The Squid and the Whale Blu-ray Review

In presenting "The Squid and the Whale" on Blu-ray, Criterion offers a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, maintaining the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Director Noah Baumbach and cinematographer Robert Yeoman oversaw this new digital transfer, created from the Super 16mm original A/B negative using a 4K DFT Scanity film scanner. The painstaking process involved manually removing thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps with MTI Film's DRS. This attention to detail ensures that the film retains an organic appearance while showcasing marked improvements in depth and fluidity, particularly in indoor scenes which display superior shadow definition. Furthermore, the outdoor shots are crisp and clear without any artificial sharpening.

The 4K resolution retains the film’s vintage aesthetic, successfully preserving the movie's early 80s Brooklyn atmosphere. Its visual nuances are further highlighted by a range of healthy primaries and subtle color transitions, achieved under the expert supervision of colorist Sheri Eisenberg from Deluxe. Despite not reaching the pinnacle of detail expected from some modern transfers, the Blu-ray edition excels in maintaining the authentic feel of the original release, thanks to a well-balanced grain structure that neither overwhelms nor underwhelms. Image stability is exceptional with no noticeable degraining or sharpening artifacts, making for a highly stable presentation. Criterion's effort in remastering "The Squid and the Whale" results in a subtle yet impactful transfer that enhances the film's mood without overshadowing its nostalgic essence.

The Blu-ray release of "The Squid and the Whale" features a solitary audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, a detail prominently advertised and supervised by composer Dean Wareham. This audio presentation firmly roots itself in a primarily dialogue-driven narrative. The clarity and stability of the dialogue are exceptional, ensuring that every line remains clean and readily comprehensible throughout the feature. Despite its minimal reliance on surround sound effects, the nuanced sound design is meticulously mixed, providing a subtle yet effective auditory experience.

While the majority of the soundtrack is front-heavy, moments where the music score takes precedence offer a notable contrast. During these sequences, such as with tracks like ‘The Swimming Song’ by Loudon Wainwright III and ‘Street Hassle’ by Lou Reed, the audio landscape shifts, enveloping the listener with a vibrant and dynamic aural environment. The LED indicator on subwoofers switching from passive to active highlights how these music-driven scenes invigorate the sound field, transforming it into a warm and engaging experience. This demonstrates that an understated approach to surround sound can nonetheless be both effective and deeply immersive.

The Blu Ray release of "The Squid and the Whale" offers a comprehensive collection of engaging extras that delve deeply into the film’s production, cast experiences, and soundtrack composition. Featuring candid interviews with key actors like Jeff Daniels and reflective conversations with director Noah Baumbach, these extras provide rich, behind-the-scenes insights. Detailed audition tapes capture the raw talent that brought this film to life, while a unique look into the music production highlights the collaboration between Baumbach and composers Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips. Also included are archival footages and written essays that add historical depth to the viewing experience. This well-curated mix of materials enhances the appreciation of Baumbach's craftsmanship and the film's impact.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailers: Two original trailers for "The Squid and the Whale".

Jeff Daniels: Interview discussing his casting and career impact.

Revisiting The Squid and the Whale: Documentary featuring cast reflections.

Auditions: Raw footage from five different scenes.

Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips: Conversation about the film's soundtrack.

Behind The Squid and the Whale: Archival footage from the film's shooting.

Booklet: 36-page illustrated booklet with essays and interviews.

Noah Baumbach: Feature on the personal journey of making the movie.

Noah Baumbach's critically-acclaimed film, "The Squid and the Whale" (2005), now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, presents a compelling exploration of familial disintegration. The narrative centers on Bernard (Jeff Daniels) and Joan (Laura Linney), a couple whose marriage is failing due to professional jealousy and personal grievances. Bernard, a writer whose career has stagnated, struggles to accept Joan's rising success, leading to constant confrontations both at home and on the tennis court. Joan, on the other hand, tired of Bernard's bitterness and having experienced more fulfilling relationships, sees more to gain from ending their marriage than continuing with it. The film meticulously details the family's decay and the messy, emotional outbursts of its members, culminating in an autopsy of their dynamics that reveals harsh truths about each character.

The impact of their parents' antagonism profoundly affects their children, Walt (Jesse Eisenberg) and Frank (Owen Kline). Walt, idolizing his father, begins displaying delusions of grandeur, even falsely claiming to have written Pink Floyd’s "Hey You." He also inherits Bernard’s condescending attitude towards women, affecting his relationship with his girlfriend Sophie. Frank, aligning more with Joan, reacts to the family turmoil by indulging in rebellious behavior, finding a precarious sense of freedom amid the chaos. Both brothers emulate their parents in troubling ways, setting them on courses that reflect Bernard and Joan’s flawed dispositions. Baumbach’s treatment of these themes is suffused with dry humor and wit similar to Wes Anderson’s work—appropriate given Anderson’s role as a producer—blending drama and comedy to create a nuanced portrayal of a modern Brooklyn family on the brink.

Crucial to the film’s polarizing reception is its unwavering pursuit of authenticity. In its bid to depict genuine human reactions under strain, the characters often resort to explicit language that attempts to break down traditional adult-child barriers. However, this approach can sometimes feel overly calculated and rehearsed, detracting from the realism Baumbach seeks. Despite these occasional lapses into artificiality, "The Squid and the Whale" stands as an incisive look at fractured familial relationships, resonating through its deft balance of humor and pathos.

Criterion's recent Blu-ray release of "The Squid and the Whale" is a noteworthy endeavor, showcasing a pristine 4K remaster that captures the film's nuanced depiction of a dysfunctional family's unraveling. Directed by Noah Baumbach, the semi-autobiographical narrative poignantly explores the complexities of growing up with self-absorbed, artistic parents. Jeff Daniels delivers a standout performance, expertly balancing the heavy subject matter with a dry, ironic humor that prevents the film from becoming overly melancholic. This career-defining role demonstrates his innate ability to find comedy in the darkest of places, a skill mirrored by the rest of the cast.

The film’s content can be polarizing, as it meshes comedy and drama in a manner that might leave some viewers questioning its authenticity. While some argue that this blend disrupts key relationships, giving the film an elitist undertone, it is this very mix that resonates powerfully with others, crafting an experience that’s both intellectually and emotionally stimulating. The sincerity with which Baumbach portrays his own childhood experiences lends the film a deeply personal touch, elevating it above typical family dramas.

In conclusion, "The Squid and the Whale" is a film that will likely garner enthusiastic praise from critics while leaving casual viewers divided. Its ambitious attempt at authenticity and its unique narrative style set it apart, though they may not appeal to everyone. Criterion’s exceptional Blu-ray release, with its flawless visual restoration and carefully curated special features, makes this a must-have for fans of Baumbach’s work and those appreciative of introspective cinema. Recommended for all who seek an intelligently crafted film experience.