Weekend Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Andrew Haigh's "Weekend" receives a fairly commendable 1080p transfer on Blu-ray by Criterion. Approved by both Haigh and director of photography Ula Pontikos, this high-definition transfer aligns closely with the previous UK release by Peccadillo Pictures. Shot on a Canon 5D DSLR camera, customary attributes of digital video—such as slight fluctuations in contrast and clarity—are present, yet do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The outdoor shots exhibit commendable crispness and overall color stability, though nighttime sequences reveal some softness in blacks and browns, a condition stemming from the source material rather than the transfer. Additionally, light compression artifacts and minor banding are observable but remain negligible, posing no major instability issues within the presentation.

While the verite style suitably complements the film’s content, the low-budget origins manifest through certain limitations in the visual fidelity. Noise is persistent albeit unobtrusive, and artifacts like aliasing and shimmering occasionally surface. More pronounced are the faint vertical banding lines that appear intermittently throughout various scenes. Despite these issues, clarity is fairly robust, albeit inconsistent, oscillating between sharp detail in close-ups and softer focus in other sequences. Colors tend towards a naturalistic, slightly muted palette, with sporadic bursts of vibrancy in wardrobe and production design. The contrast is generally low, imparting a somewhat washed-out appearance with elevated grey tones instead of deep blacks. Nonetheless, the transfer ensures that the stripped-down visual style enhances the film's narrative aesthetics, effectively balancing artistic intent with the constraints of its production budget.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Weekend" is delivered through an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, with optional English SDH subtitles provided. Considering the film's dialogue-centric nature, the audio track maintains a minimal yet effective dynamic range. Notably, the dialogue is executed cleanly and remains stable throughout, without any presence of pops, audio dropouts, or distortions.

Despite its simplistic sound design, the track achieves a surprisingly immersive experience. Dialogue fidelity is commendable, properly centered without channel bleed, although the actors' mumbled tones and noisy environments occasionally obscure some lines. This effect seems intentional, adding an authentic, documentary-like texture to the film. The soundstage maintains a subtle but expansive aural dimension; for instance, cars passing by or directional transitions of dialogue enhance the overall auditory experience. With scenes set in busy locations like bars and fairgrounds, some booming bass activities can replicate the muddled low frequencies typical of such environments.

Overall, the sound design of "Weekend" is delicately nuanced with an enveloping quality that enriches the viewing experience, despite occasional moments where background effects overshadow dialogue. These instances do not significantly detract from the clarity of essential conversations, which remain distinctly audible and contribute to the film's immersive authenticity.

Criterion's Blu Ray release of Andrew Haigh's "Weekend" offers an impressive array of extras, all presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio. The standout inclusion is a comprehensive program featuring in-depth interviews with key contributors, such as director Andrew Haigh, producer Tristan Goligher, actors Tom Cullen and Chris New, and director of photography Urszula Pontikos. This collection provides valuable insights into the film's development, casting, themes, and unique shooting style. Complementary features include intimate discussions on the film's sex scenes, raw audition footage, and behind-the-scenes material shot by actor Chris New. Additionally, two of Haigh's earlier short films and a video essay by the set photographers Quinnford + Scout enrich the viewer's understanding of the film's aesthetic influences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for Weekend.
• Andrew Haigh's Weekend: Extensive interviews discussing the film’s key aspects.
• The Sex Scenes: Director delves into the intimate scenes of the film.
• Audition Tape: Raw audition footage with final scene comparisons.
• Chris New's Footage: Behind-the-scenes fun shot by Chris New.
• Quinnford + Scout: Video essay by the film's set photographers.
• Short Films: Includes 'Cahuenga Blvd.' and 'Five Miles Out.'
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Dennis Lim.

Andrew Haigh’s “Weekend” (2011) arrives on Blu-ray, delivered by the Criterion Collection, complete with supplemental features that shed light on the film’s creation and intent. The narrative follows Russell (Tom Cullen) and Glen (Chris New) as they meet, connect, and explore a brief yet profound romance over a weekend. Initially meeting at a club, the two engage in conversations that delve into themes of identity, relationships, and societal expectations, contrasting their diverse approaches to life and sexuality. Russell, a reserved lifeguard uncomfortable with public displays of affection, contrasts sharply with Glen, an artist expressive and at ease with his sexuality.

“Weekend” is an intimate exploration of contemporary gay life and broader human experiences. The film’s strength lies in its candid dialogue and naturalistic portrayal of everyday interactions. The handheld camera work, soft digital video, and long takes contribute to its raw, verité style, creating a sense of stark realism. Haigh’s direction uses these techniques to draw viewers into the private moments between the characters, enhancing the authenticity of their burgeoning relationship. Both lead actors deliver remarkable performances: Cullen’s nuanced portrayal of Russell’s internal struggle and New’s layered depiction of Glen’s extroverted yet guarded nature resonate deeply.

The film eschews typical dramatic beats in favor of focusing on genuine moments and conversations that reveal the characters’ vulnerabilities and personal growth. Despite occasional coarse language, Haigh’s script is peppered with wit and sharp humor, engaging audiences while navigating serious themes. Though shot with an unobtrusive style, the narrative does not shy away from explicit content, portraying sexual intimacy sensitively without sensationalism. Ultimately, “Weekend” offers a perceptive look into the complexity of relationships and self-acceptance through its gay romance, making it a universally relatable film that breaks clichéd molds.

The Blu-ray release of Andrew Haigh's "Weekend" offers a delicate portrayal of a fleeting romance between two men, captured with an almost documentary-like realism. The director's fly-on-the-wall approach engenders a rare sense of intimacy and authenticity, with the performances by the lead actors standing out as remarkably natural and engaging. However, the video transfer reveals some limitations, attributable to the budget constraints of the original production equipment. Despite these minor drawbacks, the audio quality is commendable, balancing soft-spoken dialogue and ambient sounds effectively.

The Criterion Collection's presentation of "Weekend" is bolstered by a selection of supplements that provide valuable insights into the film’s production process. These extras include interviews with the director and cast, offering a deeper understanding of the artistic choices that shaped this intimate narrative. While some viewers may find the dialogue occasionally challenging to discern due to its subdued delivery, the overall audio mix successfully retains a genuine atmosphere, enhancing the film's realistic feel.

What separates Andrew Haigh's "Weekend" from other similarly themed films is its genuine sincerity. Admittedly, this could be what turns off some viewers, but I think that most will appreciate the fact that the film does not rely on old cliches to deliver its message. Kudos to Criterion for adding yet another unique contemporary film to their catalog this year. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.