Another Earth Blu-ray Review

"Another Earth" on Blu-ray is presented with a 1080p/AVC encode, though it struggles to overcome its origins as a low-budget indie film shot natively in 720p. The 1.85:1 framed video reveals various technical limitations inherent in the source material. The overall clarity is acceptable, even though the picture remains consistently soft with fluctuating detail levels. The palette predominantly features a steely blue haze and warmer hues, which sometimes leads to harsh aliasing, intense noise, and moiré shimmer in intricate patterns. While skin tones and saturation levels are generally accurate, the stylized monochromatic filtering implemented in certain segments can be overbearing. Despite these setbacks, the presentation is free from additional digital artifacts like DNR or edge enhancement.

Contrast and black levels also exhibit variability, with interiors often appearing flat and uninteresting while some exterior shots remain sharp and distinct. There's noticeable blooming in highlights, indicative of artificial sharpening that results in ringing. Blacks oscillate between deep and murky, impacting shadow delineation. Such inconsistencies can be attributed more to the filming techniques and cinematography rather than the encoding process. Moments with fine detail and excellent textures in close-ups contrast sharply with poorly resolved sequences. Ultimately, the video transfer aligns with the film's indie aesthetic but results in an average presentation that reflects its budgetary constraints.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track of "Another Earth" effectively complements the film's low-budget origins while maintaining a satisfying audio experience. The mix is predominantly front-heavy with clear and well-balanced dialogue, ensuring that vocals remain intelligible throughout. The dynamic range, though rarely pushed to its limits, allows for an appreciable level of detail, particularly in the musical score by Fall On Your Sword, which combines electronic cues with piano and cello themes to crafted memorably emotional undertones. Rear channel activity, while minimal, provides adequate ambient presence that subtly immerses the viewer without overwhelming them. The soundstage's airy openness enhances the acoustic environment, adding a layer of depth.

Despite being front-centric, the sound design does not skimp on occasional low-frequency effects, which although mild, effectively provide depth to the overall auditory experience. The mix handles a few distinct effects such as the car crash scene with impactful authenticity, yet these moments are sparse, maintaining a focus on the dialogue-driven narrative. Fall On Your Sword’s excellent score spreads throughout the front speakers and occasionally bleeds into the rears, expanding the spatial imaging and keeping listeners engaged. The audio presentation showcases a robust prioritization of vocals and dialogue, making it an integral part of the viewing experience.

While "Another Earth" is not a showcase of technical audio wizardry filled with deep bass or extensive surround effects, it succeeds in achieving a clean, direct sound reproduction that matches its thematic elements. The technical prowess of the DTS-HD Master Audio track ensures that every spoken word and musical note is delivered with clarity and precision, supporting the film's emotional and narrative depth without any egregious technical distractions. Optional subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French are included, providing additional accessibility.

The Blu-ray extras for "Another Earth" offer a captivating insight into the making of this thought-provoking indie film. The highlight is undoubtedly the collection of deleted scenes, which provide an intriguing glimpse into alternative narratives and unused concepts, albeit some lacking polish. The trio of featurettes from Fox Movie Channel, though brief and in standard definition, deliver substantial behind-the-scenes content on the production and character development insights. Notable mentions are the Science and Creating featurettes, where director Mike Cahill and co-writer/star Brit Marling engage with astrophysicist Dr. Richard Berendzen, offering a fascinating discourse on theoretical science and the challenges of indie filmmaking with limited resources. The Blu-ray also includes a visually compelling music video by Fall On Your Sword and the original theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• The First Time I Saw Jupiter: Music video by Fall On Your Sword.
• Deleted Scenes: Seven removed scenes offering more narrative depth.
• Direct Effect with Mike Cahill: Director’s brief breakdown of filming.
• In Character with Brit Marling: Insights from actor/co-writer Brit Marling.
• In Character with William Mapother: Actor's take on his role and character.
• The Science Behind Another Earth: Discussion with an astrophysicist on alternate universes.
• Creating Another Earth: Examination of indie film production constraints.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original movie preview.

"Another Earth" is a deeply thought-provoking film helmed by Mike Cahill and co-written by Brit Marling, who stars alongside William Mapother. The narrative revolves around Rhoda (Marling), a promising student whose bright future is derailed by a tragic accident caused by her drunk driving, leaving a family shattered. The introduction of "Earth 2," an astonishingly similar parallel world, serves as the backdrop for the emotionally rich story of guilt, redemption, and possibility. The film's intriguing premise raises philosophical queries about identity, destiny, and the choices that define us, but it is the raw and intimate drama between Rhoda and John (Mapother) that keeps the audience engaged.

While the concept of a mirror Earth appearing in the sky offers visually striking moments and lends itself to grand philosophical questions, the film remains grounded in its character-driven narrative. The performances of Marling and Mapother are compelling; Marling portrays Rhoda's remorse and yearning with grace, while Mapother authentically captures John's grief and gradual emotional thaw. Despite its low $200,000 budget, which sometimes constrains its execution, "Another Earth" manages to be more contemplative than most modern sci-fi films, avoiding CGI spectacle in favor of exploring the characters' psychological depths.

Technically, the film maintains a kinetic energy through its handheld camera work and interesting editing choices. However, some aspects of the script can feel overly earnest or forced, and certain plot points might stretch believability. Yet, Cahill's minimalist approach to science fiction ensures that the core emotional journey remains the focal point. Ultimately, "Another Earth" is a compelling indie gem that resonates with aspiring filmmakers and audiences alike by daring to ask profound questions through a personal, human lens.

"Another Earth" is an emotionally resonant exploration of human identity and redemption set against a daring sci-fi backdrop. Directed by Mike Cahill in his feature-length debut, the film delves into the intertwined lives of two disillusioned individuals as they confront their personal traumas amidst the discovery of a mirror Earth. Brit Marling delivers a standout performance, bringing depth and poignancy to a narrative that straddles both speculative fiction and deeply personal drama. The movie, produced on a modest budget, showcases how resourceful filmmaking can evoke powerful themes and visuals without lavish resources, similar in spirit to films like "Moon" and "Monsters."

The Blu-ray release of "Another Earth" offers an adequate representation of the film's digital source material, with picture quality that meets expectations though falls short of high-definition grandeur. The audio mix is substantial, providing an immersive experience that complements the film's atmospheric mood. However, the release stumbles somewhat in its supplemental content, delivering only sparse and brief extras that may leave enthusiasts wanting. Despite this, the three-disc package is the definitive version available, presenting decent value given the film's merit.

In conclusion, "Another Earth" may not achieve the awe-inspiring impact of other sci-fi contributions from 2011, like "Melancholia," but it remains a noteworthy endeavor in independent filmmaking. Its emotional depth and innovative premise make it a compelling watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema. While the Blu-ray's technical aspects and extras leave room for improvement, the film itself stands as a testament to what can be achieved with creativity and heart. Recommended for those who appreciate a blend of introspective drama and science fiction.