Pariah Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Pariah" delivers a video quality that aligns seamlessly with the film’s subdued and gritty visual style, achieved through Bradford Young's accomplished cinematography. The 1080p transfer presents a muted color palette, consistent with the filmmakers' intentions to evoke a sense of realism and atmosphere. The colors are naturally rendered, albeit with a drab lighting scheme that occasionally flattens flesh tones. Blacks show respectable delineation, enhancing shadow detail—particularly in low-light or nighttime scenes. While resolution is sufficient to highlight various degrees of detail in close-ups, the overall video presentation remains satisfactorily high-definition, supporting the film’s thematic tone.

Detail resolution is consistent and pleasing, with the transfer encapsulating fine textures and naturally clean edges without significant artifacts such as ringing or banding. Grain is present and consistent, contributing to the film’s documentary-like aesthetic, and does not obstruct the viewing experience. Colors maintain stability and boldness, especially noticeable in reds and blues, while primary hues and teen-girl pastels can pop on occasion. Despite this, heavy shadows and dark interiors sometimes reveal murky black levels that impair visibility. Nevertheless, the presentation avoids unsightly anomalies like macroblocking or post-processed effects, ensuring a reliable viewing experience for videophiles. This meticulous adherence to the intended style means it may not be flashy but upholds its artistic integrity.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Pariah" is a nuanced and authentic representation of a character-driven drama. Dialogue remains prominent and clear within the front soundstage, ensuring all conversations and emotional exchanges are rendered with crystal-clear clarity. This mix focuses primarily on the front channels, rarely utilizing the rear speakers, which imparts a sense of restraint rather than aggression. While surround sound effects are not heavily emphasized, they are present in the form of subtle atmospheric cues, particularly during scenes set in diverse locations around the inner city or in nightclubs.

Dynamic range is not exceptionally expansive but is detailed and sharp where required, contributing to the soundtrack's overall presence and acoustics. Low-frequency effects are notably effective during scenes featuring music or set in nightclubs, providing welcome bass that enhances the mood without overwhelming the dialogue or other audio elements. There is an authentic, lived-in quality to the sound design, making voices sound natural and ambient noises in various locations believable. "Pariah" may not boast a powerhouse audio mix, but its DTS-HD track effectively grounds the film’s intimate and intense atmosphere with a keen focus on intelligibility and environmental authenticity.

The Blu-ray release of "Pariah" offers a modest selection of extras, primarily consisting of brief Electronic Press Kit featurettes that provide insights into various aspects of the film's production. Each featurette includes input from cast members Adepero Oduye and Pernell Walker, alongside director Dee Rees. The content is engaging but arguably insufficient for such a notable film, leaving viewers desiring more in-depth material. These extras are consistent with what is available on the DVD release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Dee Rees: A Director's Style: Cast and director discuss the unique directing approach.
• A Walk in Brooklyn: Brief discussion on filming in Brooklyn.
• Trying Out Identity: Pariah's Wardrobe: Exploration of the role of wardrobe in character development.
• My Scenes bookmark feature
• pocket BLU
• BD-Live enabled

Dee Rees' Pariah is a seminal coming-of-age drama set in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, portraying the life of 17-year-old Alike (Adepero Oduye), a young poet struggling with her identity as a lesbian. The film excels in its raw and poignant exploration of societal and familial pressures, shining through with Bradford Young’s gritty, handheld cinematography that complements Rees' thematically rich narrative. Oduye's portrayal of Alike is compelling, navigating a labyrinth of emotions with authenticity and depth. She convincingly embodies a young woman's oscillation between burgeoning confidence and vulnerability, making Alike’s quest for self-acceptance and parental approval deeply relatable.

Pariah distinguishes itself by avoiding conventional storytelling, opting instead for a slice-of-life realism that reveals layers of complex character interactions. Each figure in Alike’s life, particularly her best friend Laura (Pernell Walker), has a well-rounded backstory that adds depth to the narrative. However, Kim Wayans and Charles Parnell's depiction of Alike’s parents occasionally dips into melodrama, slightly detracting from the film's otherwise nuanced performances. Even so, the emotionally charged performances bring to light the tumultuous dynamics within the family, making Alike's struggles with secrecy and acceptance all the more palpable.

Rees’ script, semi-autobiographical and profoundly personal, positions Pariah as an unforgettable viewing experience. With themes of isolation, identity, and resilience, the film transcends its coming-out storyline to resonate universally. It illustrates that the journey towards self-discovery is fraught with challenges but ultimately strengthens the individual. Adepero Oduye’s stellar performance stands out, promising a bright future for the actress. As for Dee Rees, her directorial debut heralds her as a formidable talent in contemporary cinema, crafting a film that is both impactful and stirringly sincere.

"Pariah" is a compelling and poignant reminder of the power inherent in independent filmmaking. Dee Rees' extraordinary debut film breaks away from the polished veneer of the studio system, delivering a raw, authentic narrative that explores the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, intertwined with a young girl's quest for love and acceptance of her true self. Universal Pictures has admirably captured this authenticity in its Blu-ray release, presenting viewers with superior audio and video quality that adheres closely to Rees' artistic vision.

The performances by Adepero Oduye and Pernell Walker are nothing short of outstanding, adding depth and nuance to this heartbreaking coming-of-age drama. Despite the film's numerous strengths, the Blu-ray's supplemental materials leave much to be desired, offering little insight into the production process or the deeply personal experiences that inspired Rees. Nevertheless, this should not detract from the film itself, which stands as a noteworthy achievement in contemporary cinema.

In conclusion, "Pariah" deserves recognition not just for its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances but also for its technical presentation on Blu-ray. While the bonus content is lacking, the film's impact and relevance make it an essential addition to any collection. This release is highly recommended for anyone who values genuine, thought-provoking cinema.