Good Time Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate Films' Blu-ray release of Good Time features a striking AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The film, shot on traditional 35mm, at times appears reminiscent of 16mm, characterized by intentional fuzziness and an enhanced grain field. This graininess varies intermittently, contributing to the film's gritty texture and emotional undertones, despite facing minor compression issues. Detail levels are occasionally constrained by this approach, but the overall presentation showcases excellent detail and fine textures. Noteworthy are the unusual grading choices that introduce compelling purple and red scenes, though these and dimly lit environments sometimes slightly diminish the level of fine detail. The handheld camera work, a Safdie brothers' staple, adds a dynamic albeit occasionally challenging sharpness.

The color palette in Good Time, enhanced by available light sources including flickering TV screens, street lamps, and neon bulbs, contributes to a visually engaging experience. The transfer maintains commendable black levels during well-lit close-ups and establishing shots, though it can become inconsistent in less controlled lighting environments. Colors are vibrant and expressive, adding to the film’s intense visual appeal. Fine details in skin tones and costumes are consistently rendered, further adding to the immersive experience that evokes a DIY Blade Runner aesthetic.

The Blu Ray of "Good Time" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that delivers an impressive auditory experience. The film's unique sound design is presented with clarity, weaving in a certain claustrophobic quality that intensifies its urban setting. Ambient environmental noises contribute to a kind of hallucinogenic atmosphere, while outdoor scenes convincingly establish spatial distances. The standout element is the electronic score by Oneohtrix Point Never, which is both haunting and subtle, effectively utilizing the surround channels to draw viewers into the film's chaotic world.

Dialogue is rendered cleanly throughout, ensuring that viewers can follow the plot without issue. The mix also expertly balances the front and center audio assault with subtler elements in the surround channels, enhancing Oneohtrix Point Never’s hypnotic yet pulsating compositions. This intricate layering of sound cues creates a textured, immersive experience reminiscent of John Carpenter-era horror scores. Despite its intense nature, the track remains problem-free, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the depth and nuance of the film's soundscape.

The extras for "Good Time" on Blu-ray are an excellent addition to the film, offering in-depth insights and behind-the-scenes content that enhances the viewing experience. The audio commentary stands out, featuring contributions from key figures such as Directors Benny and Josh Safdie, Producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, and actors Robert Pattinson, Taliah Webster, and Buddy Duress. This multi-perspective commentary provides a rich, layered understanding of the film's creation. "The Pure and the Damned: Good Time" featurette includes compelling interviews with the Safdie brothers and immersive on-set footage that offers a closer look into the filmmaking process. Additionally, the music video for "The Pure and the Damned" by Oneohtrix Point Never featuring Iggy Pop is visually striking, albeit potentially unsettling for younger viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Directors Benny & Josh Safdie, Producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, Actor Robert Pattinson, Actress Taliah Webster, and Actor Buddy Duress.
• The Pure and the Damned: Good Time: Interviews and on-set footage.
• Music Video: The Pure and the Damned by Oneohtrix Point Never featuring Iggy Pop: Visually striking content.
• UltraViolet Digital Copy of Film

"Good Time" is an electrifying blend of gritty realism and high-octane suspense that captures the frenetic energy of a desperate mission. Robert Pattinson's portrayal of Connie Nikas, a low-level criminal on a relentless quest to rescue his developmentally disabled brother Nick (Benny Safdie), is intensely captivating. The Safdie brothers masterfully navigate this nocturnal odyssey with rapid pacing, creating an atmosphere that teeters on the edge of chaos. This chaotic energy is further intensified by Oneohtrix Point Never’s synth-heavy score, which infuses the film with a pulsating urgency.

Benny Safdie’s performance as Nick teeters on a potentially controversial line, delving deep into the character's vulnerabilities while avoiding a lapse into caricature. This choice enhances the emotional core of the film, underlined by Nick’s initial encounter with a therapist that sets the tragic events into motion. The brotherly bond, portrayed through Connie’s dogged, albeit morally dubious attempts to save Nick, generates both tension and empathy. Connie's misguided yet well-intentioned efforts unravel as he makes increasingly reckless decisions, cementing the film's relentless pace.

Josh and Benny Safdie employ a raw visual style with their use of 35mm handheld cameras, contributing to the immersive docudrama feel that perfectly suits the film's urban underbelly. Supporting performances from Jennifer Jason Leigh and Taliah Webster add depth to the narrative, though occasional clichés surface. Despite some detractors highlighting its self-conscious stylistic choices, "Good Time" remains a powerful and engrossing journey through the darker shades of brotherly love and moral ambiguity.

Good Time is a pulse-pounding, unconventional crime thriller that delves deep into the bond between two brothers. Directed with a distinctive style that embodies a hyper-reality, the film charts new territory with its white-hot intensity and narrative inventiveness. Robert Pattinson delivers a riveting performance that showcases his range and depth, adding another layer to this already complex film. While some may find the film's stylization and portrayal of its mentally challenged character challenging or controversial, it offers a unique cinematic experience for those willing to venture into its frenetic world.

Lionsgate’s Blu-ray release of Good Time features a generally strong A/V presentation. The picture quality captures the film's gritty, urban aesthetic excellently, balancing shadow detail and vibrant neon lights effectively. The audio mix provides a dynamic soundscape that complements the intense nature of the film. Although the bonus features on the Blu-ray are limited, they offer valuable insights into the making of this multifaceted film.

I'm not sure I would actually give Good Time a hearty recommendation to a general filmgoing public simply because it's such an unusual entry from a number of standpoints, and I can easily see how it could chafe at a number of individual's sensibilities. That said, for those with a tolerance for perhaps questionable decisions in how to frame the tale of a mentally challenged adult, Good Time offers Pattinson an unusual role, one fans of the actor may well want to check out. While I had my own qualms about some of the story elements and characterizations, I personally found the film fascinating if maybe a bit too stylized for my own personal taste. Technical merits are generally strong for those considering a purchase.