Moonrise Kingdom Blu-ray Review

Presenting Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom" in a Criterion Blu-ray edition, the film is featured in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and provided with a 1080p transfer that has been meticulously supervised by Anderson himself. This version offers a 2K digital transfer directly from the original camera negative, ensuring the highest fidelity to Anderson's vision. Additionally, its 5.1 surround soundtrack has been remastered from the original digital audio master files at 24-bit using Pro Tools HD, aiming for an immersive auditory experience. Enhanced by colorist Tim Stipan at Technicolor, New York, the film boasts a level of clarity and color accuracy that faithfully reproduces its distinctive palette, especially its rich yellows and browns. Despite its derivation from 16mm film stock, known for its potential graininess, the film retains an exceptional quality of detail and texture that contributes to its vintage cinematic charisma, free from any distortive anomalies.

The choice of Super 16 film by Anderson, along with his collaboration with cinematographer Robert Yeoman, lends "Moonrise Kingdom" an authentically old-timey aesthetic that complements its setting and thematic resonance. The grain inherent to the 16mm format enhances the visual narrative without detracting from the HD presentation's clarity. While medium shots exhibit a softer appearance and shadow details are compromised due to the nature of the film stock, the result is a visually compelling representation of Anderson's stylized approach to storytelling. The film's color palette, dominated by earth tones interspersed with vibrant reds and blues, adds depth and vibrancy to the viewing experience, ensuring that moments intended to stand out visually do so with striking effect.

Despite the inherent limitations of using 16mm film, which impacts finer detail and darkness representation, "Moonrise Kingdom" benefits from this choice, providing a video presentation that conveys a unique atmosphere. Deep and well-defined blacks coexist with moments of vivid coloration, like Suzy’s neon blue eyeshadow, signaling precise control over the film's visual elements. This Blu-ray release not only showcases the technological aspects of the transfer process but also celebrates the artistic intent behind the film's production design and cinematography. As such, it stands as a testament to Wes Anderson's detailed directorial vision and his dedication to preserving the filmic quality of "Moonrise Kingdom," making it a commendable addition to both cinephiles' collections and enthusiasts of Anderson's work.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track featured on this Blu-ray release is a singular choice that carries the film's unique auditory experience with grace and precision. Accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility, the lossless audio presentation excels in delivering depth, clarity, and a nuanced dynamic range that foregrounds the movie's heavily dialogue-driven script. Dialogue, whether delivered crisply through the center channel or captured with directional finesse from off-screen voices, remains crystal clear - a crucial aspect for appreciating the film's swift verbal exchanges and subtle humor. The mix handles the careful balance between dialogue and background noise adeptly, ensuring every whispered line or quick jest is easily discernible.

Surround sound is effectively utilized to create an immersive experience, even if the film lacks the high-octane audio design typical of larger budget action movies. Environmental sounds - from the ambient buzz of nature to the more pronounced effects of a thunderstorm - move through the soundscape with a realism that enhances the viewer's immersion. The sound stage is alive with activity, employing both surrounds and the low-end frequency range to full effect. Thunder cracks with convincing depth, and the film's period-appropriate soundtrack benefits from a clean and resonant bass, adding a dynamic layer to the auditory experience.

Overall, the Blu-ray's audio presentation pays meticulous attention to detail. From ensuring the legibility of quick-witted dialogue to crafting an engaging ambient experience, the mix complements the film's visual storytelling without overwhelming it. The lack of pops, dropouts, or digital distortions further attests to the quality of this audio track. While not as aggressive or demanding as what might be found in action-centric films, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is a testament to thoughtful audio design tailored to enhance the narrative and atmospheric elements of "Moonrise Kingdom.

The Criterion re-release of 'Moonrise Kingdom' shines in its collection of extras, effectively deepening the viewer's appreciation for Wes Anderson's meticulous craft and the quirky, yet tender narrative of the film. Noteworthy are the comprehensive "Making of Moonrise Kingdom" segments, offering an in-depth look at the production stages from set exploration to special effects, with a unique blend of French narration and insightful auditions. The whimsical yet informative "Set Tour with Bill Murray" and the "Welcome to New Penzance" featurette parody traditional behind-the-scenes content with a distinctive Anderson flair. Additionally, Edward Norton's 16mm-styled iPhone videos provide an engaging yet chaotic glimpse into the filmmaking process. The extras also include a fascinating look at Benjamin Britten's influence through "Noye's Fludde" and bring the film's fictional world closer to the viewer through "Animated Books." The commentary, peculiar and engaging, along with a novelty Cousin Ben short, bolster an already compelling package, making this release a treasure trove for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Moonrise Kingdom.
• The Making of Moonrise Kingdom: Detailed featurette broken into four segments (Exploring the Set, Storyboard Animatics and Narrator Tests, Auditions, Miniatures).
• Welcome to New Penzance: Raw footage from key film locations.
• Set Tour with Bill Murray: Humorous set introduction by Bill Murray.
• Benjamin Britten's Noye's Fludde: Music extracts with archival photographs.
• Eleven iPhone Videos by Edward Norton: Behind-the-scenes gallery with an introduction by Edward Norton.
• Animated Books: Short segments where Suzy reads from her favorite books.
• Cousin Ben: Additional footage featuring Jason Schwartzman's character.
• Commentary: Audio commentary with Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Jake Ryan, and Peter Becker.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring an essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien, plus a map of New Penzance Island and other ephemera.

Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom," released in 2012 and later graced with a Criterion Blu-ray edition, stands as a testament to his unique directorial style, blending imagination and meticulousness into a narrative fabric that resonates deeply with its audience. The story, set in the 1960s on the fictional New Penzance Island, unfolds around the young fugitives Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) and Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward), drawing comparisons with Sean Penn's "Into the Wild" although differing significantly in tone and character dynamics. Unlike Penn's venture into existential rebellion, Anderson's focus is on the youthful quest for companionship and understanding amidst the absurdities of the adult world. The film is flavored with Anderson's signature visual storytelling, marked by symmetrical framing and a vibrant color palette that transforms every scene into a tableau vivant, reminiscent of a whimsically reimagined children's book.

The technical presentation of the movie on Blu-ray is nothing short of a cinephile's delight, featuring not only the film but an array of supplemental materials that enrich the viewing experience. Among these are an insightful audio commentary with Wes Anderson and key contributors, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives that illuminate both creative choices and production challenges. Furthermore, the disc includes storyboard animatics, raw footage, and a carefully curated featurette, complemented by a 20-page illustrated booklet that plunges deeper into the film’s artistic milieu. This commitment to additional content not only valorizes Anderson's work but serves as an educational resource on the film-making process.

The film itself, despite its playful exterior, touches on profound themes of love, independence, and the often-comical failings of adulthood through the eyes of its young protagonists. Anderson intricately weaves these elements with deadpan humor and a remarkable soundtrack, blending French pop with Alexandre Desplat's and Benjamin Britten's compositions, crafting an auditory landscape that perfectly accompanies the visual feast. However, it is the performance of Gilman and Hayward, both newcomers at the time, that stands out; their chemistry and delivery embody the innocence and earnestness of young love in a manner rarely captured on screen. "Moonrise Kingdom" is thus characterized by its ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity, inviting viewers into a meticulously crafted world where the whimsical and the poignant coexist seamlessly.

The Criterion Collection's release of "Moonrise Kingdom" has certainly stirred a mixture of opinions, but it comes across as a noteworthy addition for enthusiasts of the film. It must be acknowledged that the world Wes Anderson creates, with its beautiful yet abstract contrasts, may not engage all viewers equally. Some may find the awkward contrasts and the distinctly unique storytelling mode more tiresome than charming. However, for those who have reserved a special place for "Moonrise Kingdom" in their cinematic hearts, this release is poised to deepen their appreciation. The Blu-ray presentation itself remains largely identical to the initial Universal release, utilizing what appears to be the same masterful transfer that showcases the film's vivid colors and meticulous set details in high definition.

Where this Criterion edition distinguishes itself is through its supplemental materials, which offer insightful dives into the film's production history, reception, and underlying themes. The original release, described as "barebones," pales in comparison to this version that manages to enrich the viewer's understanding and connection with the film. Collectibles and special features enhance the package, making it a compelling proposition for collectors and fans alike. Although more extensive behind-the-scenes content could have added value, the included commentary and other extras provide meaningful context that complements the viewing experience remarkably well.

In conclusion, despite any divisiveness over the film's stylistic choices and narrative structure, the Criterion release of "Moonrise Kingdom" stands as a commendable effort to celebrate an idiosyncratic piece of cinema. It is recommended for both admirers of Wes Anderson's work and collectors who value comprehensive film presentations. Offering both a visual treat and a deeper exploration into the film's creation and impact, this edition proves to be an essential acquisition for those looking to explore the whimsical world of "Moonrise Kingdom" more thoroughly.