Colette Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Colette," captured digitally with Arri Alexa cameras and presented by Universal with an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, offers a visually compelling experience. The film's cinematography by Giles Nuttgens maintains excellent detail, especially in outdoor scenes showcasing the lush greenery of the French countryside and the richly textured period costumes. The image clarity and sharpness are commendable, allowing for intricate details in clothing and set designs to stand out. Although the film employs a slightly stylized color grading approach marked by hints of yellow and blue, it effectively enhances the period drama’s aesthetic without overwhelming the visual narrative.

The color palette in "Colette" is varied yet cohesive, with vibrant greens, yellows, and other primary colors punctuating the French countryside scenes. Some sequences exhibit subtle grading toward yellow and blue, providing a pleasing visual variance. Director Wash Westmoreland and cinematographer Nuttgens favor artistic framings, frequently utilizing lens flares and effulgent glows of light, which add an evocative layer to the film’s historical setting. However, the darker scenes tend to reveal minor banding and have limited shadow detail, though these issues are not overly intrusive and do little to detract from the overall quality.

Overall, Universal's Blu-ray transfer showcases "Colette" with consistent impressive detail levels and fluid transitions between varying lighting conditions. Despite some minimal flaws in darker sequences, the presentation successfully captures the opulence and visual richness of the period piece, delivering an almost baroque level of patterning that is well-resolved onscreen. This high-quality transfer results in an immersive and engaging viewing experience, making it a strong visual representation of the film.

The audio presentation of "Colette" on Blu-Ray, delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, is notably front-focused, with the majority of the sound emanating from the center and main channels. Dialog is prioritized in this mix, rendering it clean and clear throughout, even during numerous voiceovers by Knightley. Surround activity primarily enhances ambient environments, such as the natural sounds from Colette’s rural home and the bustling salons of Paris. This subtle use of surrounds envelops the listener without overwhelming them, enhancing the atmospheric immersion.

Though not an action-packed or effects-driven film, the audio track does not completely sideline the LFE channel. While restrained in nature, the low-frequency effects are tactically employed to emphasize specific moments, such as the rumbling of a train or the hefty bang of a closing door. This occasional deep rumble enriches the otherwise nuanced and clear audio experience. Moreover, musical elements are deftly integrated into the mix, drifting evocatively through the surround channels and adding layers to both crowded and serene settings.

In sum, the Blu-Ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Colette" provides an unexpectedly rich and engaging auditory experience for a period biographical drama. It combines clear and precise dialog delivery with immersive environmental ambience, making for a satisfying sonic representation that aligns well with the film’s dramatic tone.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Colette" offer insightful glimpses behind the film's production, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of the historical drama. The collection includes an analysis of pivotal scenes, valuable director commentary, and a visual showcase of costume design. While generally informative, some features tend toward brevity, limiting the depth of insight offered. Key highlights include "Notes on a Scene," where Director Wash Westmoreland provides detailed analysis of an important party scene, offering context and creative decisions. However, "The Story Behind Colette" feels more like an extended trailer than an in-depth feature. Deleted scenes present additional narrative moments that round out character arcs, though their viewing feels more supplemental than essential. The Costume Design Photo Gallery is visually engaging but could benefit from more detailed commentary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes including Colette's Wedding and more.
• The Story Behind “Colette”: A brief behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Notes on a Scene: Director’s analysis of a key party scene.
• Costume Design Photo Gallery: Twenty-one slides showcasing costumes.

"Colette" delivers an absorbing biographical account of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, exploring her journey from a young country girl to a liberated literary force. Keira Knightley’s portrayal of Colette is compelling, embodying her evolution with nuanced intensity. The narrative commences with Colette’s marriage to the charismatic yet philandering Henri Gauthier-Villars, known as Willy (Dominic West), who exploits Colette’s writing talent for his gain. Willy's flamboyant and egocentric character is portrayed deliciously by West, who brings a captivating charm to his otherwise morally questionable persona. The film's effective use of Parisian society's opulent backdrop enhances the atmosphere, though the British production's sensibilities sometimes conflict with the subject matter's inherent French authenticity.

The screenplay navigates through pivotal moments in Colette’s life, from ghostwriting Willy’s successful novels to her struggle for independence amidst personal betrayals and societal constraints. The Claudine series, an autobiographical novel arising from Colette’s creative prowess, setting off a string of successful literary endeavours ultimately credited to Willy, serves as a focal point for both the plot and Colette's burgeoning self-assertion. Yet, the film slightly sanitizes Colette’s more salacious and controversial undertakings, opting for a more subdued portrayal of her sexual exploits and progressive lifestyle. This decision helps in maintaining a broader audience appeal, even if at the expense of complete historical accuracy.

The sumptuous visual aesthetic and intricate period details play a significant role in immersing the viewer into early 20th-century France. Despite its biopic-itis tendencies, "Colette" avoids typical pitfalls by cleverly weaving character-driven narratives with sweeping emotional arcs. The film's emphasis on both high society’s extravagance and the stark gender inequality of that era offers a dual commentary on luxury and liberation, albeit with some traditional filmmaking conventions interrupting its pace. Nevertheless, solid performances, particularly Knightley's passionate rendering of Colette’s tumultuous yet triumphant journey, ensure that "Colette" remains a richly engaging watch.

"Colette" is a notable biopic that delves into the early life of French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, portrayed masterfully by Keira Knightley. Although the film aims for a strong feminist narrative, it slightly falls short due to the ambiguous moral standings of its central characters, Colette and her husband Willy. Nonetheless, it stands out with its compelling performances and engaging script, offering a vivid portrayal that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The movie benefits from exceptional production design, stunning costumes by Andrea Flesch, and an overall strong visual appeal, even if it didn't achieve recognition at the Academy Awards.

The Blu-ray release of "Colette" presents solid technical merits, featuring an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 with AVC encoding and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio. The video quality is stable and offers a visually rich experience, and the audio clarity enhances the cinematic experience. While the extras might be considered mediocre, the Blu-ray still provides a robust presentation that complements the film's period-piece aesthetic. Subtitles are available in English, English SDH, and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.

In conclusion, "Colette" is a meticulously crafted biopic that successfully captures the essence of one of France's most audacious writers. Despite a few shortcomings in narrative boldness and home release special features, the combination of stellar performances, top-tier production design, and strong technical specifications make it a solid watch for fans of period dramas. The film's intricate portrayal, married with high-quality visuals and sound on Blu-ray, ensures it remains an engaging recommendation.