Please Baby Please Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Please Baby Please" by Music Box Films offers an extraordinarily vivid visual experience with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The film is visually arresting, akin to the visually saturated style reminiscent of "John Wick," with a rich palette of purple and teal hues among other bold lighting choices that give scenes a surreal, almost hallucinogenic quality. Everyday locations, such as a laundry room, transform into vibrant song and dance stages, drenched in intense blues and reds, while some interiors feature a strong yellow cast. Impressively, despite this audacious use of color, the transfer maintains high levels of detail throughout.

Director of Photography Patrick Meade Jones crafts an extremely stylized visual experience in "Please Baby Please," prominently displayed in the sharp widescreen aspect ratio of 2.25:1. The depiction of the Lower East Side is cinematic and polished, evoking a stylized, movie-set version rather than gritty realism. Vivid colors dominate the visual narrative, enhancing scenes where characters explore their identities with explosions of rainbow shades. The costumes reflect a 1950s influence yet carry an ethereal quality that enhances the film’s fantastical elements.

The camera work is intentional, thoughtfully framing intimate details and expressions to convey underlying emotions. This meticulous cinematic design, coupled with the sophisticated color grading shifts—particularly noticeable when Arthur and Suze engage in introspective dialogues—establishes an engaging visual storytelling dynamic that is both strikingly expressive and technically accomplished.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Please Baby Please" offers commendable options with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. The 5.1 surround sound configuration is adept at expanding the soundstage, especially during musical segments and environmental effects encountered in more dynamic scenes like the quasi-club sequences. While ambient sounds are less prominent in quieter settings like apartment scenes, the fidelity remains consistently excellent throughout. Dialogue is delivered with remarkable clarity, ensuring every word is captured distinctly and maintaining the immersive watching experience. English subtitles are available, providing support for a comprehensive viewing experience.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Giulio Carmassi and Bryan Scary, enriches the surreal atmosphere, artfully managing to enhance the film's thematic nuances. The score is well integrated into the narrative, offering an engaging audio backdrop without overpowering the dialogue or mood. A notable auditory detail is encountered during a poetry reading segment, where a drummer effectively accentuates key phrases with subtle beats, showcasing the precision and deliberate use of sound throughout the film. Both audio tracks provide a strong and immersive foundation that complements the visual storytelling, making the film's audio elements noteworthy for aficionados of high-quality sound design in home media releases.

The Blu-ray extras for "Please Baby Please" offer a comprehensive dive into the film's creation and tone, though some may find the commentary lacking in depth. The Feature Audio Commentary by director Amanda Kramer, Matt D'Elia, and Alisa Torres has a self-congratulatory tone, occasionally missing opportunities for deeper insights into filmmaking processes. It highlights challenges like filming scenes with large casts and manual zoom techniques. The Cast and Crew Q&A is an extensive 41-minute session touching on production stories. Deleted scenes, character teasers, and teasers add a playful perspective, while the Arthur and Suze: A Visual Essay provides analytical insights into thematic elements. Amanda Kramer's Short Films extend the creative exploration further.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Audio Commentary: By director Amanda Kramer, Matt D'Elia, Alisa Torres.
• Alamo Drafthouse PSA: Brief promotional piece.
• Cast and Crew Q&A from LA Premiere: Extensive panel featuring director and main cast.
• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes: Unseen footage from the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer presentation.
• Character Teasers: Introduction to film's characters.
• Original Moodboard Gallery: Conceptual image collection.
• Arthur and Suze: A Visual Essay: Analysis by Chris O'Neill.
• Amanda Kramer Short Films: Includes "Requests" and "Sin Ultra."
• Isolated Music Score and Sound Design: In DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.

"Please Baby Please" is a visual spectacle that daringly explores the intersections of style and storytelling, often with mixed outcomes. The film operates within a whimsical, yet intensely surreal, version of 1950s Manhattan, drawing comparisons to "West Side Story" with its gender-fluid narratives and musical aspirations. However, unlike the Bernstein-Sondheim classic, it lacks cohesive musical brilliance, despite contributions from composers Giulio Carmassi and Bryan Scary who offer an eclectic mix aiming for Brechtian rock pastiche with cool jazz undertones. The score's eccentricity often alienates, never quite synchronizing with the narrative or choreography, which itself lacks finesse.

The narrative centers on Arthur (Harry Melling) and Suze (Andrea Riseborough), an intellectual couple entangled with a menacing gang, the Young Gents. Their encounter with Teddy (Karl Glusman), a gang leader echoing Marlon Brando’s iconic outlaw style, ignites a tumult of bizarre fantasies and emotional turmoil. The opening scene's violent and unsettling absurdity sets an unusual tone that permeates the film. Here, traditional plot structures give way to a sensual collage meant to shock and entice, though it at times risks reliance on spectacle over substance.

In its unapologetic flirtation with camp, "Please Baby Please" shines through Andrea Riseborough's performance. Her portrayal of Suze is as intoxicating as it is enigmatic, encapsulating the film's hallucinogenic spirit. Riseborough’s ability to navigate through the film's psychedelic landscape adds a layer of complexity that may resonate strongly with those seeking avant-garde cinema. While the film undoubtedly possesses niche appeal, especially due to Demi Moore's cameo, its audacious style may leave mainstream audiences divided on its artistic merits.

"Please Baby Please" Blu-ray offers a visually arresting experience characterized by its striking presentation and the unmistakable flair of theatrical storytelling. Critically regarded for its cinematic artistry, the film indulges audiences with rich visuals that captivate through kaleidoscopic imagery and dynamic performances. The technical quality on Blu-ray is commendable, providing a sharp and vibrant picture that enhances the film's unique aesthetic. The sound design complements the visual experience, however, falls short of aligning with traditional musical theater standards. Interestingly, the inclusion of song and dance raises questions about their integral role in a narrative that isn't conventionally musically driven.

The film's direction by Amanda Kramer showcases avant-garde creativity and aptitude in crafting a surreal commentary on mechanized routine and human emotions. With music by Purelle, the score underscores the thematic intentions yet leaves an impression of divergence from conventional musical expectations. The storyline—a surreal depiction of routine disrupted by unexpected emotion—benefits from stunning composition and a compelling, if unusual, ensemble performance. Supplemental features included in the Blu-ray release offer valuable insights into the production process, adding further layers of appreciation for enthusiasts pondering a purchase.

In conclusion, while "Please Baby Please" may not align with strict musical theater definitions, its inventive approach makes for an intriguing cinematic experience. Although it wavers in songcraft efficacy, the film stands as a testament to visual and thematic excellence. Recommended for audiences who appreciate non-traditional narratives, this Blu-ray release delivers solid technical features and engaging supplements that enrich the viewing journey.