‘The Connection’ Blu-ray Review

If The Connection is even remotely a representation of real life, then I am glad I took no part in the jazz scene of the early 1960s. Shirley Clarke directed this 1961 film, and though she definitely captured a mood, it wasn’t really one I was too interested in.

The Movie Itself

It’s the age-old story: boy meets boy meets boy meets boy meets a few other boys, and they all meet heroin. We just have to wait for the heroin to show up. Oh, and someone is there filming it all. Pretty sure Shakespeare had a rendition, “Heroin, heroin, where for art thou heroin?” or something like that.

The Connection is a film within a film, and that works as the vehicle by which all the characters tell their stories and live their lives in front of us. While they wait for their drug dealer to show up a bunch of jazz musicians hang out in an apartment playing a little, talking a lot, and getting very annoyed by the film director…but even more annoyed they don’t have their heroin. Boy, are they pissed.

The Connection Blu-ray 1

Presentation

Now this is one thing the film definitely has going for it!

Clarke’s film has been beautifully restored by the UCLA Film and Television Archive in association with Milestone Films. The Mpeg-4 1080p transfer is crisp, bright and vivid, offering plenty for fans. It’s hard to believe Clarke shot this movie so long ago, as the upgrade gives it a more recent feel. Even in black and white, detail is plenty and color plays a factor by increasing the division of greys and keeping detail in shadows. The print still shows its age, but, overall, the transfer looks fantastic.

Freddie Redd’s score is also fantastically restored. The high-definition audio transfer for The Connection captures the jazz music and conversation very well. The music takes full advantage of the upgrade, with a loud and clear sound through the entire film. The near two-hour movie is full of dialogue that is never hard to understand or drowned out by the other sounds. Each wandering note is blossoming with fun and a delightful fervor, keeping with the mood of the film. Fantastic.

The Connection Blu-ray 2

Bonus Features

This is another area where The Connection succeeds on Blu-ray. Seeing how it is such an old film, and Clarke such an esteemed director, the extras are chock full of little gems. Interviews, behind-the-scene photos, and a whole bunch of jazz: this film has it all. If you are at all interested in Shirley Clarke, the original play, the subject matter, or jazz in general this film is a great find for you.

  • The Connection Home Movies (B&W, 6 mins.)
  • A Conversation with Albert Brenner by Ross Lipman (4 mins.)
  • Connecting with Freddie Redd (27 mins)
  • The Connection: Behind The Scenes
  • Photo Gallery
  • The Connection trailer Carl and Max at the Chelsea (Color home movie. 4 mins.)
  • 1959 Radio Interview (29 mins.)
  • Two 1964 marketing songs: Who Killed Cock Robin and I’m in Love

The Connection

Overall

It’s painfully obvious this film was once performed on the stage, and I really think that is where it should have stayed. Buuuuut, if you are interested in jazz or the dynamics of a heroin addict The Connection will be right up your alley. I don’t quite know the environment in which one would just pop this movie into the Blu-ray player, but don’t let that stop you from giving it a chance.

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