How I Live Now Blu-ray Review

Magnolia Home Entertainment provides a 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray of "How I Live Now," with the picture presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The visual quality exhibits a mix of strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, the digital intermediate used ensures an exceptionally clean, sharp, and detailed image. Black levels are solid, contributing to good visibility in darker scenes such as nighttime sequences and indoor conversations. The film's distinct visual styles—warm earth tones pre-war and cooler, bluer hues post-attack—are well-executed, enhancing the narrative's emotional shifts. However, haze is occasionally visible, suggesting unintended compression artifacts.

Despite its overall clean aesthetic, there are notable issues with the film's video presentation. Noise is prevalent throughout much of the film, appearing in virtually all objects, including skies and grassy hills. Colors often seem overly saturated, detracting from naturalism. The sharpness and clarity expected from digital cinema are inconsistently delivered, with many scenes lacking the crisp detail synonymous with HD filming. This gives parts of the film an unintended 16mm look, which can be quite distracting for viewers seeking a high-definition experience.

Nevertheless, some standout imagery provides redeeming visual moments. Scenes such as the picturesque yet bleak landscapes and moments where snow-like ash falls gracefully are truly memorable. Natural lighting on hillside settings showcases a visual style reminiscent of Terrence Malick's work. Despite a few nighttime scenes that are inadequately lit and result in washed-out images, the video quality still manages to pull through on several accounts. While not perfect, with some meticulous compression work and a few stylistic choices that may not please all, the Blu-ray still delivers a visually engaging experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track in How I Live Now offers an effective and immersive auditory experience that aligns well with the film's narrative. The soundtrack makes excellent use of the sound field to enhance the viewer's sense of presence within the story, particularly in highlighting the stark contrast between peaceful rural sounds and the unsettling noise of war-torn landscapes. Of notable mention are the nuclear detonation scenes, which reverberate through the LFE channels, delivering a deep, house-shaking rumble that is both startling and highly effective. The subtle environmental sounds are equally well-rendered, whether it's the wind rustling through trees or the haunting silence of an abandoned military base.

Dialogue clarity is generally outstanding, with a minor exception involving some indistinct lines by young Harley Bird. The dynamic scoring by Jon Hopkins is adeptly integrated and adds to the film's atmosphere without drawing undue attention. Music, though not particularly dynamic, is well-dispersed across all channels, filling the space effectively, especially in the opening credits sequence filled with vigorous rock music.

The sound mix exhibits some inconsistencies, particularly between indoor and outdoor scenes. Outdoor scenes shine with active and seamless sound imaging - from whirling helicopters to roaring jets overhead. Indoor scenes, however, seem passive and flat by comparison. Moments featuring the chaotic, internal voices of Daisy are mixed intricately around the listening space, contributing dramatically to the character's psychological landscape. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the track remains solidly engaging and demo-worthy, offering a balanced auditory showcase that significantly enhances the cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray release of "How I Live Now" offers a comprehensive suite of extras that, while varied in depth, provide a range of engaging insights into the film's production. The deleted scenes, which can be viewed jointly via a play all function, although brief, fail to add significant value to the narrative. The making-of featurette, consisting of promotional content more akin to an advertisement, nevertheless outlines the film's premise and characters. Extensive interviews with key cast members and crew, including the director, producers, and author, stand out as the most substantial additions. The behind-the-scenes comparisons offer a unique picture-in-picture view contrasting set footage with final scenes. Additionally, an AXS TV promotional piece, while limited in informational content, supplements the standard trailer available in high-definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Brief additional scenes with minimal impact.
• Making of How I Live Now: Promotional short outlining the film's premise.
• Interviews: Substantial set and junket-style interviews.
• Behind the Scenes Comparisons: Set footage with picture-in-picture scene comparisons.
• AXS TV: A Look at How I Live Now: Promotional segment expanding the trailer.
• Trailer: High-definition preview focused on the war element.

“How I Live Now” is a meticulously crafted coming-of-age film set in a subtly dystopian near-future, adapted from Meg Rosoff’s novel. The movie begins with the arrival of 16-year-old Daisy, played by Saoirse Ronan, in the English countryside, where she meets her cousins after being sent away by her absentee father. Directed by Kevin Macdonald, the film balances the personal growth of its protagonist with an escalating backdrop of global conflict. Ronan’s portrayal of Daisy’s transformation from a self-absorbed, rebellious teen to a resilient survivor stands out as the film’s emotional core.

The screenplay, an ambitious interpretation by three screenwriters, navigates Daisy's internal conflict and the external chaos wrought by war. The narrative’s initial indie film sensibility—with vibrant visuals and a rock-infused soundtrack—gradually shifts into a harrowing exploration of survival. The story’s strength lies in its unflinching depiction of wartime brutality juxtaposed with Daisy’s evolving sense of identity and place. Despite some viewers' discomfort with the cousin love story between Daisy and Eddie (George MacKay), this subplot underscores the complexity of human connections amidst crisis.

From a technical standpoint, the visual and auditory elements contribute significantly to the film’s atmosphere. Scenes laden with military interventions and violence are portrayed with a stark realism, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of modern warfare. The absence of explicit identification for the enemy forces adds to the film’s immersive quality, leaving audiences to experience the confusion and fear that the characters endure. Overall, “How I Live Now” delves deeply into themes of love, loss, and resilience, making it a compelling addition to dystopian cinema.

Kevin Macdonald's adaptation of Meg Rosoff's novel, "How I Live Now," deftly merges diverse narrative elements, resulting in a film that is both captivating and challenging to categorize. Its visual appeal and authentic performances by the cast, particularly the lead roles, shine through. Macdonald's direction, with its deceptively simple visual style, brings a gripping realism to the film that feels grounded yet distinctly imaginative. The Blu-ray presentation boasts high-quality visuals and excellent audio clarity, enhancing the immersive experience. However, the extras provided could have been more substantial to complement the primary presentation.

The film traverses a harrowing landscape of war and strife, offering viewers a stark albeit somewhat romanticized depiction of survival and personal determination. The central storyline, which follows two cousins in a love affair amidst chaos, may evoke mixed reactions due to its controversial nature. While this aspect adds depth and tension to the narrative, it might not resonate with all viewers. Nevertheless, those looking for a strong blend of romance and war elements will find themselves intrigued by the performance-driven drama and the film’s bold thematic choices.

In conclusion, "How I Live Now" is an ambitious and unique blend of romance and war, realized effectively through Kevin Macdonald's nuanced direction and the commendable performances of its cast. While it may have benefited from a richer array of Blu-ray extras, the overall presentation is first-rate. It is a gripping story that feels both familiar and unconventional, making it highly recommended for those interested in thought-provoking cinematic adaptations.