George Washington Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of David Gordon Green's "George Washington" showcases the film with an impeccable 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, retaining the original 2.37:1 aspect ratio. Meticulously scanned on a Spirit 2K DataCine from a 35mm interpositive, the digital transfer boasts of a painstaking cleanup process that addressed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and flicker, as detailed in the included booklet. Despite the near-perfection achieved in restoration, viewers might still observe subtle specks of dust or debris occasionally throughout the film. Moreover, certain scenes, particularly those under low natural lighting, exhibit minor clarity and contrast fluctuations, albeit without detracting from the film’s stunning visual appeal.

The visual presentation benefits from a color grading that enhances the film’s aesthetic without overstepping into artificial territory. Colors are vibrant yet natural, with particular emphasis on the lush greens of North Carolina’s landscape and a rich, earthy palette that underlines the warmth of the setting, despite its dilapidation. The high-definition transfer shines in daylight close-ups, delivering a crisp clarity that brings out fine textures and details in the scenery. Notably, the effort to maintain the film's organic look is evident in the thoughtful balance of denoising corrections, ensuring that the film retains its intended gritty texture without compromising on image quality.

The Blu-ray not only improves upon previous video presentations significantly but also faithfully represents the director’s stylistic intentions. Thanks to the diligent work by the restoration team, led by Maria Palazzola and colorist Chris Ryan, the film’s visual narrative is more compelling than ever. Although some minor digital noise and scene-specific quality drops are present - such as a particularly murky shot during a dusk wood-chopping scene - these are far outweighed by the overall excellence of the transfer. Criterion’s dedication to restoring 'George Washington' pays off, offering viewers a visually rich and immersive experience that does justice to Green’s visionary cinematography.

The Blu-ray release of "George Washington" features an exclusive English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles that are integrated within the image frame for accessibility. Criterion's meticulous audio restoration was conducted from a 35mm Dolby A magnetic track, remastered at 24-bit to ensure pristine clarity and remove any signs of aging such as hissing, crackling, or popping. This technical precision in cleaning up the original audio elements, as achieved using Pro Tools HD, showcases Criterion's commitment to preserving and enhancing the film's auditory legacy.

The soundscape of "George Washington" is indeed unique, offering an atmospheric soundtrack during key transitions while embedding the film with various organic sounds and noises in other scenes. This creates a distinct viewing experience that reminds one of a Terrence Malick production. The dialogue and narration stand out for their crystal-clear quality, ensuring that every word is both audible and engaging without any instances of dropout or distortion. Furthermore, despite the inherent limitations of a 2.0 mix, the audio treatment succeeds in delivering a layered listening experience where voices, music, and effects are distinctly separate, enhancing the film's immersive qualities.

Criterion's audio mix manages to avoid the pitfalls of low-budget productions, presenting vocals that are exceptionally clear and a score that efficiently sets the mood with its long, steady tones. Sound effects breathe life into the film’s world, notably in a scene with a train that utilizes clever mixing techniques to create an immersive auditory experience, despite the two-channel constraint. The left-to-right separation mimics the train’s movement across the screen, exemplifying how even within a 2.0 mix framework, creative sound mixing can significantly elevate the cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "George Washington" offer a comprehensive and insightful exploration into the creative process behind the film, despite the technical limitations of the original footage. Key highlights include David Gordon Green’s archival interviews where he delves into the film's unique visual style and thematic depth, alongside behind-the-scenes content like the 'Pleasant Grove' and 'Physical Pinball' shorts that showcase early examples of Green's directorial vision. The inclusion of 'A Day With the Boys' illustrates external influences on the film's development. Additionally, the deleted scene and cast reunion footage provide a deeper understanding of the casting influence and the actors' personal journeys post-film. Despite some footage quality issues and the lack of an introductory context in the commentary track, these extras enrich the viewer’s appreciation of "George Washington," underpinned by Criterion’s usual attention to restoration and historical context.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer: Original trailer for George Washington.

David Gordon Green on Charlie Rose: Archival Charlie Rose Show episode featuring David Gordon Green.

Pleasant Grove: Short film by David Gordon Green with optional commentary.

Physical Pinball: Another short by Green, exploring family dynamics.

A Day With the Boys: Influential short film directed by Clu Gulager.

Deleted Scene: Single deleted scene with optional commentary.

Cast Reunion: Footage from a 2001 cast reunion in North Carolina.

Commentary: Audio commentary with key film personnel.

Leaflet: Contains the essay "These American Lives" by film critic Armond White.

David Gordon Green's "George Washington," released as a stunning Criterion Collection Blu-ray, immerses viewers in the slow, rhythmic life of a rural Southern town. The film, Green's debut feature awarded Best First Film by the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, explores the innocence and complexities of childhood against the backdrop of a community marked by economic and racial divides. Through the eyes of a diverse group of children, led by the contemplative Nasia and the vulnerable George, the narrative weaves a delicate tapestry of friendships unbounded by societal labels. These kids navigate their world with a purity and oblivion to the adult constructs of race, class, and disability, highlighting a universal innocence that is poignant and heartwarming.

The ensemble of non-professional actors, including standout performances from Candace Evanofski and Donald Holden, deliver a natural authenticity that blurs the line between fiction and documentary. The film's narrative, accented by moments of improvised dialogue, unfolds with a lyrical grace reminiscent of the visual elegance found in Terrence Malick's work and the narrative structure of Gus Van Sant's early films. The cinematography by Tim Orr captures the languid essence of Southern life, complemented by an ambient soundtrack that underscores the film's introspective mood. This combination crafts an experience that is both immersive and reflective, inviting audiences into a world where the simplicity of childhood encounters the complexities of adult life.

"George Washington" challenges viewers with its sudden shift from innocent explorations to a pivotal tragedy that forces its young characters—and its audience—to confront the fragility of life. This stark transition emphasizes the film’s core themes: the loss of innocence and the abrupt entrance into adulthood. The characters' responses to this crisis echo through the small community, foreshadowing the adults they might become. As the film closes on this note of somber reflection, it leaves a lasting impact, provoking thought about the paths our lives take and the moments that define us. Without a doubt, "George Washington" stands as a testament to indie filmmaking, weaving technical brilliance with impactful storytelling that resonates long after the screen fades to black.

David Gordon Green's George Washington emerges as a standout piece in contemporary American indie cinema, echoing the evocative atmospheres reminiscent of works by Terrence Malick and Gus Van Sant. This debut feature not only marks a significant introduction to Green's evolving directorial style but also envelops viewers in its serene yet potent narrative. Noted for its aesthetic brilliance and emotional depth, the Blu-ray presentation enhances these qualities, offering a visual and auditory experience that is both pristine and immersive. The film is an invitation to engage with cinema on a profound level, urging audiences to absorb and reflect upon its narrative before moving on. It stands as highly recommended, particularly for those yet to acquaint themselves with this cinematic gem.

The performances, particularly from the child actors, parallel the authenticity and strength found within the adult cast, creating a seamless and convincing emotional landscape. However, the transition from the film's initial innocence to a more complex, mature second act highlights a dramatic shift that might challenge viewers' emotional engagement but ultimately serves the film's thematic development and growth. This Blu-ray edition boasts superior video and audio quality, albeit with special features that remain unchanged from previous releases. Despite this, the Criterion collection's inclusion of George Washington offers an enriching insight into Green's early influence and artistic direction, making it a cherished addition for collectors and cinephiles alike.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of George Washington encapsulates the essence of what makes this film an enduring piece of American indie cinema. Its remarkable visual and audio transfer, coupled with compelling performances and a thoughtful narrative, solidifies its status as a must-watch. While the unchanged special features may leave some desiring more, the overall presentation reaffirms this release as a director-approved essential for both longtime fans and new viewers eager to explore the breadth of Criterion's cinematic repertoire.