Tesla Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Tesla" features an AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, effectively maintaining the film's moody aesthetic. The video presentation adeptly balances darker period visuals with interspersed moments of vivid electrical experimentation and rural brightness. Detail retention is commendable, with deep blacks in costuming and shadowy scenes, while bright electrical experiments cut through limited lighting effortlessly. Skintones appear natural, and finer details, such as bushy facial hair and fibrous woolen clothing, are clearly discernible. However, occasional banding and minor blockiness can be observed.

The Blu-ray's 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode complements the filmmakers' visual style with an attractive, albeit somewhat soft, high-definition video. The use of diffusion filters imparts a dreamlike, fanciful quality to the cinematography. Despite this, the presentation remains sharp with well-defined lines in costumes and set design. Contrast balance is spot-on, offering brilliant whites and radiant highlights that enhance background visibility. Black levels, however, tend to veer towards a dark grey, resulting in a flatter image. Shadow delineation is robust, providing plenty of fine details in the frame's darkest corners.

The color palette predominantly leans towards warmer tertiary hues, employing lots of warm yellows and oranges alongside a brown and blue spectrum. This deliberate aesthetic choice imparts an antiquated sepia tone to several scenes, aligning well with the plot's theme. Primary colors are accurately rendered and appealing, ensuring an engaging viewing experience that remains true to the film’s artistic vision.

The Blu-ray of "Tesla" features a clean and engaging 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that ensures crisp dialogue exchanges, even amidst the heavy accents and mutterings typical of Tesla. The score, replete with sharp instrumentation and electropop beats, provides a dynamic auditory experience. Surround channels are effectively used to create an immersive soundscape with community bustle and naturalistic movements, which augment the film's artificiality. This creates a full, circular sound experience that faithfully complements the on-screen visuals.

In addition, the Blu-ray includes a 2.0 stereo track, which, while not overly memorable, suits the film’s dialogue-driven nature. Despite the somewhat front-heavy presentation feeling limited to the center, it delivers clean and precise vocals with a good quality of intonation in performances. The minimal background activity is occasionally punctuated by atmospheric effects that broaden the soundstage and offer impressive off-screen movements. The mid-range remains mostly uniform but handles John Paesano's score with strong separation and an appreciable degree of warmth. Although the low-end is restrained, there is a sufficient bass presence to lend the audio a satisfying depth.

The Extras section of the Blu-ray release of "Tesla" provides a comprehensive look into the making of the film. The behind-the-scenes material is predominantly comprised of interviews with the cast and crew, highlighting their reflections on the production process, story development, and character portrayals. Notably, writer/director Michael Almereyda is absent from these interviews. The featurette celebrates the film's creative and dramatic endeavors but lacks deeper analysis or extensive behind-the-scenes footage. Additionally, there is a theatrical trailer included to complement the extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of 'Tesla': Promotional piece featuring on-set interviews with the cast and crew about the film's production and characterization.
• Behind-The-Scenes: Interviews with cast & crew discussing production aspects, story elements, and character insights.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for the film "Tesla".

"Tesla," directed by Michael Almereyda and starring Ethan Hawke, offers a unique and imaginative take on the life of Nikola Tesla, distinct from more mainstream portrayals such as "The Current War." Almereyda opts for a theatrical presentation, utilizing anachronistic elements—such as laptops and modern fluorescent lamps—to weave a narrative that dances between fact and fiction. This approach isn’t just a stylistic choice; it underscores the less-documented aspects of Tesla's life, exploring his rivalry with Thomas Edison (Kyle MacLachlan), friendships with characters like Anne Morgan (Eve Hewson), and his relentless pursuit of innovations in electrical power.

Ethan Hawke's portrayal of Tesla is deeply introspective, almost vampiric, as he navigates the nuanced depiction crafted by Almereyda. The use of projected backgrounds and screens adds to the film’s surreal tone, highlighting Tesla’s haunting journey as an immigrant inventor. The narrative is hosted by Anne Morgan, who occasionally breaks the fourth wall by using modern technology to provide context, reinforcing the ethereal quality of the storytelling. Almereyda’s script, developed over decades, manages to encapsulate Tesla’s enigmatic legacy while challenging the audience’s perception of historical accuracy.

The film stands as a testament to Almereyda's experimentation with narrative structure and visual style. Without aiming for traditional biographical storytelling, "Tesla" marries poetic imagination with historical fragments, presenting a compelling and surreal exploration of an inventor who remains shrouded in myth. The ambiance created is both haunting and dreamlike, inviting viewers to reflect on what we truly know about Nikola Tesla and his enduring influence on modern innovation.

Michael Almereyda's "Tesla" presents a surreal and passionately visionary retelling of Nikola Tesla's life, brilliantly portrayed by Ethan Hawke. This biographical drama delves into Tesla's interactions with significant historical figures and his enduring legacy, crafting a dreamlike state that some viewers may find elusive yet captivating. Hawke's nuanced performance as the introspective inventor is complemented by sterling performances from Kyle MacLachlan and Eve Hewson. The film oscillates between moments of clarity and abstraction, often leaving a Rorschach test-like impression on its audience.

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of "Tesla" boasts impeccable audio and video quality, ensuring a visually and aurally immersive experience. However, the bonus features are notably sparse, which may disappoint those seeking deeper insights into the film's making or historical context. The movie's presentation benefits from high-definition treatment, enhancing its surreal visual style and intricate sound design.

In conclusion, "Tesla" offers a unique cinematic experience with its blend of factual history and imaginative storytelling. While the dreamlike narrative and occasional tonal missteps may not appeal to everyone, the film's artistic ambition, strong performances, and solid technical presentation on Blu-ray make it a worthwhile watch.