Time to Die Blu-ray Review

"Time to Die" on Blu-ray is a testament to Film Movement’s meticulous 2K restoration efforts, encapsulating both the essence of Alex Phillips’ cinematography and the embryonic vision of director Arturo Ripstein. Presented in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer within a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the film's black-and-white visuals are beautifully and authentically rendered, maintaining a fine balance between sharpness and visible grain. The nuanced urban-western setting is intricately captured through a seamless alternation between wide barren shots and intimate close-ups, ensuring that clarity remains robust throughout. Despite occasional slight variances in brightness and minor grain issues, the transfer retains a largely consistent film-like quality without compression anomalies.

The texture and detail evident in the presentation are remarkable, particularly with the close-ups which reveal fine detail, although occasional scenes do suffer from minor black level crushing. Noteworthy is the retention of a natural grain structure which supports an unfiltered, cinematic ambiance, a feature that complements Ripstein's preference for long takes and two-shots. While some instances of mosquito noise and slight halos exist, they minimally disrupt the overall viewing experience. Additionally, minor gate hairs and stray marks are infrequent and do not detract from the film's integrity. Overall, Film Movement’s restoration offers a visually pleasing experience that faithfully honors the original elements of this classic Mexican Western.

The audio presentation of "Time to Die" on Blu Ray includes an LPCM 2.0 mono track in the original Spanish, complemented by optional English subtitles. This 1966 film retains its original mono mix, reflecting a clean and intelligible sound design that emphasizes the sparse, often empty environment that protagonist Juan finds himself in. The soundtrack primarily focuses on dialogue and the musical score, both of which come across crisply in this clean presentation. Despite the occasional boxy quality, the track sometimes reveals a robust presence in the lower frequencies, enhancing moments of tension with character outbursts or gunshots.

While the audio design is unambitious and sparse, it effectively conveys the film's mood, offering a smooth musical score and clear dialogue without extraneous background noise. The fidelity of the track maintains a respectable level of crispness, befitting a vintage film. Viewers will find no significant technical flaws with this release; however, the lack of dynamic range and nuanced sound mixing might leave some desiring a more immersive audio experience. Optional English subtitles appear in a white font, ensuring accessibility for those preferring to follow along in English.

The Blu Ray extras for "Time To Die" offer a rich exploration of the film's background and significance, led by expert commentary and insightful presentations. The standout is the commentary by director Arturo Ripstein and actor Enrique Rocha, who share intimate anecdotes and detailed explanations of the film's creation, with subtitles for non-Spanish speakers. Alex Cox's video introduction provides further context, although the use of a fisheye lens may detract for some viewers. Additionally, the disc includes various trailers for Film Movement releases and an informative booklet featuring an essay by Carlos A. Gutiérrez, enriching the overall package for fans and scholars of Mexican Westerns.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alex Cox Video Introduction to Time to Die: Insights from the director of Repo Man.
• Commentary by Arturo Ripstein and Enrique Rocha: A revealing discussion in Spanish, highlighting cast memories and filmmaking techniques.
• Time to Die Trailer: The original trailer.
• Additional Film Movement Trailers: Promos for other Film Movement titles.

"Time to Die," directed by Arturo Ripstein, represents an intriguing entry into the Western genre, notable not only for its Mexican origins but also for being Ripstein's directorial debut at the age of 21. Co-written by the future Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez and Carlos Fuentes, the film unfolds a compelling, slow-burning narrative that deftly subverts Western archetypes. Rather than focusing on grandiose set pieces and heroic gunslingers, it offers a more intimate and character-driven story that suggests a nascent shift towards revisionist Westerns of the 1970s.

The plot is centered around Juan Sayago (Jorge Martinez de Hoyos), who returns to his hometown after a long stint in prison for killing a man. He faces the simmering resentment of the dead man's sons, Julian (Alfredo Leal) and Pedro Trueba (Enrique Rocha), who are bent on avenging their father. An interesting dynamic unfolds as Juan, unlike typical Western heroes, avoids conflict and is often seen without a gun. Even when the inevitable showdown occurs, it eschews glorification of violence, instead delivering a bittersweet conclusion. Performances across the board are commendable, with de Hoyos delivering a particularly nuanced portrayal of a man resigned to his fate.

"Time to Die" stands out for its thoughtful exploration of themes such as redemption and machismo within the Western framework, engaging audiences with its elegiac tone and attention to character detail. Ripstein employs a smarter focus on personal tales against the backdrop of expansive landscapes. The film's innovative approach of portraying a less macho protagonist and avoiding epic gunfights marks it as a precursor to later character-driven Westerns, making it an essential watch for enthusiasts of the genre and cinephiles alike.

Time to Die is a captivating cinematic experience, masterfully directed by Arturo Ripstein at just 21 years old. This Mexican Western artfully intertwines the psychological sensibilities of mid-20th century Westerns with more modern, minimalist elements. The film's setting may nod to a bygone era, but its storytelling and character development firmly anchor it in the 1960s. Ripstein’s work stands out for its intellectual depth, evoking comparisons to Anthony Mann’s psychological Westerns, yet it maintains a unique identity through its lean narrative and intense atmosphere. The film's dramatic tension is palpable, successfully engaging the audience from start to finish, even if the action leans toward melodrama rather than visceral excitement.

The technical aspects of this Blu-Ray release are notable. The video transfer is impeccably done, preserving the film’s original grain structure while enhancing clarity and contrast. The black-and-white cinematography benefits significantly from this high-definition presentation, delivering a sharp, detailed visual experience that accentuates both the stark landscapes and nuanced character expressions. Audio quality is equally impressive, with a clean and well-balanced soundtrack that underscores the film's dramatic moments without overwhelming them. Special features include insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes content that offers a deeper understanding of Ripstein's directorial choices and the film's production context.

I frankly wasn't that aware of this film, despite being at least passingly acquainted with some other Ripstein pieces like Deep Crimson and Hell Without Limits. This is an unusually authoritative directorial debut from Ripstein, who was only 21 when he jumped into this particular fray. This has the same sort of psychological sensibility that informed a number of Anthony Mann westerns from the fifties, but it also has a somewhat more modern, lean and mean, aspect that places it firmly in the mid-sixties despite its putative setting. Technical merits are strong, and Time to Die comes Highly recommended.