The Master Blu-ray Review

Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master," renowned for being the first fiction film shot in 65mm since Kenneth Branagh's "Hamlet" in 1996, makes its Blu-ray debut on an Anchor Bay 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer that is simply extraordinary, maintaining the dense detail and vivid sharpness of its original format. Despite the inherent limitations of the Blu-ray format to fully capture the nuances of a 65mm negative, as cinematographer Mihai Malaimare Jr. suggests, requiring technology closer to an 8K resolution for absolute fidelity, the transfer is a marvel of visual presentation. It effectively balances the intensely cool hues of the Pacific with the overly warm tones of New York and Philadelphia settings, reflecting the film's thematic dichotomies. The detail is so finely rendered that individual grains are nearly imperceptible, thanks to meticulous post-processing and careful compression that ensures the original photography's integrity remains untarnished.

Technical excellence aside, the video presents a mesmerizing array of images that are as technically proficient as they are artistically compelling. Fine details, such as the textures on clothing and the nuanced expressions on characters' faces, notably Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Freddie Quell, are reproduced with striking clarity. The color palette is both vivid and controlled, with no signs of digital artifacts or unwarranted enhancements that could detract from the film's visual nuances. The overall visual design derives inspiration from portrait photography, lending each frame a composed, contemplative quality that enhances the viewing experience.

Minor issues like occasional flickering and negligible specks do little to mar an otherwise pristine presentation. The contrast is flawlessly balanced, boasting luminous whites and deep blacks that anchor the visual depth beautifully. This Blu-ray transfer, even early in the year, sets a high benchmark for visual quality in home entertainment formats, encapsulating "The Master" in all its meticulously crafted cinematic glory.

The audio presentation of "The Master" on Blu-ray is underscored by Jonny Greenwood's arresting score, pivotal in crafting the film's auditory environment. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track delivers this with a robust and enveloping presence, ensuring Greenwood's compositions, along with period-specific songs like "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," are rendered with clarity and richness that complements the film's visual narrative. The mix itself is carefully balanced; while major sound effects such as the ocean or the bustling interiors of a naval vessel are conspicuous, there is a deliberate focus on creating a nuanced aural landscape. This includes subtle environmental sounds that enrich the setting without overshadowing the visual elements. Dialogue, crucial to the narrative, is crisp and prioritized, ensuring key conversations are accessible despite the challenge posed by Joaquin Phoenix's intentionally muddled delivery.

Notably, the sound mix is predominantly front-loaded, directing most of its energy towards the center and front speakers. This approach might not exploit the full potential of home theater systems designed for more dynamic surround sound experiences, however, it aptly supports the film's sound design philosophy. Subtle uses of directionality and scattered instances of rear channel activity provide an enhanced sense of space without detracting from the film’s intimate focus. The dynamic range of the track is commendable, flawlessly navigating between the quiet tension in dialogue scenes and the sudden bursts of volume tied to emotional peaks.

While some may find the restrained use of surround channels a missed opportunity for a more immersive audio experience, "The Master" stands out for its precise and compelling sound design. Jonny Greenwood's score, together with a meticulous mix of dialogue and environmental sounds, crafts an intricate auditory canvas that effectively complements the film's storytelling and thematic depth. Despite some limitations, the audio track achieves a sophisticated balance between subtlety and impact, making it an essential component of the film’s overall sensory appeal.

Despite the omission of user-friendly features such as bookmarking and a lack of BD-Live content, Anchor Bay's Blu-ray extras for "The Master" still manage to offer a small but fascinating array of special features that enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. Most notably, "Back Beyond" provides a unique montage of deleted scenes coupled with Jonny Greenwood's score, offering an alternative narrative experience. This, along with the inclusion of John Huston's pivotal documentary "Let There Be Light," which inspired elements of the film's story, adds considerable depth. The behind-the-scenes footage in "Unguided Message," though less polished, grants a raw look at the film's production process. The assortment of teasers and trailers rounds off the package, showcasing additional material not found within the film or deleted scenes. Technical specifications vary across these extras, with audio presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 and optional English subtitles where applicable, striking a balance between archival content and newly created material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Back Beyond: A compilation of deleted scenes presented as a short film with a distinct soundtrack.
• Unguided Message: Unedited behind-the-scenes footage offering insights into the film's production.
• Let There Be Light: John Huston's influential 1946 documentary on PTSD, providing historical context to the film's thematic underpinnings.
• Teasers/Trailers: A collection of promotional materials showcasing different aspects of the film.

Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master," showcased on Blu-ray, continues the director's legacy of narrative innovation and cinematic mastery, compelling audiences into a realm of visual and thematic depth that both challenges and captivates. The film, embroiled in the complexities of its central characters – a post-WWII veteran Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) battling with his inner demons and a charismatic cult leader Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) – delves into the intricacies of human psyche, manipulation, and the quest for belonging. Through meticulous performances by Phoenix and Hoffman, "The Master" unfolds as an intricate dance of power, control, and identity, set against the backdrop of the formation of a cult-like movement. Phoenix's portrayal of Freddie, a man tormented by past traumas and ensnared in his baser instincts, juxtaposes strikingly with Hoffman’s Dodd, whose outward poise masks his own vulnerabilities and desire for dominance.

The narrative's refusal to adhere to conventional storytelling arcs, paralleling Anderson's previous works, mirrors the film's thematic exploration of the characters' relentless pursuit of self-discovery and redemption. This ambition is encapsulated through the film’s visual and auditory elegance – the utilization of long takes, balanced yet asymmetrical framing, and Jonny Greenwood's haunting score enhance the emotional intensity and underlying tension between the protagonists. Anderson's direction ensures that each scene meticulously contributes to the film’s atmospheric build-up, leading to a climactic convergence where the boundaries between leader and follower blur.

Reflecting on "The Master," it's evident that Anderson has crafted not just a film but a meditative experience on the human condition. The movie stimulates a discourse on identity, belief systems, and the existential quest for meaning, enriched by its exceptional cinematography and compelling character dynamics. Its reception underscores its divisiveness; a piece that may leave many puzzled, yet undeniably marks another bold experiment in Anderson’s oeuvre. Straddling between the tangible and intangible, “The Master” emerges as a film that demands engagement on multiple levels – intellectually, emotionally, and aesthetically – promising rewards with each viewing that peel back layers to its enigmatic core.

Paul Thomas Anderson's 'The Master' explores the profound ways in which the past influences our present, echoing William Faulkner's notion that "The past isn't dead. It isn't even past." This theme, previously touched upon in Anderson's work, most notably in 'Magnolia', reaches new depths here, examining the core of human identity and consciousness through the dynamic between its two central characters. Their complex relationship provides the film with a curious energy, oscillating between electric and hypnotic moments. Shot primarily on 65mm, the Blu-ray transfer showcases an exceptional video quality that makes optimal use of the format's capabilities, rendering 'The Master' a visually stunning experience. Despite its front-loaded audio mix, the sound remains engaging and aids in immersing the viewer into the intricacies of the characters’ journeys.

The Blu-ray release, though not brimming with extras, includes valuable content such as deleted scenes and a documentary directed by John Huston, enhancing the overall appreciation of the film. The presentation suits viewers with a penchant for art house cinema, encouraging multiple interpretations through its intricately layered narrative and complex character arcs. However, those seeking a more straightforward cinematic experience may find the film's depth and density challenging.

In conclusion, 'The Master' on Blu-ray is a compelling acquisition for cinephiles willing to delve into its dense narrative and relish its technical excellence. The movie, coupled with its high-quality video transfer and thoughtful selection of special features, offers a rewarding experience for viewers ready to engage with its thematic richness and aesthetic beauty. It stands as a testament to Anderson's ability to challenge and captivate his audience, reinforcing his status as one of the most innovative filmmakers of our time.