The Whales of August Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "The Whales of August" utilizes an AVC encoded image with a 1.84:1 aspect ratio, delivering a vibrant and colorful 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer that brings the film to life in a visually compelling manner. The natural greens provide a satisfying sense of nature, while the blues of the ocean and sky are vivid, contributing to an overall lush and bright palette. Skintones remain compelling and stable, capturing the aged appearance of the cast with remarkable detail. The hues in costuming favor bright colors, enhancing the visual appeal. Although grain is present, it lends a pleasing film-like texture that complements the crispness and contrast of the image.

Detail and clarity are standout features, with sharp close-ups revealing the intricate wrinkles and creases on the actors' faces, which adds to the emotional depth of their performances. The set decoration maintains high clarity, distinguishing background details effectively and preserving outdoor distances. Black levels are appropriately deep, while whites, although occasionally a tad bloomy, remain generally crisp. There are minimal signs of source damage, preserving the visual integrity of the material. Nonetheless, there are minor instances of sky noise and occasional softness in a few scenes, but these do not significantly detract from the overall quality.

In essence, this Blu-ray transfer provides a fine representation of Mike Fash's beautiful cinematography, offering a satisfying visual experience that highlights both the picturesque setting and the nuanced performances of the cast. Despite minor imperfections, it captures the film's atmosphere and visual storytelling with commendable proficiency.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix for "The Whales of August" is a modest, yet compelling affair that excels in its clarity and immersive quality. The audio presentation effectively utilizes strong instrumentation in its scoring cues, enhancing the film's emotional impact. Dialogue exchanges are delivered with crisp precision, capturing vocal nuances that bring performances to life. Atmospheric elements play a key role, adding a rich sense of coastal life through the sounds of rolling waves, wildlife chirps, and gentle breezes, creating an enveloping auditory experience.

While the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track does not offer extensive separation, it supplies well-modulated sound that prioritizes dialogue, making conversations easy to comprehend. The understated music score by Alan Price benefits from sufficient presence and depth, capturing dynamic highs and lows without any distortion. Subtle environmental noises such as creaky doors and floorboards are faithfully rendered, adding to the ambiance without overwhelming the primary audio. Notably, there are no age-related audio defects like hiss, pops, or crackles, ensuring a clean listening experience. Although it is a muted track, it handles its sonic responsibilities with remarkable efficiency and authenticity.

Kino's Blu-ray release of The Whales of August offers a rich package of supplemental features that will deeply satisfy enthusiasts of classic cinema and the film's legendary cast. This comprehensive collection includes in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and a series of heartfelt personal reflections. Highlights include producer Mike Kaplan’s absorbing commentary with film historian Stephen Farber, and a series of raw, insightful interviews conducted during the film’s production. These interviews deliver unparalleled access to behind-the-scenes dynamics and the personal experiences of icons such as Bette Davis, Lillian Gish, and Vincent Price. Each feature is thoughtfully curated to provide a multifaceted perspective on the film's creation and its enduring legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An engaging discussion by Mike Kaplan and Stephen Farber.
• Peer Talk: The Raw September 1986 Interviews: Cast interviews during the production.
• Behind the Camera: Raw September 1986 Interviews: Crew interviews focusing on technical aspects.
• Interview with Mary Steenburgen: Reflections on her experience with the cast and crew.
• Interview with Margaret Ladd: Recollections of acting alongside legends.
• Interview with Tisha Sterling: Personal insights, including excerpts from her memoir.
• Interview with Executive Producer Shep Gordon: Anecdotes from Cannes Film Festival.
• Mike Kaplan Vignettes: Personal stories related to the film.
• Never Apologize: Malcolm McDowell on Lindsay Anderson: Excerpts highlighting director's diary entries.
• You Can Never Tell (Music Video): A music video inspired by the film.

This supplements collection showcases not just the technical production of the film, but also honors the storied careers and personal experiences of the involved artists.

The Whales of August is a contemplative film that serves primarily as a showcase for its legendary cast of Lillian Gish, Bette Davis, Vincent Price, and Ann Sothern. Director Lindsay Anderson allows these icons of Hollywood to shine, ensuring the audience can witness the nuanced performances of actors at the twilight of their careers. The film, adapted from David Berry's play, retains its theatrical roots with a plot that is more about character interaction and less about dramatic twists or action. Gish delivers an especially compelling performance that draws on her silent film experience, using subtle facial expressions to convey deep emotion. Davis, in her role as Libby, manifests a blend of vulnerability and stubbornness, while Price brings unexpected charm and grace.

The narrative unfolds around Sarah (Gish) and her blind sister Libby (Davis), who share a strained relationship intensified by the encroachments of age and loss. The plot is thin but magnetic, focusing on simple pleasures and the unspoken complexities of lifelong bonds. Set in a picturesque, coastal Maine location, the cinematography enhances the film’s reflective tone, capturing nature’s beauty in subtle ways that resonate with the characters' inner lives. The arrival of their old friend Tisha (Sothern) and a widowed Russian immigrant, Mr. Maranov (Price), provides further texture to the narrative as it delicately explores themes of aging, companionship, and resilience.

Technically, the film's transfer to Blu-ray is well-handled, with a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video codec producing crisp visuals that do justice to the idyllic settings. The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, ensuring that dialogue remains clear amid the film's understated soundscape. The Blu-ray package includes a 16-page booklet with insights from producer Mike Kaplan, enriching the viewer’s understanding of the production’s historical and emotional nuances. This subtle yet poignant production is underscored by paramount performances and provides a resonant viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

"The Whales of August" on Blu-ray offers a mesmerizing experience led by the legendary talents of Bette Davis and Lillian Gish, whose performances provide substantial emotional depth while grappling with life's regrets and realities. Vincent Price and Ann Sothern add a layer of charm and vivacity, giving the introspective narrative a balanced lift. Director Lindsay Anderson and playwright David Berry present a cinematic piece that sometimes feels more like a filmed play, focusing on character-driven storytelling and dialogue over plot progression. This could be challenging for some, but it is also what makes the film intriguing for cineastes who appreciate nuanced performances and subtle storytelling.

The film's strength lies in its simplicity and elegance, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Maine's shoreline. The Blu-ray release by Kino delivers excellent video and audio quality, enhancing the stunning visuals and tranquil atmosphere. The supplemental features included in this release are particularly noteworthy, offering rare insights and behind-the-scenes content that amplify the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "The Whales of August" may not be for those seeking a fast-paced narrative, but its compelling exploration of aging, friendship, and reflection, delivered by an iconic cast, makes it a rewarding watch. The Blu-ray's technical superiority and rich supplemental materials make this release essential for fans of classic cinema and serious drama. Recommended for viewers who appreciate rich character studies and contemplative storytelling.