Sightseers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Sightseers" is visually striking with its 2.35:1 AVC encode and 1080p transfer, capturing the raw essence of the British countryside. The film, shot with the Red One Camera, displays an impressive level of clarity and sharpness in both close-ups and panoramic shots. The presentation is rich with naturalistic tones that enhance the cold, bleak atmosphere integral to the narrative. Skin tones are rendered naturally, occasionally appearing blotchy from the cold, which adds authenticity to the outdoor scenes.

Color reproduction is commendable, with warm and natural hues dominating daylight footage, particularly those with abundant natural light. However, the color palette chosen by director Ben Wheatley is intentionally drab and desaturated at times to evoke a sense of coldness and isolation. This results in blacks appearing slightly washed out and charcoal grey, yet shadow detail remains satisfactory. Despite the sporadic lack of deep contrast in some scenes, such as mist-laden sunrise sequences, the overall visual fidelity is exceptional, devoid of issues like banding or aliasing.

The transfer-specific quality of the Blu-ray is of reference standard. There are no problematic artifacts or stability issues detected, ensuring a consistently immersive viewing experience. The balance between capturing the stark beauty of the countryside and maintaining a naturalistic presentation is successfully achieved, mirroring the film’s darker thematic undertones. This high-definition transfer does justice to Wheatley’s directorial vision, making it a notable entry in StudioCanal's Blu-ray catalogue.

The Blu-ray of "Sightseers" offers two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0, along with a Descriptive Audio LPCM 2.0 track. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, while not groundbreaking, is well-balanced and particularly focuses on the dialogue. The balance between dialogue, ambient sounds, and spot effects is impressive, with clarity and crispness being consistently outstanding. No audio dropouts or distortions were noted, making it a solid and reliable mix for the viewer.

The dynamic range of the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is commendable. However, it doesn't leave a memorable impact in terms of surround sound movement, which aligns with the film’s sound design. While one might wish for more surround sound ambiences, especially during outdoor scenes, the existing use of the surrounds is subtle and effective, enhancing the atmosphere and giving the music additional room to breathe. Overall, it's a well-executed audio presentation that, although not spectacular, leaves no room for complaint.

The Blu-ray of "Sightseers" features a modest selection of extras that provide substantial insights into the film's production while maintaining an engaging and professional tone. The "Making of" featurette is a comprehensive 36-minute behind-the-scenes documentary that delves into various aspects of the film's creation, featuring interviews with both the actors and the crew. The disc also includes two distinct audio commentaries: one with the film’s writers, Steve Oram and Alice Lowe, alongside director Ben Wheatley, which proves humorous but occasionally overwhelming; and a technical commentary with Wheatley and Director of Photography Laurie Rose, focusing on the production’s technical elements. The selection of out-takes offers entertaining and genuinely funny moments from the filming process. Additionally, two original trailers for "Sightseers" are included.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of: A 36-minute behind-the-scenes featurette exploring production with cast and crew.
• Audio Commentary with Director and Cast: Amusing commentary by writers and director.
• Technical Commentary: Detailed discussion with director Ben Wheatley and cinematographer Laurie Rose.
• Out-takes: 12 minutes of humorous improvised dialogue and deleted scenes.
• Trailers: Two original trailers for "Sightseers."

"Sightseers," directed by Ben Wheatley, is a distinctive and audacious piece of cinema that beguiles with its juxtaposition of dark humor and extraordinary violence. Released on Blu-ray by StudioCanal, the film gains an additional layer of appreciation looking at its technical execution and supplementary content. The plot centers around Chris (Steve Oram) and Tina (Alice Lowe), who set out on what initially appears to be a charming journey through the British countryside. The narrative's trajectory quickly shifts at the Crich Tramway Museum, transforming the trip into a chaotic and sinister escapade filled with bizarre and shocking moments.

The character development is striking, as the couple’s descent from quaint travelers to menacing figures becomes evident through both behavioral shifts and abrupt acts of violence. Cinematographer Laurie Rose captures the pastoral beauty of their surroundings with excellence, providing an unsettling contrast to the darkness of their actions. There is a definite stylistic similarity to Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers," but with a uniquely British twist that infuses awkward, sometimes unsettling humor throughout the film. A standout sequence includes a surreal scene where Chris and Tina make love in their caravan while onlookers speculate wildly about their activities.

The brevity of the genuinely funny moments is overshadowed by an overarching sense of disjointedness and contrived plotting. The film's trailers reveal too much, impacting viewer experience by laying out key plot points and humorous segments. Consequently, "Sightseers" may feel overly familiar upon a full viewing. Despite these shortcomings, Wheatley's bold approach to mixing dark comedy with graphic imagery deserves commendation. His collaboration with Laurie Rose ensures that the film is visually captivating, enhancing the strange yet beautiful storytelling. Overall, while "Sightseers" might not resonate with everyone, its audacious narrative and technical proficiency mark it as a noteworthy entry in contemporary British cinema.

Ben Wheatley's "Sightseers" is a distinctive entry in the pantheon of British black comedies, deftly blending gruesome violence with a love story that skirts the boundaries of tragedy. Although it may not resonate universally, its originality and unexpected narrative turns render it a noteworthy addition to the genre. Standing shoulder to shoulder with classics like "A Room for Romeo Brass" and "Withnail and I," "Sightseers" showcases Wheatley’s evolving prowess and commitment to unique storytelling. While some viewers might be unsettled by the excessive gore and the protagonists' awkward plight, others will appreciate its satirical brilliance and dark humor.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of "Sightseers" is decent, though it falls short of exemplary. The picture quality is adequate but could benefit from more carefully balanced levels. The sound presentation is reasonable, yet enhanced ambient atmospheric sound design could have been employed to better utilize the surround array. These minor shortcomings, however, are overshadowed by the film’s strength in delivering an engaging and distinctive viewing experience. It's worth noting that while it may not serve as a prime example for showcasing home theater systems, its narrative merit firmly roots it as a valuable addition to any film collection.

In conclusion, "Sightseers" is a film that may polarize audiences but undeniably stands out for its bold approach and distinctive style. Its quirks and dark humor may lay grounds for cult status, making it essential viewing for fans of British cinema and black comedy. Despite some technical flaws in the Blu-ray release, the film itself offers a compelling reason to own this disc. Rent it if you must, but be prepared for an unapologetically unique ride that showcases Wheatley’s unapologetic vision.