Revanche Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Gotz Spielmann's Revanche arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, boasting a stellar 1080p transfer. This high-definition transfer, approved by Spielmann, exhibits superb fine object detail and exceptional clarity with consistently robust contrast levels throughout the film. The color palette is impressively balanced with lush yet cold reds, blues, greens, and grays, while the outdoor scenes in the film’s second half, especially those in the countryside, are visually breathtaking.

Technically, the transfer remains flawless with no noticeable edge-enhancement, macroblocking, heavy noise filtering, aliasing, or ringing. Stability is impeccable, and there are no flecks, stains, or marks to report. This meticulous transfer was derived from the Super 16mm color negative scanned at 2K on a Northlight scanner and color graded on a Baselight EIGHT system. The absence of grain and visible artifacts underscores the pristine quality of the image, especially noteworthy in scenes of deep black levels illuminated solely by a flashlight, demonstrating remarkable depth and natural rendering.

In summation, Criterion’s Blu-ray release sets a new benchmark for high-definition transfers with stunning color accuracy and flawless technical execution, offering a visually rich and immersive experience.

The sole audio track available on this Blu-ray release of "Revanche" is a German/Russian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with optional English subtitles. Mastered at 24-bit from the original digital audio master files using Pro Tools HD, the audio quality achieves an exceptionally high standard. Dialogue is consistently crisp, clean, and well-prioritized, making it very easy to follow along even though the film lacks a musical soundtrack. Notably, the track exhibits no disturbing pops, cracks, or hiss, ensuring an immersive listening experience throughout.

While this audio presentation may not feature the explosive dynamics typically found in action-packed soundscapes, it excels in delivering a nuanced and gorgeously rendered auditory environment. Dialogue and sound effects are beautifully reproduced, showcasing the subtle contrasts between urban and rural settings. The track offers impressive depth and density, enriched by ambient atmospherics that enhance the film's immersive quality. A minor point of note: the absence of subtitles during Russian dialogues—such as when Tamara speaks at the beginning—is an intentional narrative choice, not a defect in the disc.

Despite having only one audio option, the German/Russian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track performs so effectively that additional options seem unnecessary. This minimalist yet high-quality approach results in a listening experience that is both strikingly naturalistic and deeply engaging, perfectly complementing the film's intricate narrative and visual storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "Revanche" offers an impressive selection of extras that delve deeply into both the film and the career of director Götz Spielmann. The cornerstone of these extras is a compelling 36-minute interview with Spielmann, providing insights into the film’s message and its characters. Additionally, there is a 37-minute making-of documentary that stands out for its in-depth, non-EPK approach, reflecting the director’s unique processes and philosophies. Spielmann's debut short film, "Foreign Land," is also included and comes with an engaging introduction by the director himself. However, the U.S. theatrical trailer is disappointing due to its spoiler-heavy and pretentious nature. Finally, a 12-page booklet with an essay by critic Armond White adds a literary dimension to this robust collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview: Director Gotz Spielmann discusses his film and career.
• The Making of Revanche: Documentary featuring cast and crew insights.
• Foreign Land: Spielmann’s debut short film with an introduction.
• Trailer: The U.S. theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: Contains Armond White's essay "Revival of the Fittest".

Götz Spielmann’s "Revanche" is an exceptional exploration of complex themes such as love, loss, guilt, and revenge, framed within the contrasting environments of bustling Vienna and the serene Austrian countryside. The narrative follows Alex (Johannes Krisch), a downtrodden ex-con who plans a bank heist to escape his bleak life with Tamara (Irina Potapenko), a Ukrainian prostitute. The heist goes disastrously wrong, forcing Alex to retreat to his grandfather’s rustic home. This setting becomes a reflective space where he grapples with the catastrophe and encounters Susanne (Ursula Strauss), a local woman whose interactions add layers to his journey of introspection. The character dynamics are handled with sparse dialogue and no musical score, amplifying the emotional resonance and realism.

The film’s strength lies in its contrasts and contemplative nature. Vienna's dark, shady streets contrast sharply with the peaceful, expansive countryside where Alex seeks solace. Johannes Krisch delivers an electrifying performance, embodying his character’s inner turmoil through subtle yet powerful expressions. The supporting cast, including Ursula Strauss as the conflicted wife Susanne and Andreas Lust as the weight-burdened cop, offers strong, memorable performances. Spielmann’s direction is meticulous, capturing every nuance with elegance; the fluid camera movements and visual contrast between neon-lit urbanity and lush rural landscapes are reminiscent of Terrence Malick’s cinematic poetry mingled with Park Chan-wook’s narrative intensity.

"Revanche" stands out in its genre for its thoughtful meditation on human emotion rather than explosive vengeance. Spielmann avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the psychological transformations following trauma. Rich in characterization and visual nuance, the film captivates from start to finish, leaving a profound impact. Criterion’s Blu-ray release enhances this experience with pristine presentation and insightful supplements, ensuring "Revanche" is appreciated as the cinematic gem it is.

Götz Spielmann's "Revanche" stands out as a profound cinematic experience, coupling introspective themes of guilt and redemption with the engrossing elements of a traditional revenge thriller. Criterion's Blu-ray treatment of this film is nothing short of exceptional. The video presentation is remarkable, offering stunning visual clarity that enhances the intricate nuances of the film's atmospheric cinematography. The audio quality complements the visual experience with pristine clarity and impactful sound design, ensuring immersion into the film's tense and contemplative world.

The supplemental materials provided are equally impressive, featuring insightful interviews and commentaries that enrich the viewer’s understanding of the film’s layered narrative and thematic depth. These extras not only add value but also broaden the appreciation for Spielmann's masterful direction and the meticulous craftsmanship evident in every frame.

In conclusion, raw and thought-provoking, Götz Spielmann’s "Revanche" is a film that impressed me a lot. As expected, Criterion's treatment is fantastic, and I cannot wait to see what other films we would see via their partnership with IFC Films. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.