Pina Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Wim Wenders' "Pina" is an exemplar of technical prowess, offering both the original 3D version and the standard 2D version on separate discs. The 3D presentation, encoded in 1080p/MVC MPEG-4 with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, leverages the technology's full potential to create a genuinely immersive experience. The image depth and dimensionality are spectacular, transporting viewers into the performance space itself. Colors are lush yet natural, without any anomalies. Observably, each frame stretches deeply into the background, giving the screen a proscenium arch effect, transforming typical viewing into a near-live performance. Clarity and texture are paramount: granules of sand and beads of water are vividly rendered, indicating detailed capture through digitally shot sequences on Sony cameras.

The 2D version, though equally crisp and clear in its AVC MPEG-4 encode, lacks the depth and immersive quality of the 3D counterpart. While detail and colorization hold up robustly, shadow and light interplay aren't as pronounced as in the 3D version. A slight increase in digital noise is noticeable on this disc but does not detract significantly from the overall visual experience. Besides these minor disparities, both versions retain exceptional detail, from the fine textures of stage settings to individual hairs on dancers' arms. Given the meticulous care in camera positioning and encoding quality, "Pina" offers a demonstrative showcase for what modern Blu-ray presentations can achieve in both 2D and 3D formats.

The audio presentation of "Pina" on Blu-ray is rendered with a German DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, inclusive of portions in other languages, ensuring a broad auditory spectrum. The Criterion collection has thoughtfully included optional English subtitles for the main feature, facilitating a holistic viewing experience without compromising the film's artistic integrity. The lossless audio track excels with its wide dynamic range, which enhances the film's unique atmosphere and is most notable in sequences such as the stage scene with falling water. This track is replete with impressive surround movement, providing an immersive auditory environment, while the sparse but critical dialogues remain clear and easily intelligible.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track seamlessly complements the film's stunning visual artistry. Music, which forms the core of this dance-centric performance, sees a meticulous mixing across all channels. The track captures the essence of the performers' movements through its exceptional conveyance of sound, maintaining a dynamic range that can oscillate from chaotic melodies to structured motifs fluidly. The integration of natural sound elements without additional post-production effects ensures authenticity. Interview dialogues are sparse but perfectly crisp and originate cleanly from the front channels, illustrating the studio-recorded quality expected in high-definition audio productions.

"Pina" achieves an impressive balance between visual and auditory components, creating an engaging experience where music serves as the performer's voice. This immersive audio presentation ensures that every musical nuance and movement synchronizes flawlessly, making it a highly recommended watch for those appreciating dance and cinematic auditory perfection.

The Blu-ray release of "Pina" offers an impressive selection of extras that delve deeply into the film's production and the artistic vision of director Wim Wenders, as well as the legacy of choreographer Pina Bausch. The supplementary content illuminates the meticulous process behind the 3D filmmaking, with Wenders providing thorough insights in both a feature-length commentary and an extensive making-of documentary. The deleted scenes shed light on additional choreography that didn't make the final cut, enhancing our understanding of Bausch’s work. Behind-the-scenes footage, although brief, gives a glimpse of the technical challenges and creative processes during the shoots. The disc also includes a promotional interview with Wenders and an illustrated booklet that enriches the viewing experience with additional context and personal reflections.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "Pina" featuring music only.
• The Making of Pina: Director Wim Wenders explains the film's creation and 3D sequences with raw shooting footage.
• Deleted Scenes: 14 deleted scenes with optional audio commentary by Wenders.
• Behind the Scenes Footage:
  • Le sacre du printemps
  • Vollmond
  • Kontakthof
  • Solo in a Glass House
  • Various Solos
• Wim Wenders Interview: Recorded in 2011 to promote the film’s theatrical release.
• Commentary: Wim Wenders discusses the production history, various dances, film's music, and set designs.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring essays by Siri Hustvedt, reprinted pieces by Wenders and Bausch, and information on the dances featured in the film.

Wim Wenders' "Pina" (2011), an homage to the influential German choreographer Pina Bausch, offers an immersive dance experience that will captivate not just dance aficionados but also those completely unfamiliar with the art form. The film stands out as a visually astonishing tribute, masterfully utilizing 3D technology to place viewers right in the midst of the performances. This innovative approach turns the staged footage into an almost palpable experience, effectively recreating the sensation of being present at a live theatre performance. The film includes iconic pieces such as "The Rite of Spring" and "Café Müller", with some of the most intriguing segments being from "Vollmond" (Full Moon), marked by its minimalistic yet captivating choreography.

The narrative structure alternates between elaborate stage performances and brief, introspective interviews with Bausch’s dancers. These interviews, however, stray from conventional formats, featuring dancers lost in silent thought while voice-overs recount their experiences and teachings from Pina. These segments, though insightful, might leave viewers seeking more direct information about Pina’s life and impact somewhat unfulfilled. Despite the film's 99% dialog-free presentation, it poignantly conveys Bausch's innovative vision and the emotional depth she inspired in her troupe.

While some may find the 103-minute runtime overstretched, particularly during extended dance sequences, the stunning shot-on-location solos offer redeeming bursts of visual brilliance as they capture diverse environments adding layers to the dance narratives. The Blu-ray release by Criterion enhances this experience with both 3D and 2D versions, and supplementary materials provide richer context albeit outside the primary film experience. For those with an appreciation for dance or modern artistic expressions captured cinematically, "Pina" remains an essential experience, though it could benefit from a tad more contextual exposition directly within the film itself.

Wim Wenders' "Pina," a tribute to the legendary choreographer Pina Bausch, is presented in stunning high-definition on this Blu-ray release, making it an exceptional visual and auditory experience. The film's 3D presentation stands out as one of the most impressive examples of the technology, enhancing the intricate dance movements and spatial nuances of Bausch's choreographic genius. Wenders' adept grasp of 3D technology’s strengths and constraints allows for a more immersive and impactful viewing experience. The 2D version retains much of the visual charm but inevitably lacks the immersive depth that the 3D version provides.

"Pina" acts almost like a compilation of some of Bausch's most renowned works, beautifully filmed and edited to showcase the unique artistry that defines modern dance. Even for those unfamiliar with Bausch or the genre, the film’s arresting visuals and impeccable audio quality make it an enlightening journey through dance. The disc includes a treasure trove of special features, notably the insightful director's commentary, which provides further context and enriches the viewer’s understanding of the performances. This makes it not only an entertaining experience but also a highly educational one for those willing to delve deeper into the art form.

In conclusion, "Pina" on Blu-ray is a masterful showcase of modern dance and an outstanding home cinema experience. The use of 3D is not just a technical novelty but a thoughtful enhancement that brings Pina Bausch's innovative choreography to life in a way that has seldom been achieved onscreen. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for both aficionados of dance and those new to the genre alike.