The Rules of Attraction

The video presentation of "The Rules of Attraction" on Blu-ray delivers a largely impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, showcasing a level of detail and color saturation that's commendable, especially considering the film’s minimal budget and creative aesthetic choices. Director Roger Avary's penchant for extreme close-ups translates well into this format, offering viewers an intimate look at the characters, complete with natural skin tones and intricate facial details. Despite some issues like shimmering in hair and clothing and a momentary digital encoding glitch at the 01:57 mark, the transfer manages to maintain its integrity, presenting textures and hues in a way that’s faithful to the source material.

However, it's not without its pitfalls; darker scenes are somewhat marred by moderate crush and haziness, alongside noticeable grain. Thankfully, these aspects do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience, as they can be seen as part and parcel of the film's intentional lo-fi charm. Moreover, the preservation of the original film grain, without overzealous noise reduction efforts, is a detail that will likely be appreciated by purists and fans alike.

Overall, this Blu-ray incarnation of "The Rules of Attraction" impresses with its clear and detailed transfer that respects the film's original visual style. While there are minor blemishes such as occasional noise and some crushing in black levels, these do not overwhelm the otherwise sharp and vibrant presentation. Fans of Avary’s work, especially those with an eye for technical fidelity and filmic authenticity, will find plenty to admire in this Blu-ray release.

The audio presentation of "The Rules of Attraction" on Blu Ray is delivered with an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, showcasing an astute balance between clarity and atmospheric sound design. The mix adeptly harnesses the surround channels, immersing viewers in the bustling ambiance of college life with a palpable sense of space. Scenes rife with dialogue maintain crispness and precision, ensuring every word is intelligible amidst the vibrant soundscapes created by the film's many dynamic environments. Particularly in crowded party scenes, the audio spills into the side and rear channels, perfectly capturing the essence of a packed college gathering with a diverse array of sounds including distant conversations, laughter, and music.

Fidelity across this audio track is exemplary, maintaining consistency in quality with no noticeable dips or spikes. The LFE channel is effectively utilized, offering a robust underpinning during scenes with Sean's motorcycle or during the film's numerous musical moments, adding a satisfying depth to the bass without overwhelming the mix. Moreover, the soundtrack takes advantage of both background and foreground audio elements to create a multidimensional listening experience. Unique sound effects, especially notable during sequences when the film plays in reverse, are cleverly integrated, providing an engaging auditory cue that complements the visual storytelling.

The surround sound capability is not just a feature but a fundamental aspect of this audio mix, drawing the listener into the film's world with an omnipresent underscore that never feels intrusive. Ambient noises from various scenes are meticulously placed within the soundfield, from distant shouts at parties to the more intimate sounds of dialogues or quieter interactions. The mix between these elements is seamless, crafting a sonic environment that's as chaotic and immersive as the film's narrative itself.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Rules of Attraction" stand out for their sheer volume and variety, particularly the six feature commentaries involving an impressive 17 contributors, offering an eclectic mix of insights from various cast and crew members. Notably, one of these commentaries includes a mystery guest, Carrot Top, who provides a humorous, albeit less polished, RiffTrax-like perspective on the film. The inclusion of adult film star Ron Jeremy among the commentators is both surprising and insightful, providing a unique angle on the filmmaking process. Production details, such as the use of cream of mushroom soup for vomit scenes and challenges faced during editing and filming in constrained spaces, are discussed candidly. This array of extras, which also includes a high-definition theatrical trailer, enriches the viewing experience by offering deep dives into the production's creative and technical processes, making it a treasure trove for cinephiles and fans of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentaries: Six commentaries featuring a diverse group including production designer Sharon Seymour, adult film star Ron Jeremy, actors Ian Somerhalder and Russel Sams, among others, with insights ranging from scene-specific discussions to broader production challenges.
• Special Audio Commentary: A unique commentary track by Carrot Top offering a comedic take on the film.
• Trailer (HD, 2 min.): The theatrical trailer for "The Rules of Attraction" presented in high definition.

The Rules of Attraction," adapted from Bret Easton Ellis's novel and brought to the screen by director Roger Avary, offers a divisive spectacle that sways between dark satire and raw emotional unraveling. Through a non-linear narrative and a Rashomon-esque approach to storytelling, Avary captivates with a time-twisting exploration of the lives of college students ensnared in webs of love, lust, and despair. The film is anchored in the experiences of Lauren (Shannyn Sossamon), Sean (James van der Beek), and Paul (Ian Somerhalder), whose interconnected tales reveal the vacuous heart of youth disaffection and the pursuit of ephemeral pleasures. This adaptation, unlike Ellis's other filmic renditions, seems to resonate closely with the author's intent, crafting a semblance of his biting critique wrapped in the visual medium's immediacy.

Avary’s directorial prowess is on display as he skillfully translates Ellis's oblique narrative style into the cinematic language, balancing dry humor with moments of profound drama—scenes of rape and suicide are handled with a disturbing grace. The film's mood swings with precision between satire and somber reflection, capturing the nihilistic essence of Ellis's work through both narrative structure and character development. One of Avary's most notable achievements is the seamless blend of narrative perspectives, particularly evident in a cleverly executed split-screen that converges into a singular, poignant frame, symbolizing the characters' intertwined destinies.

However, not all is flawless in this adaptation. Certain cameo appearances and subplots seem disconnected from the central narrative, offering little to the overarching theme and occasionally veering into self-parody. Despite these sporadic missteps, "The Rules of Attraction" stands out as a thought-provoking piece that elicits varying reactions—its content might repulse as much as it fascinates. This film polarizes with its unapologetic portrayal of disenchanted youth, making it an essential yet contentious entry among Ellis's adaptations. Through a mosaic of broken dreams and jaded existences, Avary achieves a film that is as unsettling as it is mesmerizing, sparking debate on the merit of its artistic and thematic ambitions.

The Rules of Attraction" Blu-ray presentation offers a polarizing experience reflective of its source material's divisive reception. On one hand, the film, directed by Roger Avary and adapted from Bret Easton Ellis's novel, exhibits a commendable dedication to preserving the essence of the original work. The acting prowess displayed is formidable, with performances that convincingly convey the characters' complex emotional landscapes. Avary's directorial choices, especially in handling the challenging narrative structure and tone of Ellis's writing, are noteworthy. The film navigates through its plot with a blend of sharpness and nuance, albeit veering into discomforting territories occasionally which might not suit all tastes.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray edition does not disappoint. The audio and video qualities are robust, offering fans an immersive viewing experience that honors the cinematic vision. A standout feature of this release is the comprehensive suite of commentaries included; this abundance of behind-the-scenes insights and discussions adds significant value for enthusiasts of Ellis's work and the film adaptation alike. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that "The Rules of Attraction" is not for everyone. Its narrative delves into the lives of characters who may be perceived as morally bankrupt or aimless by some viewers, creating a narrative environment that can be described as a "narcissistic wasteland."

In conclusion, "The Rules of Attraction" Blu-ray is a package that will primarily appeal to its niche audience - fans of Ellis's provocative literature and Avary's unflinching adaptation. Its high-quality audio-visual presentation and rich selection of commentaries make it a rewarding pick for devotees. Nevertheless, for those not already fascinated by Ellis's narrative world, the film, and by extension this Blu-ray release, might come across as an exploration of aimlessness and moral ambiguity that does not resonate with all.