To Sleep with Anger Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "To Sleep with Anger" offers an exceptional video presentation that showcases superior care and fidelity to the original film. Presented in the movie's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen, the 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition video reveals impressive detail and clarity throughout. This new 4K digital transfer was achieved using a Scanity film scanner from the 35mm original camera negative, with meticulous cleaning and color-correction done at Colorworks in Culver City, CA, and subsequent approval by director Charles Burnett. Depth and fluidity stand out, lending a lifelike quality to this high-definition release while maintaining a thoroughly organic presentation.

In terms of color reproduction, Criterion succeeds in delivering an authentic and vibrant palette. The colors, notably in costumes and set designs, bring warmth and richness to every scene, enhancing the viewing experience. Outdoor shots polish up particularly well, but the film maintains strong consistency indoors with excellent shadow use and deep black levels. Delineation is reliably impressive, offering detailed texturing and nuance without any noticeable defects or damage. Though the grain is pronounced and may detract for some viewers, it remains true to the filmic quality expected of a 1990 production.

Criterion's work on this Blu-ray remains faithful to the film’s original aesthetic while ensuring a modern home viewing experience that's nothing short of remarkable. The older film is given new life with this release, and while there are no noise or artifacts that detract from the presentation, the pronounced grain and slightly noisy opening title sequences might be a slight concern for some. Nonetheless, the overall integrity and stability of the image is outstanding, capturing all the various nuances that appeal to aficionados of high-definition media.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track accompanying the Blu-ray release of "To Sleep with Anger" offers a commendable auditory experience. Dialogues, the cornerstone of this film, are delivered with unwavering clarity and prioritization across the frontal channels. This focus on dialogue makes it reminiscent of a stage play, making it critical to maintain the narrative's essence. The track further enriches the atmosphere by realistically portraying family gatherings and conflicts, producing an engaging and bustling environment in your living room. The musical score adds depth, blending mischievously playful and darker tones to encapsulate the film’s mood.

The audio presentation doesn't rely on a bombastic soundtrack typical of big-budget Hollywood productions but excels in the subtle yet effective use of dynamic nuances. The lossless track ensures the dialogue is perpetually clean, stable, and easy to follow, free from any encoding anomalies. Additional elements, such as ambient noise and sound effects, are well-balanced, creating an immersive experience without overwhelming the primary focus on dialogue.

The original 2.0 surround soundtrack was meticulously remastered from the LCR magnetic track at Chace Audio, ensuring high fidelity. Stephen James Taylor’s blues-influenced score enhances the film’s atmosphere without overpowering its understated nature. While not providing a complicated audio landscape, the restoration of this track demonstrates excellence in preserving and presenting audio nuances. Importantly, dialogue reproduction remains consistently clear, providing a smooth auditory experience that complements the visual storytelling. Optional English SDH subtitles are included, adding accessibility for a broader audience.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "To Sleep with Anger" excels in its supplementary content, providing an insightful exploration of the film's production, themes, and the career of director Charles Burnett. The array of new and exclusive featurettes includes extensive interviews with key cast and crew members, tributes, and thorough retrospectives. Although more extensive insights into the film’s broader impact could enhance the package, the existing content is both engaging and informative, making it invaluable for aficionados and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Of Family and Folklore: An interview program with director Charles Burnett, actors Danny Glover and Sheryl Lee Ralph, and associate producer Linda Koulisis.
• Charles Burnett Tribute: A tribute reel dedicated to Charles Burnett featuring several prominent actors and filmmakers.
• A Walk with Charles Burnett: A detailed career retrospective walking through key locations in Burnett's films.
• Leaflet: An illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by Ashley Clark and technical details.

Charles Burnett's 1990 film "To Sleep with Anger" masterfully explores complex intra-cultural dynamics within an African-American family in South Central Los Angeles. The narrative focuses on Gideon (Paul Butler) and Suzie (Mary Alice), a middle-aged couple from the South, whose lives are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Harry (Danny Glover). Harry’s presence reawakens old tensions, positioning him as the catalyst for the unfolding family drama. Glover's performance is paramount, embodying a charismatic yet troubling figure who destabilizes the family's delicate balance with his provocative and ambiguous behavior. Burnett uses this character to probe deeply into generational conflicts and blurred lines between traditional values and modern life, all within a subdued but impactful cinematic framework.

The direction in "To Sleep with Anger" is meticulously precise, reminiscent of a stage play where subtle gestures and expressions carry significant weight. Burnett employs an intelligent form of misdirection, akin to a magician’s sleight of hand, to guide the viewer's perspective, making the film less about supernatural elements and more about the moral and existential questions it raises. This method enhances the film's exploration of African-American beliefs and attitudes, revealing how the struggle between tradition and change affects family unity. While the film does exude a mysterious, ethereal aura akin to "Angel Heart," its true depth comes from its character-driven storytelling that subverts the need for overt magical realism, opting instead for a poignant reflection on the significance of familial bond and shared history.

"To Sleep with Anger" stands out for its unembellished yet profound portrayal of black life, diverging from mainstream Hollywood tropes that often lean heavily on themes of crime and social strife. By focusing on working-class characters who are well-spoken and deeply interconnected, Burnett provides a refreshing depiction of positive African-American community life. The interactions among family members, brought to life by compelling performances from an ensemble cast including Mary Alice and Carl Lumbly, reveal intricate layers of love, tension, and resilience. This Criterion release serves as a timely reminder of the film’s enduring relevance and artistic excellence, further solidified by its preservation in the Library of Congress.

"To Sleep with Anger," a seminal work by director Charles Burnett, emerges as a deeply introspective film that diverges from the conventional narratives often depicted in films about the African-American community. Eschewing drive-by shootings and drug dealings, Burnett's storytelling delves into the eroding cultural values that have long safeguarded the African-American family. The film is praised for its unique perspective and its resonant commentary on cultural disintegration, corroborated by numerous social studies. Burnett’s nuanced approach offers a refreshing and poignant lens through which viewers can explore these themes.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "To Sleep with Anger" impressively presents the film through a meticulous 4K remaster approved by Burnett himself. The video and audio quality are markedly strong, allowing the intricate visual and auditory details of Burnett’s craft to be fully appreciated. Moreover, this edition is laden with a thoughtfully curated selection of extras, providing fans with rich, supplementary content to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the film. This aspect makes the Blu-ray not merely a restoration but a comprehensive cinematic experience.

Whilst perhaps neither a conventional family drama nor the darker delight that it teases, "To Sleep with Anger" can be enjoyed better on its own terms. The Criterion edition, mirroring its US counterpart, stands as a solid purchase for fans and new viewers alike. It reintroduces a significant work with notable technical improvements and valuable extras that enhance the overall package.