Raw Blu-ray Review

The Blu Ray presentation of "Raw" boasts an AVC encoded image with a 2.38:1 aspect ratio that impresses with its clarity and attention to detail. The video quality excels in showcasing the intricate textures of the film's more gruesome moments as well as the finer points of character features, including vivid makeup effects, detailed hair, and the texture of fabrics. This crispness allows for an immersive viewing experience, particularly during scenes that might otherwise turn away the squeamish, by turning them into a showcase of special effects craftsmanship. The color palette is especially striking; it uses deep reds effectively to highlight the bloody aspects of the film, while the bright colors of the school environment and selective lighting choices add depth and evoke a specific mood that enhances the storytelling.

However, there are moments when the video presentation is marred by compression issues, leading to some blockiness that momentarily pulls viewers out of the immersive experience. Despite this, the overall delineation throughout various scenes - from dim evening settings to those shrouded in shadows - is handled with competency, ensuring that critical information is preserved in each frame and contributing to a coherent visual narrative.

The presentation shines in its handling of both color and detail, with particular emphasis on the vivid representation of make-up effects and dynamic lighting choices that contribute to the film's atmosphere. Although minor compression artifacts are noted, they do not significantly detract from what is otherwise a visually compelling experience that effectively supports the film's unsettling themes and narrative depth.

The audio presentation of "Raw" on Blu Ray is enriched by a high-quality 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, providing an enveloping auditory experience that is both jolting and nuanced. The introductory scene marked by the Wild Bunch company banner is immediately striking with its sharp crack, setting the tone for the immersive experience ahead. Dialogue is delivered with exceptional clarity, making even the most subdued vocal performances fully intelligible. This clarity in dialogue ensures that the film’s nuanced performances are conveyed with the subtlety they deserve, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the characters.

Musically, the Blu Ray's audio track excels, featuring a balanced mix of scoring cues with clear instrumentation and more vibrant electro-pop dance tracks that bring a dynamic energy to the overall experience. The music not only enriches the narrative but also utilizes the surround sound capabilities to create a circular soundscape, enveloping the listener. This effect is further enhanced by the inventive use of atmospherics, which transport listeners directly into the bustling world of the student community and the tense atmosphere of the examination room.

Additionally, sound effects are crafted with precision, effectively contributing to the film’s visceral impact—particularly during its more "gooey" moments. These audio elements are integrated seamlessly, enhancing the film’s texture without overwhelming the vital aspects of dialogue and music. Altogether, the 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix offers a compelling auditory experience that significantly enhances the viewing of "Raw," demonstrating an excellent balance between clarity, depth, and atmospheric immersion.

The Blu-ray extras for "Raw" cater to aficionados of genre cinema and filmmaking, offering an insightful journey into the film's creation, its thematic depths, and director Julia Ducournau's influences and process. Noteworthy is the commentary by film historian Emma Westwood and Ducournau, enriching the viewing experience with deep dives into the making and conceptualization of the film. The inclusion of a panel discussion from Monster Fest and a post-screening Q&A offers a rare glimpse into the minds of women filmmakers in genre cinema, highlighting Ducournau's pivotal role in these conversations. Furthermore, the extras include intimate interviews and discussions that reveal Ducournau's inspirations and challenges, alongside deleted scenes and promotional materials that showcase the film's innovative marketing strategies. This collection is a treasure trove for cinephiles eager to explore "Raw's" raw complexities and Ducournau's directorial prowess.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Features film historian Emma Westwood and director Julie Ducournau.

• Genre Matters: Women Genre Filmmakers: A Monster Fest panel discussion with directors and producers.

• Opening Night Introduction: A conversation and Q&A with Monster Fest director Kier-la Janisse and Julia Ducournau.

• A Votre Gut: An interview with director Julia Ducournau by Emma Westwood.

• Julie Ducournau On: Dialogue between Ducournau and film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.

• Deleted Scenes: Includes unseen footage illustrating key character moments.

• Promo Video: Showcases a street prank publicity stunt tied to the film.

• T.V. Spots: Two commercials advertising "Raw."

• Three Trailers: A collection of trailers promoting "Raw.

Raw," a 2016 film that gained notoriety for its visceral content and daring exploration of dark themes, intertwines cannibalism with the trials of entering adulthood, creating a tale that's as much about internal transformation as it is about graphic horror. Julia Ducournau's directorial venture is not merely a collection of gory scenes designed to shock but a methodical dissection of femininity, sexual awakening, and the pressures of societal conformity. Through the eyes of Justine (Garance Marillier), a vegetarian forced to confront her primal urges within the carnivorous microcosm of veterinary school, the film delves into the complexity of growing up sheltered and the sudden exposure to a world that's both cruel and intoxicating. The horror elements, while present, serve more as a backdrop to Justine's coming-of-age story, making "Raw" a sophisticated blend of genre and thematic depth, punctuated by its homage to Italian cinema.

The narrative intricately portrays Justine's journey from a naive freshman to embracing her darker impulses, set against the backdrop of rigorous hazing rituals and familial expectations. Her relationship with her sister Alexia and roommate Adrien adds layers to her experience, portraying both the support and isolation felt during this transformative phase. Ducournau's film excels in its patient storytelling, gradually revealing Justine's descent into cannibalism amidst the broader exploration of identity and autonomy. The horror sequences, though sparse, are effectively disturbing, enhancing the thematic underpinnings rather than overshadowing them.

"Raw" navigates its plot with careful attention to the symbolic undertones of Justine's awakening, where her cannibalistic tendencies become an allegory for breaking free from societal and familial constraints. The film's texture is enriched by this metaphorical depth, underscored by a visceral portrayal of bodily transformations that mirror her internal turmoil. Despite its occasional indulgence in shock tactics, Ducournau's film remains anchored by its poignant commentary on adolescence, presenting a unique fusion of horror and coming-of-age genres that challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of human desires and the painful process of self-discovery.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Raw" showcases an astonishingly strong performance from Garance Marillier and Ella Rumpf. Their roles vividly embody the turbulent emotional journey of Justine, with a peculiar emphasis on her complex relationship with both Alexia and Adrien. The film, directed by Julia Ducournau, leans heavily into the character-driven narrative, overshadowing its horror elements with a focus on intricate interpersonal dynamics. This creative choice crafts a narrative that's rich in character depth yet finds itself slightly adrift in terms of pacing and narrative tightness. Ducournau's storytelling is visually striking, benefiting enormously from Ruben Impens's cinematography, which paints the screen with colors reminiscent of Dario Argento's iconic style. However, the choice to moderate its more gruesome aspects results in a film that's provocative and discussion-worthy yet lacks the lasting impact of true horror.

Technically, the Blu-ray enhances the film's aesthetic appeal, ensuring that the visual elegance and the detailed performances of Marillier and Rumpf are front and center. The quality of the presentation accentuates the deliberate pacing and the nuanced character explorations, pulling viewers deeper into Justine's world. Despite its reticence to fully embrace its horror roots, the film's technical prowess offers a compelling reason to experience it in high definition. Nevertheless, the Blu-ray does not address the narrative's crave for a more rigorous editorial pass, which might have refined its storytelling pace and enhanced its thematic resonance.

In conclusion, "Raw" on Blu-ray is a testament to skilled performances and striking visual execution. While it traverses a more character-centric path at the expense of its horror potential, it remains a noteworthy addition to any collection for its artistic merits. Though it may not deliver the traditional scares some might seek, it provokes thought and discussion, making it a valuable experience for those interested in the blend of horror with profound character studies. The Blu-ray presentation underscores the film's strengths but also encapsulates its missed opportunities for a tighter narrative focus.