Insignificance Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation of Nicolas Roeg's Insignificance is proficiently executed with a 1080p transfer encoded in MPEG-4 AVC at an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The transfer, approved by Roeg and producer Jeremy Thomas, emanates from a 35mm interpositive scanned on a Spirit 4K system in 2K resolution. Detailed color correction using Assimilate’s Scratch system and meticulous cleanup through the PFClean and MTI’s DRS systems ensure the elimination of dirt, debris, and scratches, contributing to a pristine viewing experience.

This presentation showcases remarkable image depth, clarity, and color reproduction, significantly surpassing previous SDVD releases. The film maintains a naturally soft look, particularly during memory flashbacks, while fine detail in close-ups remains consistently impressive. The darker scenes are devoid of massive background noise and free from heavy edge-enhancement or excessive noise corrections. The presence of natural light grain mixed with occasional light noise adds to the textured quality of the film, emphasizing its classic period mood. Crucially, the print reveals no signs of stability issues or damage, indicating a thorough restoration effort.

Viewers will notice rich colors that evoke the film's period setting without appearing overly vibrant. While early sequences might exhibit slightly grayish black levels, they soon deepen into satisfactory inky blacks. The subdued contrast imparts a natural, filmic quality to the image, supporting the movie's aesthetic rather than detracting from it. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer of Insignificance is a testament to Criterion's dedication to preserving cinematic works with integrity and precision, offering a visually robust and accurate representation of Roeg’s vision.

The audio presentation for this Blu-ray of "Insignificance" is robustly delivered through an English LPCM 1.0 track, supplemented with optional English SDH subtitles. As articulated in the included booklet, the original monaural soundtrack has been meticulously remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm magnetic track by Sync Sound Audio, London. Criterion further enhanced it by manually removing clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum via Pro Tools HD, with crackle attenuation managed through AudioCube's integrated workstation.

In terms of auditory experience, the English LPCM mono track stands out due to its pristine clarity and fidelity. Dialogue is consistently crisp, clear, and stable, making for effortless comprehension. Despite being a single-channel track, the audio design exhibits surprising depth and creative nuance. Stanley Myers and Hans Zimmer's elegant, dreamy score complements the visual narrative beautifully, elevating the film’s emotional resonance. The dynamic range, while inherently limited by the mono format, still manages to deliver a pleasing auditory landscape with strong fidelity. Notably, sound effects like ticking clocks and classical music cues are effectively utilized, enhancing the overall viewing experience without undermining the speech clarity. The balance could occasionally favor effects over dialogue, but this is a minor downside in an otherwise exemplary sonic presentation.

Criterion has succeeded in preserving the film's original auditory elements with their respectful and skilled mono handling. The sound design retains its inventive and lively nature throughout, ensuring that even within the confines of a mono track, every auditory detail remains distinct and engaging. This Blu-ray edition offers a compelling auditory journey that faithfully adheres to the director’s vision while capitalizing on modern restoration techniques for a polished finish.

The Blu-Ray of "Insignificance" features a solid array of extras presented in high definition with Dolby Digital mono audio, aimed at both casual viewers and cinephiles. "Making Insignificance" provides an insightful, though somewhat surface-level look behind the scenes with brief commentary from key actors. The interview with Nicolas Roeg and Jeremy Thomas offers a fascinating glimpse into the adaptation process from play to film. Editor Tony Lawson's discussion delves into the evolution of film editing, providing valuable insights, especially about his work with director Roeg. Although brief, the original theatrical trailer is a nostalgic inclusion, while the comprehensive booklet adds depth with its essays and interviews.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making 'Insignificance': Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast members.
• Nicolas Roeg and Jeremy Thomas Interview: Discussion of film themes and production history.
• Tony Lawson Interview: Insights into the editing process and collaborations.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Booklet: Essays and interviews related to the film's themes and production.

Nicolas Roeg's 1985 film "Insignificance" is a daring exploration of celebrity, perceptions, and the complex nature of reality, adapted from Terry Johnson's play. Set within a single hotel room over the course of one night, the film features four nameless characters: the Professor (Michael Emil), the Actress (Theresa Russell), the Ballplayer (Gary Busey), and the Senator (Tony Curtis)—stand-ins for Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and Joseph McCarthy. The narrative delves into conversations about time, relativity, and personal dilemmas under the shadow of Cold War-era anxieties. Despite its fascinating premise, the screenplay occasionally falters, with dialogue that sometimes barely scratches the surface. Nevertheless, scenes like Marilyn Monroe elucidating the theory of relativity using toy trains are both bizarre and mesmerizing, providing some of the film's most memorable moments.

The performances are a mixed bag. Michael Emil conveys Einstein's awkwardness but sometimes appears uncomfortable in his role. Theresa Russell fluctuates between an honest interpretation of Monroe and an exaggerated caricature, leading to both standout and flat scenes. Surprisingly, Gary Busey delivers a consistently sympathetic portrayal of the Ballplayer, while Tony Curtis as the Senator exhibits effective complexity. Yet, it is Roeg's remarkable direction and innovative visual techniques that elevate "Insignificance." Through creative editing, frequent flashbacks, and surreal imagery, Roeg enhances the film’s themes of time and reality. The use of slow motion and cross-cutting culminates in an impressive finale that blends past and present seamlessly.

Ultimately, "Insignificance" is an artful but uneven examination of larger-than-life figures shaped by society's expectations. The film raises intriguing questions about identity and significance but sometimes struggles to provide compelling insights. Despite its flaws, Roeg's visual creativity ensures that "Insignificance" remains an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Nicolas Roeg's "Insignificance" presents a thought-provoking and stylish exploration of hypothetical encounters between iconic historical figures. Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, the film offers a unique contemplation on fame, genius, and human connection. The Blu-ray release from Criterion does an excellent job of preserving the film's visual and auditory essence. The video transfer highlights Roeg’s meticulous compositions and vibrant color schemes, while the audio track maintains the integrity of the creative sound design. The overall presentation is visually impressive, capturing the subtleties and nuances in Roeg's direction.

However, despite the impressive technical presentation, the film's ambitious premise isn't fully realized by the script and performances. Some elements of the film fall short of its potential, leaving a disjointed narrative and character portrayals that may not resonate well with all viewers. The supplemental features are a mix; while they are sparse, they remain valuable, particularly the two brand new video interviews—one with director Nicolas Roeg and producer Jeremy Thomas, and the other with editor Tony Lawson. These interviews provide deep insights into the film's production and creative vision.

In conclusion, "Insignificance" stands out as one of the most stylish and engaging films of the 1980s, raising questions that remain relevant today. Criterion’s Blu-ray release does justice to the film’s visual and audio quality, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection. Despite some shortcomings in the narrative execution, the movie's uniqueness and Criterion’s exceptional treatment make this Blu-ray highly recommended for both collectors and casual viewers alike.