Certified Copy Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Certified Copy," directed by Abbas Kiarostami and shot using a Red digital camera, is nothing short of spectacular. The film is showcased in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and rendered in 1080p with an MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The final digital interpositive and Rec. 709 high-definition color grading were meticulously approved by Kiarostami and director of photography Luca Bigazzi, ensuring the highest fidelity to the original vision. The resulting transfer boasts remarkable clarity and detail, with vibrant yet natural colors that breathe life into the centuries-old Italian cobblestone streets and cityscapes. Outdoor scenes, particularly those bathed in natural light, exhibit an impressive depth and dynamic range, free from banding or flicker issues.

Details in facial expressions are paramount in this character-driven film, and Criterion's transfer does them justice, capturing every nuance—from fleeting glances to subtle furrows of the brow. The color palette is robust, with earthy tones of the Italian streets harmonizing exquisitely with more striking hues like Elle's dark magenta lipstick. The use of natural light throughout the film results in true-to-life shadows without crushing blacks, although there are sporadic moments of image fluctuation potentially attributed to shifting cloud cover. Nonetheless, such minor distractions are fleeting and do not detract from the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray exemplifies Criterion's commitment to quality, delivering a demo-worthy presentation that rivals any contemporary release. The film's digital origins do not diminish its cinematic feel; rather, they enhance it, providing a pristine visual experience that immerses viewers into Kiarostami's artistic world. From consistent grain levels to stable contrast, this release maintains a natural softness that enhances its allure without detracting from its detailed imagery. Overall, this Blu-ray is a testament to the synergistic efforts of a master filmmaker and a premier home media brand.

The Blu-ray release of "Certified Copy" is equipped with a single audio track: French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, incorporating elements of Italian and English dialogue. Criterion has thoughtfully provided two subtitling options: English subtitles solely for non-English dialogue segments, and English SDH subtitles covering the entire film. The 5.1 surround soundtrack, mastered at 24-bit from the original digital audio master files using Pro Tools HD, highlights the film's robust audio integrity. Given "Certified Copy" ’s dialogue-driven nature, the lossless track effectively complements the film. Dialogues are consistently clean, stable, and easily discernible, with various ambient sounds such as chirping birds and car noises reproduced with crisp clarity. Notably, there are no audio dropouts reported, and the English translation is commendable.

What truly distinguishes this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is its encapsulating naturalness, particularly in capturing the vibrancy of the Italian setting. Rear channels come alive with birds chirping and the casual hum of people milling about, creating an immersive sound field that mirrors real life. Directionality is flawlessly executed; conversations and phone calls accurately trail off as characters move through the scene. This effect not only enhances realism but also makes one feel present within the film's environment. It’s not about bombast but subtlety, making the experience incredibly effective.

The fully digital 5.1 surround soundtrack maintains a near-reference quality, although it lacks significant LFE presence, confined mostly to instances like car engines. Nevertheless, the absence of low-frequency effects does little to detract from the overall experience. The soundstage is predominantly front-driven with ambient sounds seamlessly filtering through the rear speakers, creating a nearly three-dimensional auditory tour of the Italian landscape. Dialogue remains paramount and is delivered with impeccable clarity, accentuating the film's lifelike authenticity.

The Blu-ray edition of "Certified Copy" offers an impressive collection of supplementary material that enhances the viewing experience and provides valuable insights into the film's creation. The included extras stand out for their quality and depth, featuring an exclusive interview with the esteemed Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, who delves into the inspirations and complexities behind the film. Notably, the disc includes a rare and valuable treat with "The Report," a 1977 film by Kiarostami, presented despite its less-than-perfect condition due to the original negatives being lost. Additionally, a comprehensive making-of documentary, "Let's See Copia conforme," provides extensive behind-the-scenes content featuring key cast interviews, and the original trailer rounds out the robust package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "Certified Copy."
• Abbas Kiarostami: Exclusive interview with the director discussing various aspects of the film.
• Let's See Copia conforme: In-depth making-of documentary with interviews and raw footage from the shoot.
• The Report (1977): Rare film by Abbas Kiarostami about a tax collector facing personal and professional dilemmas.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet featuring an essay by film critic Godfrey Cheshire.

Abbas Kiarostami's "Certified Copy" (2010) on Blu-ray from Criterion presents a mesmerizing examination of love, identity, and perception. The narrative begins leisurely with Elle (Juliette Binoche) attending a press conference for James Miller (William Shimell), who has just released a book on art. Their initial interaction is formal yet intriguing, leading to a meaningful journey through the picturesque Tuscan countryside. The key conversations between the pair traverse topics from art and authenticity to intimate reflections on relationships and life's disappointments.

The film utilizes elegantly framed compositions and lingering shots that capture the subtleties of human interaction. Binoche's portrayal of Elle, a character grappling with vulnerability and longing, earned her the Best Actress Award at Cannes, reflecting her deeply resonant performance. Shimell, an opera singer venturing into acting, brings a commanding presence to his role as the introspective and somewhat detached James. Their evolving dynamic, initially appearing as a mere intellectual discourse, soon reveals deeper emotional undercurrents, prompting viewers to question the nature and history of their relationship. Are they strangers, or have they shared a lifetime together? The ambiguity drives the film's thematic richness, underscoring the fluctuating nature of human connections and the thin line between reality and illusion.

As the narrative unfolds, what starts as casual banter transforms into intense dialogues filled with emotional weight and nuanced performances. Binoche and Shimell masterfully oscillate between familiarity and estrangement, creating a palpable tension that invites multiple interpretations by the audience. This conversational dance is beautifully supported by the film’s technical aspects - crisp cinematography capturing Tuscany’s serene landscapes and thoughtful editing that maintains an engrossing pace. Kiarostami's ability to blend realism with philosophical inquiry offers a profound viewing experience, leaving viewers introspective about their own perceptions of love and art.

Abbas Kiarostami's "Certified Copy" is an astute blend of wit, romance, and thought-provoking dialogue that effortlessly draws viewers into the complex dynamic between its leads. This Criterion release offers an impeccable Blu-ray transfer that enhances the film's captivating visuals, set against the picturesque Italian countryside. The actors deliver performances that are both assured and nuanced, making every interaction feel authentic. The Blu-ray presentation boasts superb video and audio quality, faithfully capturing the film's natural ambiance and intimate conversations.

The narrative structure is wonderfully unconventional, prompting repeated viewings to fully grasp the layers of meaning embedded in the storyline. Each viewing provides fresh perspectives and deepens the audience's engagement with the characters' nebulous pasts and intricate dialogues. As viewers, we're engrossed in a cinematic experience that feels both personal and universal. The inclusion of director Kiarostami's rare second feature, "The Report," further enriches this release, making it a compelling addition for cinephiles.

In conclusion, "Certified Copy" on Blu-ray is a must-have for any serious movie collection. Criterion has delivered an outstanding package that combines exceptional technical quality with thoughtful supplementary material. This release not only serves to revisit Kiarostami's masterful storytelling but also invites viewers into an immersive exploration of human relationships and authenticity. Very highly recommended.