Mid90s Blu-ray Review

"Mid90s" is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The film, shot in Super 16mm, adheres to an intentionally lo-fi, nostalgic aesthetic as discussed by director Jonah Hill and cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt in their commentary. This stylistic choice imbues the film with attributes reminiscent of older movies. Specifically, outdoor scenes in sunny Los Angeles are bright with a yellowish hue and can appear slightly washed out and hazy—clearly a deliberate artistic decision rather than a flaw in the transfer. Conversely, interior scenes often transition to cooler blue tones. While the grain can appear a bit splotchy at times, it generally resolves naturally, providing an authentic filmic texture that complements the retro feel.

In terms of detail, the close-up shots effectively capture intricate facial features, such as acne and wrinkles, demonstrating a high level of sharpness despite the occasional flat look attributable to the film’s vintage style. The Academy Ratio presentation includes black window-boxing bars on either side, enhancing the nostalgic viewing experience reminiscent of pre-widescreen television eras. The BD-25 disc's capacity is well-suited to this relatively short feature; the larger black bars of the 1.33:1 aspect ratio reduce compression concerns, resulting in a clean image free from banding, aliasing, or debris. Black levels remain robust even in low-lit scenes, and skin tones consistently appear natural across various lighting conditions, ensuring a faithful reproduction of the filmmaker's artistic vision.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the "Mid90s" Blu-ray offers a well-balanced and immersive audio experience, though it rarely utilizes every speaker to its fullest potential. The front-heavy mix is anchored by the exceptional score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, which not only captures the essence of the 1990s but also provides the film's most impactful audio moments. Ambient sounds of the city, such as vehicles and skateboard rolls, along with background dialogue, effectively enhance the environmental immersion, albeit subtly.

Dialogue is uniformly clear and effortlessly cuts through even during more intense musical scenes, ensuring that viewers can easily follow along. The subdued low end provides a stable underpinning, coming to life particularly in scenes where the characters gather in their clubhouse. This balance ensures no distortion, pops, or hisses disrupt the listening experience, making this a technically sound audio track that complements the film’s nostalgic ambiance.

The Extras included in the Blu Ray release of "Mid90s" deliver a mix of technical insights and behind-the-scenes content, albeit with varying levels of engagement. The Commentary by Writer/Director Jonah Hill and Director of Photography Christopher Blauvelt provides an in-depth look at the filmmaking process, discussing shooting locations, inspirations, and behind-the-scenes details; however, Hill's delivery is noticeably dry and may not meet expectations for his comedic touch. The Deleted Scenes (1080p, 3:01) feature a few extra moments left on the cutting room floor, but these do not significantly impact the overall appreciation of the film.

Extras included on this disc:

• Commentary by Writer/Director Jonah Hill and Director of Photography Christopher Blauvelt: Detailed discussion on filmmaking process, scenes, and inspirations.
• Deleted Scenes: Brief additional scenes that don’t add much to the film’s enjoyment.

Jonah Hill’s directorial debut, Mid90s, offers a vividly nostalgic dive into the era’s youth culture, focusing on the life of a young skateboarder in Los Angeles. Many will find themselves transported back to the grunge music, skateboarding escapades, and formative friendships that defined their own youth. Sunny Suljic stars as Stevie, a troubled teenage boy seeking solace from a turbulent home life with his older brother Ian (Lucas Hedges) and largely absent single mother (Katherine Waterston). Stevie finds companionship and an unconventional support system within a diverse group of neighborhood skaters with colorful monikers like Fourth Grade and Fuckshit.

Hill's remarkable eye for period-specific details shines through both visually and thematically, lending the film an almost documentary-like authenticity. The static camerawork often mentioned in Hill's commentary underscores the film’s observational quality, bringing viewers directly into Stevie’s world. However, this authenticity is coupled with a somewhat episodic structure, where Mid90s unfolds through a series of vignettes rather than a traditionally cohesive narrative. While this approach poignantly illustrates the slice-of-life sentiment Hill aims for, it may leave some viewers craving a more clear-cut story arc.

Performances are uniformly strong across the board, particularly from Suljic, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of adolescent vulnerability and resilience. Despite their apparent rough exteriors, each member of Stevie's newfound crew reveals layers of unspoken camaraderie and shared struggle, subtly captured by Hill’s direction. Though the film purposefully eschews heavy-handed emotional storytelling, it skillfully captures the small, yet significant moments of teen angst and discovery. Nitpicks may include the limited development of certain characters and Hill's potential over-reliance on nostalgia. Nevertheless, Mid90s stands out as a heartfelt examination of friendship and identity amidst the turbulence of youth.

"Mid90s," Jonah Hill's directorial debut, offers a sincere and engaging portrayal of 1990s skate culture through the eyes of a young boy, Stevie. The film captures the era's raw essence with gritty cinematography and authentic performances, particularly from leading actor Sunny Suljic. Hill's ability to make viewers care deeply about the characters, even when they're not given fully fleshed-out backstories, is commendable and highlights his directorial acumen. Despite a straightforward plot and a climax that could have used more emotional impact, the narrative maintains a relatable and nostalgic charm.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray presentation of "Mid90s" delivers satisfactory audio and visual quality. The film utilizes 16mm film stock to effectively evoke the aesthetics of the 90s, and while the transfer may not showcase the high definition brilliance of modern productions, it suits the movie's vintage feel. The sound design complements the film's atmosphere, though it lacks the dynamic range expected from top-tier Blu-ray releases. Bonus features are somewhat sparse and do not add substantial value but offer a basic insight into the filmmaking process.

In conclusion, despite some pacing issues and an underwhelming climax, Jonah Hill's "Mid90s" successfully immerses viewers in its period-specific world and provides a heartfelt glimpse into the struggles of adolescence. The exceptional cast performances and Hill's direction ensure that viewers develop a connection to the characters. The technical merits of the Blu-ray release are competent if unremarkable, making it a worthwhile addition for those interested in character-driven narratives and nostalgic throwbacks. Overall, "Mid90s" comes Recommended for its emotional authenticity and effective storytelling.