Somewhere Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Somewhere" showcases a 1080p/VC-1 transfer that might not dazzle newcomers to high-definition viewing, but it's a treat for cinephiles deeply in tune with Sofia Coppola’s artistic vision. The visual treatment stays true to Harris Savides’ original cinematography, reproducing its unique, indie charm with fidelity. While some viewers might notice the muted black levels, inconsistent contrast, and occasionally unnatural skintones, these aspects can be traced back to intentional choices made during filming to evoke a specific atmosphere. Image detailing varies, offering a blend of fine textures and clean edges amidst a deliberately sober color palette. The presentation maintains the film's inherent grain, enhancing its cinematic texture without veering into distracting noise or artifacting.

Despite its gritty and somewhat flat appearance, mirroring the aesthetic of a film that could pass for being shot on 16mm, the Blu-ray manages to preserve the directorial intention without unnecessary compromise. Detail levels might seem sparse, and the picture occasionally soft and gritty, yet this contributes to the film's authentic rawness rather than detracting from it. Blacks do not reach deep levels of depth, contributing to the chosen murky and rough around the edges look Coppola aimed for. The preservation of a thick layer of grain underlines this stylistic choice, ensuring that "Somewhere" remains faithful to its original cinematic expression.

"Somewhere's" Blu-ray video does not purport itself as demo material, given its distinctive visual choices that favor artistic authenticity over polished clarity. However, for those attuned to Coppola’s visual storytelling and Savides' photographic nuances, this presentation will not disappoint. It carefully balances between adhering to the film’s intentional aesthetics and offering a technically proficient encode free from significant digital anomalies. In essence, it respects the film's grainy texture and indie sensibility, making it a commendable high-definition experience for fans and cinephiles alike.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track meticulously adheres to the atmospheric essence director Sofia Coppola envisioned for "Somewhere," yet the end result leaves much to be desired for audiophiles seeking an enveloping audio experience. The mix is predominantly front-focused, with ambient sounds and acoustic effects sparingly bleeding into the rear channels, causing the overall soundscape to feel somewhat flat and constrained. Environmental noises, air hiss, and voices exhibit an unrefined quality reminiscent of raw, unfiltered reality, which, while perhaps intentional to enhance the film's gritty realism, results in dialogues that lack clarity and prioritization. Moreover, the low-frequency effects (LFE) are minimal, further limiting the audio's dynamic range and immersion potential.

Despite these characteristics, there are moments where the sound design's intentionality shines, particularly in scenes that demand precise directionality, like the opening sequence featuring a Ferrari's engine roaring across the soundstage. However, these instances are few and far between, with surround sound largely underutilized throughout the majority of the runtime. Dialogue and sound effects often come across as brash, lacking the depth one might expect from a high-definition audio presentation. This deliberate restraint serves to underscore the film's austere narrative approach but falls short of showcasing the robust capabilities of DTS-HD Master Audio.

In essence, while "Somewhere" audibly unfolds precisely as Coppola envisaged—with a focus on authenticity over sonic polish—this approach may not resonate with all audiences. Those aligned with Coppola's stylistic preferences may find satisfaction in the audio's unadorned realism, yet it's unlikely to impress those in search of a showcase for their high-end home theater systems. In balancing fidelity to the director's vision with the inherent expectations of lossless audio quality, "Somewhere" occupies a niche auditory space that may not cater to the broader palette of Blu Ray enthusiasts.

The extra presentation of the Blu Ray for "Somewhere" offers a singular, introspective glimpse into the making of the film through its exclusive feature, "Making Somewhere." Rather than adhering to conventional behind-the-scenes formats, this featurette takes a notably artistic stance, mirroring the film's nuanced storytelling and atmosphere. Stretching over 17 minutes, it's described as both obtuse and pretentious, touching lightly on the production process without delving deep into the complexities or challenges faced. This approach may not cater to all tastes, particularly those seeking a detailed breakdown of the filmmaking process. Yet, it devotedly highlights Sofia Coppola's directorial prowess, making it a unique piece for fans and admirers of her work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Somewhere: A glimpse into the making of "Somewhere", showcasing Sofia Coppola's directorial approach.

Sofia Coppola's Somewhere, a film encapsulating the ennui of celebrity and the redemptive potential of fatherhood, is as divisive as it is minimal. Despite the film garnering high praise in some corners, winning the Golden Lion at the 67th Venice International Film Festival, it remains a piece capable of eliciting both admiration and frustration. Its narrative, focused on the uneventful and plush life of Johnny Marco (played by Stephen Dorff) and his relationship with his daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning), is portrayed with a meticulous attention to the mundane details that compose their existence. While some viewers are enthralled by Coppola's meditative and voyeuristic direction, others find Somewhere to be an exercise in tedium, criticizing its slow pace and lack of narrative momentum.

The technical aspects of Somewhere, notably Harris Savides' cinematography and the sparse, atmospheric score, are universally acclaimed. These elements, in conjunction with Dorff and Fanning's compelling performances, craft a visually and emotionally textured work. However, the film's reliance on these technical strengths alone has been a point of contention. Critics argue that while Lost in Translation offered a slow but engaging narrative with rich characters, Somewhere falls short by failing to evolve beyond its beautiful but ultimately hollow scenes of Hollywood malaise.

Coppola's intention to explore the superficiality and isolation inherent in celebrity life through Johnny's aimless existence and his attempts at connecting with Cleo does resonate. Yet, this exploration often feels prolonged and without sufficient payoff, leaving audiences divided. For every viewer who finds depth in the film's silence and static shots, another finds it frustratingly indirect and empty. Coppola's use of long takes and detached storytelling amplifies these critiques, making Somewhere a film that, while possessing moments of genuine connection and beauty, struggles to completely capture and convey its intended emotional and thematic depth.

Sophia Coppola's 'Somewhere' attempts to delve into the nuanced realm of fame and its isolating effects, much like her acclaimed 'Lost in Translation'. However, it falls short in delivering the poignant storytelling and emotional depth that marked her earlier success. The film meanders through the life of Johnny Marco, an echo of Bob from 'Translation', exploring his relationship with his daughter, Cleo. Yet, it lacks the fresh perspective or the compelling narrative drive that made Coppola's previous work stand out. Instead, 'Somewhere' treads over familiar ground without adding new insights, making it feel like a lesser reiteration of themes Coppola has already explored more effectively.

Universal's Blu-ray presentation of 'Somewhere', however, stands out for its technical excellence. The audio-visual quality is top-notch, accurately reflecting Coppola's directorial intentions with sharp visuals and clear sound. While the film itself may not captivate all viewers, its technical delivery is undeniably faithful and of high quality. Sadly, the release is somewhat marred by a lack of substantial supplemental material, which could have provided much-needed context or deepened appreciation for the film's artistic choices. Fans might appreciate the fidelity of the Blu-ray to Coppola's vision, but newcomers should be wary of investing too quickly.

Ultimately, 'Somewhere' seems destined to appeal more to Coppola's die-hard fans rather than winning over new admirers. While its AV presentation on Blu-ray is commendable, the film itself does not offer enough narrative strength or originality to stand out in her oeuvre. For those curious about Coppola's exploration of fame's emptiness, a rental is advised before making a purchase. In conclusion, 'Somewhere' feels like a missed opportunity to build upon the themes Coppola has capably handled in the past, delivering a cinematic experience that lingers but ultimately fails to resonate deeply.