This film is currently available as a “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD release from Arrow Video. A “Limited Edition” Blu-ray is available separately.
While director Sam Raimi is best known to genre movie enthusiasts for the Evil Dead and Tobey Maguire Spider-Man series, Darkman, The Quick and the Dead and Drag Me to Hell, he is also responsible for some great dramatic works. A Simple Plan was one of his first that was more interested in character and atmosphere than visual spectacle. Not that the movie wasn’t beautiful to look at, but it also delved deeper into the lives of the lead characters. It’s a wonderful neo-noir that still stands up today.
Arrow Video is now releasing a 4K Ultra HD upgrade of the film. Not only is the movie fantastic, but it now looks marvelous too. This is a clear upgrade over all previous editions, with a much sharper and cleaner image. The snowy outdoor locations, including the crash site in the woods, really pop off the screen. There is even more detail in the streets and interiors, which do even more to engross viewers in the setting and story. The camera negative was scanned in 4K resolution in Dolby Vision and the work results in a top-notch disc.
For those who haven’t seen the movie, it is set in a small town in Minnesota. Hank Mitchell (Bill Paxton) and his wife Sarah (Bridget Fonda) are struggling to get by as the cold winter sets. While spending time with his slow-witted brother Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton) and Jacob’s pal Lou (Brent Briscoe), the pair come across a small airplane that has come down in the woods. Inside, the trio discovers $4 million dollars. Hank initially wants to report the find to authorities, but after a discussion, the three decide to wait and see if anyone is looking for the cash. The protagonist tells wife Sarah, who is initially skeptical of their plan, but soon, like all the others, finds herself desiring a massive payday. As events unfold, bad decisions, desperation and greed begin to get the best of the characters. Lou’s wife Nancy (Becky Ann Baker) also gets involved, until the situation becomes untenable and violence erupts.
As mentioned, this is an excellent feature with incredible performances. It’s definitely a neo-noir, showing how the discovery of money can ultimately turn good people bad and force them to do horrible things to each other. The entire ensemble is wonderful to watch and the atmosphere is palpable. You can really see the wheels turning in the heads of the characters as problems arise, as well as the guilt that ultimately overcomes a couple of them. The movie earned a couple of Academy Award nominations (for Best Supporting Actor and Adapted Screenplay) but frankly it deserved more.
Director Sam Raimi’s touch also helps the movie tremendously. While many have noted a more subdued approach with less camera moves, there are still plenty of beautiful shots. This includes some a few low-angles and extreme close-ups on actor’s faces, as well as effective rack-focus moments and a couple of striking jolts of violence. The camerawork doesn’t overpower the story, but fans of the director will still see unique stylistic touches that sets the film apart. Obviously, the filmmaker’s familiarity with the horror genre also means that he knows how to build tension and really turn the screws on the leads as events progress.
This is a real winner with a memorable ending that stays with the viewers. The new 4K Ultra HD disc is equally impressive. In addition to the great picture quality, there are plenty of enlightening bonuses. The first of two commentary tracks features movie historian Glenn Kenny and film noir expert Farran Smith Nehme. They give plenty of interesting info on the background of the production. The movie passed through various hands, including Mike Nichols, Ben Stiller and John Dahl before landing with John Boorman (Deliverance, Excalibur). Funding always seemed to evaporate and delays ended up causing Boorman to leave the film. Sam Raimi, wanting to try something new and character-based, stepped in and the rest is history.
Nehme goes through and notes the similarities this story has to older noirs. While she says it doesn’t look like one of those films, the plot and events fit it in with the genre. The expert also compliments the overall effectiveness of the picture. They also talk about how phenomenal Fonda is in her role which ultimately transforms a pregnant mom-to-be into a Lady MacBeth-like character. The pair discuss the themes and point out the symbolism in the film, and much more. It’s an excellent track.
The second commentary is also a fun listen. Production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein talks with a film expert about working on the picture. She states that Raimi was a great collaborator. He talked with her about color schemes, the look of the snow and sets and that she enjoyed working on this production. Brandenstein notes that everyone from the cast to the local crew was wonderful on the set. All of the performers loved the script and were excited to delve into the meaty characters and show what they could do as performers, resulting in a great movie.
The only production issues came with the cold weather, as well as having to move the crew around from Minnesota to Wisconsin in order to find snow for a few exteriors. Another fun fact gleaned was that the home base for the production (as well as a few sets) was a studio and audio recording area owned by musician Prince. Additionally, while Raimi was coming into the production after Paxton, Thornton and a few others were attached via Boorman, the new arrival was responsible for casting Bridget Fonda (whom he had recently worked with on Army of Darkness). This is another fun and informative track.
There is also a recent interview with cinematographer Alar Kivilo, who notes that his interview with Raimi was quick and that he was hired on the spot. The Canadian agrees that the conditions were cold, and admits he wasn’t expecting that working on a Hollywood film was going to be just as chilling as working up north. Kivilo interestingly notes that the effective gun muzzle flashes in the movie were authentically achieved by lighting up still camera photography bulbs on set.
Co-star Becky Ann Baker is also interviewed and shares her pleasant experience working with Raimi. She has entertaining stories about Raimi’s sense of humor and shooting, talking about some great bits she improvised, as well as a violent scene involving her character. Another cast member, Chelcie Ross, talks about his experience playing the town sheriff and an embarrassing mistake he made on the first night of shooting.
In addition, the disc contains EPK interviews with Paxton, Thornton, Fonda, director Sam Raimi and producer James J. Jacks. A behind-the-scenes featurette and trailer is also included.
If you enjoy the films of Sam Raimi (like I do) and have 4K capabilities, then the “Limited Edition” 4K Ultra HD edition of A Simple Plan is a must-own. The transfer is exceptional, the film itself is a completely engrossing neo-noir with great performances and some visual treats, and the discs extras are informative and fun to listen to. I can’t recommend this Arrow Video release enough.