Rosewater Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Rosewater" is a commendable and meticulously crafted visual experience. Encoded in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 format and presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, it features a generally pristine transfer that remains true to the filmmakers' creative vision. The transfer is mostly flawless, maintaining a crisp and well-delineated image quality throughout. Facial textures are particularly nuanced, with close-up shots capturing the fine details of skin, thereby enhancing the authenticity of the characters’ portrayals. The detailed textures extend to the worn walls and carpets of the prison cell, lending a tangible sense of realism to the setting. Black levels are impressively deep and consistent, although they sometimes push towards a brighter appearance. Despite the somewhat subdued and dreary color palette, the occasional burst of vibrance, particularly in primary colors such as yellow cabs and green signage, adds a pleasing contrast.

The technical attributes of the Blu-ray further enhance the viewing experience, ensuring that each frame delivers optimal clarity and detail. The depth provided by the transfer is significant, allowing viewers to almost feel the isolation of Bernal’s character in his cell. While brightness levels are generally strong, there are occasional sequences where mild crush in the darkest portions is noted, but these do not detract significantly from the overall visual integrity. The image appears free from any significant artifacts such as banding or blockiness, even though light noise is occasionally perceptible. Colors are rendered accurately with no distortion, providing substantial visibility without compromising on detail or presenting a flat image. Overall, "Rosewater" on Blu-ray offers a solid and polished visual representation that does justice to its narrative and setting.

The "Rosewater" Blu Ray comes equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, offering an audio experience that is both refined and highly effective. The soundtrack is noted for its smooth and precise musical elements, which benefit from an even front end flow supported by an engaging back channel presence. The instrumental clarity and overall detail are commendable, particularly in scenes enriched by Howard Shore's score and various song selections. While light atmospheric audio such as background chatter in airports or protest marches adds depth, it is the authoritative and authentic background gunfire that stands out. The dialogue, which is central to this film, is evenly reproduced from the center channel, ensuring that spoken words are delivered clearly and smoothly.

While not revolutionary, the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers a wide and generally expansive soundstage, highlighted by crisp, precise vocals centrally positioned. The audio imaging broadens significantly during musical interludes, displaying excellent clarity and separation between channels. Despite its dialogue-heavy nature, the mix includes a strong dynamic range that keeps the action balanced and effective. Although the low-frequency extension does not often stand out, it provides adequate depth and weight when required. The surround channels contribute to the soundfield with good if occasionally inconsistent panning and directionality. Overall, while the mix might not be fully immersive throughout, it remains a pleasure for a character-driven drama such as "Rosewater."

The audio presentation effectively balances dialogue, music, and environmental effects. The enthusiastic use of surround sound elements enhances the immersive experience while maintaining clarity across various channels. Dialogue reproduction is exceptional, ensuring that every word whether spoken or shouted is loud and clear. The well-represented dynamic sounds stemming from different sources such as the score, sound effects, and environmental background noises contribute to making this lossless audio track an engaging and enjoyable listen.

The Blu-ray release of "Rosewater" offers a sparse selection of extras, with each feature being notably brief and lacking depth. Despite their intriguing titles, these extras collectively stretch just past four minutes, failing to provide substantial insights or expanded content. Viewers expecting in-depth analyses or extended commentary will be left wanting, as the extras predominantly consist of brief interviews and B-roll footage, with no accompanying commentary track.

Extras included in this disc:

• Iran’s Controversial Election: Offers a quick overview of Maziar Bahari's motives for his visit to Iran.
• The Story of Maziar Bahari: Provides a short background on Newsweek journalist Maziar Bahari.
• Real Spies Have TV Shows: Illustrates how an interview on The Daily Show contributed to Bahari's detainment.
• What Happens in New Jersey...: Focuses on Bahari’s experiences during his imprisonment.
• A Director’s Perspective: Jon Stewart shares his thoughts on directing a vital scene.

Jon Stewart's directorial debut, "Rosewater," is a poignant adaptation of journalist Maziar Bahari's memoir, Then They Came for Me, exploring themes of political suspicion and wrongful imprisonment. The narrative centers on Bahari, compellingly portrayed by Gael García Bernal, who is detained in Iran during the tumult of the 2009 presidential election. Stewart crafts a story laden with complex political intrigue and personal struggle, presenting Bahari's imprisonment under the pretext of espionage. While the film steers clear of physical coercion, it delves into the mental and emotional toll of such wrongful detainment. Though not overtly dark or gripping, Stewart's film is a commendable first effort, marked by moments of poignant reflections on freedom and censorship.

Stewart's approach to the production design is deliberately simple, enhancing the atmosphere of confinement and fear. The film's spartan sets and straightforward storytelling reinforce the core themes effectively. However, some of Stewart's directorial choices, such as quick and disjointed cuts meant to illustrate the disorienting nature of imprisonment, may occasionally disrupt the viewer's immersion. Despite these minor flaws, Bernal's performance anchors the film, imbuing Bahari's harrowing journey with palpable emotional depth. The narrative doesn't always reach the dark dramatic depths that it attempts but successfully conveys the broader message about the value of free speech and the perils journalists face.

Additionally, Stewart infuses "Rosewater" with subtle humor, reflecting his background in satirical news. This comedic touch doesn't undermine the gravity of Bahari's plight but rather humanizes the experience and highlights its absurdity. For example, humorous interactions between Bahari and his captors serve to underscore the irrationality of his imprisonment. Furthermore, nuanced sequences where Bahari's memories and experiences are visualized through innovative effects enhance the storytelling. In sum, "Rosewater" is a meaningful, if sometimes uneven, bio-drama that marks a promising start for Stewart's filmmaking career.

"Rosewater," Jon Stewart’s directorial debut, presents a compelling portrayal of journalist Maziar Bahari’s 2009 imprisonment in Iran. While it may not delve into emotional depths as intensely as expected from such a narrative, Gael García Bernal's remarkable performance anchors the film, rendering Bahari's story both poignant and impactful. Stewart’s transition from television to film is promising, showcasing his narrative potential and directorial skills, with "Rosewater" serving as a strong foundation for future endeavors.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "Rosewater" impresses with exceptional video and audio quality, ensuring a satisfying viewing experience. The high-definition clarity and sound fidelity enhance the film’s dramatic elements, making the home viewing experience immersive. However, the supplemental content falls short. The included featurettes are brief and lack substantial insight, missing a valuable opportunity to enrich the viewer's understanding of Bahari’s harrowing experience and Stewart’s creative process. The absence of a director's commentary or an in-depth interview with Maziar Bahari detracts from the overall package.

In conclusion, while "Rosewater" might not fully meet its emotional potential, it remains a worthwhile film, underscored by strong performances and capable direction. The technical excellence of the Blu-ray presentation is unfortunately marred by underwhelming extras. Nevertheless, it stands as a worthy addition for those interested in human rights narratives and Stewart's burgeoning career in filmmaking. We recommend purchasing the Blu-ray, especially if found on sale, for its high-quality presentation and the film’s significant story.