Heart of a Dog Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray presentation of "Heart of a Dog" features a 1080p transfer in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio, sourced from an eclectic mix of cameras including the Canon 5D Mark II, iPhone, GoPro HERO3 Silver Edition, and Parrot AR Drone 2.0. With a fully digital workflow and final color correction utilizing DaVinci Resolve 11, the transfer brings forth the film's distinct visual style with precision. This detailed and heterogeneous transfer underscores Laurie Anderson's artistic vision by accurately preserving the varied aesthetic choices, including grainy textures, animated sequences, and purposefully distorted imagery.

Despite a dense and intentionally diverse visual texture, the transfer manages to maintain a high level of detail where intended. Close-ups of animals showcase intricate details such as fur and blemishes, while some scenes exhibit deep color accuracy, especially in well-maintained grayscale presentations. However, not all segments maintain uniform sharpness—intentionally stylized footage often appears blurred or interlaced, introducing combing artifacts or slight upscaling issues. These visual decisions enhance the film’s emotive and experiential impact, creatively utilizing imperfections to convey its narrative.

Criterion's effort in presenting "Heart of a Dog" stays true to Anderson's artistry. The transfer leverages modern digital restoration techniques, ensuring both the flaws and flourishes of the source material are presented authentically. This balanced approach means that while viewers might encounter occasional blanched colors or stylistically altered aspect ratios, the integrity of Anderson's unique audiovisual tapestry remains intact, making this Blu-ray release a faithfully evocative representation of her work.

"Heart of a Dog" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, faithfully preserving the original HBO version with music and narration. An additional track in lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 presents the film without music, keeping other elements intact. The sound mix with music provides regular engagement of surround channels, though Laurie Anderson's voice remains predominantly anchored in the front and center, ensuring clarity and presence. Archival video segments introduce some minor variances in audio quality, yet fidelity remains robust with no evident damage or distortion.

Mastered from the original digital audio master using ProTools HD, this release's DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix reflects a meticulous audio presentation. Due to the varying sources used, including consumer-grade cameras and microphones, the mix intentionally integrates pops, cracks, and hiss to render a raw, authentic soundscape. Anderson's narration is consistently full-bodied and perfectly situated in the front speakers, ensuring her voice remains the focal point amidst ambient environmental effects. While not a fully immersive track with dynamic explosions or gunfire, Criterion’s careful production honors all of Anderson's artistic choices, making the audio landscape as compelling as it is unique.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Heart of a Dog" provide a rich, multifaceted exploration of Laurie Anderson's work and life. Particularly engaging is the 41-minute conversation between Anderson and co-producer Jake Perlin, which delves into her personal and professional journey. The deleted scenes, totaling three minutes, though brief, provide additional context to the main feature. Notably, the "Concert for Dogs" offers a unique auditory experience aimed at both human and canine audiences, reflecting Anderson's innovative spirit. Also included is a whimsical video of Lolabelle’s piano performance, further showcasing Anderson's creative breadth. The package is rounded off with a trailer for the film and a meticulously crafted booklet containing technical details and an essay by Glenn Kenny, supplemented by a fold-out program and a pictorial pamphlet.

Extras included in this disc:

• Retelling: A conversation between Laurie Anderson and Jake Perlin.
• Deleted Scenes: Two brief scenes excised from the final cut.
• Concert for Dogs: Footage of a concert performed in 2010.
• Lolabelle's Christmas Card: A whimsical piano performance video.
• Trailer: The film's official trailer.
• Criterion Booklet: A fully illustrated booklet and artwork pamphlet.

Laurie Anderson's "Heart of a Dog" is an evocative blend of poetic introspection and striking visuals, reflecting her unique artistic style. Renowned for her ability to meld various art forms, Anderson crafts a stream-of-consciousness narrative that explores profound themes, underscored by her relationship with her cherished rat terrier, Lolabelle. Through animation, text overlays, and home video footage, Anderson ambitiously weaves in topics such as religion, reincarnation, government surveillance, and the harrowing aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Lolabelle appears periodically, grounding the film in personal yet universally resonant reflections on love and loss.

What sets "Heart of a Dog" apart is its unstructured approach, eschewing traditional narrative frameworks for a more associative, almost dissociative flow. This method mirrors Lolabelle's whimsical nature and offers a genuine peek into Anderson's psyche. The film deftly transitions between memory and philosophy, heavily influenced by Tibetan spiritual texts, making poignant observations without lingering too long on any single subject. Anderson's narration guides viewers through these thematic explorations with a light touch, balancing the somber with the absurd and avoiding any implied pretentiousness.

Anderson's film demands an open-minded viewer ready to immerse in its eclectic array of ideas and visuals. While its subject matter may not appeal universally, "Heart of a Dog" is undeniably a labor of love, deeply personal yet widely relatable. For aficionados of Anderson's multidimensional artistry, the film offers a rich and satisfying experience, inviting audiences to ponder life's ephemeral nature and the enduring bonds we form with our beloved companions.

Laurie Anderson's "Heart of a Dog" is an evocative and deeply personal exploration of grief, memory, and love through the lens of her relationship with her dog, Lolabelle. Anderson employs her multifaceted artistic talents to create a film that defies traditional categorization, blending elements of documentary, memoir, and experimental cinema. The resulting work is a poignant rumination on life and death, enhanced by Anderson's signature intellectualism and mesmerizing narration.

Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release of "Heart of a Dog" is exceptional, with immaculate visual and audio presentations that capture the film's intricate details and ethereal soundscapes. The supplements included in the release further enrich the viewing experience, offering insightful contextualization and expanding on the themes presented in the film. These features make the release particularly rewarding for longtime fans of Anderson's work and those with an appreciation for innovative storytelling.

Some Anderson fans may be aware of a 1993 documentary called "The Sensual Nature of Sound," which explored the lives and works of four New York-based female composers, including Anderson and Meredith Monk. Like Monk, Anderson stretches preconceived notions of media forms, and "Heart of a Dog" is a sweet yet melancholic meditation that may not conform to traditional definitions but offers profound intellectual substance. While this film isn't for everyone, those inclined towards its unique blend of freewheeling visuals and philosophical musings will find it deeply resonant. Criterion has provided a worthy release with excellent technical merits and compelling extras. Highly recommended.