New York, I Love You Blu-ray Review

"New York, I Love You" offers an impressive high-definition video presentation captured in a 1080p/1.85:1 AVC encoded format. The film's diverse visual styles create a consistent thematic presentation, but occasional post-production enhancements result in slight disparities. Colors are typically muted, with a reliance on neutral and sepia tones, except for the lush greens and perkier primaries in the Central Park scenes. Despite some segments displaying an orange-yellow tint affecting flesh tones, the overall image quality is elevated by excellent contrast and a near-infinite level of detail in close-ups. New York City’s architecture, streets, and sporadic vegetation are depicted with remarkable transparency and depth.

The presentation features a light veil of grain that adds a cinematic texture without distorting or softening the image. Nighttime segments look particularly marvelous; rich, stable blacks and distinctive details in dark areas enhance depth and dimensionality. Despite minor artifacting during quick pans over geometrical patterns on skyscrapers, the presentation is clear and engaging. Overall, the film’s high-definition visuals boast excellent detail and depth of field, especially in cityscapes, while the nuanced contrast ensures that discerning viewers will appreciate its notable cinematic quality.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "New York, I Love You" boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that is notably well-executed for a film of its nature. Being primarily dialogue-driven, the soundtrack excels in clarity and presence, with voices delivered through the center channel in a crystal clear manner that enhances the narrative. This high-resolution audio ensures even the softest whispers are distinctly audible, adding depth and realism to character interactions. The front channels adeptly handle the majority of soundtrack elements, exhibiting solid imaging across left, center, and right speakers that align perfectly with the onscreen action. Although the subwoofer does not dominate the soundscape, its subtle usage serves to enhance musical segments and thematic emphases effectively.

Despite taking place in the bustling city of New York, the film's audio mix is relatively subdued, aligning well with its intimate, dialogue-centric scenes. The surround channels contribute with ambient sounds and discrete directional cues that immerse the viewer during scenes set outdoors, such as seagulls and waves at Coney Island. While the surround experience might come across as somewhat understated, it remains competent in providing an immersive backdrop when necessary. Occasional low-frequency effects punctuate the movie; notable examples include the drumbeats in the Acosta dance sequence and a skateboard whizzing by in one of the final segments, providing a surprising but welcome dynamic shift when they do appear.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix delivers a proficient and fitting auditory experience for "New York, I Love You". It may not be as bombastic as typical big-city soundtracks, but it strikes an optimal balance between dialogue clarity, ambient presence, and occasional impactful sounds, making it a solid, respectable piece of work for this format.

The Blu-ray of "New York, I Love You" includes a succinct but rich selection of special features. Two notable cut segments, "These Vagabond Shoes" by Scarlett Johansson and "Apocrypha" by Andrey Zvyagintsev, provide additional layers to the anthology. Johansson's segment, starring Kevin Bacon, exudes a charming yet artsy vibe that adds a colorful nuance, contrasting its sepia-toned prelude. In contrast, Zvyagintsev's "Apocrypha" offers a more enigmatic narrative involving a videographer documenting a complex relationship. The interviews with directors Brett Ratner, Yvan Attal, Josh Marston, Mira Nair, and Shunji Iwai provide moderate insight into their creative processes. The original theatrical trailer effectively rounds out the extras, enhancing the overall value of this Blu-ray edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• These Vagabond Shoes: Written/directed by Scarlett Johansson featuring Kevin Bacon.
• Apocrypha: Written/directed by Andrey Zvyaginstev.
• Director Interviews: Interviews with Ratner, Attal, Marston, Nair, and Iwai.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for the film.

"New York, I Love You" is a cinematic mosaic of romantic and emotional vignettes, uniquely capturing the lives of several strangers navigating the complexities of love, loss, and connection in the bustling landscape of New York City. Drawing inspiration from "Paris, Je t'aime," this film features 11 distinct directors, including Natalie Portman and Brett Ratner, each bringing their own stylistic flair to various segments. The narrative weaves through stories of diverse characters, from Hayden Christensen's pickpocket with a hidden agenda to Natalie Portman's Hasidic bride silently fantasizing about a Jain jewel merchant. The execution ranges from touching to whimsical, delivering a series of brisk and nuanced performances from a star-studded cast, including Ethan Hawke, Orlando Bloom, and Julie Christie. Each story maintains a unique voice while contributing to the overall cohesive tapestry of the film.

Technically, the film impresses with its cinematographic cohesion, showcasing New York's vibrant cityscapes through skilfully constructed crane and dolly shots. The natural performances—from revered icons like John Hurt to young talents like Taylor Geare—underscore the directors' success in extracting heartfelt and genuine portrayals. While some segments, such as Shia LeBeouf's enigmatic turn as a Russian bellboy, may feel slightly out of sync with the overall narrative, the eclectic mix provides enough variety to engage and entertain a diverse audience.

Despite its occasional unevenness, "New York, I Love You" benefits from a stronger narrative structure compared to its Parisian predecessor. The interweaving of characters and segues creates a more interconnected experience, giving viewers fleeting yet memorable glimpses into the lives of New Yorkers. Although it may not reach the heights of its French counterpart, the film's innovative approach and heartfelt performances render it an engaging exploration of love in the city that never sleeps.

"New York, I Love You" presents a vibrant and eclectic mosaic of life and love in the Big Apple. Clocking in with multiple short stories, the film gives insight into various narratives that, while brief, provide engaging snapshots of its diverse characters. Despite its episodic structure which limits character depth, several segments are notably compelling, ensuring that viewers from different walks of life will find something to resonate with them. Visually, the film benefits from a bright and lively presentation, offering a visual treat that's both colorful and captivating.

Audio-wise, the Blu-ray release holds up fairly well, though it won't necessarily dazzle high-end audiophiles. The moderately decent audio quality delivers an adequate experience, allowing dialogue and soundtrack to mesh cohesively without overshadowing the picturesque cinematography. The technical specifications are consistently reliable, ensuring that even without state-of-the-art home theater equipment, users can still enjoy a pleasant auditory and visual experience.

In conclusion, "New York, I Love You" may not break new cinematic ground, but its charm lies in its heartfelt depiction of life in one of the world's most iconic cities. The strong video quality, combined with serviceable audio, makes this Blu-ray worth considering for those who appreciate a mix of romance, drama, and the bustling essence of New York City.