Neil Young Journeys Blu-ray Review

Neil Young Journeys is presented with a 1080p HD transfer in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Shot on lower-end HD video equipment, the imagery conveys an intimate atmosphere rather than visual grandeur. The video quality is acceptable, though it is often shaky and presents noticeable noise along with some jagged lines and overexposed bright backgrounds. Colors are natural but neither vibrant nor rich, offering a fair but sub-optimal visual experience. Black levels are generally deep and true but tend to shift towards brightness occasionally. Details are adequate, capturing textures on Young’s attire, face, and instruments without significant complexity.

The documentary seamlessly merges two perspectives: footage of Young driving around his hometown and concert performance scenes. The concert footage stands out with impressive clarity, especially given the challenging, dimly lit environment dominated by dark yellows, reds, and browns. The detail quality here is excellent; every hair on Young's face and each scratch on his guitar are precisely rendered. Conversely, during the daytime sequences in Young’s car, the transfer showcases brighter colors—blues and greens—without aliasing or halo artifacts. This balanced presentation effectively offers a contrast between the intimate concert atmosphere and the brighter, more personal moments with Young, ultimately rendering the video aspect of the Blu Ray both technically proficient and contextually engaging.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Neil Young Journeys" features an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 channel lossless soundtrack, particularly during the concert footage. The first notes of "Peaceful Valley Boulevard" deliver an immediate, immersive impact with remarkable clarity and power. The audio captures the dynamism and emotion of Neil Young's performance, with crisp and clear vocals that resonate deeply. There is significant bass presence, though it can be slightly rattly at times, the overall musical elements demonstrate precision and fidelity that place the listener in the midst of the live audience, surrounded by the ambient noise of cheering crowds.

The rear speakers are effectively utilized to enhance the spatial experience, mostly reflecting the echoes of musical instruments which create an authentic concert environment. The documentary segments are also well-mixed, presenting dialogue with clarity despite occasional hollowness during car scenes. The blend of city sounds, concert hall preparations, and crowd chatter are seamlessly integrated, offering a rich auditory backdrop. Jonathan Demme and Neil Young’s collaborative efforts yield a robust and engaging audio track that excels both in musical presentation and atmospheric immersion.

The "Neil Young Journeys" Blu-ray extras provide a comprehensive and engaging behind-the-scenes look at the making of this iconic film. The disc features in-depth conversations with Neil Young and director Jonathan Demme, addressing their creative process and long-standing collaboration. "Journey to Slamdance," a 35-minute Q&A moderated by Paul Rachman, offers a detailed exploration into the artistic decisions and technical elements of the film, providing a rich, intimate setting. In contrast, the "92Y Talks" session is a more formal discussion, spanning 33 minutes of insightful conversation in front of a larger audience. The 7-minute "Making Journeys" featurette delivers succinct behind-the-scenes content, highlighting the concert photography and storytelling aspects. Additionally, viewers can access the original theatrical trailer and previews of other Sony titles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Journey to Slamdance: A Conversation with Neil Young & Jonathan Demme: A detailed Q&A session moderated by Paul Rachman.
• 92Y Talks with Neil Young & Jonathan Demme: An insightful discussion in a formal setting.
• Making Journeys: Behind-the-scenes content on the collaboration and concert photography.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Previews: Trailers for additional Sony titles.

"Neil Young Journeys," a compelling hybrid of documentary and concert film, showcases Neil Young in an intimate, yet dynamically staged presentation. The film masterfully interweaves candid footage of Young revisiting his childhood haunts in Omemee, Ontario, with a standout live performance at Toronto's Massey Hall. This film, directed by Jonathan Demme, explores both Young’s nostalgic reflections and musical prowess, creating a captivating narrative for dedicated fans and newcomers alike. The 134-kilometer drive captured in Demme’s evocative shots offers an engaging contextual backdrop to the musical performances that dominate the runtime.

The central feature of the film is unequivocally Young’s concert at Massey Hall. The concert footage is visually and sonically impressive, largely due to Demme’s innovative use of camera angles—such as an HD lipstick camera on the mic stand and internal piano shots—that provide a unique viewing experience. Highlights include timeless tracks like "After the Gold Rush" and "Ohio," alongside newer pieces such as "Peaceful Valley Boulevard." The exceptional audio quality, recorded at 96kHz, ensures that every note and vocal nuance resonates with pristine clarity, effectively transporting the viewer to the heart of the performance.

While primarily a musical showcase, glimpses into Young's personal history—narrated during his travels—add layers of depth. Scenes depicting Young revisiting significant locations from his past, combined with Demme’s poetic cinematographic flair, contribute to the film's reflective atmosphere. This dual narrative structure widens its appeal, providing enriching content for hardcore fans craving personal insight, while the remarkable concert segments stand as a testament to Young’s enduring musical talent. Though not heavy on backstage revelations, “Neil Young Journeys” delivers a well-rounded, enriching experience that balances introspective moments with mesmerizing live performances.

Neil Young Journeys presents a unique and intimate concert experience that offers fans a close and personal look at Neil Young's craft. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film intertwines concert footage with a reflective journey through Young's hometown, providing a dual-layer narrative that melds biography with performance. The Blu-ray video quality showcases solid HD performance, delivering crisp and clear visuals albeit with some variability consistent with lower-end HD photography. Demme's use of powerful camera angles enhances the immersive quality of the concert segments, making each performance resonate with vibrance.

From an audio perspective, Neil Young Journeys excels with its lossless audio track, capturing the raw power and nuance of Young's music. The sound quality is nothing short of stellar, often approaching demo-worthy standards that highlight every subtlety in the live audio mix. This attention to detail elevates the listening experience, positioning it as one of the Blu-ray's standout features. A few supplemental extras provide additional context and are a welcomed inclusion for those wanting deeper insights into the making of the film.

In conclusion, this is a film all about perspective, expectations, and audience. Neil Young Journeys will satisfy fans in search of a one-on-one journey with Neil Young. It will also please those who enjoy his music, but the most casual of audiences might find themselves a bit bored with the rest of the film. That's certainly not a knock on either Young or Demme; the film is simple yet well made but may not appeal to a very wide audience. That's something to keep in mind, but it's also important to note that the music is fabulous and is alone worth the price of admission. Sony's Blu-ray release of Neil Young Journeys features serviceable lower-end HD video photography, good lossless audio, and a few extras. Recommended to the proper audiences as outlined throughout the review.