First Reformed

First Reformed" graces the Blu-ray format courtesy of Lionsgate Films, boasting an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer that retains the film's original and somewhat unconventional 1.33:1 - 1.34:1 aspect ratio. This choice in aspect ratio can be seen as a nod to traditionalism, mirroring the thematic contrast between the modest First Reformed church and the modern mega-church, Abundant Life. Cinematographer Alexander Dynan, utilizing the Arri Alexa SXT camera, alongside director Paul Schrader's influence from the film "Ida", decided on a predominantly static camera work to enhance the narrative's tension and introspection. The picture quality, while not designed to stun visually with vivid colors or dynamic scenes, presents a deliberately subdued palette—favoring greys, beiges, and other neutrals with occasional, striking uses of color to highlight key moments.

The technical presentation of the transfer is executed with notable precision. Despite an overall muted color scheme that aligns with the film’s introspective and bleak tone, the video quality ensures that detail is preserved, especially in close-ups where textures and expressions are crisply rendered. The image is accompanied by a faint grain-like noise that contributes to the film's textured appearance without detracting from its clarity. Scenes are composed with a careful balance of contrast and depth, with black levels demonstrating both depth and detail even in lower-lit settings. Although there's slight evidence of false contouring in some of the darker sequences, these occurrences are minimal and do not significantly impair the viewing experience.

In essence, "First Reformed" on Blu-ray encapsulates a purposefully austere and effective visual presentation, reflective of its somber and contemplative narrative. The transfer is free from compression anomalies and major defects, delivering a clean source that respects the filmmaker’s vision. While it may not cater to those seeking a showcase for their home theater system's capabilities in terms of vibrant colors and action-packed visuals, it stands as a testament to how video presentation can enhance and faithfully convey a film’s mood and thematic undercurrents.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track accompanying "First Reformed" offers a meticulously understated sonic landscape, reflective of the film's dominant dialogue-driven and introspective nature. The audio mix employs a conservative approach, favoring clarity and subtlety over aggressive surround sound tactics. This is particularly notable in scenes featuring nuanced exchanges between characters, where the emphasis on voice articulation is paramount. Environmental sounds in outdoor sequences, along with an occasionally ethereal score by Lustmord, are discreetly intertwined within the surrounds, ensuring an immersive yet unobtrusive backdrop to the narrative. Moreover, the technical quality of this presentation stands out, with no detectable distortion or audio dropouts, upholding a consistent fidelity throughout.

Accompanying the English DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, the inclusion of English SDH and Spanish subtitles caters to a broader audience, enhancing accessibility. The mix itself, while restrained, pulsates with momentary intensities that dovetail effectively with the film's atmospheric tension and philosophical depth. Dialogue remains the focal point, benefiting from a soundstage that, despite its front-loaded disposition, manages to convey a sense of spatial realism through adept left/right directional cues and ambient sounds such as birds and wind. These elements collectively cultivate a somber yet palpably eerie mood.

Overall, the audio design’s deliberate minimalism serves to underscore "First Reformed’s" thematic complexity rather than detract from it. The soundstage strikes a balance between being functionally constrained and emotionally evocative, allowing moments of silence and subtlety to resonate with equal impact as its more dynamically scored sequences. By fostering an environment that feels both isolating and intimately engaging, the audio track complements the film's introspective narrative journey without overshadowing its quiet power.

The extra section of the Blu-ray for "First Reformed" is a treasure trove for cinephiles and fans of Paul Schrader’s work, providing a nuanced glimpse into the movie's creation and underlying themes. The audio commentary given by writer/director Paul Schrader himself stands out as he delves into his church upbringing and spiritual preoccupations, also touching upon casting, budgeting, and a comprehensive analysis of the film’s minimalist visual style. Despite moments where Schrader might delve a bit too deeply into his own intentions, the commentary remains enlightening. Complementing this, the "Discernment: Contemplating First Reformed" featurette offers valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives, with interviews from both cast and crew that highlight the movie's aesthetic decisions, thematic richness, and the collaborative effort behind its inception, casting a light on the project’s beginnings and development.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Paul Schrader: In-depth insights from Schrader on his background, the film’s aesthetics, and production details.
• Discernment: Contemplating First Reformed: A behind-the-scenes look at the movie, featuring interviews with cast and crew discussing style, themes, and the filmmaking process.

First Reformed, directed by Paul Schrader, delves into the complex narrative of Reverend Ernst Toller (played by Ethan Hawke), who shepherds a dwindling congregation in upstate New York. The movie intertwines Toller's crisis of faith with a potent blend of environmentalism and a deep dive into the Calvinist tradition, reflecting Schrader's own theological background. This connection to Calvinism is notably infused with themes of predestination, grace, and mediation - mirroring the protagonist's journey through his interactions with a parishioner named Mary (Amanda Seyfried) and her husband, Michael (Philip Ettinger), whose environmental activism propels the narrative into dark, introspective territories.

Schrader, no stranger to exploring solitude and anguish through his filmography, crafts a narrative that evokes his earlier works, drawing parallels to Taxi Driver’s Travis Bickle, yet presenting Toller as a more relatable, albeit troubled figure. The movie’s somber visual style, marked by static shots and minimalist movement, contributes to its contemplative atmosphere, with occasional surreal sequences enhancing its dreamlike quality. The film not only probes theological and ecological concerns but also explores the personal toll of Toller's spiritual and physical maladies, set against the backdrop of modern existential threats. Through its carefully constructed narrative and aesthetic, First Reformed stands as a quietly profound examination of faith and despair in the contemporary world.

Thematically rich and stylistically sparse, Schrader uses a blend of voice-over narrations from Toller’s journal and subtle cinematic techniques to engage the audience in a meditative dialogue on facing life's harsh realities while seeking redemption. The interplay between the characters’ struggles and the broader philosophical questions posed creates a tense, yet ultimately introspective experience. Schrader's film is a testament to his ability to weave complex ideas with compelling storytelling, marking First Reformed as another significant entry in his exploration of isolated souls wrestling with profound dilemmas.

Paul Schrader's "First Reformed" presents a compelling narrative that, while labeled by some as a thriller, more accurately functions as an introspective character study exploring profound themes of faith, despair, and environmental concerns. The film adeptly navigates through the complexities of contemporary religious beliefs, subtly critiquing them through the personal journey of Rev. Ernst Toller. Both Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried deliver compelling performances, bringing depth to their characters and the intricate dynamics of their relationship, albeit with moments where the script seems to struggle in fully supporting their evolving connection. Despite its potential genre classification ambiguities, "First Reformed" stands out for its thought-provoking content and solid technical execution. The Blu-ray release upholds this standard with satisfactory video and audio quality that retains the film’s atmospheric essence. Additionally, the inclusion of an informative commentary and a behind-the-scenes featurette enriches the viewing experience by offering insight into Schrader's directorial approach and thematic intentions.

The minimalist aesthetic of "First Reformed" is effectively preserved in its Blu-ray presentation, enhancing the film’s unsettling exploration of isolation and disillusionment. This release does not shy away from leveraging modest technical assets to support the film's potent ambience, thereby complementing Hawke's nuanced performance and the movie's nuanced intellectual pursuits. While the esoteric elements might not resonate with all viewers, the overall package remains a laudable effort that underscores the depth of Schrader's cinematic and spiritual inquiries.

In conclusion, "First Reformed" on Blu-ray is a recommendable acquisition for those who appreciate cinema that challenges and contemplates existential questions amidst a backdrop of modern societal issues. Though its thematic ambitions reach high, solid performances and a thoughtful home media presentation ground Schrader’s vision, making it accessible without diluting its complexity. This release not only showcases a meticulously crafted film but also provides additional materials that deepen appreciation for its craft and intentions, solidifying its position as a notable piece in contemporary filmmaking discussions.