The Royal Tenenbaums Blu-ray Review

Wes Anderson's "The Royal Tenenbaums" receives a meticulous 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, framed in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, exquisitely supervised by renowned director Wes Anderson and brought to life on Blu-ray by Criterion. This digital transfer, sourced from the original camera negative via a 2K resolution scan on a DFT SCANITY film scanner, is a testament to the painstaking restoration efforts undertaken. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other detriments were manually eradicated using sophisticated restoration tools such as MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean, supplemented by Image Systems' DVNR for minor imperfections. The collaborative effort of Anderson, telecine supervisor Lee Kline, Maria Palazzola, and colorist Sheri Eisenberg from Colorworks ensures an authentic and faithful reproduction of the film’s unique visual style.

The Blu-ray presentation showcases an unparalleled clarity and an impressive fidelity to the filmmaker’s original vision. Fine details are sharply defined from close-ups to the intricately designed sets that are characteristic of Anderson's work, highlighting the creative nuances of the production design. The color reproduction is nothing short of spectacular, presenting a vivid palette that enhances the film's whimsical and stylized narrative. The dominant oranges and yellows pop with exceptional depth, while the overall contrast maintains a stable and dynamic range, showcasing deep blacks and bright whites that contribute to the film's distinctive look. The natural grain structure is preserved throughout, lending the film an authentic cinematic texture. Despite occasional minor issues such as faint banding or negligible aliasing in select scenes, these do not detract from the overall exemplary quality of this transfer.

Undoubtedly, this director-approved Criterion release of "The Royal Tenenbaums" sets a new benchmark for high-definition presentations of Wes Anderson's work. The attention to detail in both the visual restoration and color grading process results in an image that is as beautiful as it is technically flawless. The balance between preserving the film’s original grain and ensuring crystal-clear detail, alongside the vibrant and meticulously restored color scheme, makes this Blu-ray an essential acquisition for enthusiasts seeking the definitive visual experience of Anderson's acclaimed film. This transfer reaffirms Criterion's commitment to quality, offering viewers not only a glimpse but a fully immersive dive into Anderson's meticulously crafted world, with no significant transfer-related anomalies to detract from the enjoyment of this cinematic gem.

The Blu-ray release of "The Royal Tenenbaums" features a single audio track: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, which has been meticulously remastered from the original magnetic tracks. With a focus on clarity and precision, the restoration process involved manual removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD, while crackle was attenuated with AudioCube's integrated workstation. This leads to a soundtrack that is clean and devoid of any pops, cracks, or serious distortions, ensuring that dialogue remains crystal clear throughout. The dynamic amplitude is commendable, and the surround channels are used effectively to enhance the film’s atmosphere during certain key scenes without overwhelming the viewer.

Despite its technical prowess, the audio mix opts for a more understated approach, befitting the narrative and visual style of the film. Dialogue is consistently sharp and resonant, prioritizing fidelity and ensuring that every spoken word is discernible. However, the soundstage tends to be frontloaded with limited use of the surround channels, resulting in a mix that rarely ventures beyond the front three speakers except for select music cues and isolated effects. This restrained deployment does not detract from the experience; rather, it aligns perfectly with the film's aesthetic, striking a balance between subtlety and expressiveness.

The soundscape of "The Royal Tenenbaums" Blu-ray excels in its treatment of Mark Mothersbaugh’s score, which is integrated seamlessly with the on-screen action to create a cohesive audiovisual experience. Although the mix may not provide an all-encompassing sense of immersion, it opens up beautifully for musical montages, effectively enhancing key moments without needing to rely heavily on low frequencies or aggressive surround sound tactics. Overall, this approach underscores the film’s unique character and ensures an enjoyable listening experience that complements its storytelling and stylistic choices.

The Criterion Blu-ray of "The Royal Tenenbaums" comes packed with detailed and enriching extras that offer an in-depth look into the making and essence of the film. With a selection ranging from revealing interviews with the cast, an immersive behind-the-scenes featurette, two lightly interesting cut scenes, to a unique and somewhat quirky inclusion of "The Peter Bradley Show," this collection caters to fans and new viewers alike. The scrapbook section is a treasure trove of visual materials, showcasing everything from production stills to detailed murals from the film’s set. Additionally, the commentary by Wes Anderson provides a comprehensive and engaging accompaniment to the movie, teeming with insights into its creation and thematic layers. These extras, all presented in upscaled 1080i quality, without subtitles, demonstrate Criterion's commitment to preserving and celebrating the film’s artistic value.

Extras included in this disc:

• With the Filmmaker: A behind-the-scenes look at the film's production process with director Wes Anderson.
• Interviews: Separate interviews with key cast members discussing their roles and experiences on set.
• Cut Scenes: Two deleted scenes offering additional content for enthusiasts.
• The Peter Bradley Show: A fictional talk show featuring interviews with minor characters from the film.
• Scrapbook: Multiple galleries including stills from production, artwork featured in the film, and storyboards.
• Trailers: Original trailers for "The Royal Tenenbaums."
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Wes Anderson recorded for Criterion’s release.
• Insert: Featuring Eric Anderson’s drawings of the Tenenbaum house and an essay by film critic Kent Jones.

Wes Anderson's "The Royal Tenenbaums," available on Blu-ray from Criterion, showcases the director's unique storytelling and visual style, making it a standout in his filmography. Set against the backdrop of a dysfunctional family narrative, the movie delves into themes of emotional healing, failure, and the quest for redemption through its eccentric characters and meticulously crafted settings. Anderson's commitment to stylistic excess, characterized by elaborate production designs, colorful costumes, and a diverse range of camera movements, creates a visually distinct world that is both whimsical and melancholic. While some may find the film's idiosyncrasies to be overbearing, this calculated approach ultimately serves to deepen the emotional resonance of the story.

The narrative unfolds through an ensemble cast led by Gene Hackman's memorable portrayal of Royal Tenenbaum, supported by Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, Anjelica Huston, and others who bring depth and nuance to their roles. Their performances expertly navigate the balance between comedy and tragedy, grounding the film's more fantastical elements with genuine human emotion. Despite occasional critiques that the film's style overshadows its substance, Anderson demonstrates a profound understanding of his characters' complexities, using visual flair and narrative eccentricities to explore their struggles and desires.

The Criterion Blu-ray edition enhances the experience with features such as original trailers, an audio commentary by Wes Anderson, a collection of interviews with cast members, deleted scenes, and more, providing fans and newcomers alike with comprehensive insights into the making of this unique cinematic venture. The inclusion of Eric Anderson's drawings and an essay by Kent Jones in the packaging further enriches the appreciation for Anderson's creative vision and the film's lasting impact on contemporary cinema.

The Criterion Collection's release of Wes Anderson's "The Royal Tenenbaums" on Blu-ray stands as a paramount example of how a film should be presented in the digital age. Adherents of Anderson's unique cinematic style will find this release both indispensable and unparalleled, boasting a visual and auditory experience that showcases the movie in its finest form to date. The transfer brings out the rich, nuanced colors and detailed compositions that are signature to Anderson's work, making it a visually sumptuous feast. Despite the audio mix being somewhat subdued, it complements the film’s tone perfectly, ensuring that the viewer’s experience is immersive without overpowering the subtleties of the performances and narrative.

In addition to the impeccable video and audio presentation, this Blu-ray edition is replete with supplemental features that enrich one’s appreciation of the film. Behind-the-scenes footage and insightful interviews offer a deeper understanding of the creative process behind "The Royal Tenenbaums," allowing fans and newcomers alike to delve into the quirky yet poignant world Anderson has crafted. These additions are more than mere extras; they’re an extension of the film's narrative and thematic explorations, providing context and commentary that elevate the overall viewing experience.

To conclude, Criterion’s Blu-ray release of "The Royal Tenenbaums" is an essential acquisition for both aficionados of Wes Anderson’s filmography and connoisseurs of cinema in general. The remarkable quality of both the visual and audio transfer, combined with a treasure trove of thoughtful extras, makes this edition a definitive representation of the film. It stands as an exemplary case of how to honor a cinematic work's integrity while enhancing it for contemporary audiences. Highly recommended, this release underscores Criterion's commitment to celebrating cinema at its most artistically significant.