Tangerine Blu-ray Review

"Tangerine" boasts a striking 1080p HD transfer presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, leveraging innovative cinematographic techniques. Filmed entirely on three iPhone 5s models with the application of a Moondog Labs anamorphic adapter for widescreen capture and Filmic Pro for superior bitrate capture, the movie's visual presentation defies its unconventional origins. The post-production use of professional-grade software Da Vinci Resolve for color correction and contrast adjustment culminates in an outstanding visual experience. The Blu-ray, rendered in AVC-encoded 1080p and presumably sourced directly from digital files, showcases sharp, detailed imagery that is rarely grainy.

The film's aesthetics are particularly noteworthy; colors are wonderfully warm and saturated, contributing to a hyper-realistic visual style that mirrors the film's dramatic narrative. Reds, blues, and yellows achieve exceptional richness, while the black levels remain deep and inky, ensuring natural skin tones. Close-ups reveal extraordinary detail, from facial blemishes to the fine textures of wardrobe items. Wider shots maintain clarity, seldom falling into softness or graininess, even in low-lit sequences. Despite being authored at an average bitrate of 17.99 Mbps on a BD-25, which might appear low, the compression strategy handles the dynamic visuals adequately, salvaging bandwidth for demanding scenes.

Ultimately, Magnolia Home Entertainment's Blu-ray delivers a captivating video presentation that stands out for its accuracy and visual richness. Minor noise and artifacts are barely noticeable and do not detract from the overall viewing experience. Professional grading ensures an immersive display, enhancing the film's vivid storytelling through its exceptional picture quality.

The Blu-Ray release of "Tangerine" boasts a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix, which adeptly captures the essence of its live-recorded production sound. This soundtrack is both intricate and immersive, employing a meticulously edited musical backdrop that sources an eclectic mix of music to amplify the narrative impact. Highlights include the Christmas song "Toyland," performed by Mya Alexander as her character Alexandra, and Beethoven's Coriolan Overture, which injects high drama during otherwise subdued onscreen moments. The soundtrack also seamlessly incorporates electronic beats and club sounds, which enhance the urban atmosphere and accommodate the characters' journeys.

Despite the live environment, the dialogue remains largely coherent, though the naturalistic performances by the untrained actors occasionally result in slurred or rapid speech. This stems from the absence of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement). However, this issue is mitigated by the inclusion of English subtitles for Armenian and Spanish dialogues, along with an English SDH track that covers all spoken words. The sound quality maintains realism without succumbing to exaggerated or overly loud elements. Ambient noises blend effectively through the surround channels, ensuring an engaging immersive experience. Technical execution is impeccable, with no audible artifacts such as cracks, hisses, or pops, complemented by a strong LFE presence and broad dynamic range, rendering this audio presentation both authentically raw and finely polished.

The Blu Ray extras for "Tangerine" provide a fascinating and comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film's production. Highlights include in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, offering valuable insights into the creative process and the authenticity of the movie's portrayal of street life in Hollywood. Notably, the featurettes delve into the unique visual style of the film and the challenges faced during shooting. These extras are a treasure trove of information for fans and film enthusiasts, enriching the viewing experience by uncovering the meticulous work that went into creating "Tangerine."

Extras included in this disc:

• Catching Up with Kiki & Mya: Experiences, Characters and the Big Screen: The two stars reflect on their collaboration and street life portrayal.
• Walking the Streets: Exploring the Story & Production: An overview of development and shooting, with crew interviews.
• Finding the Actors: Completing the Cast of Tangerine: Interviews with supporting cast discussing characters and experiences.
• Tangerine Visual Style Test: Test footage for producers, showcasing early visual concepts.
• Theatrical Trailer: A preview of the film itself.

"Tangerine," helmed by Sean S. Baker and written in collaboration with Chris Boroch, offers a refreshingly grounded narrative taking place on Christmas Eve in Hollywood. The film, distinguished by its distinctive visual style, was innovatively shot using three iPhone 5s devices equipped with anamorphic adapters to capture a captivating widescreen image. This technical choice enabled the crew to film in diverse and vibrant locations seamlessly, thus enhancing its documentary-like authenticity without attracting attention. Post-production efforts contributed to the film’s polished aesthetic, ensuring that the visual fidelity remained mesmerizing.

The plot centers around Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a transsexual sex worker who, after a brief stint in jail, discovers that her boyfriend and pimp, Chester (James Ransone), has been unfaithful with a cisgender woman named Dinah (Mickey O'Hagan). This revelation propels Sin-Dee and her best friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor), also a transsexual sex worker, on a raucous quest across Los Angeles to confront Chester and Dinah. Meanwhile, Alexandra is preoccupied with her upcoming singing debut, treating it with the gravitas of a major concert. Their escapades illuminate their vibrant and tumultuous lives, blending humor, drama, and occasional bursts of cartoonish violence.

Interspersed is the storyline of Rasmik (Karren Karagulian), an Armenian immigrant cab driver whose daily grind intersects with Sin-Dee and Alexandra’s world in unforeseen ways. His narrative juxtaposes their lives by highlighting the universality of hustling for survival amid challenging circumstances. The film’s climax—set in Donut Time—masterfully weaves together its parallel narratives into an explosive convergence marked by both comedic and poignant moments. Baker's decision to cast authentic actors and his unflinching portrayal of sex workers' realities offer a transparent, humanizing look into their lives, making "Tangerine" a compelling watch that blends realism with an artistic verve.

"Tangerine" delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience, distinguished by its sheer originality, wit, and brilliant character portrayals. Directed by Sean Baker, the film's unique narrative style and shot-on-iPhone approach result in a vivid, immersive visual journey through the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles. The Blu-ray transfer captures the vibrant color palette and rich details, ensuring that the visuals remain striking and dynamic. The audio presentation isn't just functional but enhances the realism, bringing the bustling city sounds to life with remarkable clarity.

The story of "Tangerine" centers on Sin-Dee Rella, a transgender sex worker, and her best friend Alexandra, unfolding over the course of one dramatic Christmas Eve. The dialogue is unapologetically raw and profane, comparable to the intense language of Scorsese's gangster epics. However, beneath the surface-level chaos and explicit content lies a deeply human story filled with genuine emotions and unexpected tenderness. The characters are vividly fleshed out, offering viewers moments of surprising relatability and touching intimacy amidst the constant hustle and conflict.

The disc’s extras are well-curated, adding substantial value through insightful interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and director commentaries that further enhance the appreciation of this indie gem. "Tangerine" isn't for everyone; its bold narrative choices and raw depictions may not appeal to every viewer. Yet for those who appreciate innovation in filmmaking and character-driven stories, this film is a remarkable work that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Highly recommended for cinema enthusiasts seeking a refreshingly different perspective.

In conclusion, "Tangerine" excels in bringing a unique slice of life to the screen with authenticity and artistic flair. While it may challenge conventional tastes with its raw portrayal of marginalized lives, the film ultimately lands in a place of unexpected tenderness and enduring beauty. Despite its provocative content, "Tangerine" offers a strikingly human story that resonates long after the credits roll. Recommended for those compellingly drawn to groundbreaking storytelling.