Rubber

The Blu-ray presentation of "Rubber" showcases a visually stunning 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that magnificently displays the prowess of shooting with a Canon 5D Mark II. This choice of camera by Dupieux not only reiterates the democratization of filmmaking with accessible, prosumer-grade equipment but also achieves a crisp, clean, and nearly noiseless image that rivals more expensive digital rigs. While there are minor source-related shortcomings and susceptibility to moiré shimmer and banding, particularly in areas with fine patterns or when capturing smooth color gradients like the desert sky, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. The image clarity is striking, offering a wealth of detail in desert landscapes, facial textures, and the pivotal tire treads, complemented by rich, stylized colors, deep blacks, and good contrast.

Despite the inherent limitations of the Canon digital camera, such as a very narrow depth of field and sampling issues that lead to visible aliasing and moiré patterns, the Blu-ray transfer maintains an exceptional level of detail. Textures in clothing, hair, and the natural environment are vividly apparent, while the color palette boasts full-bodied and bright hues with vivid primaries. The intense black levels enhance the video's crisp clarity and add a three-dimensional appeal. However, these video anomalies, including aliasing and observable moiré patterns, present a constant distraction that prevents the video presentation from reaching reference quality status.

In essence, "Rubber" on Blu-ray demonstrates both the capabilities and limitations of digital cinematography with consumer-grade equipment. The video presentation impresses with its detailed imagery, dynamic color range, and overall clarity. Yet, it's partially marred by technical drawbacks inherent to the chosen filming equipment. Despite this, Dupieux's eye for composition and the striking cinematography largely shine through, making it a visually compelling experience albeit with occasional distractions due to camera-specific issues.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track of "Rubber" delivers an experience that is as unconventional as the film itself, marked by its precision and cleanliness. The audio presentation mirrors the minimalist approach of the movie, with a sound design that leans towards the quieter side, offering an ambient, windy backdrop that occasionally utilizes the rear speakers for subtle cross-channel effects such as the sound of cars moving from one side to the other. The dialogue, characterized by its quirky phrasing, remains crystal clear throughout, allowing viewers to catch every odd comment made by the characters. This clarity extends to the film's score, composed by director Quentin Dupieux (Mr. Oizo) and Gaspard Augé, which demands to be played at higher volumes to be fully appreciated, albeit one might need to adjust it back down when the titular tire's vibrations dominate the auditory scene. English SDH and Spanish subtitles are provided in a legible white font, enhancing accessibility.

On account of the film's self-aware nature, the relatively stationary sound design comes off as a missed opportunity to further engage the audience through a more dynamic audio landscape. Despite this, the DTS-HD Master Audio track remains faithful to its original recordings, showcasing well-defined vocals and a soundstage that, while predominantly front-focused, does a commendable job at delivering dialogue and musical elements with distinct clarity and detail. The dynamic range may not be broad, with low-frequency effects presenting as rather underwhelming and lacking depth to elevate the film’s sparse action scenes. However, when present, the bass adds necessary heft, albeit modestly. Surround speaker activity is minimalistic, keeping the viewer's attention directed forwards, which may seem like a deliberate choice to complement the film’s visual and thematic minimalism.

The Blu-ray extras for "Rubber" offer a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse that matches the film's unconventional aura, highlighted by interviews and a notably eccentric Q&A session with director Quentin Dupieux. Dupieux's interview stands out for its surreal setup, featuring a blow-up doll interviewer and backward-masked answers with subtitles, recalling the cryptic style of Twin Peaks. Other interviews with cast members Stephen Spinella, Jack Plotnick, and Roxane Mesquida provide insights into their characters and experiences on set, alongside their collective admiration for Dupieux's vision. The disc also includes teaser camera tests showcasing early footage of the tire, an HDNet promotional piece, and a selection of theatrical trailers along with previews from Magnolia Home Entertainment. These extras underscore the film's meta-commentary and Dupieux's innovative approach to storytelling and film production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Director Quentin Dupieux: A unique, surreal interview session.
• Interview with Stephen Spinella: Insight into the character of Lieutenant Chad.
• Interview with Jack Plotnick: Plotnick discusses his role and experience on the film.
• Interview with Roxane Mesquida: Mesquida shares her motivations for joining the project.
• Rubber Teaser Camera Tests: Early footage of the film's tire protagonist.
• HDNet: A Look at Rubber: A promotional overview of the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer for "Rubber".
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment Blu-ray: Previews of other films from Magnolia.

Rubber," a film by Quentin Dupieux, pushes the boundaries of the meta-film genre with its self-reflexive exploration of narrative and cinematic structure, but ultimately struggles to hold on to the traction of its high-concept ideas. The movie unfolds in the desolate landscapes of the California desert, where a sentient tire named Robert discovers its psychokinetic abilities and embarks on a bizarre killing spree. This premise is observed by a group of spectators within the film itself, providing a layer of commentary on the absurdity of the "no reason" aspect that Dupieux aims to celebrate. As the film progresses, Robert's journey becomes an odd blend of liberation and destruction, engaging briefly with themes of environmentalism and existentialism without fully exploring or resolving them.

Dupieux leverages "Rubber" as an homage to the arbitrary, embracing the illogical with an anything-goes attitude that on paper promises an entertaining divergence from the norm. However, the realization of this concept on screen is met with mixed results. While Dupieux attempts to dissect the relationship between spectator and spectacle, suggesting that cinema thrives on unexplained phenomena and audience complicity, his execution falters, leaving viewers bemused rather than enlightened. The film's commentary on Hollywood tropes and audience expectations occasionally shines through, especially in its critique of consumer culture represented by the poisoned turkey metaphor, yet these insights are often obscured by the film's insistence on absurdity for absurdity's sake.

Although "Rubber" demonstrates moments of genuine creativity and humor, particularly in its visual and practical effects, it fails to coalesce into a coherent whole. The endeavor to intellectualize its premise and satirize cinematic conventions is undermined by a lack of depth and a pervasive sense of aimlessness. Despite a brief runtime, the film feels overextended, indicative of its struggle to maintain a balance between being a self-aware B-movie and offering meaningful commentary on the nature of film itself. In trying to be both clever and avant-garde, "Rubber" ends up neither fully committing to its comedic elements nor successfully engaging with its more philosophical musings, leaving an impression that is as fleeting as the tracks left by its titular character.

Rubber," Quentin Dupieux's cinematic venture into the absurd, offers a unique and polarizing experience that demands viewers to suspend disbelief and embrace its premise: a sentient tire named Robert embarking on a mindless killing spree. This film, undoubtedly a manifestation of absurdist comedy, presents a narrative where logic is deliberately sidelined, making room for a story that thrives on the arbitrary and the bizarre. While the film aims to celebrate the frivolity within storytelling, it ultimately struggles to sustain its initial momentum, veering towards a conclusion that leaves its raison d'être somewhat deflated. Dupieux's execution of what starts as an intriguing concept receives mixed reactions; it’s a concoction of brilliance overshadowed by moments that suggest a potential disconnect with the audience. The Blu-ray release mirrors these sentiments in its presentation—delivering a visually striking transfer that showcases the film’s unique aesthetic. However, it is marred by occasional technical shortcomings that detract from an otherwise stellar visual experience. The audio quality meets expectations without surpassing them, ensuring the film's sonic elements are conveyed adequately.

Extras included within the Blu-ray package, particularly interviews, are somewhat underwhelming, contributing little to enhancing the viewer's understanding or appreciation of "Rubber’s" deeper themes or creative decisions. They seem like missed opportunities to delve into the director's mind, offering little beyond surface-level insights.

Conclusively, "Rubber" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag, mirroring the film's own trajectory of high concept meeting mediocre execution. For enthusiasts of the offbeat and those intrigued by cinema that challenges conventional storytelling, this release might warrant a curiosity-driven rental. However, its limited appeal—accentuated by variable technical quality and lackluster extras—makes it difficult to recommend for blind purchase. "Rubber" stands as a testament to cinematic risk-taking, albeit one that may not resonate universally, reaffirming that its appreciation is likely contingent upon one's appetite for the unconventional.