Some Days Are Better Than Others Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Some Days Are Better Than Others" delivers a commendable effort in showcasing its visual strengths, despite evident budgetary constraints. Shot predominantly with the digital Red One Camera, the film's visual style is marked by sharp frames and exceptional high-definition detail in areas that are in focus. However, there's speculation that some sequences might have been shot with a DSLR, such as the Canon 5D Mark II, adding a distinct shallow depth of field. This characteristic DSLR look gives parts of the film a certain charm but also results in occasional softness and inconsistent color grading. Highlights can appear overly blown out, and shadows in some scenes carry an unusual purplish/maroon tint. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer remains the best way to experience the film, even with minor compression noise and faint banding.

A standout visual element appears right from the main menu, which features vibrant sunrise and sunset B-roll shots that rival the breathtaking imagery of nature documentaries like 'Planet Earth'. These shots allow the natural beauty of the color palette to shine, capturing everything from lush forest hues to moody rainy scenes with clarity and vibrancy. While the overall picture quality maintains a high standard, it is occasionally affected by the unfocused indie style where focal racking overshoots its mark. Black levels are decent but not without flaw; one particular scene depicting passengers on a bus reveals noticeable black crush as they emerge from a tunnel. Fortunately, the video presentation avoids other common issues such as noise, aliasing, artifacts, DNR, and edge enhancement, ensuring a smooth and artifact-free viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Some Days Are Better Than Others" on Blu-ray features an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that overall delivers a modestly unremarkable performance. This dialogue-driven film does not demand extensive aural excitement, but the soundtrack remains clear and muffle-free. Dialogue is consistently clean and easily understood, positioned prominently in the mix. On the sound effects and ambiance front, the track is strictly functional, with minimal environmental noises like ocean surf, barking dogs, and humming insects sparsely panned into the rear channels. Cross-channel movements are also notably rare, contributing to a somewhat flat auditory experience.

However, the soundtrack by Matthew Cooper, known for his work as Eluvium, markedly elevates the audio track. Cooper's beautifully quiet and textural compositions add a rich and clear dimension to the film’s mood, although they can occasionally come off as slightly too bright. These musical elements are essential, providing significant emotional depth and standing out as the most dynamic aspect of the audio presentation. While the overall audio track may fall short of the immersive standard expected from contemporary lossless 5.1 mixes, Cooper's score ensures some level of auditory engagement. Optional English subtitles are also available, offering additional accessibility for viewers.

The extras for the Blu Ray of "Some Days Are Better Than Others" are a mixed bag of engaging and revealing supplementary content. Highlighting the diverse talents of McCormick, Brownstein, and Mercer outside the main feature, the short film "Light-Tiger-Eye" provides an amusing diversion with its unique take on a color-guessing game, drawing comparisons to classic cinema moments. The deleted scenes add narrative depth but wisely remained on the cutting room floor to preserve the film's emotional arc. While the theatrical trailer, available in multiple formats, intriguingly connects characters, it's somewhat misleading and could spoil elements of the story. Additionally, viewers can revisit trailers for other notable films, enhancing the value of this disc's content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Short Film - Light-Tiger-Eye: A humorous take on a color-guessing game with Mercer and Brownstein.
• Theatrical Trailer: A potentially revealing trailer that over-connects characters.
• Deleted Scenes: Two additional scenes providing context but better left out for narrative impact.
• Trailers: Includes previews for "First Beautiful Thing," "This Is Not A Film," and "All That I Love."

"Some Days Are Better Than Others" provides a melancholic dive into the lives of three Oregonians grappling with isolation and disillusionment. The film is steeped in Portland's unique, quirky atmosphere—a fitting backdrop for the indie rock stars turned actors, James Mercer of The Shins, and Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney, alongside Renee Roman Nose. Mercer's portrayal of Eli, an aimless post-grad temp worker, delivers a downcast yet sincere exploration of youthful ennui. Brownstein's Katrina is a thrift-store-ensconced, reality TV-obsessed animal shelter worker yearning for emotional connection through video diaries. Roman Nose’s Camille, meanwhile, is a thrift store employee emotionally burdened by discovering an urn with a child's ashes.

These separate narratives meander through thematic elements of existential malaise, forming tenuous connections primarily in spirit rather than plot, reminiscent of Gus Van Sant's contemplative style but without substantial resolution. The film's sincerity often veers into twee territory, especially through Katrina’s overly quirky characterization and her '90s-era emotive confessions. Mercer's subdued performance, although sometimes derivative of Edward Norton, and Brownstein’s heartfelt scenes elevate their characters despite underwhelming development.

Director Matt McCormick serves up a standard for indie visual aesthetics, with forlorn shots of urban sprawl underscored by an ambient score complementing the mood but veering close to cliche. While technically adept, the film’s pacing and disjointed storylines undermine its emotional resonance. Despite capturing the essence of Portland’s idiosyncrasies and delivering competent performances, "Some Days Are Better Than Others" ultimately bogs down in its excessive earnestness and lack of cohesive narrative engagement. For viewers attuned to somber, introspective films with minimalistic plots, it may resonate; others might find it an exercise in patient endurance devoid of satisfactory payoff.

"Some Days Are Better Than Others" attempts to navigate the nuanced territory of indie cinema with its introspective character study but struggles to find a coherent vision. The film, starring notable indie figures like Carrie Brownstein, is set against the backdrop of Portland and offers an introspective look at the loneliness that binds its characters. Yet, despite its promising premise, the narrative often feels meandering and lacks the driving purpose and closure needed to emotionally engage the viewer.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation does capture the intended indie aesthetic, with video and audio qualities reflecting the raw, unpolished feel that might appeal to fans of understated dramas such as 'Wendy and Lucy' and 'Restless.' The acting is commendable, with Brownstein bringing a subtle depth to her role. However, the ensemble cast's connections come across as tenuous or irrelevant, further diluting the film's impact. Additionally, the special features on the Blu-ray are minimal, offering little in terms of added value for collectors or enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Some Days Are Better Than Others" might resonate with those who have a particular affinity for slow-paced, character-driven stories that delve into themes of isolation. However, for a broader audience or those seeking a more fulfilling cinematic experience, this film may fall short. The indie imperfections are both its charm and its Achilles' heel, making it an acquired taste that perhaps only hardcore fans of the genre or Portland residents might fully appreciate.