Drugstore Cowboy (1989) – Blu-ray Disc Review
Genres: Drama | Crime
Studio: Criterion
Runtime: 102 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Disc Format: Blu-ray (included in 4K UHD combo pack)
Region: Region A (locked)
Resolution: 1080p HD
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
HDR Format: None
Video Codec: AVC
Audio:
• English LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles: English SDH
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
Criterion’s 1080p Blu-ray presentation benefits from the same 4K restoration used for the 4K disc, downscaled for HD. The result is an excellent high-definition transfer with natural film grain, improved color timing, and strong black levels. Some outdoor scenes appear slightly softer compared to the 4K version, but overall detail and depth are terrific. While grain can vary in intensity due to the source cinematography, this presentation is still a vast improvement over previous editions and holds up extremely well on standard HD setups.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
The lossless LPCM 2.0 stereo mix sounds great on Blu-ray, just like on the 4K disc. Dialogue is consistently clear and precise, while the music and ambient effects remain rich and full. It’s a faithful, effective mix that supports the film’s tone and doesn’t show its age. There are no compression issues or dropouts, making this a high-quality audio experience.
Special Features – 4.0 out of 5
• Audio Commentary – Archival track with Gus Van Sant and Matt Dillon (2001)
• Kelly Lynch Interview (2024) – Reflections on her role and career (21 min)
• Robert Yeoman Interview (2024) – On cinematography choices and indie production (19 min)
• The Making of Drugstore Cowboy (1999) – Archival behind-the-scenes doc (28 min)
• Deleted Scenes – Extensive collection of cut material (52 min)
• Remastered Trailer – (2 min)
⭐ Overall – 4.0 out of 5
This Criterion Blu-ray disc, included with the 4K combo pack, delivers an excellent HD presentation of Drugstore Cowboy with a clean image, stellar audio, and a wealth of extras. If you’re watching in 1080p, this is a fantastic way to experience Van Sant’s seminal film. A definitive upgrade over all previous releases. Recommended.
$29.99
In stock
Drugstore Cowboy (1989) – Blu-ray Disc Review
Genres: Drama | Crime
Studio: Criterion
Runtime: 102 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Disc Format: Blu-ray (included in 4K UHD combo pack)
Region: Region A (locked)
Resolution: 1080p HD
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
HDR Format: None
Video Codec: AVC
Audio:
• English LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles: English SDH
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
Criterion’s 1080p Blu-ray presentation benefits from the same 4K restoration used for the 4K disc, downscaled for HD. The result is an excellent high-definition transfer with natural film grain, improved color timing, and strong black levels. Some outdoor scenes appear slightly softer compared to the 4K version, but overall detail and depth are terrific. While grain can vary in intensity due to the source cinematography, this presentation is still a vast improvement over previous editions and holds up extremely well on standard HD setups.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
The lossless LPCM 2.0 stereo mix sounds great on Blu-ray, just like on the 4K disc. Dialogue is consistently clear and precise, while the music and ambient effects remain rich and full. It’s a faithful, effective mix that supports the film’s tone and doesn’t show its age. There are no compression issues or dropouts, making this a high-quality audio experience.
Special Features – 4.0 out of 5
• Audio Commentary – Archival track with Gus Van Sant and Matt Dillon (2001)
• Kelly Lynch Interview (2024) – Reflections on her role and career (21 min)
• Robert Yeoman Interview (2024) – On cinematography choices and indie production (19 min)
• The Making of Drugstore Cowboy (1999) – Archival behind-the-scenes doc (28 min)
• Deleted Scenes – Extensive collection of cut material (52 min)
• Remastered Trailer – (2 min)
⭐ Overall – 4.0 out of 5
This Criterion Blu-ray disc, included with the 4K combo pack, delivers an excellent HD presentation of Drugstore Cowboy with a clean image, stellar audio, and a wealth of extras. If you’re watching in 1080p, this is a fantastic way to experience Van Sant’s seminal film. A definitive upgrade over all previous releases. Recommended.
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