Take This Waltz Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Take This Waltz" features a highly stylized visual approach that leverages vibrant, sometimes exaggerated color grading to convey the intense emotions of its characters. Shot digitally using the Panavision Genesis camera, the film boasts a 1080p AVC-encoded transfer that maintains the integrity of its stylized cinematography. While the extensive use of candy-colored oversaturation can be distracting at times—transforming skies into Sweet Tarts blue and pool water into an almost absurd turquoise—the overall picture remains crisp and clean, largely free of noise except in some of the darker scenes. This intentional artistic choice reflects the sensory overload of falling in love, but some may find the effect inconsistent and slightly overwhelming.

Nonetheless, the Blu-ray transfer does an excellent job of capturing the film's warm, summery aesthetic. The transfer brings to life the hot Toronto summer with rich golden hues and warm tones that permeate much of the film. These heated colors are handled adeptly by the transfer, avoiding any disruption to the overall image quality. Outside light filters beautifully through windows, enhancing the film's sense of season while maintaining good contrast levels that provide a remarkable amount of depth. Blacks are deep and stable, and whites are managed well without appearing unintentionally blown out.

Detail and color representation are also strong points of this Blu-ray release. Wardrobes and neighborhood exteriors are bright and vibrant, contributing to an equally lively visual experience. While the fine detail occasionally tapers off in certain scenes, it consistently holds up well in close-ups. The presentation offers a film-like quality that aligns with the independent nature of "Take This Waltz," and aside from some minor shortcomings, it provides a commendable visual experience.

"Take This Waltz" graces Blu-ray with a meticulously designed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, notable for its engaging soundscapes that distinguish it from typical indie romantic dramas. The sound designers have impressively utilized all 5.1 channels, ensuring ambient noises like wind, seagulls, and neighborhood sounds such as sprinklers and light traffic are presented with a crystal-clear, realistic quality. Jonathan Goldsmith’s score, featuring unconventional instrumentation and subtle chimes, effectively enhances the on-screen drama, and the film’s use of "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles is both nostalgic and immersive. Dialogue remains consistently clean and comprehensible, supported by optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles for accessibility.

This dialogue-centric film leverages its DTS-HD Master Audio track to create a richly atmospheric experience. Dialogue predominantly emanates from the front and center channels, offering a consistently clear narration. However, scenes involving larger groups lead to an immersive, almost party-like auditory environment. Though "Take This Waltz" is relatively quiet, it masterfully employs subtle ambient sounds—such as cooking or distant conversations—to accentuate moments of silence, providing a genuine sense of place through excellent directionality. The soundtrack benefits immensely from the lossless mix, completely enveloping the listener and reinforcing emotional scenes through dynamic use of all channels, with occasional elements subtly accentuated by low-frequency effects (LFE). This robust audio presentation adeptly illustrates what a high-quality lossless track can achieve, even for a film less dependent on intense sound effects or surround dynamics.

The extras on the "Take This Waltz" Blu-ray provide a significant depth of insight into the film's production and thematic considerations. The Making of: Taking the Waltz feature is particularly notable, offering an extensive 38-minute exploration into the creation of the movie. It includes candid interviews with director Sarah Polley and the cast, providing a thorough backstage perspective. Although a feature-length commentary would have been preferable, this comprehensive making-of compensates well by diving into the characters and key themes. The inclusion of AXS TV: A Look at Take This Waltz adds another layer of behind-the-scenes content, albeit much shorter and promotional in nature, with some valuable input from Sarah Silverman on the film's concepts. The Theatrical Trailer and additional previews round out the offerings, making for a satisfying suite of extra features.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of: Taking the Waltz: In-depth making-of documentary with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• AXS TV: A Look at Take This Waltz: Brief promotional piece with clips and interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Additional previews of other offerings.

Sarah Polley's "Take This Waltz" thoughtfully delves into the complexities of marital fidelity and the human desire for emotional and physical connection outside established relationships. Polley, who initially gained recognition for "Away From Her," skillfully explores marital bonds once again, this time through the prism of a young wife's infatuation with a new neighbor. Michelle Williams plays Margot, an insecure freelance writer whose chance encounter with the artist Daniel (Luke Kirby) sparks a slow-burning emotional and psychological affair that teases out the nuanced intricacies of temptation and betrayal. Polley's script unfolds gradually, presenting no clear antagonist but showing how well-intentioned individuals can make irrevocable, hurtful decisions driven by their conflicting desires for excitement, safety, and passion.

Polley's directorial prowess shines in creating relatable, multifaceted characters grounded in believable settings. The film sets up an ostensibly coincidental yet gripping scenario where Margot's familiar yet passionless marriage to Lou (Seth Rogen) faces the ultimate test. Lou's character is both loving and inattentive, preoccupied with writing a chicken cookbook, which ironically symbolizes the bland security Margot finds stifling. The interplay between Williams' and Kirby's characters is charged with a slow, psychological foreplay, masterfully capturing the forbidden courtship's raw tension. Noteworthy is a provocative diner scene that palpably elevates the film's emotional stakes.

While Polley provides an unflinching and adult perspective on marital infidelity, the film occasionally struggles with tonal consistency and overreliance on symbolic imagery. Some scenes linger beyond their desired impact, slightly diminishing the overall narrative potency. The thematic handling of desire as an addiction parallels Geraldine's (Sarah Silverman) subplot on alcoholism, enriching the storyline's emotional depth. Despite its minor flaws, "Take This Waltz" remains an authentically sweet film illustrating the unpredictable nature of human relationships and the unforeseen consequences of our yearning for more.

"Take This Waltz" is a compelling exploration into the intricacies of desire and adult relationships, showcasing Sarah Polley's adeptness as both writer and director. Michelle Williams delivers an exquisite performance, characterized by a blend of vulnerability and authenticity, while Seth Rogen surprises with a deeply serious portrayal. The film tactfully navigates the complexity of emotional conflict without oversimplifying its characters or their motivations. Polley avoids clichéd storytelling, opting for a refreshing frankness that sets this narrative apart. Viewers should note, though, that while engaging, the dialogue may occasionally overshadow character motivations, leaving some aspects underexplored.

The Blu-ray release ensures a visually appealing experience with high-quality picture and sound. Although the technical specs are not groundbreaking, they sufficiently capture the film's aesthetic nuances. The special features include a making-of documentary that offers valuable insights into the film’s production, which is a rewarding addition for enthusiasts. Given its limited theatrical exposure, this Blu-ray could serve as many viewers' first encounter with Polley's nuanced storytelling and is presented in a well-preserved format that does the film justice.

In conclusion, "Take This Waltz" is a thought-provoking piece that delves deeply into the psychological intricacies of love and fidelity. While it may not suit everyone’s taste for a date night, it undeniably serves as a potent discussion starter for couples. Recommended for those who appreciate films that dare to explore the raw and often uncomfortable realities of human emotions.