The Salesman Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Asghar Farhadi's "The Salesman" arrives in the UK courtesy of Curzon, offering a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer. Framed in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film benefits from a digitally shot source via the ARRI Alexa camera, providing clarity, depth, and fluidity that enhance the viewing experience. Despite the modest budget, the presentation captures the rich textures of dilapidated settings and detailed stage designs, with neon signs adding visual interest. The color palette—dominated by greys and browns—remains natural and well-represented, while skin tones appear healthy and black levels are deep, offering impressive shadow detail.

The overall image balance is superb, with primary colors maintaining strong organic qualities without appearing artificially manipulated. The transfer is stable and free from anomalies, ensuring a consistent visual experience throughout. Indoor and darker scenes retain an impressive amount of detail thanks to the light-capturing capabilities of the ARRI Alexa. This Region B-locked disc requires a compatible player but delivers a visually rich presentation that brings the film's nuanced environments and atmospheric lighting to life effectively.

The Farsi DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on this Blu-ray of "The Salesman" is commendable, prioritizing clarity and precision in delivering the dialogue, which dominates the mix across the frontal array. The audio presentation is immersive, particularly noticeable in the natural environmental sounds that come across authentically. From the initial scenes, the audio draws you in, making you feel as though you're experiencing a mild earthquake. While the sound design remains understated throughout, it authentically replicates the film's original mix without any digitally-induced blemishes like dropouts or pops.

Complementing the visuals, the minimalist score effectively enhances emotional engagement during pivotal scenes. Despite its restraint, the audio is detailed and nuanced, with excellent depth and clarity. The Blu-ray offers two audio options: Farsi DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Farsi LPCM 2.0, with the film defaulting to the latter. Notably, English subtitles are permanently imposed during playback.

Overall, while the soundtrack does not seek to dazzle with extravagant sound effects or music cues, it faithfully supports the director's vision with respect and integrity. This strong audio effort ensures an immersive experience that aligns well with the film's narrative style.

"The Salesman" Blu-ray offers a compact but enriching selection of extras that delve into the film's creation and the socio-political context surrounding its release. The "Making of" Featurette provides an insightful 16-minute exploration into Farhadi's directorial methods, including his approach to spatial dynamics, framing techniques, and the film's atmospheric rhythm, with interviews in Farsi and French, complemented by optional English subtitles. Equally compelling is the 16-minute Trafalgar Square Screening Featurette, which highlights a public screening that served as a protest against the political climate of the time, with all discussions in English. Rounding out the extras is the original theatrical trailer, presented in Farsi with English subtitles. This expertly curated selection not only enriches the viewing experience but also provides a deeper understanding of both the artistic and socio-political elements of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of Featurette: Insightful exploration of Farhadi's directorial methods.
• Trafalgar Square Screening Featurette: Highlights a public screening protest.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer in Farsi with English subtitles.

Asghar Farhadi's "The Salesman" continues his exemplary tradition of crafting profoundly realistic dramas that capture the nuances of human emotion and everyday complexities. Known for his exceptional ability to interweave mundane narratives with a high degree of authenticity, Farhadi's latest film tells the story of a couple who moves to a new apartment when their old residence is demolished, only to discover that their new home hides troubling secrets. Against the backdrop of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman," which not only runs parallel to the main narrative but also serves as the play being rehearsed by the protagonists, "The Salesman" is another significant addition to Farhadi's remarkable oeuvre.

The performances elicited by Farhadi are nothing short of extraordinary, exhibiting an organic style that is devoid of pretentiousness, a refreshing attribute in today's cinematic landscape. The film's narrative complexity and emotional depth offer a riveting, immersive experience that feels almost documentary-like in its execution. As with his previous works like "A Separation" and "The Past," Farhadi manages to create a world where every choice and consequence reverberates with authenticity, making the viewer feel as if they are part of the unfolding drama.

Asghar Farhadi's "The Salesman" is a compelling addition to his filmography, providing viewers with a rich and nuanced exploration of human emotion and societal pressures. This Blu-ray edition, released by Curzon Artificial Eye, showcases an excellent digital master that ensures the film's visual and auditory elements are presented with impeccable clarity. The transfer is crisp and vibrant, capturing the subtleties of the film's cinematography and the intensity of its performances. The audio track delivers dialogue that is clear and immersive, enhancing the emotional depth of the storytelling.

In terms of supplementary materials, this Region B-locked Blu-ray release presents a well-rounded package that will satisfy both casual viewers and dedicated cinephiles. The included extras delve into the making of the film and provide valuable insights into Farhadi’s directorial choices and thematic concerns. These features add significant value to an already impressive release, making it an essential addition for fans of international cinema.

If you've yet to discover the power of Farhadi's work, then now's the time. The works of Asghar Farhadi are powerful and unmissable. He is one of the greatest writer/directors currently working, and his latest, "The Salesman", is a fine addition to his impressive body of work. This Region B-locked UK Blu-ray release boasts excellent video and audio and a nice selection of extra features. If you enjoy the works of Farhadi, it's a must-have release, and if you've yet to discover the power of his work, then now's surely the time.