Happy, Happy Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Happy, Happy," shot on 16mm film, provides a generally faithful reproduction of its source. Encoded in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4, the image exhibits a certain softness inherent to the 16mm format, coupled with a natural grain that becomes more pronounced in darker scenes. The transfer renders closeups with commendable detail, revealing textures in faces and clothing, although long shots may appear somewhat mushy. Grain is retained naturally, albeit with some suspicion of noise reduction techniques which, thankfully, don't detract from the viewing experience.

The film’s color palette leans towards a subdued, yellow-tinged appearance in highlights and a dim contrast curve. This shadow-heavy approach might obscure finer details in some sequences but seems aligned with the filmmakers' stylistic choices. Black levels are adequately deep and consistent, though slight banding and noise are sporadically noticeable, particularly in nighttime scenes. Despite minor artifacts and the potential for mechanical processing hints, the print is meticulously clean, boasting no persistent compression issues or encode flaws.

In essence, this transfer captures "Happy, Happy" with reasonable accuracy and maintains a visual integrity that honors the original aesthetics. While it doesn't boast the eye-popping clarity of higher-budget releases, it delivers a serviceable and respectable image that should satisfy viewers familiar with its production constraints.

Magnolia Home Entertainment's Happy, Happy features a Norwegian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is well-suited to its small-scale family drama/comedy. The sound design is understated yet effective, primarily focusing on dialogue that is cleanly reproduced without any signs of muffling, peaking, or crackling. The audio mix emphasizes the front channels, although the surround speakers do engage intermittently with light ambient sounds and music, creating a subtle but effective atmosphere. The acapella numbers stand out for their rich, bright, and clear vocal reproduction, allowing the dynamic range to briefly shine.

The soundstage predominantly remains front-centric but broadens when necessary, with dialogue and ambient sounds spaced directionally around the viewing area. The audio track features good separation and fidelity, even incorporating moments of decent bass response. Although much of the film’s audio can feel somewhat flat due to its dialogue-driven nature, it demonstrates a nice, wide dynamic range during more significant scenes. The balance between audio elements is managed well, aligning perfectly with the film's understated narrative style. Optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are included for accessibility.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Happy, Happy" provide a comprehensive look at promotional materials, showcasing both U.S. and international marketing efforts. The U.S. trailer is presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, offering high-definition quality that matches the feature presentation. In contrast, the international trailer is presented in standard definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound, underscoring the varied approaches to the film's global promotion. Additionally, a collection of trailers for other Magnolia Home Entertainment releases in full HD serves as a valuable bonus for those interested in similar films.

Extras included in this disc:

• U.S. Trailer: High-definition trailer with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.
• International Trailer: Standard-definition trailer with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: A selection of high-definition trailers for other releases.

Anne Sewitsky's Norwegian dramedy, "Happy, Happy," skillfully intertwines humor and pathos in an emotionally engaging narrative. The film opens with an a capella quartet singing gospel songs—a quirky Greek chorus commenting ironically on the unfolding story. Set against the stark, snowy backdrop of rural Norway, the film delves into complex themes of love, marriage, and infidelity. Kaja (Agnes Kittelsen) is a warm, optimistic woman stuck in a joyless marriage with her gruff husband Eirik (Joachim Rafaelsen). The arrival of new neighbors, Elisabeth (Maibritt Saerens) and her jovial husband Sigve (Henrik Rafaelsen), catalyzes a series of emotional and relational upheavals, climaxing in partner-swapping that feels both inevitable and nuanced.

Character dynamics drive the film, with the cast delivering subtly powerful performances. Sewitsky’s direction prefers understated visual styles that allow natural acting to take center stage. Kittelsen's portrayal of Kaja is particularly noteworthy—her blend of childlike enthusiasm and heartbreaking vulnerability makes her immensely relatable. The film's strongest scenes are its smallest moments of realization and emotional epiphany, portrayed with a low-key, authentic approach. Rafaelsen delivers a complex performance as Eirik, balancing cruelty with tragic depth, making the character's actions both understandable and unsettling.

Despite its strengths, "Happy, Happy" has a few missteps. The recurring a capella interludes feel stylistically at odds with the otherwise naturalistic tone. Additionally, a subplot involving Kaja's son and the neighbor’s adopted African child playing Master and Slave could be off-putting for some viewers, though it serves to underscore the film's exploration of innocence and ignorance. While the central conflicts might tread familiar ground, the film's heartfelt execution elevates it beyond clichés, offering nuanced observations on the complexities of human relationships. "Happy, Happy" successfully balances quirky wit with perceptive drama, resulting in a thoughtful and entertaining cinematic experience.

"Happy, Happy" emerges as a compelling blend of emotional resonance and humor, skillfully balancing awkward moments with genuine warmth. This Scandinavian gem, notable for its limited but strikingly executed setting, captivates with its intimate, almost chamber-drama-like atmosphere. The narrative may tread familiar ground, exploring the joys and challenges of life without breaking new storytelling frontiers, yet its insightful execution ensures a worthwhile viewing experience.

The Blu-ray presentation is competent, although not exceptional. The video transfer, while adequate, doesn't particularly stand out, failing to capitalize on the film's visually sparse yet effective aesthetic. The audio track, though quiet, aptly complements the movie's subtle and nuanced nature. It's worth noting that the disc's minimal supplemental content—a few trailers—could disappoint those looking for more in-depth extra features. However, for enthusiasts of the film itself, this won't detract from the overall package.

In summary, "Happy, Happy" earns its Sundance acclaim through its charming and intimate portrayal of life's small yet significant moments. While the technical aspects of the Blu-ray release may not be groundbreaking, the film's emotional and comedic balance makes it a recommended watch for fans of Scandinavian cinema.