Le Quattro Volte Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Le Quattro Volte" by Kino-Lorber achieves a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that expertly captures the film's aesthetic nuances. Andrea Locatelli's cinematography, rich with the natural beauty of the Calabrian countryside, is showcased with a pleasing degree of clarity and vibrant colors. The landscape’s depiction is realistic and dense with solid blacks and good contrast, which overall enhances the visual experience. The 35mm film grain is well-preserved, contributing to the film’s authentic, film-like quality; although its chunkiness can be notable in darker sequences, it does not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Some digital noise reduction appears to have been applied lightly, with minimal softening and no adverse waxy or smudgy textures.

The image clarity fluctuates slightly, especially in longer wide shots, where fine detail might appear softer. However, close-ups are well-rendered, bringing out intricate textures such as the weathered skin of the elderly protagonist and the shaggy fur of the goats with impressive detail. Color reproduction is accurate and never feels oversaturated, though white levels may occasionally appear a bit overexposed. Although there is some compression noise and sporadic specks on the print—somewhat surprising for a contemporary film—these minor imperfections are generally unobtrusive and easily overlooked due to the overall visual splendor of the movie.

"Le Quattro Volte" relies heavily on its visual storytelling through meticulous compositions and picturesque scenery to invoke emotion and narrative progression. Despite minor shortcomings like isolated graininess and minimal artifacts, the Blu-ray transfer maintains a naturalistic and serene quality that faithfully honors the film's visual intent. The end result is a richly detailed and engaging viewing experience that brilliantly showcases the film's rustic charm and contemplative beauty.

The audio presentation of "Le Quattro Volte" is delivered through both a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track and a Dolby TrueHD 2.0 fold-down. Given the absence of discernable dialogue and musical score, the film relies heavily on ambient sounds to create its unique auditory experience. The sound design masterfully captures the natural ambiance of various locations, highlighting the subtle yet profound sounds of nature—everything from the bleating of goats and the atonal clanging of brass bells around their necks to the bass-heavy rustle of wind and the tolling from a church tower.

The surround channels are used sparingly, adding depth and spatial resonance during crucial scenes such as the death/rebirth sequences. These moments are enriched with minor bass activity and surround effects like dripping water and knocking noises, which enhance immersion. Despite being quiet and stripped down, each sound within the track is delivered with high fidelity, ensuring that every chirp, bark, and footstep is captured with aural precision. The subtle use of atmospheric sounds seamlessly blends across the center, left, and right channels, making the mix surprisingly effective despite its simplicity.

Overall, the audio mix might appear deceptively straightforward, yet it’s intricately designed to complement the film’s material. The Blu-ray's sound design successfully employs natural ambient noise to envelop the viewer, maintaining a balance that's both minimalistic and immersive. The inclusion of both a 5.1 surround and a 2.0 stereo track ensures that all viewers can experience this subtle auditory tapestry, regardless of their home theater setup.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Le Quattro Volte" are modest but relevant, providing a glimpse into the film's unique thematic elements and the broader catalog of similar titles. The theatrical trailer is especially notable, presented in pristine 1080p with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound and English subtitles, where an Italian narrator elucidates the film's concept of transmigration. The stills gallery, though limited to six images of moderate quality, offers a visual supplement that captures key moments from the film. Additionally, the disc includes trailers for four other releases by Kino Lorber, broadening the scope for viewers interested in similar cinematic experiences.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound and English subtitles.
• Stills Gallery: Six high-definition images from the movie.
• Also Available from Kino Lorber: Trailers for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Sunflower, Marriage Italian Style, and Korkoro.

Michelangelo Frammartino's "Le Quattro Volte" transcends traditional narrative and dialogue, creating an evocative visual meditation inspired by Pythagoras' belief in the transmigration of souls. The film transitions through four phases—human, animal, vegetable, and mineral—while maintaining a serene and reflective tone. It begins with an elderly goatherd in Calabria, whose daily, routine-filled life is captured through lingering, still shots that craft an intimate yet distant voyeuristic experience. The old man's passing synchronizes with the birth of a goat, subsequently shifting the film's focus to the goat's explorative existence, followed by a tree, and ending with a charcoal kiln. This cyclical motif echoes the natural, rhythmic progression of life and death, suggesting an intertwined essence among all forms.

Frammartino's stylistic direction, emphasized by sharp cinematography and minimal camera movements, accentuates the palpable ambiance of the setting. The landscape of Calabria emerges as a character itself, imbued with melancholy and quiet grandeur. The documentary-like presentation captures mundane yet profound events, promoting a deep engagement with nature's indifference and beauty. Humorous and poignant segments, like the Passion Play parade disrupted by a dog, underscore life’s blend of comedy and tragedy. Devoid of conventional drama and dialogue, the film evokes emotions through its stark visuals and ambient sounds.

"Le Quattro Volte" may not align with mainstream cinematic tastes due to its slow pacing and nontraditional structure but achieves a compelling coherence of form and content. Each frame contributes to a meditative exploration of existence, culminating in an enigmatic yet enlightened experience that feels both abstract and literal. Intended for audiences who appreciate visual-centric cinema over narrative complexity, this film masterfully captures the cyclical nature of life, making it an essential watch for those seeking contemplative and profound cinematic journeys.

"Le Quattro Volte" is a contemplative cinematic experience that examines the cyclic nature of existence with a unique visual poetry. The film, eschewing a traditional narrative structure, may not appeal to everyone. However, those with an appreciation for methodical and experimental filmmaking will find much to admire in its meditative pace and naturalistic beauty. Visually, the Blu-ray transfer accurately captures the film's vibrant landscapes and intricate details, providing an immersive viewing experience. The audio mix, though subtle, effectively conveys the film's delicate sound design, respecting its quiet and introspective tone.

Despite the absence of supplementary materials, the Blu-ray’s technical quality is commendable. The picture quality is vibrant yet intimate, fully encapsulating the essence of the Italian countryside, while the soundscape, subdued yet precise, complements the visual storytelling. The film’s minimalist approach does not detract from its impact; rather, it requires viewers to engage more deeply with its themes and visual cues. This combination of strong technical presentation and substantive content ensures that "Le Quattro Volte" is a valuable addition to any collection.

Ultimately, "Le Quattro Volte" demands a quiet, distraction-free environment to be fully appreciated. It offers a profound and calming divergence from the high-octane spectacle of mainstream cinema. For viewers weary of relentless action sequences and seeking a contemplative respite, this film provides a richly rewarding experience. Recommended for those willing to embrace its slow pace and reflective nature, "Le Quattro Volte" is a distinguished piece of cinema that stands out amidst more conventional offerings.