Son of Saul Blu-ray Review

László Nemes' "Son of Saul" is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 on Blu-ray, utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC codec for a 1080p high-definition transfer. This release by Curzon Artificial Eye is derived from the same master Sony Pictures utilized for the North American Blu-ray, maintaining a consistent quality across regions. Despite conducting thorough direct comparisons, no significant disparities were identified, ensuring viewers receive a technically proficient presentation. The film's distinct visual style, characterized by deliberate color tonalities and meticulous light management, slightly affects the clarity and depth in specific instances. For example, some scenes display noticeable crushing, though it appears largely intentional, serving the film's aesthetic. The subdued color palette occasionally results in a perceived flatness, but given the film was timed photochemically, such decisions are artistically motivated rather than flaws.

While the basic technical specifications are commendable, there remains room for minor enhancements, particularly regarding encoding optimizations to elevate the visual experience slightly further. Nevertheless, the overall high-definition rendition of "Son of Saul" is impressive, faithfully translating the director's vision with minimal compromise. It is essential to note that this Blu-ray is Region-B locked, necessitating a compatible player for access. This detail is crucial for international viewers or those with limited playback options. Overall, the transfer exhibits a robust commitment to preserving the film's intended visual narrative, even if it means embracing certain unconventional elements that contribute to its immersive and harrowing atmosphere.

The audio presentation of "Son of Saul" on Blu-ray offers an immersive auditory experience through its two primary tracks: the Hungarian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Hungarian LPCM 2.0, complemented by optional English subtitles for accessibility. The choice between a multi-channel 5.1 setup and a more traditional stereo 2.0 option allows viewers to select the audio experience that best suits their setup and preferences, ensuring that the film's auditory aspects are accessible to a wide array of home entertainment systems.

In terms of auditory craftsmanship, "Son of Saul" leverages its sound design to elevate the narrative, utilizing music strategically to enhance the atmosphere and, at times, guide the storyline. The balance and separation across the channels are exemplary, providing clarity and depth that envelop the viewer in the film's intense environment. Despite some minor inconsistencies in scenes with multiple actors and significant action, which appear intentional as part of the original sound design, the overall audio quality remains pristine without any noticeable flaws such as pops, cracks, audio dropouts, or digital distortions.

The technical execution of the audio tracks on this release deserves specific commendation. The sound stage presented in the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track effectively utilizes the surround channels, offering an enveloping experience that positions viewers right in the heart of the movie's setting. Audio fidelity is maintained at a high level across both tracks, ensuring that whether you opt for the enveloping 5.1 surround or the LPCM 2.0 stereo mix, the experience remains uncompromised. This meticulous attention to detail in the audio presentation significantly contributes to the overall impact of "Son of Saul," reinforcing its narrative and emotional intensity.

The extra features of the "Son of Saul" Blu Ray present an insightful look into the meticulous production and intention behind this haunting film. The original trailer draws viewers in with its intensity, while the Q&A with Director Laszlo Nemes after a 35mm preview screening in London delves deep into the film's historical accuracy, themes, and unique visual style. The inclusion of Behind the Scenes GoPro Footage offers a raw glimpse of the filmmaking process, contrasting sharply with the polished final product. A solitary deleted scene invites speculation on its exclusion, and Laszlo Nemes' first short film, "With a Little Patience," provides an intriguing look at his early work and thematic interests. Each extra enhances understanding and appreciation for this powerful cinematic endeavor.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "Son of Saul."
• Q&A with Director Laszlo Nemes: Insightful session on the film's production and historical accuracy.
• Behind the Scenes GoPro Footage: Raw shooting footage with direct comparisons.
• Deleted Scene: Offers a glimpse of what didn't make the final cut.
• Short Film - With a Little Patience (2007): Laszlo Nemes' first short film, providing context for his thematic interests.

László Nemes' critically acclaimed "Son of Saul," the 2015 Oscar Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film, has made its way onto Blu-ray through the meticulous efforts of Curzon Artificial Eye. This release not only presents the film in exquisite detail but also enriches the viewing experience with a carefully curated selection of supplemental features. Among these, the original film trailer, an enlightening Q&A session with director László Nemes, a revelatory deleted scene, captivating behind-the-scenes footage, and the impressive short film "With a Little Patience" stand out. It's noteworthy that the main feature comes with optional English subtitles, accommodating an international audience while preserving the film's authentic Hungarian dialogue. The Blu-ray is Region-B locked, ensuring compatibility within certain geographical bounds.

The technical presentation of "Son of Saul" on this Blu-ray is nothing short of remarkable. The meticulous transfer respects and enhances the film’s unique cinematography and sound design, both of which are integral to its immersive storytelling technique. The visual and auditory fidelity to Nemes’ original vision is paramount, providing a viewing experience that is as close to the director's intent as possible. This release does not merely aim to entertain but seeks to engage the viewer on a profound level, facilitated by both the film's artistic merits and the Blu-ray’s high-quality presentation.

Given the importance of "Son of Saul" within modern cinema, particularly in its exploration of harrowing historical themes and innovative narrative techniques, this Blu-ray release represents an essential addition to the collections of cinephiles and historians alike. By maintaining a direct, professional tone and emphasizing technical details such as the film's language options, region lock, and supplemental features, this review underscores the significance of both the film itself and its presentation on Blu-ray. The release serves not only as a medium for viewing what is arguably one of the most important films of the past decade but also as a resource for understanding and appreciating the depth and breadth of its cinematic achievements.

László Nemes' "Son of Saul," a harrowing exploration of the Holocaust's brutality, receives a compelling presentation in this Blu-ray release by Curzon Artificial Eye. Drawing from the identical master utilized by Sony Pictures for its North American edition, this British distribution ensures a consistent, high-quality visual experience that faithfully represents the director's vision. The technical fidelity of the film's presentation is imperative, given its heavy reliance on intimate, claustrophobic cinematography to convey its powerful narrative. However, it is worth noting that this release distinguishes itself through its supplemental features, diverging from its North American counterpart and offering unique insights into the film's creation and thematic considerations.

The differences in supplemental content between the Curzon Artificial Eye and Sony Pictures releases are significant not only for collectors but also for those seeking a deeper understanding of "Son of Saul." These extras provide valuable context and augment the viewing experience, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of the film's subject matter and production intricacies. Considering the importance of the film's historical and emotional weight, the selection and quality of these features are essential components of this release.

In conclusion, the Curzon Artificial Eye's Blu-ray edition of "Son of Saul" offers an exemplary viewing experience, marked by technical excellence and enriched by thoughtfully curated supplemental materials. Despite sharing the same master as the North American release, it stands out through its distinct extras which enhance one's appreciation of Nemes' cinematic achievement. This Blu-ray release is highly recommended for those wishing to delve into a poignant, unsettling portrayal of history's darkest chapter, ensuring that its lessons are neither ignored nor forgotten.