Twixt Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Twixt" brings a visually distinctive experience despite its age, encoded in an AVC 1080p transfer with a 2.00:1 aspect ratio. While the transfer does not seem markedly different from the decade-old Blu-ray of the theatrical release, its unique stylistic choices remain noteworthy. The presentation retains a video-esque appearance, influenced partly by the midrange HD cameras used during the original shoot, resulting in a somewhat flat image at times. However, the sharpness of the visuals is commendable, with certain scenes appearing almost artificially sharpened—though this is presumed not to be the case—indicating precision in imagery.

The film’s color palette is strikingly variable, attributed to aggressive grading decisions. This introduces a diversity of tones throughout, contributing to the film’s visual intrigue. Particularly notable is the dream world’s desaturated emphasis, which focuses hues on select frame elements. While some critics found this approach lacking vibrancy, it successfully crafts a dreamlike atmosphere albeit occasionally at the cost of fine detail clarity, especially in blue gradings.

Overall, while "Twixt" may not exploit the latest advancements in video presentation seen in more recent releases like 4K or HDR, it effectively leverages its available technology to deliver an engaging visual narrative consistent with its artistic intent. The nuanced sharpness and bold grading contribute to an aesthetic that complements the film's thematic and stylistic leanings, making it a noteworthy entry for collectors and enthusiasts interested in its distinct presentation on Blu-ray.

The audio presentation of the "Twixt" Blu-ray, featuring a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack, offers a mixed yet competently crafted listening experience. Despite not being explicitly labeled as TrueHD on the menu itself, the audio remains notably clear and well-defined, especially in its dialogue. This clarity captures subtle tonal variations and vocal inflections, enhancing the narrative's immersive quality. The film's musical elements are rendered with a smooth treble, exhibiting a refined touch that enriches the overall auditory ambiance. While the budget constraints slightly impact the depth of sound design, there are commendable instances of surround activity that elevate the listening experience, particularly during dream sequences where atmospheric effects are well-utilized.

The audio primarily operates across the front soundstage, with sporadic ambient integration via the rear channels, which modestly widen the sound field. While surround use is not extensively predominant, it is effectively applied during certain scenes to establish a believable and cohesive listening environment. Crucially, dialogue remains consistently clean and intelligible, providing an anchor amidst the intermittent audio dynamics. The soundscape does not heavily rely on bass presence; however, when present, it is adequately palpable, contributing to the overall mix's depth when necessary. The availability of optional English and Spanish subtitles further enhances accessibility for diverse audiences, supplementing the clear audio quality with reliable textual support.

The Blu-ray extras of "Twixt" offer a captivating behind-the-scenes exploration, primarily through "Twixt: A Documentary" by Gia Coppola. This feature delivers an engaging glimpse into the sometimes challenging production environment of esteemed director Francis Ford Coppola, blending professional insight with a candid, home movie feel. While opinions may vary, the documentary is generally appreciated for its vivid portrayal of filmmaking complexities and director dynamics. The inclusion of a digital copy further enhances accessibility, allowing viewers to enjoy content beyond the physical disc.

Extras included in this disc:

• Twixt: A Documentary: An engaging behind-the-scenes piece by Gia Coppola, providing an intimate look at the making of the film with director Francis Ford Coppola.
• Digital Copy: A digital version of the film for additional viewing convenience.

Francis Ford Coppola's "Twixt" offers a visually experimental journey that emerges from a troubled production history, resulting in an intriguing yet disjointed narrative. Centered around Hall Baltimore, a struggling novelist engulfed in a surreal exploration of a peculiar town’s vampire lore and chilling past murders, the film juxtaposes eccentric characters against an eerie dreamscape. Coppola's signature creative process, often bordering on chaos, included elements like spiritual rituals during filming, indicating the filmmaker's pursuit of an immersive atmosphere. However, this development phase is marred by erratic directions and unresolved narrative arcs, reflecting the film's origin as an incomplete dream Coppola experienced in Istanbul.

The Blu-ray release aims to present Coppola’s intended version of the film, diverging significantly in length from its theatrical counterpart. While this authentic cut may promise fidelity to the director’s vision, it still embodies a narrative muddled with unfinished ideas and complex subplots. Despite sincere attempts at blending supernatural elements and psychological depth, "Twixt" struggles to maintain coherence, leaving the audience with more questions than answers. The film’s atmosphere, designed through visual effects and stylistic choices reminiscent of a spooky dream world, fails to deliver substantial suspense or horror. Key performances are overemphasized, with Bruce Dern's portrayal of the local sheriff characterized by excessive dramatics that fail to harmonize with Val Kilmer’s understated depiction of a beleaguered author.

While "Twixt" has some striking elements—such as the ghostly figure of Edgar Allan Poe aiding the protagonist—it ultimately stands as a curious miscalculation in Coppola’s storied filmography. The spectral atmosphere competes with a loosely intertwined plot, producing a cinematic experience that is more perplexing than compelling. Overall, despite its bold ambition and occasional moments of aesthetic intrigue, "Twixt" remains a testament to unfulfilled potential rather than a coherent artistic triumph.

Francis Ford Coppola's "Twixt" is a film that offers an intriguing, albeit fleeting, exploration of dreamlike alternate realities, reflected through its distinct stylistic quirks. Val Kilmer and Joanna Whalley's reunion provides a nostalgic trivia tidbit, yet the film itself might not hold much beyond that for followers of Kilmer, Fanning, Dern, or Coppola. Despite some narrative shortcomings, there's an appreciation for the creative vision attempting to intertwine dreams and reality, which is captured with partial success.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release is commendable. The visual presentation effectively complements the film's ethereal themes, creating a visually appealing experience. The audio quality is equally reliable, delivering a satisfactory soundscape that supports the film's atmospheric and narrative demands. These merits are supplemented by a delightful documentary by Coppola's granddaughter Gia, adding a personal touch to the release that could entice those curious about the film-making process and family legacy.

In conclusion, "Twixt" may not resonate broadly across Coppola's fanbase, but it holds artistic merit for those interested in experimental cinema. The Blu-ray's technical execution makes it worth considering for collectors and film enthusiasts alike, while the included documentary serves as a charming addition that enriches the overall package.