Oh, Canada Blu-ray Review
Score: 79
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Oh, Canada unites Gere with Schrader in a film rich in pathos and poetics; a compelling, if modest, narrative with commendable Blu-ray presentation.

Disc Release Date
Video: 91
Oh, Canada navigates multiple aspect ratios—1.37:1, 2.39:1, and 1.78:1—effectively shifting with its narrative timeline. Presented in 1080p, the Blu-ray's image is consistently clean and crisp, although some detail highlights unintended flaws. Andrew Wonder’s immaculate cinematography enhances the overall viewing experience.
Audio: 86
Oh, Canada's DTS-HD Master Audio mix takes center stage with its dialogue-driven soundtrack, enhanced deftly by Phosphorescent's melodic songs. While lacking in explosive dynamics, it provides a clear, well-rounded audio experience across the front channels, free from distortion and suited for intimate storytelling.
Extra: 51
The Blu-ray's extras, highlighted by Paul Schrader's insightful commentary, include a succinct behind-the-scenes featurette, a singular deleted scene, and the film's theatrical trailer—all presented in varying audio formats and aspect ratios, catering to the dedicated film enthusiast.
Movie: 66
Oh, Canada, a poetic collaboration between Richard Gere and Paul Schrader, delivers an introspective tale of truth-seeking through a multiple timeline narrative, featuring skillful cinematic techniques like aspect ratio shifts and commendable performances by Gere and Jacob Elordi; a deeply compelling exploration of life’s final reckoning.

Video: 91
The Blu-ray presentation of "Oh, Canada" is an audacious display of visual storytelling, primarily characterized by its innovative use of multiple aspect ratios. The film alternates between modern scenes in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio, flashback sequences predominantly in 2.39:1, and occasional moments captured in 1.78:1. This creative choice, while initially disorienting, contributes to the film's distinct aesthetic and narrative flow. Despite the potential for confusion, these varying frames enhance the storytelling by visually differentiating time periods within the narrative.
The 1080p resolution of the Blu-ray ensures that every aspect of Andrew Wonder’s cinematography is delivered with precision. The image quality remains consistently clean, crisp, and clear throughout the film, maintaining high standards typical of recent productions. The level of detail is exceptional but can sometimes be unforgiving to the point where minor production issues might become visible, as demonstrated by the detectability of certain props. Nonetheless, the sharp clarity underscores the film's visual craftsmanship, offering an immersive experience for viewers.
Color treatment within "Oh, Canada" is also noteworthy. While some scenes employ a muted palette that may appear subdued, this choice adds to the film's overall mood and tone, while occasional shifts to black and white are seamlessly integrated. The contrast levels are robust, enhancing both shadow detail and highlight retention. Overall, from aspect ratios to color management, "Oh, Canada" offers a technically impressive video presentation that captures the film's intended visual language effectively.
Audio: 86
The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Oh, Canada" is an exemplar of how dialogue-driven films can shine apart from grandiose soundscapes. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix beautifully supports the film's narrative, with Richard Gere’s narration offering a rich and spacious vocal presence that captivates from start to finish. While the sound mix is not robust in terms of dynamic action, it expertly demonstrates how a well-rounded audio track can significantly enhance a film without overwhelming its central dialogue.
In addition to the dialogue, the film's soundtrack is complemented by the serene yet compelling music of indie rock band Phosphorescent, which envelops the surrounds proficiently. Environmental audio elements, like crowd noise and wind, seamlessly integrate into the mix, enhancing immersion without detracting from the primary narrative elements. The front channels handle most of the action with precision, delivering clear and distortion-free bursts of dialogue and emotional interactions among characters. For viewers preferring alternative audio setups, an optional DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track is offered alongside English subtitles, ensuring versatile accessibility.
Extras: 51
The extras on the Blu-ray of "Oh, Canada" provide an insightful addition to the core material for fans and film enthusiasts alike. The audio commentary by Director Paul Schrader stands out as a highlight, offering deep insights into the film's production and cast interactions. However, the behind-the-scenes featurette, while informative, resembles an extended trailer, offering limited additional depth. The deleted scene included is brief and does not significantly impact the film's narrative. Finally, the theatrical trailer rounds out the offerings, delivering a polished preview of the film in its original promotional form. Overall, these extras complement the main feature, with the commentary being the most valuable component.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: Director Paul Schrader provides insightful details on the film's production and cast.
- Behind-the-Scenes Featurette: Short clips from the film with quips from Richard Gere.
- Deleted Scene: A brief scene that adds little to the narrative.
- Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material in high-quality DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio.
Movie: 66
"Oh, Canada" emerges as a deeply introspective narrative, marking a significant reunion between Richard Gere and Paul Schrader. The film, steeped in pathos, reunites Schrader with Russell Banks, whose earlier work "Affliction" previously garnered acclaim under Schrader's direction. Richard Gere stars as Leonard Fife, a filmmaker confronting terminal cancer in Montreal. As he seeks to unburden his conscience, the film unfolds through multiple timelines — from his youthful decisions in the late 1960s to his stark present reality — with Jacob Elordi as young Leonard. The narrative elegantly navigates these dual timelines, anchoring itself in emotional truths despite initial narrative ambiguities.
Technically, Schrader adeptly uses visual cues such as varying aspect ratios to delineate temporal shifts: modern scenes are framed in 1.37:1, while flashbacks expand to 2.39:1, creating a rich cinematic texture. This visual technique, paired with actors like Uma Thurman and Penelope Mitchell appearing in dual roles across timelines, provides coherence throughout the tale. Gere's rendering of an aging Leonard offers poignant moments, with Elordi credibly capturing the younger, idealistic side of his character. The film, concise at 94 minutes, echoes Schrader’s maturation as a storyteller by focusing sharply on necessary thematic elements without extraneous detail.
Ultimately, "Oh, Canada," while not reaching the iconic status of Schrader’s earlier work, stands as a testament to late-career experimentation. The film’s exploration of truths versus myth is both timely and resonant, buoyed by a cast that brings authenticity to their roles. Praiseworthy for its directorial skill and emotional depth, it presents a compelling study for aficionados of Schrader’s oeuvre, offering an intimate reflection on legacy and truth. Recommended for those inclined towards narrative complexity and introspection in film.
Total: 79
Paul Schrader's "Oh, Canada" offers a compelling reunion between the acclaimed director and actor Richard Gere. Their collaboration evokes nostalgic echoes from four decades ago when they worked on the influential "American Gigolo". The film taps into rich emotional depths, bolstered by the poignant involvement of the late author Russell Banks, whom Schrader previously adapted with critical success. "Oh, Canada" thrives on its ability to transform a seemingly straightforward plot into something emotionally resonant and poetic, demonstrating Schrader's continued vitality in film. At 94 minutes, the film does not demand an extensive time commitment, yet delivers a significant impact.
The Blu-ray release of "Oh, Canada" is a worthy investment for cinephiles and Schrader enthusiasts. It boasts excellent picture and sound quality, ensuring that the film's visual and auditory elements are faithfully represented. This technical proficiency enhances the viewing experience, allowing audiences to appreciate the meticulous crafting of the film. The disc also includes a solid selection of extras that provide further insight into the creative process behind "Oh, Canada", making it a valuable addition to any film collection.
In conclusion, while "Oh, Canada" may not rival Schrader's most legendary works, it remains a vital and poignant entry in his oeuvre. Its artistic merits, combined with strong performances and effective direction, make it recommended viewing. The Blu-ray ensures that this work is accessible in optimal quality, rounding off a package that is both engaging and technically accomplished for viewers seeking to delve into late-career masterpieces.
- Read review here
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt Brighton
Video: 90
Putting that aside, the film’s overall look and feel is certainly indicative of what we’ve come to expect....
Audio: 80
The DTS HD Master Audio mix doesn’t have a lot of opportunities to flex its muscle, but it’s of little consequence....
Extras: 50
Behind-the-Scene Featurette – Playing out as more of an extended trailer this three and a half minute feature just has some clips from the film as well as some quips from Gere....
Movie: 0
Nevertheless, we find his latest project as he once again has gone to the source material from Russell Banks, who authored Affliction – a film that Schrader brought to the screen with great acclaim....
Total: 70
I think the hopes for the film were a bit higher than what we saw, but at 94 minutes it’s not a huge investment of time, either....
- Read review here
Home Theater Forum review by soonercineaste
Video: 100
However, regardless of its dimensions (or its palette — color occasionally gives way to black and white), the image is clean, crisp and clear from beginning to end, befitting a film of such recent vintage....
Audio: 100
Again, befitting a recently made film, there are no audible defects of note, and everything is heard clearly with no distortion, drop-out or damage....
Extras: 60
Writer-director Schrader contributes a commentary track, which sits alongside a brief behind-the-scenes featurette (3:31; 2.0 stereo; 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen), a single deleted scene (1:33; 2.0 stereo;...
Movie: 70
The actors are uniformly solid, but particular praise is due to Gere, whose vanity is cast aside in the present-day sequences to an astonishing degree, and Elordi, whose own embodiment of a passionate,...
Total: 70
That potent pairing is once again tapped for Schrader’s most recent late-career highlight, Oh, Canada, a film which also reunited Schrader with the late author Russell Banks, whose novel Affliction Schrader...
Director: Paul Schrader
Actors: Richard Gere, Uma Thurman, Jacob Elordi
PlotIn a quiet Canadian border town, Daniel, a retired diplomat living in self-imposed solitude, finds his predictable life upended when an old flame, Lila, suddenly appears at his doorstep with her estranged son, Tom, in tow. Lila, now an influential journalist, claims to be on the run after uncovering a dangerous smuggling ring linked to high-level corruption that spreads across the U.S.-Canada border. Despite their complicated history, Daniel reluctantly agrees to help Lila, only to discover that the boy Tom isn't just Lila's son; he's hiding secrets that could not only endanger their lives but also control the fate of two nations.
As night falls and tensions rise, the trio is dragged into an intricate web of deceit and betrayal. In their bid to expose the truth and survive the threats closing in on them from both sides of the law, they face moral dilemmas that challenge their trust in one another. Daniel is forced to confront his past with Lila and question his own values amidst an age-old game of politics and power. The story veers into a suspenseful, emotional roller-coaster as the characters are pushed to their limits, with each decision taking them closer to a dangerous truth. As the border landscape forms an allegorical backdrop, the narrative raises profound questions about loyalty, redemption, and the thin divide between right and wrong.
Writers: Russell Banks, Paul Schrader
Release Date: 18 Dec 2024
Runtime: 91 min
Rating: N/A
Country: United States, Israel
Language: English