Real Life 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Real Life," in a 1.85:1 anamorphic 2160p transfer, showcases remarkable video quality, capturing the essence of the 35mm original camera negative. Supervised and approved by director Albert Brooks, this restoration highlights the inherent grain while delivering an image that is consistently clean, crisp, and clear. High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances the contrast and dynamic range, although its impact on detail is subtle, given the film's intentionally unpolished aesthetic. This nuanced approach enhances color reproduction, with primaries and supporting tones presenting lush, balanced hues. Overall, image stability is superb, ensuring an immaculate presentation.

While there are ongoing density fluctuations attributed to the original cinematography, these are less noticeable in native 4K due to the tighter visuals. The Blu-ray disc, in standard dynamic range (SDR), closely replicates the visual fidelity of the 4K disc but with marginally less fine detail. Certain sequences benefit from a more defined depth perception in 4K, with backgrounds appearing slightly better defined. Despite some grain-heavy moments, this release likely represents the best visual presentation "Real Life" has seen on home video, providing an engaging and technically proficient viewing experience for cinephiles and casual viewers alike.

The audio presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Real Life" features an English LPCM 1.0 track, restored from the original 35mm magnetic track. This lossless monoaural soundtrack delivers a clean and stable auditory experience, maintaining its integrity without signs of aging. Dialogue is exceptionally clear and sharp, providing a faithful reflection of the film's original soundscape.

Despite the presence of chaotic movement and random noises in several sequences, the track remains devoid of distortion or unevenness, preserving stable dynamic ranges. The dynamic intensity is modest, typical of late-1970s films which lack high-octane action elements. Composer Mort Lindsey’s notable whistled theme stands out, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are available for those who require them.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Real Life" is a two-disc set where all supplemental content is thoughtfully packed into the Blu-ray disc. Albert Brooks' in-depth discussion offers a rich insight into his creative process, deconstructing comedy, and the intricate making of "Real Life," shedding light on the nuances behind this satirical piece. Complementing this is Frances Lee McCain's firsthand account, providing a vivid recount of her experiences working with Brooks. The disc also features an original 3D trailer, reflective of Brooks' innovative promotional strategies, and a well-illustrated leaflet that includes a critical essay by A.S. Hamrah.

Extras included in this disc:

• Albert Brooks: Albert Brooks discusses the conception and making of Real Life.
• Frances Lee McCain: Frances Lee McCain recalls her experience working on the film.
• 3D Trailer: Original trailer for Real Life, directed by Albert Brooks.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by critic A.S. Hamrah.

Albert Brooks' "Real Life" (1979) makes an assured debut on 4K UHD Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. The film serves as a prescient satire of reality television and the burgeoning mockumentary genre, drawing direct inspiration from the 1973 PBS series "An American Family." Set in Phoenix, Arizona, the film chronicles Brooks' quest to document the "real" life of the Yeager family over a year, promising groundbreaking cinema and valuable academic research. Brooks implores his dedicated camera crew to film every aspect of the Yeagers' lives, inadvertently creating a comedic yet scathing commentary on the intrusive nature of fame and the ironies of Hollywood's take on authenticity.

Despite its grand ambitions, "Real Life" quickly spirals into unintended chaos, offering a mirror to Hollywood's delusions. Brooks conducts his mockumentary with an occasionally neurotic commentary that aims for humor but often restates the obvious or delves into incoherent tangents. The film's self-awareness is glaringly highlighted as Brooks' project goes off the rails, turning the idyllic Yeager household into a battleground of egos and broken dreams. Memorable moments include Jeanette Yeager's unanticipated flirtations and Dr. Warren Yeager’s tragic mishap with a prized patient, each episode further unraveling the thin veneer of "reality" Brooks sought to capture.

What "Real Life" magnificently delivers is an unflinching self-destruction that exposes more about Hollywood's distorted perception than America's middle class. Collaborating with Monica Johnson and Harry Shearer, Brooks effectively lays the groundwork for what would become classic hallmarks of the mockumentary format. Despite its descent into absurdity, Brooks' satirical lens provides sharp-eyed observations about the corrosive powers of the camera and the distorted realities perpetuated by those behind it. This duality makes "Real Life" a momentous, if deeply flawed, endeavor that fascinatingly captures Hollywood’s intricate dance with “reality.”

Albert Brooks' Real Life (1979) is a prescient work that eerily anticipates the reality television craze long before the likes of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" became household names. Drawing direct inspiration from PBS's 1973 broadcast, "An American Family," Brooks crafts a sharp satirical take on the emergent genre of reality TV and sets the framework for the future of mockumentary filmmaking. Despite comparisons to Luis Buñuel's The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, Brooks' wit might not be as biting and surreal, but his vision remains undeniably incisive.

The Criterion Collection’s new 4K UHD release of Real Life stands out for its remarkable video and audio restoration. The stunning visual upgrade reveals intricate details that were not discernible in previous formats, enhancing the film's voyeuristic exploration of a normal American family's life turned inside out. The audio restoration ensures that every line of Brooks' dialogue and the rich ambient sounds are crisp and clear, preserving the film’s original texture while offering a fresh listening experience.

While the extras included might be considered slight, they possess substantive insights into the making of the film and Brooks’ creative process. The package is more than just a high-quality restoration; it's a celebration of Brooks’ innovative work that will interest both film buffs and comedy enthusiasts equally.

In conclusion, even though Albert Brooks' directorial debut carries echoes of Buñuel's satirical genius, it carves its own niche through its enthusiastic mockery and deconstruction of reality TV. The Criterion Collection’s fabulous new 4K restoration elevates Real Life aesthetically and sonically, making it highly recommended for fans of the genre. While it may not achieve the savage wit of Buñuel’s masterpieces, it leaves an indelible mark as a foundational piece in the evolution of mockumentary filmmaking. Criterion's combo pack is a deserving addition to any cinephile's collection. RECOMMENDED.