Fish Tank Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Fish Tank" showcases an outstanding video presentation, expertly transferred from a 2K master derived from the original 35mm camera negative. Supervised and approved by director Andrea Arnold, director of photography Robbie Ryan, and editor Nicolas Chaudeurge, this transfer boasts exceptional clarity and detail, maintaining a perfect contrast level throughout. The 1080p High Definition with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio does wonders for the visual experience, offering an immaculate representation of the film's gritty yet evocative setting without any digital artifacts or unintentional noise. The filmic grain remains intact, enhancing the raw and authentic atmosphere that is characteristic of the movie.

Colors are rendered with precision, as the dichotomy between the drabness of the housing estate and the natural beauty of the English countryside is vividly depicted. Blacks are deep and inky, with no signs of bleeding or blocking, though minor crushing can be observed on rare occasions. The telecine process ensured perfect stability, with no edge-enhancement or macroblocking issues to speak of. The fine object detail is particularly noteworthy; from intricate facial blemishes to the delicate texture of a fish's scales, everything is captured with striking realism and depth.

The daylight scenes stand out as especially striking, conveying a healthy array of rich blues, greens, browns, and grays that bring authenticity to both the urban and rural settings. Darker scenes maintain fluidity and depth, lacking any disruptive background noise. Criterion's meticulous effort in preserving the director's initial vision results in a pristine high-definition transfer that is an exemplar of Blu-ray video perfection. This release is indeed a top-tier offering, providing an immersive and visually captivating experience that holds true to Andrea Arnold’s directorial intent.

The audio presentation of "Fish Tank" on Blu-ray has been handled with notable precision by Criterion, delivering a remastered 24-bit 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track from the original digital audio master using Pro Tools HD. This primarily dialogue-driven film showcases clear and coherent dialogue that predominantly emanates from the front channels, ensuring that every word is easily understood despite the heavy accents. The mix is designed to maintain clarity and stability in the dialogue with no detectable audio artifacts such as pops, cracks, or dropouts.

The surround track is understated, providing ambient and atmospheric effects that slightly engage the rear channels, though without significant directionality or immersive rear support. The limited dynamic amplitude means that while environmental sounds, such as distant voices or children playing, contribute to a sense of space, they do so subtly. Music tracks, integral to the film's narrative, are given a crisp presentation but are also largely channeled through the fronts and center.

Bass presence is minimal, only becoming noticeable with hip-hop tracks during dance sequences, which provide a light enhancement but not a substantial low-frequency impact. While this mix may not deliver a demo-quality surround experience, it effectively supports the narrative with a delicate punch, making it a solidly adequate choice for the film's content and style.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Fish Tank" offers an extensive compilation of extras that significantly enhances the understanding and appreciation of the film, though the absence of a director's commentary is noted. The extras compensate with substantial insights, including three pivotal short films by Andrea Arnold, which showcase her evolving craft and thematic preoccupations. There are highlights such as exclusive interviews with key cast members, revealing behind-the-scenes perspectives, and a selection of audition footage that illustrates the casting process. Moreover, a stills gallery provides a visual narrative of the production, and a booklet offers scholarly analysis, adding depth to the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Kierston Wareing: An interview covering her role in the film and personal insights.
• Michael Fassbender: An audio discussion on his experiences and filming techniques.
• Audition Footage: Dance auditions for the role of Mia.
• Milk: A short film exploring themes of loss within a relationship.
• Dog: A bleak story about a teenager and her troubled circumstances.
• Wasp: An Oscar-winning short about the struggles of a single mother.
• Stills Gallery: A curated collection of production photographs.
• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: An essay by Ian Christie examining the film’s significance.

Andrea Arnold's award-winning feature film, "Fish Tank," captures the stark reality of life within a poverty-stricken Essex council estate. Centered on fifteen-year-old Mia, played by newcomer Katie Jarvis, the narrative explores her turbulent existence marked by familial neglect, constant anger, and a passion for hip-hop dancing. The film delves deeply into Mia's relationships, particularly with her mother’s boyfriend, Connor (Michael Fassbender), whose initial kindness and subsequent betrayal accentuate Mia's struggles. Arnold's direction remains steadfastly aligned with Mia, presenting an unfiltered perspective of her life, without imposing judgments or definitive resolutions. This approach ensures that viewers can draw their own conclusions about Mia's actions and circumstances.

"Fish Tank" excels in its portrayal of raw, unpretentious emotions and unvarnished realism. Katie Jarvis delivers an outstanding debut performance, effectively conveying a mix of toughness and vulnerability. Michael Fassbender brings authenticity to his role as Connor, the complex friend-lover figure in Mia’s life. The movie's uncompromising depiction of socio-economic adversity and personal turmoil is both captivating and unsettling. Arnold refrains from making overt social or political statements; instead, she places real people in real situations, allowing the inherent drama of their lives to unfold organically.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release does justice to Arnold's vision with pristine video and solid audio quality. Accompanied by essential extras such as three of Arnold’s earlier short films and interviews with cast members, the release offers an in-depth exploration of the film's creation and impact. The supplementary 18-page booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Ian Christie adds further context and understanding. "Fish Tank" is a potent, immersive experience that portrays the brutal reality of Mia's world while leaving a glimmer of hope amid the bleakness.

Andrea Arnold's "Fish Tank", one of the very best films to be released on Blu-ray in Europe in 2010, has now reached North America courtesy of Criterion. You cannot afford to miss it! Let's hope that Criterion will eventually manage to bring director Arnold's equally powerful "Red Road" to Blu-ray as well. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Quite a few parallels can be drawn from 'Fish Tank' and 'An Education.' Both feature a young girl trying to find herself, and an older man who takes advantage. 'Fish Tank,' however, is more stark and unflinching in its portrayal of urban life in England. Katie Jarvis' performance is a revelation, and I'm certain we'll be seeing her in other films in the near future. Perhaps the real brilliance of Arnold's vision is that she never feels she has to come right out and explain why Mia is the way she is or why she does the things she does. Instead, she allows us to be a silent observer, and make up our own minds. Mia, along with all the other characters on display here, is decidedly human. Not good or bad, just real, and flawed.

Criterion rolls out a nearly pristine transfer accompanied by a solid audio mix. The features, while beefy in length thanks to the inclusion of Arnold's three short films seems lacking without a commentary. In the end though, Criterion fans and collectors will be happy with another great release from the studio. This one comes recommended.