Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man Blu-ray Review

"Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man" on Blu-ray is presented with a 1080p/AVC-MPEG-4 encoded transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The video quality is notably variable due to the diverse sources from which the material is derived. Contemporary footage sometimes displays significant inconsistencies in sharpness and clarity. For example, some shots of Hal Willner reveal distinct disparities in detail levels. Moreover, certain frames exhibit temporary image instability, including jitters and anomalies suggestive of upscaling issues. Archival material fares as expected, presenting a softer, grainy appearance, with some instances of physical damage. Nevertheless, the concert sequences generally offer commendable detail and robust black levels, though they are not uniformly stellar.

The concert footage generally outshines the interview segments in terms of visual quality, with sequences like "Tower of Song" looking more vibrant and sharp. In contrast, interviews suffer from a lack of clarity and occasional artifacts, exacerbated by filters and wear from archival sources. The 16mm footage maintains a high level of graininess, sometimes artificially enhanced to appear even more worn. Stage blacks during performances are particularly rich, though inexplicable blurriness in slow-motion sections and instances of posterization—such as during Martha Wainwright’s rendition of "Hallelujah" and when blue light hits guitarist Chris Benning—detract from the overall viewing experience. Despite these drawbacks, there are no elements rendered unwatchable; the transfer successfully conveys the concert's atmosphere and historical context.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man" offers predominantly clear and engaging audio, though it is not without its inconsistencies. While the musical performances deliver excellent clarity, dynamic range, and good separation of instruments, these segments are frequently interspersed with documentary talking heads that maintain a front-and-center positioning. This interruption can lead to a somewhat uneven surround activity. An echo-ey ambience is occasionally distributed to the side channels during memory segments, providing a layer of atmospheric fidelity, although some may prefer these effects to be less invasive and the musical segments uninterrupted.

The mix ensures that the singers' vocals and concert elements are well-balanced, with instruments benefiting from notable bass support and a satisfying separation. However, Cohen's low baritone, particularly in spoken segments, can sometimes be challenging to discern. The audio is predominantly anchored to the front speakers, with only light reinforcement from the surround channels, limiting the immersive potential of the 5.1 configuration. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall auditory experience remains quite capable of capturing major nuances of performances, ensuring that fans of Cohen's music will find much to appreciate.

The Blu-ray release of "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man" includes a variety of supplementary features that enhance the main documentary. The audio commentary by director Lian Lunson, though lacking in depth, offers some insights into the production process and acknowledges her novice status in delivering commentary. "A Conversation with Leonard Cohen," a brief but valuable addition, allows Cohen to reflect on the interpretations of his songs featured in the film. Additional musical performances provide an extended look at the concert, including notable renditions by Teddy Thompson, The Handsome Family, Perla Batalla, and Martha Wainwright. Rounding out the extras is the theatrical trailer, adding a promotional glimpse into the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Lian Lunson: Insights on assembling the piece.
• A Conversation with Leonard Cohen: Cohen’s reflections on song interpretations.
• Additional Performances: Live tracks from Teddy Thompson, The Handsome Family, Perla Batalla, and Martha Wainwright.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional preview of the film.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man" offers an insightful and evocative exploration of the iconic musician and poet's life and work. Leonard Cohen's profound religiosity and connection to his Jewish heritage are deftly interwoven throughout the documentary, reflecting on his upbringing and the influence of his heritage on his songwriting. Cohen’s deep engagement with mystical and metaphysical themes, subtly referenced in his lyrics, offers a rich tapestry of imagery that lends depth to his body of work. Anecdotes from Cohen and other artists provide a meticulous dissection of his songwriting process, highlighting the dedication and intelligence admired in songwriting circles. Contributions from musicians such as U2’s The Edge further underscore the Biblical resonance of Cohen's songs.

The documentary, directed by Lian Lunson, benefits from its diverse musical performances interspersed with biographical commentary. Featuring artists like Nick Cave, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Beth Orton, and Jarvis Cocker, the concert sequences capture the essence of Cohen's varied songwriting while showcasing unique interpretations of his work. However, these performances are occasionally interrupted by interviews and reflections, which, while insightful, might disrupt the flow for some viewers. The visual and audio stylings applied to Cohen's interview segments add a quasi-hallucinogenic quality that some may find distracting.

Notably, the film emphasizes Cohen’s affable nature despite his reputation for reclusiveness. Moments of humor and heartfelt reminiscence offer a glimpse into Cohen’s personal life, enhancing the narrative's emotional resonance. While director Lunson's stylistic choices occasionally detract from a straightforward presentation, the documentary remains a compelling tribute. For those new to Leonard Cohen, it provides a valuable introduction to his music and philosophy. However, seasoned fans might prefer watching one of his concert performances to fully appreciate the depth of his artistry.

Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man is an enriching tribute, skillfully capturing the essence of one of our era's most revered poet-philosophers. The Blu-Ray presentation includes concert segments, where Cohen's work is interpreted through various stylistically daring performances. However, the film's momentum often wanes due to frequent insertions of talking head segments, which vary in their level of insightfulness and depth. Despite this interruption, the documentary shines in moments featuring Cohen himself, who exudes a compelling blend of self-reflection, humility, and a characteristically rabbinic wisdom.

Technically, the Blu-Ray edition falls slightly short in its HD specifications, offering a viewing experience that could benefit from higher quality resolution and sound. Nonetheless, it compensates with the sheer emotional weight and lyrical prowess of Cohen's music. The tribute performances are compelling enough to satisfy both dedicated fans and newcomers, despite the somewhat uneven technical execution.

In conclusion, Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man serves as a fine if flawed elegy for one of the more remarkable poet-philosophers of our era. The concert sections offer some sometimes outré arrangements and/or performances, but the biggest complaint some will have is that director Lian Lunson interrupts those performances with talking head segments. Those segments vary in insightfulness as well, but Cohen is beautifully self-reflective, often quite self-deprecating, and perhaps unavoidably rabbinic in his own sweet way. Recommended.