Blue Ruin Blu-ray Review

The 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 encoded transfer of "Blue Ruin" presents a visually compelling experience, especially given its modest budget origins and digital shoot. The imagery maintains a clear and crisp aesthetic, with high levels of detail that endure even in wider shots. Despite the inherent digital flatness and occasional smoothness, textures such as facial features, hair, and the well-worn surface of Dwight's vehicle are intricately defined. The film’s composition benefits from this high definition, with natural vegetation and distant objects retaining shape and clarity. Encoded at an aspect ratio of 2.40:1, the film utilizes its digital format effectively to offer vibrant colors – although slightly muted – with blood appearing especially striking against lighter contrasts. White tones are balanced and avoid overblown highlights, enhancing the overall presentation.

Contrast and depth are generally high throughout "Blue Ruin", creating an immersive visual narrative. Black levels are notably robust, producing rich shadows and inky nightscapes that avoid dilution of detail. However, there are moments where black levels appear pale and flat, lacking depth. The transfer showcases a balanced palette of color reproduction with green grass and foliage adding vibrancy to the scenes, while flesh tones remain consistent and natural. Minor banding is visible in a few shots but does not distract significantly from the viewing experience. The image remains free from noise and artifacts, ensuring a pristine visual output.

Overall, "Blue Ruin" stands as an exceptional Blu-ray release from Anchor Bay. The transfer captures the film’s intense atmosphere with high-quality visuals, meticulous detail, and accurate color representation. Issues like light banding and occasional black level flatness are minor in comparison to the robust visual clarity and detailed imagery that define this presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Blue Ruin" from Anchor Bay Home Entertainment features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that delivers an impressive audio presentation. This mix excels at creating a strong sense of atmosphere, crucial for the film's tension-filled narrative. The sound design is adept at balancing action and dialogue, with gunfire and other action effects precisely executed, whether in close proximity or from a distance. Environmental sounds, like carnival noises, bird calls, and beach waves, are seamlessly integrated, enriching the auditory experience.

Dialogue clarity is outstanding in this mix, with voices coming through clearly even amidst layered atmospheric effects. The audio track strikes an excellent balance between dialogue, which is primarily centered, and surrounding effects distributed across the front and rear channels. The music, playing a significant role in the film, showcases a dynamic range with some heavier beats, adding depth and immersion to scenes using LFE to significant effect.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "Blue Ruin" provides an immersive listening experience that underscores the film's tension and atmosphere. From quiet, dialogue-driven moments to impactful action sequences, the audio track enhances the viewing experience by delivering realism and precision in sound design. This well-executed soundtrack further solidifies the film's quality despite its indie origins.

The Blu-ray extras for "Blue Ruin" offer an impressive array of insights and behind-the-scenes looks, providing an invaluable experience for film enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers. The Feature Commentary by Writer/Director Jeremy Saulnier and Actor Macon Blair is a standout, blending engaging behind-the-scenes anecdotes with detailed discussions on the technical aspects of budget filmmaking, shooting locations, performances, and music. "No Regrets: The Making of Blue Ruin" is a captivating documentary that covers everything from the cast and crew's amateur cinema beginnings, the financing process, and forming the production team, to its successful Cannes debut. The Deleted Scenes, featuring an extended opening and a limo crash with optional commentary, offer a deeper look into the film's narrative choices. Lastly, the Camera Test video showcases Saulnier’s vision used to pitch the film’s tone and atmosphere to stakeholders.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary With Writer/Director Jeremy Saulnier And Macon Blair: Insightful, blend of anecdotes and filmmaking details.
• Behind The Scenes of Blue Ruin: Captivating documentary detailing the production journey from amateur beginnings to Cannes.
• Deleted Scenes: Extended Opening and Limo Crash with optional commentary.
• Camera Test: Demonstrative footage shot for securing cast, crew, and investors.

Jeremy Saulnier’s “Blue Ruin” is an exemplar of genre filmmaking executed with unrelenting precision. The movie revolves around Dwight, portrayed impeccably by Macon Blair, a disheveled vagrant haunted by his parents' murder. His life spirals into brutal retribution upon learning that their killer has been released. What makes “Blue Ruin” compelling is its laser focus on raw, pure storytelling. The narrative is refreshingly devoid of excessive theatrics, trading in flashy action sequences for gripping psychological tension. Blair’s portrayal stands out as emotionally potent, communicating volumes through minimal dialogue richly enhanced by subtle facial expressions. The story is a nuanced examination of violence and revenge, reminiscent of the harrowing simplicity seen in “No Country for Old Men.”

Technically, “Blue Ruin” achieves a remarkable feat in production value despite its modest budget. The film's aesthetic quality is attributed to Saulnier’s astute cinematography; each scene is meticulously lit and framed, accentuating both the somber tone and raw atmosphere. Special effects in the film seamlessly blend practical and CG elements, delivering visceral brutality that is both shocking and poignantly aligned with the narrative’s emotional depth. This meticulous craftsmanship elevates the gore from mere spectacle to a critical narrative device that enhances suspense and emotional engagement. The understated yet impactful performances, particularly Blair’s transformation from reticent drifter to frantic avenger, add substantial weight to the film’s exploration of the cyclical nature of violence.

In essence, “Blue Ruin” transcends typical revenge dramas through its authentically grim depiction of vendetta. The violence is sparing yet impactful, underscoring the futility and destructiveness inherent in vengeance. This film provides a profound commentary on human psyche and societal constructs of justice, making it a standout entry in modern cinema. Saulnier’s direction coupled with Blair’s haunting performance grounding the film in a stark realism that will resonate deeply with audiences long after viewing.

Blue Ruin exemplifies the potency of low-budget cinema, delivering an unrelentingly grim and emotionally intense narrative that holds its ground against modern classics such as No Country for Old Men. The film’s focused storytelling embraces a "less is more" approach, amplifying its dramatic weight without unnecessary flash. Strong performances and meticulous craftsmanship make Blue Ruin one of the standout films of 2013.

The Blu-ray release by Anchor Bay does justice to the film's high standards. It offers excellent video quality that captures every nuance of the movie’s gritty aesthetic and great audio that immerses viewers into its tense atmosphere. The included bonus features are a valuable addition, providing deeper insights into the craft behind the film.

In conclusion, Blue Ruin is a compelling examination of the cost of violence, powered by strong filmmaking and acting. With its quality presentation and complementary extras, this Blu-ray release comes highly recommended for both film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. This is a fresh take on the revenge genre that remains engaging from start to finish and is worthy of repeated viewings. Seek it out as soon as you can.