Pioneer Blu-ray Review

The visual presentation of "Pioneer" on Blu-ray distinguishes itself with a remarkable replication of its underwater sequences and the gritty ambiance of the seventies, balanced delicately by Swedish cinematographer Jallo Faber's adept choice of vintage lenses and digital photography. Despite leaning towards film, the necessity of digital for practical underwater filming does not detract from the film's visual appeal, thanks to these thoughtful artistic choices and a bit of creative ingenuity, including wrapping a stocking around the lens to achieve an "organic" look. This merger between digital clarity and film-like texture ensures that the massive, intricately built sets and the otherworldly underwater environments are reproduced with striking detail and depth. The color palette remains neutral and understated, punctuated occasionally by effects that enhance without overwhelming, maintaining the film's period feel with a golden amber hue and a suitable graininess that nods to the era without compromising on clarity.

Magnolia Home Entertainment's 1080p/AVC-encoded Blu-ray does justice to these visual nuances, presenting them with sharpness and an admirable level of detail, even if the average bitrate of 18.00 Mbps incites some light banding during scene transitions, an issue slightly mitigated by higher peaks in bitrate throughout. Although the encode could seemingly benefit from a higher bitrate, as suggested by comparisons to the Region B-locked release by Arrow, careful compressionist efforts ensure these moments are few and do not notably mar the viewing experience. However, specific scenes do suffer from over-stylization, with brightness and colorization sometimes obscuring finer details, yet the underwater sequences remain impeccably clear, showcasing minute particles in a crystal-clear portrayal of aquatic life that nearly reaches documentary quality.

Despite occasional banding and noise in nighttime scenes or overly stylized moments that briefly lose detail to brightness and colorization, the Blu-ray holds up impressively during its most visually demanding segments. The initial diving scene emerges as a standout, offering a demonstration-worthy clarity that contrasts sharply with the slightly grainy, nostalgic texture of the film's terrestrial scenes. This delicate balance between digital sharpness and filmic texture defines "Pioneer's" Blu-ray video presentation, delivering an experience that faithfully represents its unique visual style while embracing the limitations and opportunities of its chosen mediums.

Pioneer's audio presentation on Blu-ray, delivered via a lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, plunges the audience into a meticulously crafted soundscape that enhances the movie's submerged and tense atmosphere. The sound design excels in portraying the nuances of underwater exploration and the dangers of deep-sea drilling, using a mixture of metal creaks, subtle groans, hissing air supplies, and various equipment noises. These sounds, coupled with deep bass tones, effectively convey the pressure experienced under the sea. Moreover, environmental effects such as wind, waves, and rain are presented with dynamic clarity, contributing to an immersive experience. Intense scenes within the narrative are punctuated by sharp and forceful audio cues, while the dialogue—both in English and Norwegian—remains crystal clear throughout, benefiting from optional English subtitles. The electronic score by Air significantly complements the film's edgy mood, blending almost indistinguishably with the natural and mechanical sound effects.

The audio mix not only excels in clarity and detail but also in its dynamic range. From the robust thunderous sounds that echo the open sea to the minutiae of rain splashing against metal surfaces, every sound element is thoughtfully mixed to immerse viewers into the movie's settings fully. Vocal tracks are naturally depicted, reflecting their surroundings without detracting from the realism, enhancing the film’s authenticity rather than diminishing it. The surround sound channels deliver clear and precise audio, effectively utilizing the LFE channel for moments requiring intense auditory immersion, such as scenes set in compression chambers.

In sum, Pioneer's DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track skillfully enriches the movie-going experience, providing an auditory depth that matches the visual storytelling. This exceptional sound mix offers a balanced and dynamic range, bringing to life the film's complex environments, from the depths of the ocean to the interiors of industrial facilities. The blending of sound effects with a fittingly retro score, alongside clear and balanced dialogue across languages, marks this audio presentation as a standout component of Pioneer's Blu-ray release.

The extra presentation of the Blu-ray of "Pioneer," particularly from Magnolia's version, offers a compelling yet succinct array of behind-the-scenes insights and interviews that dive deep into the making of this underwater thriller. Notably, the multi-part "Behind the Scenes Featurettes" span a total of 27:21 minutes, providing a comprehensive look at the production through various lenses, including an almost fatal stunt, and sharing Aksel Hennie's personal ties to the narrative. Additionally, "Making of Pioneer: A Dive into the Depths of the Sea," affords viewers a detailed exploration of the film's lauded underwater cinematography and the chilly Icelandic locations used. Interviews with English-speaking actors Stephanie Seligman Maria and Stephen Lang Ferris offer personal reflections on their involvement and their appreciation for Norwegian culture and Hennie's work. A generic AXS TV promo and Magnolia Home Entertainment trailers add to the package, though offer less in terms of unique content. Technical presentations are consistent, with high-definition visuals maintaining a professional and polished look throughout.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes Featurettes: Interviews with key production members, detailing various aspects of the filmmaking process.
• Making of Pioneer: A Dive into the Depths of the Sea: Focus on underwater photography and location specifics.
• Working on Pioneer: Interviews with Stephanie Seligman Maria and Stephen Lang Ferris about their experiences.
• AXS TV: A Look at Pioneer: A consolidated promo featuring interviews and film footage.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Collection of trailers and promos.

The Blu-Ray presentation of "Pioneer," a gripping narrative directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg, delves into the raw and ambitious exploration of Norway's oil boom in the late '70s and early '80s. Set against the backdrop of an era when massive petroleum reserves were discovered beneath the North Sea, prompting an international race to harness these untapped resources, the movie intricately weaves a tale of human endeavor, conspiracy, and the blurred lines between paranoia and reality. Through the eyes of Petter Jensen (Aksel Hennie), a diver deeply entrenched in this high-stakes world, audiences are led on a thrilling journey marked by danger, deceit, and the relentless pursuit of wealth and power. Skjoldbjærg's direction, heavily influenced by American thrillers of the 1970s like Chinatown and The Conversation, establishes a palpable sense of suspense and unease, effectively capturing the essence of that tumultuous period.

Central to "Pioneer" is its remarkable visual storytelling, most notably its underwater sequences which are both breathtakingly beautiful and hauntingly isolating. The meticulous attention to detail ensures that everything from the diving apparatus to the production design authentically reflects the technology of the time, enhancing the film's immersive quality. This authenticity extends to the portrayal of Petter and his brother Knut’s (André Eriksen) taxing journey as they engage in dangerous deep-sea activities that push them to their physical and psychological limits. The narrative does more than just recount historical events; it presents a realistic exploration of the physical and emotional toll exerted on those at the forefront of Norway's push for oil extraction.

Despite its technical prowess and strong performances, particularly by Hennie, "Pioneer" sometimes struggles to maintain the intensity of its premise throughout its entirety. The narrative occasionally wavers, losing some of its edge in sequences that feel disjointed from the film’s otherwise tightly wound suspense. Yet, "Pioneer" stands out for its ambitious undertaking, exploring a piece of history through a tense thriller lens that captivates with its atmospheric depth and complex character dynamics. It may not hit the high mark set by Skjoldbjærg’s "Insomnia" or revel in continuous high-tension thrills, but it solidly combines real-life intrigue with cinematic flair to deliver a story that is both informative and engaging.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Pioneer" offers a noteworthy viewing experience that encapsulates the director Erik Skjoldbjærg's distinctive storytelling and visual style, particularly his penchant for overhead shots not only underwater but also on land to reflect the film's themes of hierarchy and powerlessness. This stylistic choice further emphasizes the underdog narrative Skjoldbjærg is keen on exploring, mirroring the American thrillers of the 1970s. While the film excels in its depiction of breathtaking deep-sea diving sequences, offering a unique visual treat and an effective history lesson on Norway's oil exploration era, it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative, with a screenplay that, aside from its remarkable underwater sequences, may not leave a lasting impression. On the technical side, the Blu-ray shines with near-perfect audio quality that complements the stunning visuals, even though the video quality suffers slightly outside of the underwater segments. The special features, albeit brief, provide insightful glimpses into the making of these captivating diving scenes.

The Blu-ray's technical specifics are reflective of the film's dichotomy—exceptional underwater cinematography matched with superior sound quality, set against a backdrop of an otherwise average video presentation and a storyline that might not fully captivate the audience beyond its historical significance. However, the extras, though limited, are a significant addition for those interested in the film's background and production nuances, particularly concerning its diving sequences.

In conclusion, "Pioneer" on Blu-ray emerges as a mixed bag that deserves attention for its historical portrayal and outstanding underwater visual and audio execution. While it may not be a film many will find themselves returning to frequently due to its weaker narrative elements, it stands out as an essential watch for enthusiasts of cinematic craft and historical narratives. The blend of superb technical quality in specific sequences and insightful, if scant, special features, makes it a worthwhile addition to the collection of those who appreciate film as both art and history.