Poor Things Blu-ray Review

"Poor Things," presented on Blu-ray by 20th Century Studios’ Searchlight division and Disney/Buena Vista, showcases a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio. The imagery benefits from the unique use of 35mm Ektachrome film and demonstrates a captivatingly organic appearance, despite noticeable post-production tweaks. Robbie Ryan's exceptional cinematography comes through with engaging visual distinctions, such as sharp fisheye lens effects alongside bold quasi-iris distortions. The color grading is notable, featuring vibrant cotton candy hues and deep yellows that provide a thematic richness, especially in scenes described to echo the charm of the series "The Prisoner."

The Blu-ray release provides a striking testament to the visual prowess achievable without a UHD offering. It highlights both colorful and monochrome sequences with remarkable clarity and depth. The film's beginning segments in black and white present an extraordinary level of detail, drawing attention to fabric textures and precise character makeup that showcase Willem Dafoe’s features in sharp focus. Flesh tones are slightly washed out yet reveal every intricate facet important for the audience's immersion.

Utilizing Super 35 cameras, the film receives a 4K digital intermediate treatment, aptly demonstrating Blu-ray's capabilities through saturated colors and heightened contrasts—an effect of the Ektachrome reversal stock. The imagery achieves a dreamlike quality, with backgrounds and foregrounds maintaining crisp detail. Color reproduction is effectively executed, mixing natural and surrealistic tones seamlessly. The aesthetic choice of boat sequences, noted for their indescribably beautiful sky imagery, underscores the pristine representation of color within this medium. Overall, "Poor Things" remains a visually compelling piece despite not being offered in a 4K UHD format, delivering clean visuals free from noise and artifacts.

The audio presentation of "Poor Things" on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that excels in delivering an immersive auditory experience. The mix utilizes active surrounds and a wide front soundstage, which complements the film's surreal visuals. The sound design emphasizes ambient environmental effects, enhancing the viewer's sense of immersion. Notably, the musical score by Jerskin Fendrix is a highlight, utilizing intricate and peculiar instrumentation that bends and swoops to create a hallucinatory auditory experience. Meanwhile, the film's dialogue remains crystal clear and well-articulated, even during scenes with additional background noise or multilingual exchanges.

In terms of dynamics, the 5.1 mix is rich and full-bodied, with a balance that strategically positions music and ambiance in surround channels while maintaining a dialogue-forward approach. LFE is utilized to add low-end enhancement, most notably in musical sections where unusual instruments contribute an engaging bass response that fills the room. Surround sound presentation effectively captures indoor and outdoor environments, providing a consistent and immersive surround activity.

Overall, while the audio track on the Blu-ray might not be groundbreaking, it aligns well with the director’s stylistic choices by refraining from overwhelming sound effects or overly vibrant soundscapes. Instead, it offers a solid, nuanced effort characterized by clarity and purposeful surround deployment. Additionally, with available language options and subtitles in several languages, "Poor Things" ensures accessibility for a wide audience.

The "Poor Things" Blu-ray extras deliver insightful, albeit concise, content for fans and film enthusiasts looking to delve deeper into the making of this unique film. "Possessing Beauty: The Making of Poor Things" offers an engaging 21-minute feature that stands out with interviews, behind-the-scenes looks at costumes, makeup, and prosthetics, including detailed applications on Willem Dafoe. It explores the creative journey from book adaptation to casting decisions and technical aspects like film stock and lens choices, providing a comprehensive overview. Also included are Deleted Things, featuring three brief deleted scenes — Brothel Doctor, Alfie’s Chapter, and Bella’s Notebook — which run a combined duration of slightly over three minutes. Though limited in quantity, these extras provide valuable insights into the creative process behind "Poor Things," paired with a digital copy and slipcover packaging that enhance the overall offering.

Extras included in this disc:

• Possessing Beauty: The Making of Poor Things: Explores the creative process, with interviews and behind-the-scenes content.
• Deleted Things: Three deleted scenes: Brothel Doctor, Alfie’s Chapter, Bella’s Notebook.

Yorgos Lanthimos's "Poor Things" is an intricate and visually stunning exploration of twisted narratives and bizarre yet compelling character arcs. Emma Stone delivers a riveting performance as Bella Baxter, a woman reborn through the eccentric genius of Dr. Godwin Baxter, played hauntingly by Willem Dafoe. The film thrusts viewers into a fantastical world that taps into both Frankenstein-esque motifs and a steampunk-adjacent Victorian setting, echoed in its Oscar-winning production and costume design. The narrative unfolds with Bella's brain transplanted from her own unborn child, leading to a unique adult-infant dynamic that Stone captures with precision.

The film weaves a peculiar yet captivating tale, marked by stylistic audacity and a distinctive narrative voice reminiscent of Lanthimos's previous works such as "The Lobster" and "The Killing of a Sacred Deer." Mark Ruffalo brings a complex dimension to the character of Duncan Wedderburn, whose unpredictable journey with Bella underscores her quest for identity and autonomy. Lanthimos’s characteristic visual flair shines through in the seamless transition between dazzling color and contrasting black-and-white sequences, further enriching the film's engaging storytelling. Romantic nuances intertwine an odd array of humorous yet unsettling scenes, emphasizing Bella's liberation and self-discovery amidst societal constraints.

Despite its eclectic narrative, "Poor Things" captivates with its thematic depth and surreal imagery, lingering well past its runtime. The film challenges conventions through its excellent cast performances and daring exploration of freedom, equality, and feminine awakening. It is an unpredictable cinematic gem that intrigues audiences, rewarding those who appreciate Lanthimos's unorthodox storytelling with a uniquely immersive experience. However, this avant-garde exercise may divide viewers, necessitating a readiness to embrace its peculiarities—a testament to Lanthimos’s ability to craft enduring and thought-provoking art.

"Poor Things" is a vivid exploration of unconventional storytelling, seamlessly embodying the signature idiosyncrasies of director Yorgos Lanthimos. The film's audacious presentation and quirky narrative are accentuated by Emma Stone's Oscar-winning performance, which serves as the film's cornerstone. While the narrative ambitiously tackles themes of female empowerment and sexual liberation, it occasionally veers towards the surreal, challenging its coherence and universality. Despite the absence of a 4K UHD release, the Blu-ray edition offers impeccable image quality and engaging supplementary content that enriches the viewing experience, meriting a recommendation despite the divisive reception.

The film's polarizing nature arises from its juxtaposition of oddity and poignancy, appealing to viewers who appreciate avant-garde cinema. Although it may not resonate with everyone, its distinctiveness amid a homogenized Hollywood landscape is commendable. "Poor Things" invites audiences to dive into a world that alternates between humor, discomfort, and reflection. This highly stylized piece remains memorable for its bold visual storytelling and unique perspective, yet it may not warrant repeated viewings for all.

In conclusion, "Poor Things" transcends conventional standards, offering both grand entertainment and artistic introspection. Its allure lies in its challenging narrative and outstanding performances, though its strangeness might deter some viewers. Nevertheless, for those willing to embrace its eccentricity, "Poor Things" represents a significant cinematic endeavor that asserts Lanthimos' prowess and Stone's versatility in her craft. The Blu-ray release further enhances this experience, making it a respectable addition to the collection of cinephiles who appreciate innovation and depth in contemporary film.