Take Me Somewhere Nice Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Take Me Somewhere Nice" on Blu-ray, utilizing an AVC encoded image, admirably captures the film's distinctive visual style. Presented in a unique 1.33:1 aspect ratio, this release excels in delivering detail with remarkable clarity. The extended shots are handled proficiently, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the intricate textures of skin surfaces and fibrous clothing. The precision in facial details is noteworthy, contributing to a sharply defined viewing experience. The film's locations are richly rendered, with the vast outdoors portrayed with depth and interiors offering a sharp understanding of their decorative elements.

Color accuracy is another highlight of this Blu-ray release. The palette includes vivid primaries and vivid candied hues seen on both lighting and outfits. Greenery is particularly eye-catching, appearing lush and vibrant, while skintones maintain a natural appearance throughout the viewing experience. Delineation is competently handled, ensuring that even densely populated scenes or complex visual compositions retain their clarity. This presentation maintains a professional aesthetic throughout, enhancing the film's narrative through its visual storytelling prowess.

Overall, this Blu-ray's video section provides a meticulously crafted visual feast. The blend of technical detail and color precision ensures an engaging and immersive viewing experience, perfectly complementing the film's artistic intentions.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Take Me Somewhere Nice" delivers a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, despite packaging claims of a 5.1 DTS-HD MA availability. A notable aspect is the clear and nuanced dialogue that maintains precision throughout the film. The mix embraces the front soundstage, effectively highlighting the vocal exchanges. The soundtrack and score by Ella van der Woude are comely balanced with an ideal volume, contributing to the movie's emotional resonance with some electropop beats interspersed.

Although technically a stereo mix, it seems to exhibit surround encoding capabilities, offering an immersive atmospheric ambience. Ambient sounds are presented in a way that conveys the openness of settings, providing an auditory sense of location without overwhelming the frontal audio presence. The bass extension, generally solid throughout most tracks, is somewhat restrained during scenes set in club-like environments. This subtlety in bass might be perceived as a shortcoming during these sequences but generally suits the film's tone harmoniously.

Available in both Dutch and Bosnian with removable English subtitles, the audio maintains a consistent quality through various language tracks, ensuring that the listening experience remains seamless and linguistically versatile. Overall, while the absence of a true 5.1 mix might disappoint some audiophiles, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a sufficiently engaging and pleasing auditory experience that supports the film's narrative effectively.

The Blu-ray extras for "Take Me Somewhere Nice" offer a robust exploration of the film's creative journey and its artistic context. Ena Sendijarevic, the writer/director, sheds light on her filmmaking process in "Magic in the Night," emphasizing the film's connection with her earlier works and its evolution into a road movie. The inclusion of short films such as "Import," "Fernweh," and "Travelers in the Night" illustrates her artistic development. The "Take Me Home" interview highlights actress Sara Luna Zoric's first acting experience and her personal resonance with the character of Alma, elaborating on their shared Bosnian-Dutch heritage. The additional booklet and trailer serve as insightful companions, enriching viewers' understanding of the film's production and thematic undertones.

Extras included in this disc:

• Booklet: Contains an interview with writer/director Ena Sendijarevic.
• Magic in the Night: An interview with Ena Sendijarevic discussing the film's background.
• Take Me Home: A video conference interview with actress Sara Luna Zoric.
• Short Films: A collection of Ena Sendijarevic's works from 2013-2016.
• Trailer: A brief glimpse into the film.

"Take Me Somewhere Nice" is an intricate exploration of identity and disconnection, helmed by writer/director Ena Sendijarevic. This picaresque narrative centers on Alma, portrayed by Sara Luna Zoric, a young Dutch woman venturing to Bosnia in search of her estranged father after hearing of his hospitalization. The film is crafted with a blend of comedic undertones and existential questioning, steering away from a conventional road trip narrative. Instead, it offers a static and somewhat understated depiction of travel and disorientation. Sendijarevic's storytelling approach maintains a deliberate distance, emphasizing a visual and aesthetic celebration over a narrative of emotional engagement, which leaves the story feeling notably cold and detached.

The technical execution of "Take Me Somewhere Nice" is commendable, with Sendijarevic and cinematographer Emo Weemhoff focusing sharply on the film's visual presentation. The framing and use of color are meticulously considered, enhancing the visual allure at varied moments throughout the film. Despite these laudable visual feats, the film's dramatic essence remains tepid. The intention seems to be an intricate study of character dynamics and cultural introspection, yet the potential cinematic exploration repeatedly diverts attention from deeper audience connection. This stylistic choice results in a film that challenges viewer engagement, balancing its artistic ambitions with sparse narrative warmth.

Recognition of "Take Me Somewhere Nice" at prestigious festivals such as Rotterdam and Sarajevo underscores its distinctive appeal in the art-house domain. Through Alma’s encounters with her cousin Emir and friend Denis, played by Ernad Prnjavorac and Lazar Dragojevic respectively, the film unravels its themes through a tapestry of mishaps and serendipitous events. As Alma grapples with misfortune—losing belongings and navigating unforeseen hurdles—the story gradually shifts focus from a singular destination to the nuanced journey itself, inviting audiences to consider the weight of paths traveled over destinations reached.

"Take Me Somewhere Nice" offers an intriguing blend of narrative, visual representation, and sound design, yet presents a study that might resonate more deeply with viewers familiar with its cultural setting. Director Ena Sendijarevic crafts a personal film, interweaving elements that might seem conventional yet are presented with a distinctive style—an approach worth noting, aligning with Dekanalog's mission of spotlighting unique creative voices and scores globally. The film shines aesthetically with well-composed imagery that does not shy away from the starkness of its subject matter.

The Blu-ray release highlights the film’s visual prowess, offering a crisp, vivid presentation that captures the director’s nuanced color palette and artistic direction. The audio mix complements the visual experience, highlighting the subtleties in the musical score and ambient sounds essential for the film's atmosphere. However, some may find the narrative element less engaging, with character development that seems subdued and lacking vivaciousness—an aspect that feels intentional but might not appeal to all audiences.

In conclusion, "Take Me Somewhere Nice" is a juxtaposition of beauty and restraint, a distinct cinematic experience that thrives on its aesthetic finesse while posing challenges in narrative dynamism. Ena Sendijarevic succeeds in imprinting her unique perspective on this debut, undeniably marking her place as a creative filmmaker to watch. While not universally accessible in its storytelling, it remains a worthwhile endeavor for those appreciative of indie cinema’s exploratory nature and cultural specificity.