A Poem Is a Naked Person Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "A Poem Is a Naked Person" on Blu-ray, courtesy of the Criterion Collection, is captured with a 1080p transfer in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Using a 2K resolution digital transfer sourced from the original 16mm reversal check print, this edition gracefully balances the innate charm of its early 70s footage with modern-day clarity. The natural grain structure, though fluctuating in certain scenes, contributes significantly to the organic aesthetic. It's clear that various elements, such as shooting conditions and film stocks, influenced the visual texture, with some shots exhibiting a more gritty appearance than others. Despite these variances, there are no major compression issues apparent.

From a technical standpoint, Criterion's meticulous restoration work allows the documentary's colors to shine, predominantly with outdoor scenes displaying vibrant reds and blues. The palette does occasionally skew towards pinkish tones, which can be attributed to the original source material. However, these nuances do not detract from the overall visual impact. Closeups commendably capture intricate details like individual beard hairs and the scales of a snake, while wide shots maintain a commendable level of depth and detail.

Overall, the presentation successfully encapsulates the film's historical essence while delivering commendable picture quality. The black levels are deep and skin tones remain natural, providing a harmonious viewing experience throughout. Some minor print damage remains visible but does not disrupt the presentation's integrity. Criterion has evidently upheld their reputation for quality restoration, emphasizing both the vividness and subtleties that make this release a noteworthy addition for collectors and enthusiasts.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "A Poem Is a Naked Person" features an LPCM Mono track, remastered with precision and care from a 16mm monaural mixed magnetic stripe track at 24-bit. The restoration process involved meticulous manual removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle using advanced Pro Tools HD and iZotope RX4 software. Despite the mono's inherent narrowness, the track delivers surprisingly full-bodied fidelity, particularly notable during outdoor interviews enriched by ambient environmental sounds. The musical sections are well-balanced, maintaining integrity without distortion or dropouts, though some may find the absence of a 5.1 mix as a limitation for an immersive concert experience.

This sound mix, while true to its original recording constraints from the early '70s, exhibits variable quality across different scenes. Some moments showcase pristine dialogue clarity and vibrant soundscapes, whereas others occasionally appear muddled or soft, likely due to source constraints rather than transfer errors. The mono track capably supports the significant amount of talking head content within the film, providing an authentic aural backdrop that complements the visual storytelling. Though not perfect, the attention to detail in its restoration makes for an adequate auditory experience that aligns with the film's historical context.

The Blu Ray extras for "A Poem Is a Naked Person" provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the film's history and creative process. "Harrod Blank and Leon Russell" offers a candid and enthralling dialogue between Leon Russell and Harrod Blank, exploring significant anecdotes including those from Shelter Records. The "Les Blank" segment captures a poignant Q&A just weeks before the filmmaker's passing, offering rare insights. "A Film's Forty Year Journey" meticulously charts the tumultuous path to the film's release, highlighting production challenges. "Out in the Woods" is an intriguing compilation of Super 8 footage showcasing early production moments by Maureen Gosling. Additionally, multiple trailers provide various perspectives on the film's promotional approach, supplemented by an informative accordion-style foldout insert with an essay and transfer details.

Extras included in this disc:

• Harrod Blank and Leon Russell: An engaging interview discussing the film's delayed release.
• Les Blank: A Q&A session with Blank detailing his experiences during filming.
• A Film's Forty Year Journey: Insights into the production struggles and eventual release of the film.
• Out in the Woods: Super 8 behind-the-scenes footage from the film's production.
• Trailers: Collection of promotional trailers.
• Criterion Booklet: Contains essays, cast and crew information, and details about the transfer.

Les Blank's "A Poem Is a Naked Person" offers a unique, if non-traditional, documentary experience on Leon Russell, capturing his life and times without adhering to standard documentary storytelling. Highlighting footage filmed from 1972 to 1975, the film remained unreleased for decades due to creative differences between Blank and Russell. Known for enriching viewers' understanding of cultural landscapes rather than just individuals, Blank's approach diverges significantly from typical artist documentaries. This feature is both a strength and a caveat; Leon Russell's iconic status might lead viewers to expect a focus squarely on the musician himself, yet the film branches into a vivid tapestry of associated personalities and local cultures.

Russell's discomfort with the original focus likely stemmed from Blank's interest in the broader narrative environment instead of exclusive spotlighting. The documentary captures not just Russell but a series of tangential and peculiar moments—unexpected snippets involving surrounding life, fellow musicians like Willie Nelson and George Jones, and surreal imagery hinting at subtexts of the music industry and artistic collaboration. Concert performances and candid studio sessions offer glimpses of Russell's musical prowess, yet there’s an undeniable lack of direct personal exploration or interviews.

Ultimately, "A Poem Is a Naked Person" is characterized by Blank’s signature style—an intricate interplay between subject, setting, and artistic interpretation. Its unconventionality may bewilder those seeking a straightforward biographical account, while simultaneously providing a rich, abstract mosaic reflecting the complexities of Russell's world. The film successfully underscores broader cultural influences beyond the primary figure, making it an intriguing, multifaceted viewing experience for audiences open to its avant-garde storytelling structure.

Les Blank’s "A Poem Is a Naked Person" stands as a unique entry in the music documentary genre, capturing the intricate essence of its subject, Leon Russell, without conventional narrative structure. Blank’s approach deviates from the norm, offering an unconventional yet mesmerizing experience that reflects a free-spirited artistic journey. This documentary splendidly immerses viewers into a time capsule of 1970s rock culture through engaging and magnetically raw footage. While some scenes might seem tangential, they add layers of charm and eccentricity to the broader canvas of this film.

The Blu-ray release by Criterion is a commendable presentation that enhances the visual and auditory flavors of the documentary. The video transfer maintains a crisp, vibrant quality that preserves the film’s authentic aesthetic, while the audio perfectly complements the viewing experience, capturing the essence of Russell’s musical prowess. The supplemental features on this disc are robust, adding significant value through exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes glimpses that enrich the overall understanding and appreciation of Blank’s work.

In conclusion, "A Poem Is a Naked Person" transcends the conventional bounds of musical documentaries, embodying a unique union of visual poetry and sonic richness. This film offers a fascinating exploration of Leon Russell’s artistry through Blank’s innovative lens. It is both an important historical document and an artistic triumph that resonates with originality. The Criterion Blu-ray release underscores these qualities with its strong technical and supplementary offerings, making it highly recommended for collectors and music enthusiasts alike.