Berberian Sound Studio Blu-ray Review

Expertly capturing the intricate aesthetic vision of Peter Strickland’s "Berberian Sound Studio," this Blu-ray presentation is genuinely commendable. Maintaining its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer delivers a textured visual experience that intricately reflects the film's 1976 setting. The deliberate color palette dominated by warm browns, dusty yellows, and occasional vibrant reds underscores its homage to the giallo genre. The Arri Alexa's crisp detail brings an almost tactile reproduction of various textures — from the pores on skin during close-ups to the nuanced grain in paper props. Significant attention is given to the stable contrast levels, which, while not yielding impenetrable blacks, create a dry, warm ambiance that suits the studio's claustrophobic atmosphere perfectly.

What's really impressive are the extreme close-ups — whether it be faces, hands, or intricate machinery. These shots retain a high level of depth and definition, allowing viewers to see intricate details like blood vessels in eyes and the texture of victimized fruits. Despite the often subdued lighting, clarity is well-maintained, especially in sharp ocular and tactile imageries like Gilderoy’s precision with sound equipment. Color reproduction remains faithful to the intentional period look with some minor manipulations to mimic Italian giallo and psychedelic films. Importantly, the encode is robust, with no artificial sharpening, aliasing, or DNR, ensuring that even minute details stay well-defined. Overall, this Blu-ray provides a profoundly engaging visual representation that stays true to Strickland’s artistic direction, making it a solid offering for both new viewers and seasoned fans.

Artificial Eye's Blu-ray release of "Berberian Sound Studio" offers a compelling auditory experience, with two options: an LPCM stereo track and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Given the film’s thematic focus on sound, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is notably the superior option, delivering an impressive level of clarity and immediacy. The surround mix is detailed and vivid, immersing the viewer with deep bass effects that anchor the horror soundscapes effectively. The meaty chopping sounds and other foley work are exceptionally potent and full of bone-juddering impact, showcasing the film’s elaborate sound design.

Dialogue throughout the film is rendered with excellent realism and natural tones, whether delivered with Italian vigour or more subdued, intimate intonations. Spatial positioning is handled expertly, with dislocated voices and character exchanges seamlessly moving across a wide frontal soundstage. Particularly memorable are the piercing screams and the impactful depiction of fictional film murder sequences, where shattering glass and thudding impacts resonate with visceral intensity. The innovative sound effects further enhance the immersive experience, such as the eerily realistic sizzling of oil and splashing in water tanks.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track excels in providing energy and richness, especially in the title music, which resonates with free-jazz verve reminiscent of classic Italian horror scores. While the rear speaker activity may not be as pronounced as one might expect for a film centered on sound design, the overall surround use is still commendable. Background murmurings and subtle movements do emerge but are not overly highlighted, allowing the primary sound effects to maintain focus. This highly charged and detailed audio mix delivers a powerful auditory experience for viewers, making it a standout element of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras for "Berberian Sound Studio" are extensive and informative, providing deep dives into the film’s production, sound design, and technical aspects. The Interview with Peter Strickland is a significant inclusion, though it suffers from a stilted format with text-based questions and Strickland's subdued demeanor. Despite this, it offers valuable insights into the film’s conception and the director's creative process. Similarly, the Commentary Track by Strickland covers overlapping content but enriches viewers with anecdotes and detailed technical discussions, notably about audio design and equipment. The Making of Berberian Sound Studio is comprehensive but somewhat repetitive, overlapping with Strickland’s Interview yet adding perspectives from key cast and crew members. Other notable inclusions are deleted scenes with commentary, the original short that inspired the feature film, an extended mock documentary from the film’s universe, and a production design gallery showcasing the meticulous work behind the scenes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Peter Strickland: In-depth discussion on the film's production and sound.
• Commentary: Insightful audio commentary by Peter Strickland.
• The Making of Berberian Sound Studio: Extended featurette with cast and crew insights.
• Deleted Scenes: Collection with explanatory commentary by Strickland.
• Berberian Sound Studio Short: Original concept film by Peter Strickland.
• Extended Box Hill Documentary: Mock documentary related to the film’s plot.
• Production Design Gallery: Visual showcase of dubbing charts and designs.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for the film.

Peter Strickland's "Berberian Sound Studio" is an evocative homage to Spaghetti-Horror that oscillates between unsettling dread and a metaphysical exploration of sound and madness. The film centers around Gilderoy, a British sound engineer magnificently portrayed by Toby Jones, whose mundane task of mixing audio for an Italian film spirals into a nightmarish odyssey. The narrative masterfully juxtaposes the quotidian with the macabre, as Gilderoy’s isolation compounded by language barriers and an oppressive work environment augments his descent into psychological disarray. The standout feature of Strickland's direction is his acute focus on sound design, treating it with an intricate precision akin to that seen in David Lynch's works, effectively utilizing audio to craft an immersive and perturbing cinematic experience.

The film's visual aesthetic is equally compelling, drawing parallels to classic giallo films through its stylish use of light and shadow, brilliantly executed by cinematographer Nicholas D. Knowland. The languid pacing and indulgent use of retro film techniques create an atmosphere dripping with tension and enigma. While the film’s denouement may polarize audiences due to its ambiguous nature, this very ambiguity is what lends "Berberian Sound Studio" its hypnotic charm. It poses profound questions about the psychological impact of art and the consuming nature of perfectionism and obsession.

For viewers seeking a clear-cut resolution, the film’s finale may prove contentious; however, those appreciating unconventional storytelling will find much to admire in its open-ended intricacies. Jones’s performance is lauded and rightly so, reflecting a character caught in a surreal blend of professional duty and existential horror. Strickland’s film is not merely an ode to Italian horror but a complex exploration of sound’s emotional power, making it an idiosyncratic yet irresistibly engrossing experience. This Blu-ray release ensures the film's unsettling charm and brilliant audiovisual design are preserved, offering an extraordinary treat for enthusiasts of atmospheric cinema.

Peter Strickland's "Berberian Sound Studio" stands out as one of the year's most atmospheric and darkly humorous films. Paying homage to the Italian genre films of the '70s, it carves a unique identity through its blend of unsettling auditory elements and a compelling narrative. Comparisons to films like "Amer" and "Pontypool" are inevitable for their shared artistic sensibilities and chilling suspense. For enthusiasts of these genres, "Berberian Sound Studio" proves an indispensable addition to one’s collection.

Artificial Eye's Blu-ray presentation of this film meets high expectations with impressive quality. The visual transfer stands out with its meticulous attention to detail, capturing the nuanced textures and vivid colors that enhance the retro aesthetic Strickland aimed for. Furthermore, the auditory experience is paramount, given the film's focus on sound, and here the Blu-ray truly excels. The sound mix is immersive and haunting, pulling viewers deeper into the enigmatic world of the protagonist. Every creak, whisper, and scream is delivered with crystal clarity, contributing to the film's tension and atmosphere.

In conclusion, "Berberian Sound Studio" is an exceptional film that artfully bridges homage and innovation within the horror genre. Artificial Eye’s Blu-ray release complements the film’s strengths with a superior presentation that preserves its intricate sound design and vivid visuals. This release is highly recommended for both cinephiles and genre aficionados alike.