Before I Go to Sleep Blu-ray Review

"Before I Go to Sleep" is presented on Blu-ray with a sophisticated AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The overall visual presentation is both remarkable and nuanced, despite some routine color grading that occasionally diminishes fine details. The transfer exhibits rich, burnished flesh tones and an appreciable depth of imagery, which is compelling in light of the somewhat subdued color palette. The cinematography by Ben Davis features distinct techniques, such as Christine's video diary scenes presented in a distressed and crosshatched form, and the repeated vision of a hotel hallway, which is noticeably fuzzier and has boosted contrast. Scenes with Christine and Dr. Nasch are primarily graded in either yellow or blue, occasionally limiting the detail in dimly lit situations like inside Nasch's car. Nevertheless, sharpness and clarity are consistently excellent across the board, free from stability issues or digital artifacts.

An additional highlight of the 1080p presentation is its cinematic quality, emphasized by a natural layer of grain that imparts an art house aesthetic to the film. This texture diverges from the clean, crisp visuals typical of many digitally produced films, offering a refreshing change. Detail is particularly stunning, with close-ups revealing intricate textures such as the fine capillaries in Kidman's eye and the lifelike skin texture. Outdoor sequences are equally impressive, with wide shots showcasing beautifully detailed environments and vivid contrast in elements like the trees surrounding the Lucas home. The film's deliberate use of color filters—alternating between teal and yellow to distinguish flashbacks—maintains a high level of visual fidelity, preserving exquisite detail even when the color is modified. This meticulous attention to visual presentation ensures that "Before I Go to Sleep" offers an engaging viewing experience rich in texture and detail.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack of "Before I Go to Sleep" impresses with its dynamic range and clarity, allowing subtle background sounds to be evident within the film’s immersive surround mix. Dialogue is anchored solidly in the center channel, ensuring that voices and effects are rendered with precise distinction and tonal balance across the front soundstage. Low-frequency effects, although not consistently prominent, integrate effectively with the overall system to deliver the necessary low-level bass elements of the film.

Despite some reserved moments, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers noteworthy fidelity and a broad dynamic range. The film’s sound design prioritizes clear presentation of dialogue and musical score over an abundance of immersive effects. There are strategically placed jump cuts with accompanying significant LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) that deliver strong startle responses, punctuating the otherwise subdued audio experience with sudden, impactful bass.

The mix notably favors the lower end of the spectrum; the foreboding music consistently engages the subwoofer, creating an intense atmospheric rumble throughout tense scenes. This bass-heavy presentation, while pronounced, does not detract from the clarity of dialogue which remains crisp and intelligible despite the frequent whispering by characters. The surround channels, though relatively quiet, provide subtle ambient sound in public scenes such as hospitals or parks, but much of the film's confined settings limit expansive surround sound use. Overall, the subwoofer receives a substantial workout, underlining the heavy reliance on bass to drive the film's emotional and dramatic beats.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Before I Go to Sleep" provide an engaging and succinct glimpse into the movie's core elements through a series of brief yet informative featurettes. Each character illusion offers a focused examination of the film's main characters, supported by insights from the respective actors. These segments serve as quick, yet thorough, character profiles provided by Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman, and Mark Strong. Additionally, the "Forget Me Not" featurette delivers a concise EPK-style overview with selected film scenes and interstitial interviews, contributing a deeper understanding of the movie's narrative. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer rounds out this aptly curated selection of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Character Illusions: Ben: Firth discusses his character.
• Character Illusions: Christine: Kidman discusses her character.
• Character Illusions: Dr. Nasch: Strong discusses his character.
• Forget Me Not: Extended commercial featurette with film scenes and interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: Standard theatrical trailer.

"Before I Go to Sleep," based on the best-selling novel by S.J. Watson, is a psychological thriller that aspires to keep its audience in suspense but falls short due to inconsistent execution. The film begins with an intriguing premise reminiscent of "Memento," as Christine Lucas (Nicole Kidman) wakes up each day without memories, surrounded by an atmosphere of paranoia and dread. Her husband Ben (Colin Firth) seems supportive but hides disconcerting secrets, while Dr. Nasch (Mark Strong) introduces further complexity by claiming to help Christine regain her memory. The early narrative, seen through Christine's disoriented perspective, successfully hooks the audience with its mystery and emotional depth.

However, the film's promising start is undermined by several structural and thematic issues. The insertion of poorly timed flashbacks creates timeline confusion, while the plot increasingly relies on clichéd elements like sudden, convenient memory flashes. These devices, rather than building tension, dilute the narrative’s impact and reduce its believability. Additionally, Christine's emotional turmoil is depicted with an overwhelming intensity that, while showcasing Kidman’s talent, becomes wearisome and detracts from the thriller aspect of the story. The continuous dramatic tension fails to harmonize with the suspenseful plot, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.

Despite standout performances from Kidman and Firth, who vividly portray their characters' complexity and hidden motives, the film's climax and resolution are its downfall. The plot recedes into predictability and implausibility, with abrupt revelations that feel contrived rather than natural. The final act leans towards an unrealistic and "neat" conclusion that betrays the initially messy and human story. This meticulous wrapping up of the narrative strips away the rawness that held potential, leaving audiences more disengaged than riveted. Ultimately, while "Before I Go to Sleep" engages with its premise and performances, it falters in maintaining the suspense and coherence essential for a memorable thriller.

"Before I Go to Sleep" offers a compelling yet derivative premise infused with a strong sense of paranoia, leaving both the protagonist, Christine, and the audience in a state of perpetual suspense. As the narrative unfolds, the film regrettably descends into clichéd territory, culminating in a frenzied yet somewhat implausible conclusion. However, the stellar performances from the cast manage to sustain viewer engagement despite some logical inconsistencies within the story.

The Blu-ray release showcases impressive technical specifications. The video maintains a filmic quality that captures the nuances of the thriller's atmosphere, while the audio presentation is robust, particularly benefitting from substantial low-frequency effects. The immersive audio experience, supported by bass-heavy sound design, competently complements the on-screen tension and drama. These technical merits contribute significantly to the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Before I Go to Sleep" may evoke mixed reactions due to its blending of drama and psychological thriller elements, which can sometimes seem at odds. Despite these narrative shortcomings, the film's strong performances and top-notch technical execution on Blu-ray render it a worthwhile watch. Ultimately, it may be better suited as a rental rather than a purchase, but it remains an engaging option for fans of the genre.