After Blue Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "After Blue" captures the film's vivid visual artistry with precision and effectiveness. Encoded in AVC with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the image presentation remains impressive in maintaining the intense and often surreal color palette that defines Bertrand Mandico's work. The array of vibrant hues and dreamlike tones are preserved with striking fidelity, ensuring that the visual narrative remains intact throughout the viewing experience. Skin tones carry an alien appearance, consistent with the film's theme, while intricate details such as costumes and skin surfaces are rendered with admirable clarity.

Mandico's reliance on in-camera effects and optical filters is well-supported by the Blu-ray's encoding. These elements may occasionally introduce a slight softness to background details, yet the image still manages to deliver a satisfying level of definition and attractive film grain texture, especially in close-ups. The Blu-ray handles the bold vacillation of colors adeptly, preventing them from overwhelming finer details and allowing for a coherent viewing experience. This 1080p presentation demonstrates an impressive ability to resolve complex gradients while retaining the integrity of the filmmakers' visual intention.

Overall, "After Blue's" video presentation is a robust showcase of Mandico's distinctive visual style. With its high-quality encoding and careful preservation of challenging color schemes, it stands as an excellent example of how a Blu-ray can effectively bring a film's unique cinematography to home audiences without compromising on detail or artistic vision.

The audio presentation of the "After Blue" Blu Ray showcases a meticulously crafted 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. Highlighting its sophisticated execution, dialogue exchanges remain distinct and clear, effectively managing varying performance abilities and narration duties. This clarity is crucial given the often soft and solemn nature of the film's dialogues. The score, primarily composed of synth elements by Pierre Desprats, delivers a robust and enveloping sound that enhances the viewer’s immersion. This synth-rich score achieves a circular sense of engagement with a notable low-end presence that resonates well in the surround channels.

Furthermore, the mix exhibits exemplary use of atmospheric details, which are pivotal to the film's otherworldly setting. The remarkable post-sync audio work by Mandico contributes significantly to this immersive experience, detailing the diverse changing environments and confrontations with precision. This attention to intricate soundscapes ensures that the listener is consistently drawn into the dreamlike experience the film aims to create. The adept handling of these audio elements in post-production underscores the high level of care taken in crafting an aural landscape that is both captivating and technically proficient.

The Blu-ray release of "After Blue" offers a commendable yet modest selection of extras that are sure to delight fans of director Bertrand Mandico’s work. While the supplementary materials might be limited, they provide valuable insight and additional context to the visionary landscape of the film. Notably, "J'ai Tué Kate Bush" delivers 12 minutes of previously unseen footage set against an original score by Pierre Desprats, offering fresh auditory and visual experiences. Additionally, the inclusion of Mandico’s 2020 short film "The Return of Tragedy" in HD provides fans an extended view into his artistic evolution. The package is further enriched by a booklet featuring an interview with Mandico, enhancing the depth of engagement with his cinematic universe.

Extras included in this disc:

Booklet: Introduction and interview with director Bertrand Mandico.

J'ai Tué Kate Bush: Collection of deleted shots from After Blue, scored by Pierre Desprats.

The Return of Tragedy: 2020 short film directed by Bertrand Mandico.

Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.

"After Blue," directed by Bertrand Mandico, has captivated cineastes with its immersive, avant-garde film-making. This film serves as an audacious follow-up to "The Wild Boys," challenging conventional storytelling with a dream-like odyssey set on an alien planet. Mandico’s narrative shuns typical dramatic constraints, instead presenting an arresting visual experience that merges artful cinematography with surreal, colorful landscapes. The plot, situated in a future devoid of men, highlights the journey of Roxy and Zora as they embark on a mission involving the enigmatic Kate Bush. While the story appears elusive, this vagueness might be intentional, offering viewers a sensorial rather than narrative-focused experience.

In terms of execution, "After Blue" excels in its craft— particularly in set construction, costume design, and makeup, capturing a world both familiar and fantastical. Mandico’s commitment to creating a richly textured cinematic universe results in visuals that are as luxurious as they are menacing. Despite its 129-minute runtime potentially testing viewer patience, the film's lyrical direction ensures that it remains an engaging experience for those who appreciate experimental cinema. Mandico’s exploration of femininity and identity on this post-apocalyptic planet provides a thematic depth that resonates even when the story lags.

Ultimately, "After Blue" is a visual feast that echoes the creative prowess of groundbreaking filmmakers like Karel Zeman and Věra Chytilová. The Blu-ray release by Altered Innocence further complements the experience with additional features, catering to both new audiences and established fans of Mandico’s daring vision. While it may leave some viewers feeling distanced from its themes, the film stands as a testament to handcrafted artistry and inventive storytelling, inviting interpretation and admiration without necessarily providing clear resolutions.

Bertrand Mandico’s "After Blue," recently released on Blu-ray by Altered Innocence, showcases the director’s penchant for the exotic and bizarre. A visual extravaganza, the film unfolds on the peculiar planet of After Blue, inviting viewers into a cosmos brimming with oddities. Mandico’s use of in-camera effects, captured on 35mm film, highlights his strong visual style, delivering an otherworldly experience that is both surreal and hypnotic. The narrative, however, struggles under the weight of its multitude of ideas, potentially leaving newcomers to Mandico's work feeling adrift. Nonetheless, the film's commitment to its unique aesthetic will captivate those willing to indulge in its dreamlike presentation.

The Blu-ray release itself presents a commendable audio-visual experience. The video transfer retains the rich detail and vibrant textures inherent in the film’s visual composition, while the audio mix complements the peculiar ambiance Mandico so carefully crafts. Viewers can also explore informative bonus features that delve into Mandico's creative process, offering valuable insights into the making of this cinematic curiosity. The release effectively supports the film's intent to mesmerize through its technical adeptness, providing an immersive viewing experience.

In conclusion, "After Blue" may not represent a groundbreaking evolution for Bertrand Mandico but effectively serves as a testament to his dedication to anomaly and aesthetics. Altered Innocence continues to champion his work, ensuring a broader audience can appreciate this cinematic oddity. While it may resonate more with Mandico’s existing fanbase, newcomers open to its peculiar charms will undoubtedly find something intriguing within its unconventional narrative and striking visuals. This Blu-ray is certainly worth exploring for anyone drawn to visionary filmmaking.