HomeReviewsBlu-Ray Review Round-Up: Films By Charles Burnett, Todd Haynes, Jan Nemec, and...

Blu-Ray Review Round-Up: Films By Charles Burnett, Todd Haynes, Jan Nemec, and More!

The Blu-ray review round-up features in-depth analyses and recommendations for cinephiles and casual viewers.

Blu-ray review refers to assessing and critiquing movies, TV shows, or other video content released on Blu-ray discs.

These reviews offer insights into the picture and sound quality, bonus features, packaging, and overall value of the Blu-ray release.

Blu-Ray Review Round-Up

Blu-ray reviews help consumers make informed decisions about purchasing or renting Blu-ray titles.

It aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the home video release, helping consumers decide whether the Blu-ray edition is worth adding to their collection.

People also viewed Blu-ray Review Round-up: Film By Serge Gainsbourg, Kelly Reichardt, Jim Jarmusch & More!

Far From Heaven (2002) Kino Lorber Studio Classics

Far From Heaven is a remarkable homage to 1950s Hollywood melodramas, skillfully capturing the era’s aesthetics through meticulous production design and vibrant cinematography.

Todd Haynes directs the film and pays tribute to Douglas Sirk’s All That Heaven Allows, blending classic cinematic elements with modern themes.

Blu-Ray Review
Far From Heaven (2002) Kino Lorber Studio Classics

While Haynes’ later work, Carol, may have integrated these aspects more effectively, Far From Heaven still delivers a quietly powerful emotional impact, mainly due to Julianne Moore’s compelling performance.

The story revolves around Cathy Whitaker, a suburban housewife in Connecticut, whose seemingly perfect life is shattered when she discovers her husband’s hidden sexuality.

As she grapples with societal expectations and her desires, the film boldly addresses racial and sexual themes that were typically taboo during the era it portrays.

While some aspects of the film may feel like an exercise in recreating the past, it ultimately builds to a poignant finale that honors its cinematic influences.

The film’s recent US Blu-ray release by Kino offers a visually pleasing transfer, effectively capturing the film’s vibrant colors and providing a clear, stable image.

While there are subtle hints of noise reduction, the overall quality significantly improves over the DVD release.

Additionally, the Blu-ray includes all the extras from the DVD, such as a commentary by Todd Haynes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and the theatrical trailer.

To Sleep with Anger (1990) The Criterion Collection

Great films often provide a twofold experience. There is immediate enjoyment, but there is anticipation of future enjoyment as one realizes that a single viewing will not suffice.

Charles Burnett’s third feature, To Sleep with Anger, offers this and more; it is a film of depth, where every gesture and cut holds significance.

Blu-Ray
To Sleep with Anger (1990) The Criterion Collection

As a pioneering figure in Black independent filmmaking, Burnett presents a rich and mysterious narrative infused with folklore and the complexities of familial relationships.

The film opens with a striking scene featuring the patriarch bursting into flames, setting a moody and unsettling tone. However, To Sleep with Anger defies simple categorization.

The arrival of Harry, an old friend of the family, disrupts the South Central LA household, bringing with him a sense of mysticism that intertwines echoes of the past with present tensions.

Harry’s presence intensifies the family’s underlying conflicts, particularly between the diametric sons, Junior and Babe Brother, and their parents.

Despite his flaws, Harry, portrayed by the captivating Danny Glover, is likable yet enigmatic, essential to Burnett’s storytelling. The film raises questions about the true impact of Harry’s presence and the deeper causes of the family’s turmoil.

Criterion’s new Blu-ray release of To Sleep with Anger, sourced from a 4K restoration, presents the film with a stunning 1080p, 1.85:1 transfer, showcasing its grainy yet detailed visual style and naturalistic color palette.

The release includes a conversation between Burnett and Robert Townsend, shedding light on Burnett’s career, a featurette about the film’s creation, a video tribute, and an essay by critic Ashley Clark.

Diamonds of the Night (Démanty noci, 1964) Second Run

Jan Němec’s debut film, “Diamonds of the Night,” presents an unrelenting and visceral portrayal of two teenagers fleeing from a concentration camp, capturing the relentless desperation of their escape.

The film blends present trauma with nostalgia, fantasy, and nightmare elements, creating a haunting and profoundly impactful narrative.

Blu-Ray Review Round-Up
Diamonds of the Night (Démanty noci, 1964) Second Run

Through a series of recursions, the film powerfully emphasizes the compound trauma of historical horrors, offering a raw and accurate depiction of the Holocaust.

Despite the lack of explicit context and minimal dialogue, the film vividly portrays both the elemental horrors and surreal experiences the boys face.

From aching feet and parched mouths to surreal encounters with nature, the film delves into the depths of reality and longing. Every scene is purposeful, contributing to the film’s electrifying and immersive atmosphere.

The Blu-ray release by Second Run features a remarkable 1080p, 1.37:1 transfer sourced from a new 4K restoration, showcasing exceptional detail and image consistency.

The uncompressed mono track effectively complements the film’s intricate sound design, particularly while portraying auditory horrors.

In addition to the Criterion edition’s overlap with Němec’s student thesis film, “A Loaf of Bread,” Second Run’s release offers distinct extras, including an audio commentary by Michael Brooke, an essay by Eva Lustigová, and an appreciation by Czech film expert Peter Hames.

While the Criterion edition’s bonus material is enticing, Second Run’s region-free Blu-ray provides an appealing option for experiencing this impactful film without delay.

My Name is Julia Ross (1945) So Dark the Night (1946) Arrow Academy

Arrow Academy’s recent Blu-ray releases showcase Joseph H. Lewis’s prowess as a film noir craftsman.

In “My Name is Julia Ross,” Lewis masterfully constructs a psychological manipulation narrative with minimal superfluous elements, immersing the viewers in a disorienting and empathetic state.

My Name is Julia Ross (1945)
My Name is Julia Ross (1945)

The efficient setup of the film is flawlessly executed, though the delivery requires some contrivances. Starring Nina Foch, the film presents a captivating blend of defiance and surrender, blurring the lines of psychological stability.

On the other hand, “So Dark the Night” unfolds as a languorous detective story featuring Steven Geray’s Inspector Cassin, whose holiday takes a dramatic turn with inexplicable romantic connections and mysterious disappearances.

While the film’s camerawork is elegant, the pacing occasionally drags, and the climax prevents a more disturbing finale.

Blu-Ray Review
So Dark the Night (1946)

Both Blu-rays offer solid 1080p, 1.33:1 transfers from Sony’s 2K restorations, presenting consistent black-and-white visuals with respectable detail and grayscale.

The uncompressed mono tracks provide a satisfactory audio experience without significant issues.

The bonus features include commentary tracks by Glenn Kenny, Farran Smith Nehme, and Alan K. Rode, along with insightful featurettes analyzing Lewis’s style and career.

Trailers for both films are also included, making these releases a compelling choice for fans of classic film noir.

The Day After (2018) Cinema Guild

“Playful” may not be the first word that comes to mind when considering Hong Sangsoo’s The Day After, especially following the light-hearted Claire’s Camera.

This concluding installment in Hong’s informal trilogy on infidelity takes on a darker tone, evident in both the film’s black-and-white visuals and the biting nature of its satire.

The portrayal of male ego here lacks the usual comic relief, with the central character, book publisher Bongwan, depicted as remarkably self-centered.

Blu-Ray Review
The Day After (2018)
Cinema Guild

However, “playful” aptly describes the film’s structure, seamlessly shifting between past and present, with flashbacks and memories constantly intermingling.

The disorienting effect is heightened by suggesting that the main events occur within a single day. Despite its small-scale narrative, the film resonates emotionally on a grand scale.

The story begins with Bongwan’s wife acknowledging his affair, prompting his withdrawal into introspection, fixating not on memories of his wife but on his former assistant with whom he was involved.

Upon hiring Areum as the new assistant, comedic misunderstandings ensue, highlighting her sense of alienation.

The film’s perspective shifts, emphasizing Areum’s emotional turmoil over Bongwan’s despondency.

Cinema Guild’s 1080p, 1.85:1 transfer faithfully reproduces the film’s digital photography with excellent detail and clarity.

Despite its mostly subdued nature, the DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack ensures a clean presentation of dialogue and music.

The extras include a Q&A with Hong and cinematographer Kim Hyungkoo, trailers, and an essay by critic Dennis Lim in the insert.

24 Frames (2017) The Criterion Collection

In his final artistic endeavor, Abbas Kiarostami merged his still photography with filmmaking, a characteristic experimental touch in a career that blurs the boundaries between reality and artifice.

In “24 Frames,” static images come to life through animated collages depicting various vignettes, many centered on animals and nature, albeit entirely fabricated.

Blu-Ray
24 Frames (2017) The Criterion Collection

As is typical of Kiarostami, the concept of truth in visual representation remains fluid.

Consistent with his style, these brief four-and-a-half-minute segments are as intriguing as they are cryptic, often portraying seemingly mundane events.

The film opens with Pieter Bruegel’s painting “The Hunters in the Snow,” transitioning into Kiarostami’s original compositions. While it could pass as a gallery installation, the cumulative effect of these fragmented narratives is profound.

Criterion’s 1080p, 1.78:1 transfer from a 2K master is stunning, showcasing detailed and vibrant color and black-and-white images.

The film’s transfer is flawless and blends seamlessly with its digitally created elements. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack adds life and realism to the sound.

The bonus features include an interview with Ahmad Kiarostami, a conversation between scholars Jamsheed Akrami and Godfrey Cheshire, a featurette on the making of the film, a trailer, and an essay by critic Bilge Ebiri.

Also, see Blu-Ray Review Round-Up: Films By Barbara Loden, Alex Cox, Jindrich Polak, And More!

Ashish Maharjan
Ashish Maharjan
Ashish, a seasoned editor and author for World Cinema Paradise, intricately weaves creativity with precision in his writing, establishing himself as a prolific content creator. Renowned for clarity and captivating storytelling, Ashish has cultivated a devoted readership, driven by his unwavering passion for words and commitment to excellence.

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