Valley of the Gods Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Valley of the Gods" by Well Go USA delivers an impressive visual experience, framed in 2.39:1 with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer. Although definitive technical data about the shoot isn’t available, observations suggest the use of Arri Alexa models and a probable 2K DI master. Regardless of the exact specifications, the transfer is exceptionally detailed and vibrant. While some typical Well Go USA color banding in darker shots is present, the film's visual composition remains stunning, particularly in its varied use of color palettes and settings. The home of Tauros features deep mahogany wood and dark golden hues, while the Navajo valley exhibits more muted dusty reds, creating a striking contrast that enhances the film's distinctive visual styles.

The black levels in the Blu-ray transfer are deep, rich, and inky, performing well in both street-level scenes and the high-altitude environments of Tauros’ mansion. Additionally, the color reproduction is nothing short of spectacular, with a rich, vibrant palette that captures the diverse landscapes of Utah, from burnt red sandstone tones to well-saturated blue skies. Surprisingly, even the interior footage graded toward yellows—such as scenes within Tauros' mansion—maintains fine detail without significant fidelity loss. Moreover, nighttime and dusky scenes offer an impressive level of detail, defying typical expectations for such conditions.

The clarity and detail throughout the film are consistent and balanced, with no notable tampering or post-production artifacts. Depth is handled superbly, with even greenscreen scenes appearing convincingly natural alongside on-location shots in the Valley of the Gods. Flesh tones remain natural and consistent across scenes, and there are no detectable instances of debris, noise, or artifacts, further affirming the high quality of this Blu-ray release. Overall, "Valley of the Gods" stands out as a visually engaging presentation that leverages the full potential of its medium.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "Valley of the Gods" is generally outstanding, with noteworthy clarity and balance across its various elements. Dialogue, whether in English or Navajo chanting, is delivered cleanly and crisply from the front channels, ensuring each word is intelligible. Jan A.P. Kaczmarek’s evocative score consistently emanates from the surround channels, adding a haunting ambiance that enhances the narrative. Although there are occasional instances of background noise during quieter scenes, these are minor and likely to go unnoticed unless actively listening for them.

In terms of dynamics, the lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is remarkably adept at handling both the quiet, introspective moments and the more bombastic scenes. The LFE channel contributes significantly, particularly during the film’s storm sequences and the climactic final act set in Downtown Los Angeles, providing a robust and immersive low-frequency punch. The sound design also excels in its use of ambient noises and whispering effects, especially within We Tauros's estate, creating an enveloping auditory experience that feels both intimate and expansive.

Overall, the audio presentation for "Valley of the Gods" demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency. Ambient environmental sounds are well-placed despite the sparseness of the film's locations, and dialogue reproduction remains consistently clean and clear. The mix's flexibility in effortlessly transitioning between serene and intense moments underscores its dynamic range, making it a standout technical aspect of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray of "Valley of the Gods" offers a concise yet enriching set of extras that enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. The 20-minute "Making Of" featurette stands out as the highlight, providing in-depth insights from the cast and director. Particularly noteworthy is Keir Dullea's emotional reflections, considering this film a significant bookend to his illustrious career, likened to his iconic role in "2001: A Space Odyssey." Viewers are also treated to moments from his on-set birthday celebration, adding a personal touch to the production narrative. The included trailer offers a preview of the film’s artistic vision. Notably, Well Go USA's supplements are designed to flow seamlessly, automatically playing trailers for other releases upon disc boot and following the main features.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: In-depth featurette with cast and director insights.
• Trailer: Preview of the film.
• Well Go USA Trailers: Additional trailers for other releases.

"Valley of the Gods" features Josh Hartnett and John Malkovich in a film directed by Lech Majewski. The movie intertwines the lives of John Ecas (Hartnett) and Wes Tauros (Malkovich), blending existential themes with surreal elements. Ecas is a discontent copywriter seeking more from life, while Tauros is an eccentric trillionaire searching for meaning, ultimately setting his sights on mining the sacred Navajo lands for uranium. Set in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Southern Utah, the movie expertly utilizes the region's surreal beauty to emphasize its dreamlike narrative. Majewski's storytelling is deliberately opaque, creating a series of seemingly disjointed vignettes that challenge viewers to find patterns and connections.

The film's production showcases stunning cinematography akin to Werner Herzog’s style, combining striking camera angles and rich visuals that almost compensate for its lack of coherence. Despite its sparse dialogue and surreal scenarios — such as anthropogenic mummification and ritualistic behaviors towards urban technology — "Valley of the Gods" maintains an atmospheric allure. The visual splendor of Utah's landscapes, even more enhanced by well-integrated CGI, crafts a hyper-realistic environment that supports the film’s themes. Majewski’s meticulous chapter-based structure might hint at a story within a story, subtly suggesting that Ecas' imaginative writing drives much of the narrative.

Despite its visual brilliance, "Valley of the Gods" is often bewildering and esoteric. The movie evokes comparisons to works like "2001: A Space Odyssey," especially in bizarre sequences reminiscent of Kubrick’s iconic "Starchild." These artistic choices amplify the film's enigmatic tone, reinforcing that its true essence is more artistic exploration than traditional storytelling. While some viewers may find its opaque structure frustrating, others may appreciate its layered complexity and visual mastery. Overall, "Valley of the Gods" beckons audiences to engage with it on multiple viewings to decode its nuanced yet chaotic form.

"Valley of the Gods" offers an intriguing, albeit perplexing, experience that defies conventional narrative structure. Directed by Lech Majewski and starring notable actors like Josh Hartnett, John Malkovich, and Bérénice Marlohe, the film explores existential themes through a visually arresting lens. The Blu-ray release boasts impressive technical specifications, featuring a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and DD 2.0 audio tracks. Subtitles are available in English SDH. While the disc leaves much to be desired in terms of extras, offering only a making-of featurette, the video and audio quality are nearly reference-level, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

Reviewers have noted the film's hallucinatory nature, describing it as an acid trip without the aftereffects. The unconventional storyline may leave many viewers confounded, but its uniqueness makes it memorable. Those who prioritize visual and auditory fidelity will find the Blu-ray release technically solid, and the film's existential aspirations may make it a worthwhile watch for fans of avant-garde cinema. The lack of substantial extras, however, limits the overall value of the package.

All things being said, "Valley of the Gods" is an incomprehensible film that is neither good nor bad, but rather just “nothing” at the end of the day. The intentions were most likely ambitious and ostentatious, but the result is nothing short of an acid trip without the hangover the next day. The Blu-ray looks and sounds quite good, but like usual there are almost no extras to be found on the Well Go USA disc. I had a rough time deciding whether to recommend this to people to see if I was missing something and others might gain something meaningful from it, or just skip it entirely for being a failed attempt at something greater. At the end of the day I’m putting a middle of the road rating on it, as it is so strangely obtuse and unique that I can’t recommend it, but neither can I actually warn you away from it either.

Recommendation: Unique Watch