The Tree of Life Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Blu-ray release of Terrence Malick’s "The Tree of Life" features an impressive 1080p HD transfer, presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This meticulous digital restoration, involving a 4K resolution scan using a Spirit 4K DataCine film scanner, is sourced from the original 35mm camera negative for both the theatrical and extended versions. Additional footage for the extended version was scanned from the original camera negative and a 35mm interpositive on a Lasergraphics Director film scanner. Supervised by the acclaimed director himself alongside Emmanuel Lubezki, and colorist Bryan McMahan, the result is an exemplary visual presentation.

One of the prominent improvements in this Criterion release is the enhanced color grading. The extended version flaunts richer color details; blue nuances are particularly stronger, while brown hues exhibit noticeable depth. The upgrades in color treatment give the lush green grasses, earthy dinosaur scenes, and wood furniture inside the family home a revitalized look. Black levels remain deep without bleeding, ensuring a stark contrast, especially evident in celestial creation scenes. Additionally, skin tones appear remarkably natural, and finer details like facial pores and individual hairs are rendered with precision.

In terms of image clarity, delineation, and depth, the Blu-ray performs exceptionally well. Both versions exhibit striking detail and dimension, benefitting from proper character spacing and stable image fluidity even when upscaled to 4K. Furthermore, the color reproduction is virtually flawless, capturing the film’s rich palette and varied textures. The visual experience is clean with no noticeable noise or artifacts, affirming this release as a definitive presentation of Malick’s work. Whether revisiting the theatrical version or exploring the extended edition, viewers can expect a reference-quality visual experience that honors Malick’s cinematic vision.

The audio presentation of "The Tree of Life" Blu-ray is meticulously constructed, offering both the Theatrical and Extended Versions with English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks and optional English SDH subtitles. This is a departure from the previous 2011 version, which featured a 7.1 mix. The Criterion Collection ensured that the audio used for the Extended Version remained faithful to the Theatrical Version, with adjustments only where new transitions were necessary. The result is an audio experience that is impressively clear, balanced, and dynamic, effectively immersing the viewer into the film's meticulously crafted world without any audio dropouts or technical distortions.

From Alexandre Desplat's emotive score to the intricate ambient sounds, each sonic element is finely tuned. Notably, the film's documentation advises increasing your volume, attesting to the audio's exceptional detail and dynamic range. The dinosaur scene exemplifies this with layers of sound such as a babbling brook, insect noises, and the subtle clinking of rocks, all rendered with striking clarity and depth. The low-frequency extension aptly supports nature sequences and creation scenes with powerful, resonant audio.

Dialogue remains crisp and adeptly centered, ensuring even softly narrated moments are clearly discernable amidst rich background audio. The surround sound presentation provides a robust and balanced auditory environment; children’s laughter and street play sounds come through as nuanced and lifelike. Each sound effect is well-articulated, offering a full spectrum ranging from low to high ends without any unwanted pops, cracks, or hissing. Overall, the sound design is intricately specific and elevates the film's immersive quality splendidly.

Criterion's release of "The Tree of Life" delivers a rich array of bonus features that delve deeply into the film's production, visual style, and thematic depth. A notable highlight is the comprehensive documentary "Exploring The Tree of Life," featuring interviews with renowned filmmakers David Fincher and Christopher Nolan. Exclusive new content includes detailed interviews with Jessica Chastain discussing her audition and experience on set, and visual effects supervisor Dan Glass elaborating on the practical techniques used. Critic Alex Ross examines the pivotal role of music while Benjamin B's video essay explores the film’s cinematography, including insights from cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and other crew. Lastly, a two-part video essay by Matt Zoller Seitz and Serena Bramble offers a deep dive into Malick's narrative and visual storytelling.

Extras included in this disc:

• Exploring The Tree of Life: Documentary featuring interviews with numerous filmmakers and crew.
• Jessica Chastain: Interview discussing her audition process and on-set experience.
• Visual Effects: Insights from Dan Glass on the film’s effects.
• Music: Analysis by Alex Ross on the role of music.
• Cinematography: Video essay exploring visual style with input from Emmanuel Lubezki and crew.
• All Things Shining, Part 5: The Tree of Life: Two-part video essay analyzing Malick’s narrative and style.

Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life" is a breathtaking visual odyssey that straddles the line between an intimate family drama and an existential meditation on life itself. The film presents an intertwining narrative of the creation of the universe, the 1950s Texas childhood of Jack (Hunter McCracken), and his reflective adult self portrayed by Sean Penn. Malick's directorial approach focuses heavily on the visual aspect, akin to that of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey," with Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography capturing each frame as a potential standalone artwork. This approach caters to those who appreciate cinema as an artistic endeavor rather than conventional storytelling.

Many viewers may find themselves grappling with the film's abstract nature and minimal dialogue. Yet, it provides an emotional canvas for personal interpretation and reflection, delving into universal themes such as childhood innocence, parental influence, and the search for meaning. Jessica Chastain's expanded role further enriches the portrayal of a nurturing mother amidst a harsh, authoritarian father played by Brad Pitt. These performances provide a balanced dynamism essential to the film's immersive quality.

"The Tree of Life" includes an extended version in Criterion's release, stretching the runtime by 50 minutes, which enhances existing plots rather than introduces new arcs. Expanded scenes primarily focus on Jack’s childhood, adding layers to the characters' backstories and minor plotlines. Despite the additional footage, the film retains its enigmatic allure, making both cuts equally compelling yet nuanced experiences. Malick’s intricate narrative threading and visually poetic style render "The Tree of Life" a profound cinematic achievement that beckons repeated viewings for deeper appreciation.

Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life" is an ambitious and visually stunning film that continues to receive stellar treatment by Criterion Collection. The two-disc set includes both the original theatrical release and an extended version, promising a comprehensive viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike. For those unfamiliar, the film delves into the minutiae of an average family's life while juxtaposing these moments with grand metaphysical musings on the creation and essence of life. The new 4K transfer is exemplary, enhancing the film's already mesmerizing visuals, while the 5.1 mix perfectly complements the visual splendor.

Furthermore, the inclusion of approximately 50 extra minutes in the extended version brings forth a more elaborate narrative that enriches the viewer's understanding and appreciation of Malick's vision. The bonus content, which focuses on the film's production history and Malick's unique working methods, serves as an invaluable resource for those interested in the intricate mechanics behind this cinematic masterpiece. While Malick’s direct participation is notably absent, the depth and quality of the supplementary material manage to compensate for this omission, providing compelling insights into the creative process.

In conclusion, this Criterion release is a triumph. I was a bit surprised when it was initially revealed that Terrence Malick was working on a longer version of The Tree of Life because I thought that the theatrical version was quite wonderful. I have now seen the new extended version of the film and I feel that my satisfaction with the theatrical version is even stronger. Criterion's upcoming two-disc set features both versions of the film, with some newly produced bonus features that focus on its production history and director Malick's working methods. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.