Boyhood Blu-ray Review

Criterion's "Boyhood" presents a remarkable visual experience with its 1080p transfer, maintaining the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The digital transfer, supervised by Richard Linklater, was created in 2K resolution from the 35mm original camera negative using a DFT Scanity film scanner. This meticulous process results in an excellent technical presentation that adeptly captures the continuous 12-year filming journey. Depth and fluidity of the image are impressive, with no transfer-specific anomalies detected. Outdoor footage, especially towards the film's conclusion, is particularly stunning in high-definition.

The video quality mirrors the previous Paramount Blu-ray release but includes notable improvements. The Criterion release has cleaned up minor specks evident in the earlier version and fully respects the original aspect ratio, providing more frame content unlike the cropped 1.78:1 on the previous disc. The 35mm source maintains a light grain texture that adds to the naturalistic style without being intrusive. Colors, especially light greens, blues, and yellows, are vivid yet realistic, with balanced contrast and even whites and blacks. Although grain in dark scenes can appear slightly clumpy, there are no significant compression or digital artifacts.

Overall, Criterion’s digital transfer ensures "Boyhood" remains a visual delight. The naturalistic style is consistently supported by warm and unbiased flesh tones, creating a raw and authentic presentation that steers clear of Hollywood dramatization. The strong technical execution underscores the film's evolving narrative, making this Blu-ray edition a standout for its faithful and enhanced visual representation.

The Blu-ray release of "Boyhood" includes an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that effectively captures the film's nuanced auditory landscape. The soundtrack is organic, primarily comprising natural sounds and noises, which, while unambitious, complement the film's realistic portrayal of life over 12 years. Technically, the dialogue remains consistently crisp, clean, and stable, free from any pops, cracks, or digital distortions. The audio remastering using Pro-Tools HD results in a subtle improvement over previous releases, though the difference may be imperceptible to most listeners.

The audio mix is fairly modest in its design with a limited surround sound presence that makes for a quietly immersive experience. The soundstage is largely front-loaded but includes delicate hints of ambiance in the rear channels, produced naturally and seamlessly. Directionality and imaging are subtle, providing a refined soundscape that expands during more dramatic scenes, such as tense moments in a car. The music—a key element of the film's storytelling—features prominently with strong fidelity and stereo separation, enhancing the period-specific atmosphere. Dynamic range remains crisp and wide, although bass activity is minimal, consistent with expectations for this type of film.

Overall, while the restrained audio design could benefit from slightly more activity and texture to elevate the viewing experience further, the current mix works well within the film's context. Despite not pushing the limits of one's audio system, it faithfully delivers what "Boyhood" demands, ensuring dialogue clarity and ambient authenticity throughout its runtime.

The Blu-ray release of "Boyhood" offers an extensive collection of well-produced extras that provide deep insights into the film’s unique 12-year production process. The standout is the new audio commentary by director Richard Linklater and significant cast and crew, covering shooting locations, film stock, political events, and character development. The documentary 'Twelve Years' dives into the challenges faced over the years, supplemented with raw shooting footage. Additionally, several filmed conversations such as 'Memories of the Present' and 'Always Now' offer reflections from key actors and the director on the project's evolution and impact on their lives. The thoughtful video essay 'Time of Your Life' focuses on Linklater's thematic exploration of time, while 'Through the Years' presents a visual journey with on-set photographs integrated with personal essays read by the cast and crew.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insightful discussion by Richard Linklater and cast/crew.
• Twelve Years: Comprehensive documentary on the 12-year production.
• Memories of the Present: Conversation featuring Linklater, Arquette, and Coltrane.
• Always Now: Conversation between Ethan Hawke and Ellar Coltrane.
• Time of Your Life: Video essay by critic Michael Koresky.
• Through the Years: On-set photos narrated by cast/crew essays.
• Booklet: Essay by Jonathan Lethem.

"Boyhood," directed by Richard Linklater, chronicles the life of Mason (Ellar Coltrane) over a twelve-year period, from age six to eighteen. This unconventional production approach allows viewers to experience his growth in real time, offering a remarkable and immersive examination of life's fleeting moments. The narrative is structured through a series of vignettes, seamlessly transitioning across the years without clear segues, which results in a cohesive and continuous portrayal of Mason’s life. Linklater’s intent is not only to depict the boy’s journey but also to reflect on universal experiences of growth, making the film resonate on multiple levels.

Mason’s evolving perspective is enriched by the supporting characters in his life, particularly his mother (Patricia Arquette) and father (Ethan Hawke). Arquette's portrayal of a single mother grappling with life's trials earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, delivering an honest and poignant performance. Similarly, Hawke's character evolves from a detached, sporadically present father into a stabilizing influence, underscoring the nuanced dynamics between parents and children. As Mason matures, his once observational role shifts towards active participation, reflecting his personal growth. Each segment, unfettered by heavy plot twists, instead embraces simplicity and authenticity drawn from the actors' real-life experiences.

"Boyhood" rigorously delves into the seemingly mundane yet profoundly impactful moments that define childhood and adolescence. Mason's encounters, whether fleeting or recurring, contribute to an intricate mosaic of memory and identity. The film’s technical prowess in capturing 12 years realistically elevates its storytelling, making the audience palpably feel the passage of time. This inherently fragmented yet organically unified narrative structure makes "Boyhood" not just a film but an evocative journey through life's endless learning process. Its departure from conventional storytelling creates a unique cinematic experience that lingers long after viewing, cementing its place as a thought-provoking and unassumingly beautiful piece of work.

Richard Linklater’s 'Boyhood' represents a masterstroke in filmmaking, taking the viewer on an unparalleled journey through the fabric of time. This 12-year project chronicles the life of a boy named Mason, depicted with a nuanced authenticity that transcends conventional storytelling. The accumulative effect of witnessing the characters grow and evolve creates a deeply resonant and emotional narrative that mirrors our own shared human experience.

The video transfer on this Criterion Edition is robust, capturing the film's naturalistic aesthetic perfectly. The audio mix is modest yet effective, complementing the film’s unassuming but powerful storytelling. The substantial supplemental features offer invaluable insights into the production process, revealing the myriad challenges and triumphs encountered over the prolonged filming period. These supplements not only enhance appreciation for Linklater's vision but also provide a comprehensive understanding of the film’s intrinsic value and its place in cinematic history.

The Criterion release heightens the inherent qualities of 'Boyhood,' making it an essential addition to any serious film collection. Criterion's meticulous presentation, combined with an insightful array of extras, ensures that long-time fans and new viewers alike will find this edition exceptionally rewarding.

Conclusion: Boyhood is undoubtedly director Richard Linklater's most ambitious film. It is clear that it was also his riskiest project because the excellent supplemental features included on this two-disc set prove that there was literally an endless number of very good reasons that could have collapsed it during the twelve-year period it took to complete it. This is a very easy release to recommend, and especially to fans of Boyhood who have been patiently waiting for it ever since it was confirmed in 2015. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.