Che: Part One Blu-ray Review

The British Blu-ray release of Steven Soderbergh's "Che: Part One," courtesy of Optimum Home Entertainment, presents the film in a stunning 2.35:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and displayed in 1080p high definition. Notable for its varied visual style that includes heavy grain and monochromatic imagery in interview scenes and the pivotal UN episode, the video transfer remains a visual treat. The film’s lush Cuban jungles appear rich and vibrant, with naturally lit scenes showcasing vividly saturated colors and excellent detail. Despite some perceived softness attributed to the unique camera techniques, the overall contrast and black levels are adeptly balanced, providing an authentic visual experience.

Despite isolated instances of detectable edge-enhancement, the transfer boasts remarkable clarity and detail, especially in well-lit scenes. Critical to understanding the film’s presentation is recognizing how light manipulates contrast and detail, spurring some scenes to occasionally look soft. The grain structure during documentary-style segments, particularly those depicting Guevara's visit to New York City, is deliberate, adding a layer of aged realism consistent with Soderbergh's vision. While macroblocking is absent, the image remains free from dirt, blemishes, or noise, cementing this Blu-ray as a robust and commendable transfer, ensuring viewers an immersive visual experience.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Che: Part One" is offered solely in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, primarily in Spanish with portions of English. This track delivers an engaging and potent auditory experience, with tight and responsive bass undertones enhancing the overall perception. Both high and low frequencies are meticulously balanced, avoiding any hint of sounding tinny or overdone. The rear channels are quite active, particularly during action sequences, enveloping the listener in an immersive audio environment. The battle at Santa Clara, for instance, is especially compelling, keeping viewers attentively engaged.

Dialogue is a pivotal element in this film, and the clarity here is impeccable, ensuring a crisp and easy-to-follow auditory experience. The mix is controlled and measured, resulting in excellent balance throughout. Notably, there are no detectable pops, cracks, or hissings disrupting the audio, showcasing a clean and professional sound profile. Additionally, Alberto Iglesias' musical score is beautifully integrated, adding a sombre yet enriching tone to the entire film.

English subtitles are optionally provided by Optimum Home Entertainment and appear only during Spanish dialogue portions, conveniently placed between the image frame and the black bars underneath. This thoughtful placement ensures they do not interfere with the visual experience. Overall, the Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track elevates "Che: Part One" by offering a robust and finely-tuned auditory backdrop that significantly enhances the viewing experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Che: Part One" are somewhat limited and lack the depth that aficionados of both the film and Ernesto "Che" Guevara's historical significance might be looking for. The two main features are a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and a candid interview with director Steven Soderbergh. Both provide valuable insights but might leave the viewer wanting more. Notably, the absence of an audio commentary track is a significant omission given the complexity and historical weight of the subject matter. The extras present are in high definition and include commentary in both Spanish and English, helping to contextualize the considerable effort involved in bringing this ambitious project to life.

Extras included in this disc:

• Che Featurette: Behind-the-scenes with comments from Benicio Del Toro, Steven Soderbergh, and Demian Bichir.
• Exclusive Interview with Steven Soderbergh: A candid interview with director Steven Soderbergh about the film’s production and legacy.
• Trailers: Includes both a teaser and theatrical trailer of the film.

Steven Soderbergh's film "Che: Part One" offers a meticulous and ambitious portrayal of the Argentine revolutionary Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, set against the backdrop of his rise as a political leader. Structured through an array of memory flashbacks anchored by Guevara's pivotal 1964 New York City interview, the film navigates key historical moments with remarkable precision. The director captures the intricate dynamics between Guevara and Fidel Castro, alongside the Cuban effort to overthrow Batista's regime, further delving into Guevara's contentious speeches at the United Nations. Despite mixed receptions, the film is undeniably a detailed exploration of Guevara's impact on 20th-century politics.

The complexity lies in Soderbergh's approach to storytelling; the film frequently shifts between moments, providing fragmented yet insightful glimpses into Guevara's ideological stances and political maneuvers. Such a narrative technique may challenge viewers but serves to enrich their understanding of Guevara's multifaceted persona. However, this analytical distance might also inhibit emotional engagement with the protagonist, reflecting Soderbergh's intention to draw a clear distinction between the man and his mythos. This impartial approach has polarized critics—while some commend the film for its directness and meticulous attention to detail, others argue that it potentially distorts historical perceptions, injecting a controversial narrative undertone.

Ultimately, "Che: Part One" is a meticulously crafted biographical piece that aptly conveys the complexity of Guevara's political journey. Soderbergh’s restrained and observant direction allows viewers to reflect critically on Guevara’s legacy, though it eschews emotional investment in favor of an objective lens. This duality underpins the film’s reception, as it navigates the thin line between lauding a revolutionary icon and critiquing a contentious historical figure.

Steven Soderbergh’s "Che: Part One" presents a meticulously crafted depiction of Che Guevara's revolutionary journey, poised between gripping realism and an almost documentary-style narrative. While the film undeniably succeeds in drawing the viewer into Guevara's world through a combination of dynamic editing and stylistic flourishes, it occasionally treads heavily into a matter-of-fact retelling that may not resonate with audiences seeking emotional depth. Nevertheless, the craft behind the film is evident, highlighted by an impressive portrayal of the climactic speech at the United Nations.

The Blu-ray release by Optimum Home Entertainment demonstrates exceptional video and audio quality that complements Soderbergh's direction. The high-definition transfer is consistently sharp and vibrant, capturing the lush landscapes and gritty realism with precision, while the audio track ensures a captivating auditory experience that immerses viewers into the narrative’s environments. However, the lack of supplemental features is a notable shortcoming. A detailed commentary or additional behind-the-scenes insights could have enhanced the appreciation for such a complex historical figure and event. Additionally, the disc is locked to Region B, which may pose a limitation for some potential buyers.

In conclusion, "Che: Part One" is a film that may polarize its audience; some may find it deeply engaging while others perceive it as overly clinical. However, its high production values and Soderbergh's distinctive style make it a significant cinematic work worth experiencing. Watching both parts in succession may offer a more comprehensive understanding of the film’s narrative scope. Despite reservations about rewatchability and the paucity of supplementary content, "Che: Part One" remains a commendable addition to any serious film collection, especially for those interested in historical biopics.