Beyond the Hills Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.40:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Cristian Mungiu's "Beyond the Hills" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion with a stellar 1080p transfer. Likely sourced from the same master as the Curzon/Artificial Eye's 2013 Region-B release, the film benefits from accurate gamma levels, resulting in a marginally darker and more immersive visual experience. Clarity and fluidity are notable, particularly in daylight scenes which exhibit impressive depth. Colors are stable, lush, and exceedingly natural, free from any distracting digital anomalies. Image stability is excellent, ensuring a smooth viewing experience without the early film banding present in prior releases.

Using a 2K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, this Blu-ray provides a highly naturalistic and organic image quality. The transfer effectively conveys the film’s documentary-like visual direction, equally showcasing the bleak snowy terrains of Romania and the confined corridors of the monastery. Details are robust across the board, and although most colors dwell within a grayscale range, they are rich and well-represented. Blacks are inky and solid, evident in dark costumes and numerous nighttime scenes, and while slight noise is detectable in some darker indoor sequences, it remains minimal. The well-balanced contrast further enhances the film’s natural depth, making this visual presentation both engaging and true to the film's atmosphere.

The Blu-ray release of "Beyond the Hills" features a singular Romanian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track with optional English subtitles. The audio mix is characterized by its organic sound design, delivering an experience that prioritizes clarity, depth, and balance. Unlike the dynamic intensity of high-budget Hollywood mixes, this track focuses on naturalistic, ambient sounds and noises that enhance the film's realism and narrative immersion.

Dialogue is sharp and clearly defined, primarily emanating from the center channel. The front-left and front-right channels adeptly carry an array of diegetic sounds, contributing to a rich auditory landscape. Surround elements are particularly effective in scenes set within the monastery's echoed hallways or amidst the hospital's bustle, creating an encompassing audio environment. To fully appreciate the meticulously crafted soundscape, it is advisable to keep the volume elevated, which reveals the subtle yet lush textures embedded within the mix.

This review amalgamates positive insights into the robust and immersive capabilities of the audio presentation, highlighting its ability to complement the film's storytelling through a refined and deliberate approach to sound design.

The Blu Ray extras for "Beyond the Hills" provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the film's production, creative process, and thematic depth. The collection includes an insightful making-of documentary that delves into the unique production history and meticulous attention to detail in set design. Director Cristian Mungiu's exclusive interview reveals the intricate development of the film's concept and its underlying conflicts. Additionally, the Cannes Press Conference offers valuable perspectives from the director and cast, further enhancing the viewer's understanding of the film. Twelve deleted scenes provide added context, while the original trailer gives a glimpse of the film's initial presentation. An illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by film scholar Doru Pop adds scholarly value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for Beyond the Hills in Romanian with imposed English subtitles.
• The Making of Beyond the Hills: Documentary on the film's production, locations, and casting process.
• Christian Mingiu: In-depth interview with the director discussing film concepts and themes.
• Cannes Press Conference: Recorded at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival with cast and crew in multiple languages.
• Deleted Scenes: Collection of 12 scenes with optional English subtitles.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by Doru Pop and technical credits.

Cristian Mungiu’s "Beyond the Hills" is a penetrating exploration of faith, love, and societal change in post-communist Romania. Winner of Best Actress and Best Screenplay Awards at Cannes, the film focuses on Alina and Voichita, two friends and former lovers whose reunion reveals diverging priorities. Voichita’s deep religious conviction clashes with Alina’s desperate wish to rekindle their past and escape together. As the narrative unfolds in the secluded monastery, tensions rise, illuminating the intricate dynamics between faith and personal longing. The film's serene visuals, masterfully lensed by acclaimed cinematographer Oleg Mutu, starkly contrast with the underlying turmoil and disintegrating national identity.

Mungiu’s approach is both documentary-like and narrative-driven. The naturalistic filming style makes the audience a participant in the monastery’s daily life, thereby heightening the film's emotional resonance. Cinematic compositions effortlessly blend bleakness and intimacy, transforming mundane settings into arenas of intense psychological and spiritual conflict. The evocative performances by Cristina Flutur and Cosmina Stratan add layers to this jarring depiction of devotion and disenchantment. Their dynamic captures a heart-wrenching divide: Alina’s growing irrationality juxtaposing Voichita’s unwavering faith.

The narrative, based on true events, emphasizes the absurdity of using religious fervor to address mental health and interpersonal crises. A moment of juxtaposition—a plane overhead during a chaotic exorcism scene—poignantly underscores the clash between archaic belief systems and modernity. Despite occasional redundancy in its plotting, "Beyond the Hills" remains a compelling social commentary. Its subtle storytelling and rich subtext invite viewers to contemplate complex themes of belief and identity. The Criterion Blu-ray release complements this thought-provoking film with comprehensive special features, including interviews and deleted scenes, vividly contextualizing Mungiu’s meticulous craft within contemporary Romanian cinema.

Cristian Mungiu's "Beyond the Hills" offers a visually compelling and emotionally intense exploration into the realms of love and faith. This film does not merely rest on conventional religious themes but delves deeper into the psychological intricacies of its characters, making it an exceptional narrative of human emotion and belief. It stands distinct from similar faith-driven films, offering a unique, haunting drama that engages viewers on multiple levels. The Blu-ray release, sourced from the acclaimed 2K master, ensures an impeccable visual presentation that does justice to the powerful storytelling.

The Criterion Collection edition of "Beyond the Hills" includes a superior selection of exclusive bonus features, both new and old, which enrich the viewing experience. The technical quality of the Blu-ray is outstanding, showcasing impressive color grading, sharp details, and excellent contrast that highlight the film’s dramatic atmospheres. Audio quality is equally remarkable, with a crisp and clear sound mix that ensures an immersive experience. Evidently, meticulous attention has been given to maintain the integrity of Mungiu's original vision.

During the Cold War era, one of the great strengths of the communist states of Eastern Europe was their ability to impose and preserve a uniformity of thought—a stark contrast to the post-communist vacuum highlighted in this film. As citizens grappled with newfound freedoms and lost perspectives, "Beyond the Hills" poignantly captures this period of social disarray through its gripping narrative. This makes it not just a film, but a profound commentary on a turbulent historical moment. This Blu-ray release enhances the experience with its outstanding technical qualities and valuable bonus features, making it a collector's gem. Very highly recommended.