Sea of Love (Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray)

There was a time when Al Pacino was a real box office draw and chose some quality films. Not every role landed, but in the case of Sea of Love, we have a winner. Or mostly I should say as the film may seem dated today and a tad slow for more modern audiences. Still, it was made during a time when more adult oriented films were made. That, along with the stars to help sell them. While this one could be considered more of a drama with mystery and mild thriller elements thrown in, it’s more focused on its characters and their outcome. When you have interesting characters as well as the actors more than capable, it only adds to your film as it does here.

Pacino stars as Frank Keller, he has had a lengthy career as a New York City Detective and is going through something of a dry spell as of late. He drinks a lot, but the man has valid reasons as his ex-wife married one of his co-workers. Frank is given a new partner in Sherman (John Goodman). What occurs are two murders that finds a connection in that the victims both responded to personal ads and our two detectives believe this to be connected. The film has some fun, especially early on with the daily goings with the cops and their interoffice banter. The Richard Jenkins character is the one who married Pacino’s ex-wife, and the film lets its point be made that there’s some ill will there. Once the Ellen Barkin character does show up, it adds more intrigue to the film and even some fun. John Goodman is equally effective here as well, having just enough fun with his role.

One of the joys of the film is seeing the interaction between the cast. Not only do we have fun with John Goodman and Al Pacino in their undercover work here, but the Ellen Barkin Character is also interesting as is her chemistry with Pacino effective and convincing. This is the sort of film that we just don’t see a lot of anymore, but I sure wish we did. It has the police element as well as the steamy scenes to help sell it as well as the cast willing to play this game. I will say that the resolution isn’t the most satisfying as it’s built up a lot then just sort of throws it at us then fizzles out. It gives the film a slighter feeling because of it. Still, sometimes it’s the journey and not the destination.

We get a two-disc set here and while I skimmed the Blu-Ray disc (which looks fine), it’s the 4K transfer that really shines. Kudos to Kino for really sending it home as of late with their strong output. I hadn’t jumped on the 4K train as many have, but if they’re going to look as nice as this then I am all for it. We’re treated to a 1.85:1 transfer from the original camera negative and there is nothing negative that I could detect. Colors, details and all are welcome and nicely rendered, making this an easy sell for those wanting to purchase.

We have a standard 2.0 and 5.1 track. My player (or the disc) defaulted to the 2.0 track, but I switched to the 5.1 to get the most bang for my buck. Since the film is more focused on vocals than anything else, it can feel a tad limited. Still, when the city cabs and noise as well as background banter are needed, it added depth. I wondered a time or two if there was noise locally or within the film. That’s how good it can be at times. Like the transfer, this track serves the film well.

Sea of Love is certainly a product of its time, but in many ways that is what makes it so great. It comes from a time when films of this sort (one close example being Jagged Edge) were made much more frequently. And while not all of them were the best, they just had a way about them. It was a style and mood that we don’t see much of anymore. This film may not be the most thrilling, but it cares more about its characters and their interactions. For fans of the film, this new set is a winner. The 4K transfer is nice and we have some fine extras as well. It’s a shame that more cut footage isn’t included, but that’s a minor nitpick. Recommended for fans.