Fargo [Blu-ray] [1996]

Hello! For the purposes of this review I will be discussing the remastered 2014 release of Fargo and how it compares to the original 2009 release on Blu-ray. As for the movie itself, I think there have been enough other reviews exalting this excellent picture. As I mentioned earlier, Fargo was already released once on Blu-ray in 2009. That version, while superior to the DVD release and generally a good transfer, did suffer from quite a bit a grain and noise in the image to the disappointment of more than a few fans. The audio tracks and additional material are identical to the previous release, so the main selling point of this remastered version will be the improvements to the overall image quality. I can happily add that those aforementioned improvements really are quite substantial. Gone is much of the heavy grain, and video artifacts that we so noticeable on the often white background of snow. So often though, editors get smooth happy in reducing grain and noise, but the detail on faces and clothing remains wonderfully intact. No heavy hand was used here, and the result is nothing short of excellent. As I said before, this reproduction of Fargo, is identical to the previous Blu-ray release save the remastered picture. If you are a fan of this movie, I think it is worth the upgrade. If you are a first time buyer, I would definitely recommend this version, easily the best to date.

This movie is a movie that could only come from the Coen brothers. It's histarical in a "I can't believe I just laughed at THAT?" kinda way. Some of the films more disturbing scenes are the funniest and that's what makes this film so great. So Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) is hard up for cash, and he needs it quickly so he comes up with a scheme to hustle his father-in-law and his company (he works for his father-in-law...some used car dealership) out of a TON of cash. The only problem is that his scheme involves two dimwit thugs, Gaear Grimsrud (Peter Stomare) the silent deadly type & Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi is his best role ever) the nerotic paranoid type, to kidnap his wife Jean (Kristin Rudrad) and hold her for ransom. Things only get sticky when a few people turn up dead because Gaear has a trigger finger and then we have pregnant cop Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand in a hilarious role) sticking her nose in to find the answers that lead back to Jerry. Hilarity ensues and it just keeps getting better and better. The whole scene where the thugs kidnap Jean is worth the price of the film right there. With oscar worthy performances and a script tighter than most...this is a film that stands out as perfect. Loved every minute of it.

Fargo is one of my most beloved films, and when I acquired a 60-inch TV it was immediately apparent that the original Blu-Ray of the movie would not do it justice. I read reviews of this remastered edition which promised a better color balance and tamer film grain. And it is true: Whereas the grain was coarse and shimmering to the point of distraction on the original Blu-Ray transfer, the remastered version's grain is much finer while still contributing to the movie's authenticity. The colors are indeed more natural. The print itself has apparently also been cleaned up. The snowy opening scene was a mess in the original Blu-Ray, with fluctuating color, vertical banding suggesting film damage, and some errant residue having somehow entered the frame. These issues are no longer. For fans of the movie, this disc is an essential and affordable upgrade from the original Blu-Ray, or even more so from the DVD.

Fargo is a darkly comedic "true story", and almost right away we see the genius of the Coen brothers on full display. From the get-go, car dealer Jerry Lundergaard (William H. Macy) needs money, so he arranges to have his wife kidnapped, and then collect the ransom money. He hires two bumbling-but-dangerous crooks (Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare), but soon blood is shed on the white snow, and the straight-shootin', very pregnant Marge (Frances McDormand) decides to investigate. She won't stop til she's caught her man! Beautiful cinematography, great score, fabulous screenplay, and of course fantastic acting, especially from McDormand! A worthy addition to any collection, especially if you love the Coens!

I really did not know what I would think of the going back in time story but this season was fabulous. Season 1 was SO great I did not know how they could repeat that but they did so staying true to the Fargoesque humor thrown into perilous & gruesome circumstances. The movie Fargo is still one of my all time favorites and I am so glad they decided to do a series and do it well. Jessie Plemmons and Kirsten Dunst were perfect at their roles and it was hard not to laugh at them at the same time you are horrified at the things they do so matter of factly The entire cast was superb. Outstanding casting and I really loved the woman who played Molly's mother even though she was one of the least dramatic people this time around. She was just as tough as some of the crazies this season with her inner strength and grin and bear it approach to her illness.

I hate to dog on another reviews opinion, but the guy who didn't like the movie because of "unfair" stereotypes needs to grow thicker skin. Should I hate "No Country for Old Men" because of the unfair stereotypes of my native West Texas?. Do all Texans live in trailers and marry their cousins? Of course not. C'mon, Fargo is a terrific film. The acting, cinematography, storyline and dark humor are excellent! The transfer to Blu-ray is superb. You won't be disappointed. Fargo is a true Coen brothers classic.

I bought this movie after watching some of it on tv and now I'm regretting it. The actors do a great job at making the film seem real and the Coen brothers do an even better job at directiing. Although the actors hit a home-run, the blu-ray quality did not. The entire picture was grainy from beginning to end and I had a hard time seeing what happened whenever the plot took place outside. The plot also begins slow and stays slow for most of the movie. My advice would be don't even waste any money on the blu-ray. If you like the plot and the movie itself, you're better off saving money and just buying it on DVD.

The Coen brothers, with their strange, twisted and dark sense of humor, poked fun at two states, their inhabitants and entire way of life, then thrown treachery most foul gone awry in the mix. Frances McDormand stars as a never give up deputy who is out to solve a murder no matter what. She uncovers some disturbing things happening in her quiet little town where folks just don't know things like kidnapping, ransom and murder happen. This movie is a hoot to watch, fer sher, and the ending will have you matching Frances' expression.