The Favourite

Presented by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, "The Favourite" is brought to Blu-ray with an AVC encoding at 1080p and an aspect ratio of 1.84:1, adhering closely to its original theatrical presentation of 1.85:1. This film, which was shot on 35mm film utilizing Arricam LT and ST cameras and completed with a 2K Digital Intermediate (DI), demonstrates a stunning Blu-ray reproduction that remains largely faithful to the filmmakers' vision. In integrating specific technical details and choices made during production, notably the use of fisheye lenses and dynamic tracking shots, viewers may notice some concessions in detail sharpness, particularly around the edges of the frame. This slightly blurred effect is more prominent in sequences filmed with a fisheye lens, which can detract from the overall sharpness, creating a distorted perspective that some may find distracting.

Despite the stylistic quirks associated with shooting choices, the Blu-ray transfer shines in its rendition of both outdoor and indoor scenes. Exteriors, such as the garden and shooting range scenes, boast lush, vivid colors and depth. Interior scenes, especially those lit by candlelight or featuring significant natural light sources in the background, demonstrate a warm, golden ambience. However, in dimly lit settings, the presentation can suffer from the intrusiveness of film grain, leading to less detailed images. Close-ups, primarily when framed traditionally and not through fisheye lenses, reveal impressive detail in textures such as fabric, particularly towards the center of the frame. The transfer's visual integrity is maintained throughout, free from compression artifacts or other digital anomalies, thus preserving its organic filmic quality.

Overall, "The Favourite" makes a commendable leap to home video, balancing its deliberate aesthetic idiosyncrasies with a high-quality transfer that celebrates cinematographer Robbie Ryan's work. Though the distinct visual strategies employed by director Yorgos Lanthimos and Ryan introduce unique challenges to clarity and detail, the Blu-ray manages to encapsulate the film's evocative lighting and textures effectively. Outdoor sequences are particularly striking for their depth and vibrancy, while interiors, despite occasional graininess in low light, still convey a rich atmospheric presence. This release illustrates a careful consideration of both the technical and artistic aspects of film presentation, ensuring "The Favourite" is as visually engaging at home as it was in theaters.

The Favourite's" Blu-ray audio presentation is anchored by a superb DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, showcasing a remarkable blend of dynamic range and clarity across its soundstage. Especially commendable are the shooting range sequences featuring Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, where bursts of energy and LFE are most apparent, demonstrating the mix's ability to handle both explosive sounds and nuanced ambient effects with equal finesse. The film's predominantly dialogue-driven scenes benefit from this clear and well-balanced audio mix, ensuring that every word is crisply delivered against the backdrop of Komeil S. Hosseini's evocative score. This precise audio engineering supports and enhances the viewer's immersion, especially in scenes crowded with characters, where the surround channels bring the environment to life by meticulously placing sounds around the listener.

Furthermore, the Blu-ray offers additional audio options catering to a wider audience, including a 5.1 English Descriptive Audio track and 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks in Spanish and French. This inclusivity is complemented by optional subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French, ensuring that more viewers can enjoy the film's intricate sound design and dialogue. The mix's impressive handling of ambient environmental effects within the confinements of Anne's estate showcases an exemplary use of the surround channels, not just in creating a sense of place but also in adding a layer of emotional depth to the film's setting.

Overall, "The Favourite" presents an audio experience that is as technically proficient as it is emotionally compelling. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in delivering a powerful yet nuanced auditory experience, ensuring that each scene, whether dialogue-heavy or action-packed, is rendered with exceptional clarity and depth. The additional audio tracks and subtitle options further enhance this Blu-ray's appeal, making it a standout example of quality audio production in home media.

The Blu-Ray extras of "The Favourite" provide an intriguing glance beyond the film's curtain, combining insight and humor in a way that mirrors the movie’s distinct flair. The Deleted Scenes offer a whimsically cheeky peek at what didn’t make the final cut, revealing bits that are as entertaining as they are enlightening with regards to the editing process. Meanwhile, "Unstitching the Costume Drama" serves as a somewhat traditional yet captivating behind-the-scenes look, enriched by candid interviews that bring a delightful depth to understanding the film's unique approach to its period setting, blending modern sensibilities with historical accuracy. The Theatrical Trailer then rounds out the extras, encapsulating the film's essence while leaning into its comedic elements, possibly oversimplifying the complex narrative but still enticing viewers. Each extra contributes to a fuller appreciation of the film, providing both context and levity.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut, featuring playful interstitial titles.
• The Favourite: Unstitching the Costume Drama: A behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the film, focusing on its distinctive take on a period piece.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for the film, highlighting its comedic aspects.

The Favourite, masterfully directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and fueled by a standout script from Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, delves into the intricacies of power, jealousy, and betrayal in the early 1700s. Centering around the frail Queen Anne, portrayed with exquisite vulnerability and depth by Academy Award winner Olivia Colman, the film skillfully intertwines historical facts with fiction, presenting a visually sumptuous yet tonally off-kilter narrative that both dazzles and disturbs. The dichotomy between Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail Hill (Emma Stone) offers a fascinating exploration of ambition, with both characters maneuvering for favor in the Queen’s tumultuous court. The performances are powerful, with Weisz and Stone delivering roles that are at once compelling and repulsive, embodying the complex dynamics of power and desire.

Lanthimos' signature stylistic choices - from the use of fisheye lenses to sweeping tracking shots - imbue the film with a surreal, dreamlike quality that starkly contrasts with the conventional trappings of period dramas. This distinct visual approach, coupled with modern language and deliberate historical inaccuracies, challenges traditional narratives, creating an experience that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Despite moments where the film's balance between dark comedy and farce seems uncertain, these elements collectively forge an unforgettable cinematic journey.

The Favourite's exploration of royal intrigue is enriched by its focus on the emotional realities of its characters, making it more than just a historical drama. It daringly plays with genre and form, resulting in a film that both captivates and confounds. Its evasion of straightforward storytelling and conventional endings leaves much open to interpretation, demanding engagement from its audience. This bold examination of power, love, and betrayal, underscored by magnificent lead performances, solidifies The Favourite as a film that defies expectations at every turn.

The Blu Ray presentation of "The Favourite" manifests itself as an engaging yet complex piece, demonstrating both the film's stylistic boldness and the exceptional performances of its leading actors. Director Yorgos Lanthimos’s audacious approach intertwines with the narrative’s eccentricities, elevating the story of Queen Anne's 18th-century court. While the film's intricate details and plot points leave some questions unanswered—such as the nuances behind Abigail's herbal knowledge, Queen Anne's aversion to music, and Sarah's mysterious circumstances—these elements intriguingly contribute rather than detract from the viewing experience. Fox's release of this disc is notable for its visually stunning and immersive audio quality, rendering it a recommended buy despite certain narrative ambiguities.

Critically, the performances within "The Favourite" shine brightly, underscoring the strengths of its principal female cast against the backdrop of Lanthimos's dark comedic lens on historical events. Some viewers may find aspects of the film's storyline or character development wanting, a sentiment that might stem from its unusual pacing and deliberate storytelling choices. Nevertheless, the technical presentation on Blu Ray is beyond reproach, offering a solid audiovisual transfer that complements its few but worthwhile bonus features. This mixture of historical interpretation with contemporary filmmaking flair makes the Blu Ray release appealing, yet it warrants a 'rent before buying' consideration for those uncertain about its unique artistic expression.

In conclusion, "The Favourite," with its blend of stylistic filmmaking and profoundly compelling performances, is presented intriguingly on Blu Ray. Despite a few narrative oversights and divisive elements, its technical execution is praiseworthy. The disc comes highly recommended for enthusiasts of Lanthimos’s work and the film's admirers. However, for newcomers to his distinctive style or those on the fence about the film's thematic and narrative directions, renting before purchasing may be a prudent approach to fully appreciate the depth and nuance of this cinematic piece.