The New World Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The New World" delivers an outstanding visual experience thanks to a remarkable 1080p/VC-1 transfer in the film's original 2.4:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The detail presented throughout is nothing short of exquisite, transforming Terrence Malick’s film into a visually rich masterpiece. Every scene is drenched with vibrant, lifelike colors—from lush green landscapes and endless blue skies to glowing orange-red sunsets. The skin tones are rendered realistically, capturing both the nuanced beauty of the leads and the rugged grit of the invaders. Blacks are solid and deep, making low-light sequences and night scenes appear authentically striking, with fires set against the darkness providing shockingly real visuals.

Warner's transfer captures the artistic vision of Malick with fascinating clarity, as colors remain vivid even in shadow, enhancing dramatic scenes like Smith's trial and Pocahontas's interactions with nature. The transfer boasts fine textures in clothing, furs, and faces, delineating foreground definition nearly impeccably. Despite some minor issues like occasional edge enhancement on colonial building roofs and fleeting banding, these barely register as distractions. The transfer is largely free from artifacting, source noise, aliasing, and noise reduction, ensuring an exceedingly clean image throughout.

"The New World" on Blu-ray not only stands as one of the superior catalog transfers available today but also demonstrates Blu-ray’s potential to showcase the depth of films with intricate cinematography. Fans, new viewers, and critics alike will appreciate the refined capture of Malick’s aesthetic vision. Fine details in clothing and faces remain robust and well-defined even in dimly lit indoor scenes, maintaining a full color spectrum with striking contrast. This release is a testament to how Blu-ray can elevate classic films, offering a breathtaking viewing experience from beginning to end.

The Blu-ray release of "The New World" comes equipped with a compelling Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround mix that significantly enhances the viewing experience. James Horner's evocative score is a fundamental element, seamlessly integrating with the film's imagery and essentially serving as a narrative voice. Dialogue often takes on an almost contemplative, muttering quality, reflective of the film's introspective tone, and may require subtle volume adjustments or subtitles for clarity. Sound effects—from cannon fire to more serene environmental noises—are vivid and immersive, contributing to a sense of being enveloped in the story's unfolding atmosphere. The audio balance maintained between the music, dialogue, and sound effects is exemplary and crucial for maintaining the thematic integrity of Malick's vision.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track provides a meticulous and immersive auditory experience, marked by its subtle yet precise ambient sounds. Environmental details, such as chirping birds and rustling leaves, are rendered with outstanding clarity, enhancing the film's setting. Ambient sounds are delivered with pinpoint accuracy, enhancing directional cues and positioning within the surround field effectively. This precision extends to the scenes charged with dynamic LFE impact, which are hearty yet not overpowering. Audio imaging is clear and thorough, ensuring that each element of the soundscape supports the visual narrative seamlessly. For viewers who appreciate finely-tuned audio accompaniment, this track delivers on all fronts without detracting from Malick’s visual artistry.

In summary, "The New World's" Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track exemplifies a dynamic yet understated auditory experience. It achieves an excellent balance between Horner’s score, dialogue, and ambient effects, resulting in a richly immersive soundfield. Fans and audiophiles alike will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and how it complements the stunning visuals of this cinematic piece.

The Blu-ray release of "The New World" features an expansive and meticulously produced documentary, "Making The New World," which delves deeply into various aspects of the film's creation over 82 minutes. This comprehensive 10-part featurette provides rare insight into director Terrence Malick's elusive production process. Key topics covered include historical research, set and costume accuracy, location scouting, and casting—particularly the challenges of finding and training Native American actors and teaching them extinct languages. The segments ensure a detailed exploration of both pre-production preparations and on-set experiences, although Malick himself remains notably absent from interviews. Additionally, the disc includes two theatrical trailers that add further perspective on the film's marketing and potential extended footage.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making The New World: Comprehensive 10-part documentary on the film's production.
• Core Training: Insight into actor preparation and training.
• Finding Pocahontas: Casting process for Pocahontas.
• Recreating the Powhatan: Detailed look into accurately depicting Native American culture.
• Along the Chickahominy River: Filming on location.
• Jamestown: Recreating the historical settlement.
• Werowocomoco: Insights into another critical location.
• The John Rolfe Plantation: Depicting period agriculture.
• The Battle: Filming battle sequences.
• England: Scenes filmed in England.
• Theatrical Trailer: Initial marketing presentation of the film.
• Teaser Trailer: Early promotional material.

"The New World," directed by Terrence Malick, is a breathtaking, emotional experience that transcends the typical historical epic, focusing instead on a poignant love story set against the backdrop of the first expeditions to America. Richly imbued with Malick's signature visual style, it offers a meticulously researched narrative, bringing to life the intertwined stories of English soldier and explorer Captain John Smith (Colin Farrell), Powhatan princess Pocahontas (Q'Orianka Kilcher), and settler John Rolfe (Christian Bale). The extended cut, which spans nearly three hours, includes additional scenes that, while prolonging the love triangle, deepen the narrative with subtle touches and more comprehensive character development.

Despite the misleading marketing that promised an action-packed drama, "The New World" is a deliberate, meditative piece of art. It features slow-paced sequences full of nature shots, extended silences, and nuanced light and shadow play. This film is far from a traditional Hollywood blockbuster; rather, it's an arthouse cinema gem that delves into the clash of civilizations and the essence of humanity, exploring themes of honor, loyalty, and the devastating impact of colonialism. Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography excels in capturing these themes through stunning visual storytelling, making every frame a work of art.

Performances in "The New World" are universally strong, with Q'Orianka Kilcher delivering a standout portrayal of Pocahontas. Her performance imbues the character with innocence, vulnerability, and profound emotional depth, effectively anchoring the film's narrative. Colin Farrell and Christian Bale provide excellent support, with Farrell's raw passion contrasting Bale's subdued affection. The voiceovers significantly enhance the film's introspective quality, allowing for Malick's philosophical musings to come through clearly. Despite its lack of conventional entertainment value, "The New World" remains a powerful and infectious work, perfect for those who appreciate Malick's lyrical and reflective filmmaking style.

The New World isn't the sort of film you watch, it's the sort of living, breathing composition you experience. Malick's vision and pacing isn't for everyone, but it does result in a gorgeous piece of art cinephiles and arthouse enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy. Its Blu-ray release is impressive as well. With a stunning video transfer, a strong TrueHD audio track, and a solid supplemental package, the disc's low price point almost seems too good to be true. Even so, no one in their right mind would complain about getting so much for so little. If The New World sounds like it would appeal to your sensibilities, I would suggest a purchase. If you're still unsure, a rental is certainly in order. Either way, adjust your expectations and prepare to sink into the canvas of a visual maestro.

'The New World: Extended Cut' is some of Terence Malick's finest work. It stands as a signifier of both his past efforts and those to come; namely, the wildly lyrical and ponderous 'The Tree of Life,' which would continue the devolution of narrative structure that was largely reinserted into this extended cut. What makes The New World such a marvelous film, though, is unequivocally Malick. Here men encased in metal are nearly swallowed whole by blades of grass standing a head taller; minutes go by without a single word being spoken; hearts are broken, but continue to soldier on. The command of central allegory is some of the strongest Malick has displayed in his films, and for those open to seeing the romantic beauty of it, 'The New World: Extended Cut' is well worth three hours of your time.

Review:

Terrence Malick's "The New World: Extended Cut" isn't merely a film—it's an immersive experience of visual and auditory splendor. Malick’s unique vision and deliberate pacing may not appeal to every viewer, but for those with an appreciation for art-house cinema and evocative storytelling, this movie stands as an exquisite masterpiece. The Blu-ray release does justice to Malick's artistic prowess with an impeccable video transfer that captures every lush landscape and hauntingly beautiful frame in stunning detail. Complemented by a robust TrueHD audio track, the auditory experience is just as mesmerizing, enveloping the viewer into Malick's world. The supplemental package is substantial, offering rich insights and behind-the-scenes content, making the low price point an exceptional value.

Moreover, "The New World: Extended Cut" exemplifies Malick's mastery of allegory and thematic depth. The allegorical elements where nature dwarfs man’s presence and actions are beautifully rendered, creating moments where silence speaks volumes. This film is emblematic of his stylistic evolution seen in later works like "The Tree of Life." For viewers open to its hypnotic charm and poetic rhythm, this extended cut truly rewards patience with profound emotional and visual resonance.

In conclusion, "The New World: Extended Cut" is highly recommended for those who revel in cinematic artistry. If you’re drawn to films that serve as an immersive sensory journey, this Blu-ray release is a worthwhile addition to your collection. For others still contemplating the commitment, a rental will surely provide a taste of Malick's extraordinary canvas. Prepare to be enveloped in a living, breathing composition that offers more with each viewing.