Scenic Route Blu-ray Review

The "Scenic Route" 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases an exemplary video presentation that vividly brings to life the movie’s harsh desert setting with striking clarity and precision, attributed to its shoot with Arri Alexa and Red Epic cameras. The difference in camera usage importantly underscored the visual storytelling, using the Alexa for capturing the expansive desert sequences and the Red Epic for the more intimate moments, such as Mitchell's flashback scenes. The meticulous digital intermediate process accentuates the arid yellows and browns of the daytime desert, transitioning seamlessly into the cool blues and blacks of night, creating a distinctive visual dichotomy that enhances the film’s narrative tension. Despite deliberately overexposed shots to simulate the glaring sun, the image retains its sharpness and detail in most frames, supported by a non-existent presence of compression artifacts on the BD-25 presentation.

Detailing is a standout aspect in this Blu-ray offering, displaying an exceptional level of definition from the textured landscapes to the grit and grime on a broken pickup truck. The video quality maintains a consistent lifelike texture across facial features as well as the nuances of blood, sweat, and dirt, ensuring that viewers are pulled into the palpable desolation experienced by the characters. Presented in its original cinematic aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the encode benefits from a bright and crisp contrast that excellently mimics the overwhelming desert sun, balanced by a spectrum of vibrant colors that never feel oversaturated. Although minor posterization in sky scenes was noted, it does not detract from an otherwise visually fantastic presentation.

Black levels are deep and immersive, providing a rich backdrop for the nighttime sequences that compliment the film's atmospheric depth. The intentional use of lens flares and a constrained color palette adds authenticity to the story’s setting, enhancing the overall sense of isolation and desperation portrayed. Even in scenes dominated by darkness, details such as sand blowing in the wind are captured with remarkable clarity, further adding to the realism and immersive experience offered by this Blu-ray release. Despite having no extras beyond trailers and a commentary, "Scenic Route" stands out for its video quality on Blu-ray, making it a near-reference experience for viewers seeking both technical excellence and compelling cinematography.

The audio presentation of "Scenic Route" on its 4K UHD Blu Ray edition delivers a nuanced and somewhat divisive experience, predominantly because of its DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. The film's sound design deliberately opts for minimalism, mirroring the desolate desert setting. Day scenes are audibly sparse, with clarity in the characters' conversations unfolding against a backdrop of their activities and the occasional, stark sound of the desert wind at night through the surround setup. The ambiance is further defined by the eerie quiet, punctuated only by the distinct sounds of wildlife and the unsettlingly organic noise during a fight scene—each carefully rendered to contribute to an immersive listening experience.

However, this minimalist approach is not without its criticisms. The rear channels are underutilized, leading to a lack of envelopment that could have enhanced the feeling of isolation and vastness of the desert setting. The audio mix feels narrow and constrained, primarily focusing on the front soundstage, where dialogue retains high detail and precision. This choice, possibly intended to keep viewers' attention fixed on the film's narrative core, ironically makes the soundscape feel flat and lifeless at times. The soundfield's failure to expand even during emotionally charged moments or to significantly leverage the low bass spectrum contributes to an overall sense of missed opportunities in the audio design.

Despite these criticisms, the original score by Michael Einziger offers a complementary layer to the film’s atmosphere with its minimalist yet impactful composition. The balance between dialogue and ambient sounds is meticulously maintained, allowing for a natural listening experience without the need for constant volume adjustment. The audio track faithfully delivers on the film's intent to immerse viewers into its stark narrative environment, though it leaves room for speculation on what might have been achieved with a more dynamic use of the surround sound capabilities.

The extra presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Scenic Route" primarily consists of an engaging commentary and a glimpse of the film's promotional material through its trailer. The audio commentary, featuring the Goetz Brothers alongside actor Josh Duhamel, dives deeply into the technical rigors and creative genius behind the film's production. Recorded under the brutal backdrop of Death Valley, they discuss the multifaceted challenges of working within a tight budget while pulling off a visually captivating story. The dialogue between the filmmakers and Duhamel is particularly illuminating, revealing not only the physical toll taken on the cast but also delves into the complexities of character creation, showcasing a blend of technical filmmaking anecdotes and personal experiences from the set. Furthermore, the disc includes the film’s high-definition trailer, presenting a crisp preview of the movie’s intense narrative and visual style, though it interestingly boots with an unrelated trailer that can be skipped.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with the Goetz Brothers and Actor Josh Duhamel: A detailed exploration of the movie’s production challenges, filming techniques, and character development insights.
• Trailers: Includes the high-definition theatrical trailer of "Scenic Route", plus an initially autoplayed trailer for "Rushlights" which is skip-able.

"Scenic Route," directed by the Goetz brothers Kevin and Michael, showcases a commendable debut that hinges on the intense, dialogue-driven dynamic between its two main characters, Mitchell (played by Josh Duhamel) and Carter (played by Dan Fogler). The film explores the tumultuous unraveling of a once-solid friendship when faced with dire circumstances – their vehicle breaks down in the desolate expanse of Death Valley, leaving them isolated and pushing their bond to its breaking point. This setup provides a platform for both actors to delve deeply into their roles, an opportunity they seize to present a searing examination of personal choices and the paths not taken. The choice of location, meticulously chosen for its barrenness, alongside the sparing use of closeups except in the cloak of night, amplifies the desolation and the psychological depth the film aspires to explore. The minimalist approach to storytelling is bold and underscores the intense performances driven by Kyle Killen's script.

The narrative unfolds with a richness that belies its simple premise, thanks to the exceptional performances by Duhamel and Fogler. The transition from banal road trip dynamics to a life-and-death struggle serves as both a literal and metaphorical scenic route to examining deeper existential themes. The dialogue, while occasionally feeling consciously constructed, serves as an effective tool for peeling away the layers of each character's facade, revealing the deep-seated uncertainties and regrets lying beneath. It is through these conversations, and the resultant physical and moral conflict, that "Scenic Route" transcends its setup and ventures into a thought-provoking examination of life choices and their repercussions.

The Goetz brothers’ filmography might be sparse, but their execution here demonstrates a clear vision and a deft handling of suspense and psychological drama. By confining the bulk of this emotional odyssey to a remote stretch of desert highway, they amplify the stakes and the intensity of the character's introspections and confrontations. The cinematography smartly juxtaposes the stark, expansive desert with the intimate turmoil of the protagonists, striking a balance that keeps viewers engaged through its surprising twists and reflective pauses. While “Scenic Route” demands patience, it rewards viewers with a layered narrative that challenges assumptions about life's paths and suggests that real danger – and discovery – might lie in confronting what we’ve become rather than in external threats.

"Scenic Route," a film that premiered at Austin's South by Southwest Film Festival in March 2013, is an intriguing directorial debut for the Goetz brothers. It presents a seemingly straightforward story of two childhood friends, portrayed compellingly by Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler, whose simple desert road trip spirals into a complex and nightmarish battle for survival, both physically and emotionally. The film's limited theatrical release does not detract from its quality, and the 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a superior viewing experience, with an excellent video transfer that likely surpasses commercial theater presentations. Despite this, the audio presentation is average and may leave audiophiles wanting more. Additionally, the Blu-ray package is notably thin on supplements, offering only one, which might disappoint those keen on behind-the-scenes insights.

Aspiring filmmakers will find value in the Blu-ray’s commentary, offering a deeper understanding of how a minimalistic concept can evolve into a layered and thought-provoking narrative. The performances by Duhamel and Fogler give the film a solid backbone, showcasing their versatility beyond what their typical roles have allowed. Sadly, despite hints in the commentary about outtakes, production stills, and deleted scenes, these features are absent from the Blu-ray release. Nevertheless, this omission does not significantly diminish the film’s attractiveness as a worthy addition to one's collection for repeated viewings.

In conclusion, "Scenic Route" stands out as a testament to the Goetz brothers' directorial prowess and the dramatic capabilities of its leading actors. The 4K UHD Blu-ray provides an excellent way to experience the visual storytelling, albeit with a somewhat underwhelming audio track and lack of extensive supplementary material. Despite these drawbacks, the film’s compelling narrative and strong performances make it a notable purchase for fans of independent cinema and those interested in the art of filmmaking. It’s a remarkable journey through survival, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships that deserves attention.