Laurence Anyways Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Laurence Anyways" delivers a visually engaging experience, albeit with certain limitations that detract from its fullest potential. The AVC encoded image, presented in a unique 1.37:1 aspect ratio, reflects an intentional stylistic choice that resonates with the film's period setting, enhancing its authenticity and immersive feel. While the image benefits from brightened visuals and satisfactory color reproduction, especially in primaries seen in costuming and lighting, it suffers from a somewhat washed-out appearance at times. The black levels are frequently diluted, appearing gray and hazy, which compromises the depth and richness that sharper contrast would afford. This issue is persistent, affecting the film's ability to fully capitalize on its more visually arresting moments.

Detail in the image is adequate, with close-ups revealing expressive facial reactions and the nuanced textures of aging, as well as fine details in the film's decorated interiors. However, the overall picture quality doesn't consistently reach the heights of clarity and texture one might expect from a 4K presentation, particularly given the film's original 35mm source. Noise and minor banding present further limitations, though skin tones remain natural and comfortable throughout. Despite these shortcomings, moments of brilliance emerge—such as a notably vibrant ball scene—offering glimpses of the visual splendor "Laurence Anyways" could have consistently achieved.

In summation, while the video presentation exhibits moments of compelling clarity and color vibrancy that celebrate the film's artistic vision, it's ultimately hindered by inconsistent black levels, occasional noise, and an overall sense of underutilization of its 4K potential. The aspects of brightness, color fidelity, and detail provide a satisfactory viewing experience, but one can't help feeling a sense of missed opportunity for a film of this caliber to truly shine in its 4K UHD Blu-ray incarnation. The result is a presentation that is adequate but falls just short of greatness—a disappointment not in its competence, but in its failure to fully embrace the depth and texture promised by the film’s rich, artistic presentation.

The audio presentation of "Laurence Anyways" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray delivers an aural experience that, while not overambitious in its surround effects, manages to captivate the listener with impeccable sound design and balance. The French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track shines in clarity and sophistication, presenting dialogue with such transparency that it leaves no room for misinterpretation of emotional nuances, even for those who might not be fluent in French. The fidelity to vocals is complemented by an equally impressive handling of music, which ranges from synth-infused scores that add a significant depth to the soundstage, to an eclectic mix of tracks from iconic artists like Duran Duran and Celine Dion, ensuring that every musical note is felt as much as it is heard.

Despite its primary focus on the front stage, the sound mix occasionally transcends this limitation with scenes that carry a vivid atmosphere, using the rear channels effectively to immerse the viewer into crowded cafés or bars, further enhancing the cinematic experience. Music tracks are given room to breathe and expand across all speakers, adding a dynamism to the film's audible presence. However, it is in its restraint and precision where the mix truly excels, strategically employing the lower frequencies without overwhelming the nuanced sound palette.

In essence, "Laurence Anyways" demonstrates a masterful audio mix that supports and elevates the visual storytelling. It balances dialogue clarity with atmospheric depth and musical vibrancy without succumbing to the temptation of overusing its surround capabilities. This results in an audio experience that is both enriching and engaging, underlining the film’s emotional and thematic layers through sound. While it may not push technical boundaries to achieve its impact, the audio presentation remains an exemplar of how subtlety and precision can contribute to a memorable cinematic experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Laurence Anyways" offer an insightful peek behind the curtain of Xavier Dolan's filmmaking process, providing a detailed exploration of the movie's creation and the director's career. Highlights include an in-depth conversation from a 2013 Museum of Modern Art event, where Dolan shares his journey, inspirations, and the challenges he faced while bringing "Laurence Anyways" to life. Furthermore, an extensive collection of deleted scenes, complete with Dolan's candid commentary, reveals the painstaking decisions behind each cut, offering an intriguing glimpse into what might have been. Also included are a photo gallery that showcases moments from filming and promotion, alongside the film’s theatrical trailer, enriching the viewing experience with added layers of context and understanding of this cinematic endeavor.

Extras included in this disc:

• Modern Monday: An Evening with Xavier Dolan: A career-spanning discussion with Xavier Dolan at The Museum of Modern Art.
• Deleted Scenes: A compilation of scenes removed from the final cut, introduced by Xavier Dolan.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of 29 images from the filming and promotional campaigns.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer for "Laurence Anyways".

"Laurence Anyways," Xavier Dolan's third cinematic venture, delves deeply into the complexities of identity and love over a transcendent, decadal narrative. Spanning from 1989 to 1999, the film intricately explores the relationship between Laurence (Melvil Poupaud), a high school teacher embarking on a profound journey of gender transformation, and his soulmate, Frédérique (Suzanne Clément). As Laurence transitions, the film unflinchingly addresses the societal and personal upheavals encountered. Despite its ambitious thematic focus and visually striking cinematography, inspired by auteurs like Stanley Kubrick, Wong Kar-Wai, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Dolan's narrative suffers under the weight of its own aesthetic indulgence and excessive length. The story's pacing is compromised by a tendency towards overwrought symbolism and melodrama, diluting its core emotional resonance.

Dolan’s portrayal oscillates between artfully surreal to sentimentally overblown, evidenced in both the use of aggressive handheld cinematography and a cacophony of background music that sometimes serve more as distractions than enhancements to the storytelling. Laurence’s transition and quest for authenticity are depicted with both sensitivity and flair, capturing moments of pure liberation juxtaposed with the suffocating claustrophobia of societal expectations. However, these moments are occasionally lost amidst the film’s sprawling narrative and Dolan’s predilection for stylistic over substance. The engagement with significant themes of acceptance and privacy rights is present but muddled by an execution that leans heavily into aesthetic opulence, at times sidelining the deeper, more nuanced exploration of Laurence's gender identity journey and its impact on her relationships.

Moreover, the film's lengthy runtime is emblematic of its broader issues: an ambitious, albeit bloated, endeavor that struggles to balance its narrative efficacy with stylistic experiments. While Dolan's vision gleams with the polish of potential greatness, "Laurence Anyways" is mired in its extravagant excesses—promising a cinematic journey that is as frustrating as it is fascinating. Drawing from an array of cinematic influences, Dolan crafts an experience that is both visually arresting and emotionally dissonant, leaving viewers ensnared in a sprawling odyssey that yearns for a tighter editorial hand to direct its expansive ambitions towards a more coherent and impactful delivery.

"Laurence Anyways," presented on 4K UHD Blu-ray, is a cinematic paradox that intertwines profound narratives on self-liberation with an unyielding directorial style. The film leverages Xavier Dolan's passionate visual storytelling, alongside the powerfully rendered performances of Melvil Poupaud and Suzanne Clément, to elevate its complex tale beyond mere cinematic flair. These elements collaboratively forge a memorable, albeit somewhat overwhelming, viewing experience. Despite the strength of its individual components, the film's expansive ambition occasionally detracts from its core narrative potency, rendering its exploration into the dynamics of identity and love as exhaustive as it is exhilarating.

From a technical standpoint, the 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Laurence Anyways" is commendable, boasting exceptional sound design that complements its diverse and vibrant visuals. Although the picture quality is described as merely okay, it does little to detract from the overall immersion offered by this meticulously crafted package. The inclusion of detailed special features further enhances the viewing experience, providing insightful and enriching context to Dolan's creative process and artistic vision. This release not only serves as a compelling examination of a pivotal moment in Dolan's career but also as a testament to the evolving capabilities and impact of home cinema presentations.

In conclusion, "Laurence Anyways" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is an essential addition for aficionados of thought-provoking cinema and those invested in the evolution of filmmaking prowess. Despite its narrative and aesthetic excesses, the film stands out as a crucial moment in Xavier Dolan's oeuvre, offering viewers both a challenging and enriching cinematic journey. Its technical presentation enriches an already dense narrative, making it a recommended acquisition for those who appreciate the artistry of cinema both in front of and behind the camera.