Lore Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Cate Shortland's "Lore" is framed in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with AVC on a 1080p transfer, courtesy of distributor Artificial Eye. Captured on Super 16mm, the film's image is intentionally less sharp than typical modern releases, but this stylistic choice by DoP Adam Arkapaw adds to the narrative's raw authenticity. While the initial lack of detail might be off-putting, viewers will come to appreciate the rich cinematography. The image's deep grain structure may seem overpowering at first but becomes an integral and enjoyable part of the viewing experience.

Despite occasional crushed blacks and a somewhat pervasive blueish hue that can be noticeable during nighttime scenes, the color reproduction stands out. The prominent tones of heavy blues, cold grays, and warm greens are presented with superb consistency and depth. There are no compression anomalies or stability issues, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. The level of image detail and depth, especially noticeable in close-ups, is impressive, given the 16mm source material. Overall, this Blu-ray release of "Lore" may not exhibit the hyper-clarity typical of the medium, but it faithfully preserves the film's intended aesthetic, offering a compelling visual experience that aligns with Shortland’s and Arkapaw’s creative vision.

The Blu-ray release of "Lore" offers two primary audio tracks: German DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and German LPCM 2.0, with optional English subtitles provided by Artificial Eye. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master audio track is a standout feature, delivering a subtle yet commanding dynamic range that enhances the viewing experience. The depth and detail of the environmental sounds as Lore and her family navigate through the forest are particularly noteworthy, with distance modeling executed with incredible subtlety. This creates an immersive audio environment reminiscent of the nuanced sound design in "Drive," where distant noises are intricately processed. While the surround array is sparingly used, it enriches the aural experience when active, offering presence and complementing the visuals effectively. The LFE channel is similarly understated but impactful when employed.

Dialogue clarity is impeccable throughout the film, ensuring that spoken lines remain comprehensible and clear without drifting into unintelligibility. Max Richter's evocative score is seamlessly integrated into the mix, adding an emotional layer to the film that enhances the overall narrative experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers a refined approach, often restrained yet impactful in its execution. Despite its limited use of surround sound, it impresses with nuanced dynamics and rich environmental textures. In contrast, the LPCM 2.0 track, while competent, does not match the immersive qualities provided by the 5.1 track, underscoring the latter's importance in delivering a more elaborate and engaging sound design.

The Blu-ray release of "Lore" includes a set of concise yet compelling extras, totaling around 34 minutes. Despite being limited in quantity, these features provide valuable insights into the film's creation and thematic depth. The "Interview with Director Cate Shortland" offers a comprehensive 14-minute discussion on the adaptation from Rachel Seiffert's novel, detailing the extensive research, the casting of Saskia Rosendahl, and various thematic considerations. The "Making Of" featurette encompasses 17 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with key cast and crew members, shedding light on the filmmaking process and the director's vision. The package is rounded off with the original theatrical trailer, presented with English subtitles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Director Cate Shortland: Explores the transition from novel to film, research details, and casting choices.
• Making Of: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews highlighting the filmmaking process.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer with English subtitles.

Cate Shortland's Lore (2012) is a harrowing exploration of post-war Germany, captured with a raw intensity that magnifies the somber reality faced by its young protagonist. Set just after the collapse of Nazi Germany, the film centers on Lore, a teenager burdened with the responsibility of safely guiding her siblings across 500 miles to their grandmother's home in Hamburg. As the film progresses, viewers are drawn into Lore's inner conflict and dawning realization of the horrific actions committed by her once-revered Führer, all while grappling with hunger and fear.

The film’s first act is marked by intentional ambiguity and chaos, evoking a disorienting atmosphere that mirrors the turmoil engulfing Germany. The narrative grows clearer as the characters' challenges and environments evolve, depicting the final, uncertain moments of a disintegrating Nazi regime. This period is seen through the subjective lens of young children brought up to believe in their parents' ideology, which adds an extra layer of emotional depth to their journey.

Comparisons to Andre Techine's Les égarés are apt for the film's second act. Both feature guiding figures aiding vulnerable protagonists through hostile territories. However, Lore diverges with its darker, more intense atmosphere. The perilous journey to Hamburg is fraught with dangers from both the living and the dead, in stark contrast to the relative calm of Techine's countryside. It's a visual narrative where bright colors are scarce, and the omnipresent threat of Allied-controlled zones heightens the tension.

Saskia Rosendahl’s debut performance as Lore is strikingly evocative. Her ability to convey profound internal struggle with minimal dialogue is testament to her skill, anchoring the film's emotional core. The cinematography frequently focuses on Rosendahl's expressive face, allowing viewers to witness her character's transformation against the backdrop of a fractured nation.

Lore, directed by Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland, navigates the harrowing final days of Nazi Germany through the eyes of a group of German children. This film is a poignant journey of maturing and coming of age amidst grave realizations and hard truths. As they traverse a hostile landscape, the children come to the stark understanding that their familial and national beliefs were rooted in falsehoods. Shortland’s depiction resonates deeply, paralleling the intensity and style of Oliver Hirschbiegel’s Downfall and Max Färberböck’s A Woman in Berlin.

The performances are remarkably captivating, with the young cast delivering profound and immersive portrayals of their characters. The film underscores the overwhelming responsibility placed on Lore, who is forced to grow up too quickly whilst safeguarding her younger siblings. Shortland's narrative ensures that viewers are engrossed from start to finish, echoing the emotional gravity often sought in historical dramas.

The Blu-ray release of Lore is technically superb, though it doesn't serve as an optimal showcase for high-end home theater systems. Despite this, the overall visual and audio presentation by Artificial Eye is commendable, ensuring an entirely memorable viewing experience. For those who value storytelling and dramatic enactments over technical bravado, Lore’s Blu-ray is a worthy investment. Highly recommended.

There is a profound message hidden within Cate Shortland's emotionally divisive Lore, but alas, I couldn't quite put my finger on exactly what it was. It's a tale of maturing and coming of age, of harsh realizations and home truths, and the discovery that all you knew was a lie. Coupled with this is the added burden of looking after several young children, Lore must grow up far too quickly and survive in a land she once loved and now finds extremely hostile. As far as Blu-ray packages go, Lore is perfectly acceptable. You would most certainly look elsewhere for a system show-off disc, but for an engrossing and entirely memorable experience, the movie Lore is plenty to make this disc worth every penny. Recommended.