The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" makes its appearance on Blu-ray with a visually stunning 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 (aspect ratio: 2.39:1) transfer that showcases the epitome of high-definition cinematography. Shot primarily with Thompson Viper FilmStream and Sony F23 high-definition cameras, this digital-to-digital transfer brings to the fore an image clarity and detail that is, simply put, exceptional. From the onset with hundreds of buttons cascading over the screen, each frame dazzles with a precision and depth that breathes life into every scene. The use of color grading, applied by Jan Yarbrough using FilmLight's Baselight systems, further enhances the visual narrative; from the cold, sterile hues of the hospital to the warm sepia tones reminiscent of Benjamin's early years, each palette choice intricately adds layers to this fantastical journey. Black levels are impeccably deep and consistent, adding to the film's rich visual texture.

The artistic intent behind the film's various flashback scenes, shot on 35mm film and purposefully aged with an array of scratches, flickers, and spots, provides a distinct contrast to the otherwise pristine digital clarity that defines much of the movie. This technique cleverly differentiates these moments within the narrative, embedding each with a sense of authenticity and age. Despite this intentional degradation, the overall presentation remains unaffected, maintaining its reference-quality status. Furthermore, minimal noise detected in scenes featuring Julia Ormond does little to diminish the transfer's remarkable sharpness and depth.

The Blu-ray video section maintains its technical prowess through stringent color correction and detailed texture portrayal that shines in both darker settings and brighter, more colorful scenes. From the effective renderings of flesh tones to the striking vibrancy of outdoor shots, every detail contributes to a thoroughly immersive viewing experience. The indoor environments, be it the cozy warmth of a nursing home or the dusty realism inside a revival tent, showcase nuanced textures and atmospheric lighting that further elevate this presentation. Overall, the Blu-ray transfer of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" stands as a reference embodiment of Criterion's dedication to quality, cementing its place as a must-have for enthusiasts seeking unparalleled video fidelity on home media.

The audio presentation of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" on Blu-ray is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of its sound engineering, delivering an immersive auditory experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Sound engineer Ren Klyce’s expertise shines through in the lossless soundtrack, capturing a broad spectrum of sonic experiences with remarkable clarity and realism. From the subtle effects that add lifelike textures—such as raindrops hitting a window, to the sounds of medical machines, and the ambient noise in the hallways of a 2005 New Orleans hospital—the audio track excels in creating a vivid, realistic backdrop for the narrative. Furthermore, the high-intensity scenes, including the revelry at the end of the Great War and a high-seas shootout during World War Two, are rendered with impactful bass and directional sound that envelops the listener, enhancing the cinematic experience substantially.

Alexandre Desplat's haunting score is another highlight of this audio presentation, utilizing the rear channels effectively to fill the room with its atmospheric tones. The center channel ensures clear and crisp dialogue delivery, maintaining intelligibility even amid strong southern accents and quieter, more subdued moments. The soundtrack's dynamic range from subtle surround effects in calmer scenes to the vigorous bass during intense sequences creates a compelling auditory journey that complements the film’s visual storytelling. Notably, the bass effects, like the bellowing horn of Captain Mike's tugboat, are not just heard but felt, adding a physical dimension to the viewing experience.

In sum, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" boasts an outstanding soundtrack on its Blu-ray release. It features tight, low bass, realistic presence across various scenarios, and precise dialogue reproduction. This carefully crafted audio mix not only captures the essence of the film's diverse settings—from quiet moments to crucial climactic scenes—but also significantly elevates the overall viewing experience, setting a benchmark for home cinema soundtracks.

The Blu-ray release of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" stands out for its comprehensive array of extras spread across two discs, a testament to the Criterion Collection's dedication to enriching film presentation. The first disc kicks off with a deeply insightful commentary from director David Fincher, discussing everything from casting to the minutiae of production, providing a thorough look at the filmmaking process. The bulk of the special features reside on the second disc, headlined by "The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button," a documentary divided into four meticulous segments that delve into the project's long gestation period, detailed production phases, groundbreaking visual effects, and the film's score. Additional highlights include various galleries that showcase the meticulous craftsmanship behind the movie's storyboards, art direction, and costume design. This release not only serves as a fan’s treasure trove but also as an educative tool for cinephiles and aspiring filmmakers, showcasing the intricate layers of film production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director David Fincher: An in-depth commentary track.
• The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button: A four-part documentary with sections on development, production, visual effects, and the movie's premiere.
  • First Trimester: Beginnings: Covers pre-production.
  • Second Trimester: Production: Details on the filming process.
  • Third Trimester: Visual Effects: Insight into the visual effects.
  • Birth: Premiere: Highlights from the movie's premiere.
• Tech Scouts, Storyboard Gallery, Art Direction Gallery, Costume Design, and Costume Gallery: Various galleries offering a look at the film’s production design and aesthetic choices.
• Sound Design and Desplat's Instrumentarium: Features focusing on the audio aspect of the film.
• Stills Gallery and Trailers: Additional promotional and behind-the-scenes content.
• Pamphlet: Includes an essay and production credits for further insight.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" delivers an immersive cinematic journey through the life of Benjamin Button, a character who intriguingly ages in reverse. Born under the extraordinary conditions of being the size of an infant but with the physical characteristics of an elderly man, Benjamin's narrative unfolds from being abandoned at birth in a New Orleans nursing home, to the various epochs of his life that lead him to grow younger as the years pass by. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, this adaptation by director David Fincher and scriptwriter Eric Roth encompasses a rare blend of fantasy, romance, and drama, exploring the profound themes of life, death, and the immutable essence of love that transcends physical transformations.

Technically and artistically, the film stands out as a beacon of achievement in modern cinema, validated by its thirteen Oscar nominations, including accolades for Best Motion Picture, Directing, and performances by Brad Pitt and Taraji P. Henson. The film’s excellence is partly attributed to its seamless special effects and makeup work, which convincingly portray Benjamin’s physical regression with astonishing realism. These elements are further complemented by superb set designs and CGI enhancements, which meticulously capture the evolving landscapes through which Benjamin's life unravels. Such technical prowess marries perfectly with Fincher’s elegant directorial vision, bringing to life the film’s thematic depth and emotional resonances.

Performances by Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button and Cate Blanchett as Daisy, Benjamin's lifelong love interest, anchor the narrative with compelling authenticity and palpable chemistry. Their portrayals breathe life into their characters' complex emotional journeys, highlighting not just the peculiar circumstances of Benjamin's existence but more universally relatable experiences and emotions. Furthermore, the film employs its unique premise to delve into philosophical meditations on the nature of human existence, emphasizing that it is not the external markers of aging but the capacity to love and be loved that truly defines a life well-lived. In weaving together these intricate narrative threads and technical achievements, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" emerges as a masterfully crafted film that not only challenges conventions but also reaffirms the timeless virtues of storytelling and cinematic art.

The Blu-ray release of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by the Criterion Collection represents a paragon of how cinema classics should be presented in the modern digital age. The film itself, a poignant and uniquely compelling narrative that follows the life of its titular character in a reverse aging process, has been met with critical acclaim, securing three Oscars owing to its groundbreaking storytelling, acting, and special effects. Despite some critiques regarding minor screenplay imperfections, the overall sentiment remains that this film is an important piece of cinema, compelling for both its artistic approach and the deeper themes it explores. The high-quality transfer onto Blu-ray elevates this already remarkable film, offering a viewing experience that is both technically flawless and deeply immersive.

The Criterion Collection's edition goes beyond simply presenting the film in its best light. It accompanies the movie with reference-grade video and audio quality that enhances every frame and soundbite, allowing viewers to appreciate the meticulous detail and craft that went into its creation. Additionally, this release is packed with a wealth of bonus features that are as enriching as they are extensive. From behind-the-scenes insights to in-depth explorations of the film's themes and production, these supplements add incredible value, making it not just an essential addition to any cinephile's library but also a comprehensive resource for fans and scholars alike.

In conclusion, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" on Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection is an exemplary release of a cinematic treasure. Its exceptional video and audio quality, coupled with a trove of insightful bonus content, make it a standout package that warrants the highest recommendation. Whether you are revisiting this masterpiece or discovering it anew, the total presentation of this Blu-ray ensures an experience that is as enriching as it is visually and emotionally captivating. This release confirms Criterion's commitment to preserving and celebrating the art of film at its finest.