Inside Llewyn Davis Blu-ray Review

Joel and Ethan Coen's "Inside Llewyn Davis" has been meticulously transferred to Blu-ray, courtesy of Criterion, showcasing the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with a codec of MPEG-4 AVC and a 1080p resolution. This edition is particularly noteworthy for its director-approved digital transfer, created from the 35mm original camera negative in 4K resolution using a Spirit 4K film scanner at Technicolor PostWorks in New York. The color grading, supervised by Peter Doyle at Technicolor PostWorks, leans into a palette of desaturated grays, light browns, and blacks, skillfully balancing contrast and depth while maintaining the film's unique period look. Despite occasional fluctuations in clarity due to the deliberate stylistic choices in lighting and color treatment, the overall image stability is excellent, with no significant technical flaws detracting from the viewing experience.

However, despite originating from a 4K master approved by the directors themselves, the visual presentation shares similarities with prior releases regarding its strengths and limitations. There are intermittent signs of compression artifacts that slightly mar the image quality, and some scenes show more pronounced banding compared to earlier versions. Yet, these technical issues are relatively minor and sporadic, often overshadowed by the film’s intentional soft focus and subdued color scheme, evoking a nostalgic and somewhat somber atmosphere perfectly aligned with its narrative tone. The movie's visual style is well-preserved, featuring a light natural grain and effectively balanced contrast, though it occasionally suffers from slightly elevated black levels and a somewhat dim presentation. In essence, this Blu-ray offering delivers a faithful and aesthetically consistent viewing experience that honors the Coens' vision, albeit with a few notable technical imperfections that are important to acknowledge.

The audio presentation of "Inside Llewyn Davis" on Blu-ray is delivered through an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. As reported, this track mirrors the one from its previous release, excelling in preserving the film's aural essence without any noticeable audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions. The overall dynamic range may appear moderate; however, this does not detract from the listening experience, as the original soundtrack's design prioritizes nuance and ambiance over bombast. The clarity and separation of sounds, especially during musical performances, are commendable, allowing for an immersive folk music journey that captures the genre's soulful depth and complexity with fidelity.

Dialogue in the film is consistently crisp and prominent, ensuring that every conversational nuance and lyrical verse is delivered with full-bodied richness. This clarity complements the soundtrack's warm textures and broad range, elevating the film's poignant narrative and emotional arcs. The soundstage, while not overly expansive, adeptly encapsulates the subtle atmospheres of New York settings and the intimate acoustics of club and studio environments. These elements work in harmony to foreground the folk songs' emotional resonance and the narrative's melancholic undertones.

The audio mix's strength lies in its meticulous balance between vocal articulation, musical performance clarity, and ambient soundscapes. The folk tunes are presented with a compelling authenticity and emotional weight, characterized by excellent dynamic separation that highlights both delicate lulls and more vigorous peaks. This careful sound design enhances the film's storytelling, inviting audiences into a deeply textured auditory experience that complements the visual journey of "Inside Llewyn Davis.

This Criterion collection of "Inside Llewyn Davis" offers a sterling array of extras that deeply enriches the appreciation of the film and the 1960s folk music era it portrays. With a blend of original trailers, a meticulously detailed making-of documentary, a spirited conversation led by Guillermo del Toro with the Coen Brothers, and a commentary that delves into the folk music scene, this assortment is a treasure trove for cinephiles and music enthusiasts alike. Not to overlook, "Another Day, Another Time," a captivating concert film that features performances inspired by the movie, showcasing the vibrant influence of the soundtrack beyond the screen. Each component, from discussions on the film's production intricacies to insights into the folk movement and its cultural ramifications, contributes to an immersive exploration of the film's thematic and historical context. With every feature presented in high definition, this collection is an essential companion to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailers: Six original trailers for "Inside Llewyn Davis".
• Inside Inside Llewyn Davis: A documentary exploring the production history and folk music roots.
• The First Hundred Feet, The Last Hundred Feet: Del Toro and the Coen Brothers discuss film influences and character evolution.
• Another Day, Another Time: Concert film drawing from the movie's musical landscape.
• Commentary: Detailed audio commentary with Christgau, Hajdu, and Wilentz focusing on folk music history.
• The Way of Folk: T Bone Burnett and the Coen Brothers discuss folk music's significance and stories behind chosen songs.
• Before the Flood: Elijah Wald talks about the 60s folk scene and Dave Van Ronk.
• Sunday (1961): Archival documentary capturing a folk music rally in NYC.

Joel and Ethan Coen's "Inside Llewyn Davis," awarded the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival, makes its debut on Blu-ray with a wealth of supplemental material underscoring its significance. Set in the early 1960s in the Greenwich Village folk music scene, the film meticulously captures the essence of a struggling musician's life. In this grim yet poignant narrative, Llewyn Davis, portrayed with raw intensity by Oscar Isaac, navigates a week fraught with personal and professional turmoil. Struggling to find gigs, dealing with a complex relationship marked by a pregnancy scare, and embarking on a disillusioning trip to Chicago, Davis’s endeavors to revive his floundering music career encapsulate the vicissitudes of an artist's existence. The film's brilliance lies not only in its narrative but also in its technical mastery. From the melancholic tonality of filmed music performances—live-recorded by the actors themselves—to the desaturated palette meticulously crafted by cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel, every element contributes to an atmosphere imbued with folkloric authenticity and existential malaise.

The Coen Brothers' signature blend of dark humor and existential reflection elevates "Inside Llewyn Davis" beyond a mere period piece into a profound exploration of artistic aspiration and personal struggle. Through Oscar Isaac's compelling portrayal, Llewyn Davis emerges as a deeply flawed yet undeniably sympathetic figure, ensnared in a ceaseless battle with both fate and his own demons. The film's cast, including standout performances by Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, and John Goodman, enriches this tapestry of 1960s folk culture, offering a glimpse into a world where talent and ambition often collide with harsh realities. The Criterion release, enhanced by discussions and insights from notable figures such as director Guillermo del Toro and music executive T Bone Burnett, provides an exhaustive look at the creative process behind this cinematic folk ballad. Amidst this backdrop of artistic fervor and personal strife, "Inside Llewyn Davis" stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity, weaving together the Coens’ adept storytelling with soul-stirring music to craft a narrative as timeless as the folk songs it celebrates.

Inside Llewyn Davis" on Criterion's Blu-ray release is a cinematic treasure that glistens even more in high-definition, a testament to the Coen Brothers' unique ability to weave complex character studies with their distinctively quirky touch. The film—a somber, yet humor-tinged contemplation of an artist's struggles and repeated mistakes within the pre-Dylan New York folk scene—benefits immensely from the Criterion upgrade, both visually and auditorily. Although minor video artifacts are noted, they barely detract from the overall superior video quality that significantly improves upon the Sony disc's presentation. Moreover, the phenomenal audio mix elevates the movie's enchanting soundtrack to new heights, promising an immersive viewing experience.

Criterion's release shines not just through its technical merits but also through its lavish special features, which stand out even among contemporary film releases. These include an insightful commentary track and a treasure trove of new supplements that enrich the narrative backdrop and thematic layers of the film. The highlight for many will undoubtedly be the fantastic tribute concert, an essential addition for folk music admirers and a compelling reason for enthusiasts to consider upgrading their collection, even if they possess the earlier release.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Inside Llewyn Davis" by Criterion is not merely a replication but a significant enhancement of the film's legacy. It offers both new viewers and longtime fans an in-depth exploration into the Coen Brothers' meticulously crafted world, backed by outstanding technical restoration and enriching supplementary content. Highly recommended, this edition is definitive proof of how a thoughtfully curated home media release can rejuvenate and deepen the appreciation for an already esteemed piece of cinema.