Volver

The video presentation of "Volver" on Blu Ray is nothing short of a cinematographic feast, presented in a 2.35:1 framed, 1080p high-definition transfer that captivates with its lifelike reproduction of colors and details. From the vibrancy of Raimunda's purple sweater—where each thread is discernibly intricate—to the realistic textures of paper towels soaking up blood, the visual craftsmanship is evident. The array of colors throughout the film, from interior settings to clothing, is both vibrant and aesthetically pleasing, bolstering the film's ornate beauty. Although there's a minor critique regarding a slight instance of edge enhancement, it's barely noticeable against the backdrop of the otherwise flawlessly sharp image, rich colors, and well-balanced black levels and flesh tones that make Sony's disc demonstration-worthy.

Utilizing the MPEG-2 codec on a dual-layer 50GB Blu-ray disc, "Volver" achieves a lush and colorful dream in high definition. Despite a deliberate softness in brightly lit scenes—a creative choice by Almodóvar—the contrast, shadow delineation, and black level management contribute to a visually rounded depth that is both intentional and beautifully executed. While colors might occasionally seem over-saturated, they're rendered without source noise, maintaining a natural aesthetic feel. A light grain present in uniform areas adds texture without detracting from the overall clarity.

However, while skintones occasionally appear enhanced and somewhat smoother than natural, the detailed capture of textures—from pores to the individual eyelashes—adds a layer of authenticity to the characters. The visual presentation shines in its portrayal of everyday elements with stunning clarity, from patterned clothing to the intricacies of restaurant scenes. Despite some minor lapses in fine object detail and consistency in background crispness, "Volver" offers an impressively clear and vibrant viewing experience, affirming its status as near-reference quality for a film of its budget and origin.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Volver" offers listeners a modest, yet solid auditory experience, relying primarily on its original Spanish language tracks to carry the film's emotional and narrative weight. Presented with both a Dolby Digital 5.1 track and a superior uncompressed PCM 5.1 mix, the latter stands out for its cleaner, richer sound quality. Each track ensures that dialogue remains clear and crisp, a critical aspect for a film heavy with emotional exchanges and subtle storytelling nuances. While accessibility is aided by English SDH and standard English subtitles, the immersive potential of the audio is somewhat compromised for non-Spanish speakers, as managing subtitles can detract from the full engagement with the vocal performances.

Though "Volver" is a dialogue-driven drama that rarely demands an aggressive use of the surround soundscape, the Blu-ray audio handles its sonic environment with care and precision. The film's few atmospheric moments, like the wind in the opening cemetery scene, are well-realized, enveloping the viewer in the intended environmental cues. However, the soundstage leans heavily towards the front channels, with limited use of rear channels and a generally restrained dynamic range. This front-heavy mix emphasizes dialogue but tends to underwhelm during moments that could have benefited from a more immersive audio treatment. Subtle ambient sounds and the nuanced differences across settings like a restaurant or a bedroom showcase a commendable attention to detail, yet the overall soundscape feels narrowed, with music and certain effects sometimes seeming muted or less impactful than desired.

Despite these limitations, the Blu-ray's audio presentation manages to serve "Volver's" needs adequately. It captures the film's quiet intensity and emotional depth through clear vocal reproduction and careful sound balancing. The uncompressed PCM track, in particular, provides a level of fidelity that compliments the film’s aesthetic, elevating the auditory experience beyond what one might expect from such a subdued soundscape. However, listeners seeking a deeply engaging surround sound experience might find the audio presentation lacking in breadth and dynamics, mirroring the restrained yet effective nature of this dialogue-centric film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Volver" present a mixed bag, blending insightful discussions with lackluster offerings that fail to deepen the viewer’s appreciation for the film. The commentary track with Pedro Almodóvar and Penélope Cruz stands out for its depth, offering a window into the film's thematic resonance and the duo's collaborative synergy, despite some critiques of its overly complimentary nature. The interviews with Almodóvar, Cruz, and Carmen Maura vary in utility, ranging from engaging discussions on personal inspirations and professional growth to more superficial conversations. Maura's insights into her long-standing relationship with Almodóvar are noteworthy. The Making of 'Volver' featurette and the Tribute to Penélope Cruz, while ambitious in scope, disappoint with their lack of substantive content and technical quality issues stemming from their 480i resolution origin. Additional supplements like photo galleries and promotional montages feel like filler rather than essential content, underscoring a sense of missed opportunity to truly enhance the film's Blu-ray experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Pedro Almodóvar and Penélope Cruz: A deep dive into the film's themes with the director and leading actress.
• Making of 'Volver': A series of video clips with minimal dialogue, featuring behind-the-scenes footage.
• Interview with Pedro Almodóvar: Director shares insights into the personal inspirations behind the film.
• Interview with Penélope Cruz: Discusses her experiences working with Almodóvar and the film's universal appeal.
• Interview with Carmen Maura: Reflects on her collaboration with Almodóvar over the years.
• Tribute to Penélope Cruz: An AFI interview with the actress.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of images from the film.
• Promotional Montage: Sony Blu-ray promotional content.

Pedro Almodóvar's "Volver" is a provocative exploration of complex familial themes, masterfully intertwining sorrow with serenity while punctuating its narrative with elements of the bizarre and paranormal. At the heart of this film lies the story of Raimunda (Penélope Cruz) and her sister Sole (Lola Dueñas), who navigate through a labyrinth of personal tragedies and surreal happenstances, including the apparent return of their deceased mother, Irene (Carmen Maura). This return sparks a convoluted journey of reconciliation, secrets, and survival, set against the vibrant backdrop of Spanish culture. The movie's rich tapestry is carefully woven with threads of humor, melancholy, and a touch of the supernatural, making it more than just a traditional melodrama.

Almodóvar's direction remains restrained yet purposeful, allowing the story's emotional depth and the characters' complexity to shine without the distraction of overly flamboyant filmmaking techniques. His approach elevates "Volver" from potentially soap-operatic territory to a compelling character study that examines themes of grief, resilience, and female empowerment. The film benefits greatly from this focus on character and storytelling, with Almodóvar's nuanced script providing the actors—especially Cruz in an Oscar-nominated performance—with a rich canvas to showcase their talents. The film's deliberate pacing and emphasis on dialogue and visual storytelling reflect Almodóvar's signature style, highlighting his ability to tackle heavy themes with grace and depth.

However, "Volver" is not without its criticisms. Some viewers may find the film's multiple side stories and dense narrative somewhat challenging to follow, potentially detracting from the central storyline. Despite these complexities, Almodóvar manages to keep the narrative engaging, offering a textured examination of the human condition. The movie operates on several levels, combining the real with the surreal, the tragic with the comic, creating a multifaceted experience that resonates differently with each viewer. While some may critique its convoluted plot and occasional drift into melodrama, "Volver" remains an intriguing piece of cinema that showcases Almodóvar's skillful storytelling and his cast's dynamic performances, making it a movie that both demands and rewards attentive viewing.

"Volver," Pedro Almodóvar's celebrated film, receives high praise for its thematic depth and the refreshing sincerity it brings to modern cinema. The Blu-ray presentation of "Volver" elevates the experience, boasting a vibrant and exquisite video transfer that beautifully showcases the film’s unique visual style and Almodóvar's meticulous direction. However, it falls short in delivering an equally impressive audio experience, offering a solid but ultimately underwhelming auditory counterpart. While the performances are universally acclaimed, highlighting the cast's honest and compelling portrayals, the extra content provided is sparse, leaving enthusiasts craving more behind-the-scenes insights into this cinematic gem.

Despite these shortcomings, "Volver" on Blu-ray is recommended for both newcomers and long-standing fans of the film. New viewers are advised to perhaps rent before purchasing, given the film's distinct appeal that may not resonate with everyone's cinematic tastes. On the other hand, established admirers will find the Blu-ray edition a worthy addition to their collection, thanks to its superior video quality that ensures the best possible home theater viewing.

In conclusion, while "Volver" on Blu-ray dazzles with its visual presentation, it somewhat disappoints in its auditory experience and supplementary material. Nonetheless, the core of what makes "Volver" a modern classic – its stellar performances, engaging narrative, and Almodóvar's directorial finesse – remains undiminished. This Blu-ray edition represents a worthwhile investment for those seeking to revisit or discover this compelling film, provided they temper their expectations concerning the surrounding features.