful as well as the lovers and targets of Marty's vengeance. The movie has been given a gorgeous new 4K transfer that is pure perfection. Blood Simple is a low-budget affair so some shots still remain a little rough due to the source but I wouldn't have it any other way. For a dark and cynical film having anything other than roughness would feel out of place especially when filming these landscapes. The sound quality was a huge bump over my old MGM DVD sporting a new lossless 5.1 mix that is faithful to the original. Also included are the Criterion Collection's signature abundance of extras. The new conversation with cinematographer Barry Sonnefeld and the Coens is enlightening and plays a bit more like a commentary as the talk through certain scenes from the movie pointing out how they made the film look the way it did. Probably one of the best in-depth interviews like this I've seen in a while and hopefully a model for future Criterion releases. Also worth noting this has a sit down with Emmet Walsh which was a real treat and gave some background on how an already experienced actor got involved with these first-time directors. The rest of the extras are also fairly lengthy including an interview with Francis McDormand, a conversation between the Coens and author Robert Eggers about the film's production and an interview with the film's music composer Carter Burwell and sound mixes Skip Lievsay. Sadly no interview with Dan Hedaya but I don't think I've seen him do many interviews for DVD/Blu-ray releases. Overall this film is a Noir masterpiece that next to No Country for Old Men is Coen Brothers at their bleakest. Criterion has given it the treatment that it's longingly deserves and leaves no room for improvement. From the opening narration to the closing scene with "It's The Same Old Song" playing you'll be in for a dark and suspenseful ride through the Texas landscape. Fabulous and highly recommended.

Great movie and like always Criterion did a great job with it. Stylish “Crime Thriller” based in Texas Frances McDorman is incredible like always.

This is one of the best movies the Coen Brothers have ever made! Very stylish yet SIMPLE

If you are a fan of crime thrillers and the Coen Bros, this is a must own! Great remastered picture and audio and new special features is fantastic!

Ok movie , got it on sale for a fair price . overall happy .

An oldie but goodie. This is the first and still one of the best Coen Brothers' movies.

COEN brothers first movie ever, must buy for any fan.