Wakefield Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of "Wakefield" holds up a commendable 2.35:1 presentation, encoded in MPEG-4, providing sharp and clean visuals throughout its runtime. Mastered from a digital intermediate, the 1080p video ensures crystal-clear definition and impressive detail, particularly in close-up shots where textures like wrinkles and creases on faces are finely rendered. The average bitrate of 20494 kbps and a total disc clocking at 26.90 Mbps facilitate a smooth viewing experience, though a slightly higher bitrate could have enriched the image even more.

The video maintains a subdued palette, befitting the film’s dramatic tone, balanced with strong colors in select scenes. The dark and often night-based settings contribute to a compelling atmosphere, with black levels that are deep and robust, allowing for adequate shadow delineation without significant detail loss. The film’s distinct cinematographic choices, such as point-of-view shots through gridded windows, induce an occasional softness that complements the narrative perspective. Despite some limited high-frequency detail likelier due to mild post-production filtering, overall clarity and consistency in skin tones remain natural and consistent throughout.

The AVC compression effectively handles the clean imagery with only occasional instances of banding, making for an uninterrupted visual flow. Wakefield's moderate use of lighting to highlight key areas contributes to a picture that, while lacking the intense contrast typical of larger summer blockbusters, portrays its scenes with precise definition and minimal artifacts. Spacing between characters and backgrounds feels natural without inducing any three-dimensional effects, and movements are captured fluidly without jitter or blurring. Overall, Shout! Factory’s presentation on Blu-ray strikes a good balance, delivering a visually engaging experience suitable for the film’s thematic depth.

Shout! has delivered a robust audio presentation for "Wakefield," offering both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround (3039 kbps, 24-bit) and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo (1636 kbps, 24-bit). Cranston's voice, the film's dominant vocal element, is crisp and clear in both tracks. Sound effects, including subway, train, car noises, and footsteps, come through authentically, contributing to the immersive experience. The 5.1 mix maintains a well-balanced soundstage, with Aaron Zigman’s score subtly integrated into the satellite speakers without overpowering the main action. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles, featuring a white font consistent within the 2.35:1 framing, are available.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack primarily focuses on the front soundstage, exhibiting limited discrete sound design. Rear channels are mainly utilized to add depth to Zigman’s restrained and moody score. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible but occasionally presents a mildly harsh quality not typical for contemporary productions. Even though audio design isn't central to "Wakefield," it is crisply recorded, ensuring effective dialogue reproduction, instrumental balance, and realistic sound effects.

The soundtracks offer solid dynamics, with the 2.0 DTS-HD MA track performing nearly as well as the more expansive 5.1 option. Though the film leans toward a more front-heavy auditory presentation, rear speakers engage effectively when required, particularly with door shuttings and heavy footsteps enhancing the low-frequency extension. Overall, dialogue is distinctly captured, even during introspective moments aiming to replicate internal echoes or garage environments. This precise audio balance makes "Wakefield" a commendable choice for an engaging listening experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Wakefield" compensates for its limited special features with high-quality presentation and a few engaging extras. This 2-disc set includes both the Blu-ray and DVD editions neatly packaged in a slipcover. Despite the minimalist offerings, the available extras are well-produced and provide context to the film through high-definition trailers. The inclusion of the official theatrical trailer, complete with DTS HD MA 2.0 Stereo, offers a glimpse into the film's tone and artistic choices, highlighted by Debussy's Clair de lune. Additionally, previews for other films by IFC Films give a deeper view into the studio's range.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: IFC Films' original trailer for Wakefield in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen.
• Previews: Bonus trailers for Band Aid and Queen of the Desert.

Robin Swicord's "Wakefield" presents a unique and introspective narrative featuring Bryan Cranston in a transformational role. Cranston portrays Howard Wakefield, a Manhattan attorney who, disillusioned with his marriage and suburban life, retreats to his garage attic to voyeuristically observe his family's life without him. Based on E.L. Doctorow’s short story, the film leverages a remarkable autodiegetic narrative style, blending Howard’s internal monologues with flashbacks that elucidate the deteriorating relationship with his wife, Diana (Jennifer Garner). Cranston's performance is notable for his ability to render the bizarre premise compelling and genuine, even as he devolves into a feral state, scavenging and forgoing personal hygiene.

Cranston’s narration dominates the film’s perspective, turning it into an extended character study teetering between introspective drama and black comedy. The narrative approach relies heavily on his internal musings, occasionally strained by verbose monologues. The film’s minimalistic setting and voyeuristic sequences are adeptly executed but could have benefited from a more artful presentation. The screenplay, faithful to Doctorow’s original yet striving for critical acclaim, sometimes feels like Oscar bait but is elevated by Cranston’s grounded portrayal. While the film offers intriguing commentary on suburban ennui and marital discontent, its 106-minute runtime feels overextended, diluting its impact.

Overall, "Wakefield" is a curious blend of outsider drama and intimate family dissection. Despite moments of tedium and a somewhat predictable critique of upper-middle-class life, Cranston’s performance ensures the film remains engaging. Garner’s role, albeit limited, provides a poignant counterpoint to Cranston’s solitude. Supporting roles by Jason O'Mara and Beverly D'Angelo add depth but don't fully mitigate the film’s pacing issues. This film may not suit everyone's taste but offers a unique, thought-provoking watch thanks to its strong lead performance and unusual narrative approach.

"Wakefield," featuring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner, presents a fascinating yet polarizing tale centered around a man's physical and emotional transformation. Cranston's immersive performance serves as the backbone of the film, making the otherwise unconventional narrative style more palatable. The film explores deep themes of self-discovery and the reassessment of life values through its protagonist's retreat from his family. However, Robin Swicord’s storytelling notably requires patience and may be off-putting to some viewers due to its atypical pacing.

The Blu-ray release by Shout! Factory delivers commendable video quality with crystal-clear image details and above-average lossless audio performance. Though the audiovisuals are unlikely to amaze, they remain consistently solid and effective throughout, capturing the cinematic essence of Cranston's on-screen command. Disappointingly, the release severely lacks in bonus features. The absence of commentaries and interviews, particularly with Cranston and Swicord, diminishes the overall package, leaving those interested in deeper insights wanting more.

In conclusion, "Wakefield" is driven by Cranston's exceptional performance, though it struggles with its slow-paced, non-traditional narrative style. The Blu-ray offers an excellent viewing experience in terms of technical quality but is underwhelming in supplementary content. Until a potential Collector's Edition fills this gap, this version stands as the prime format to experience "Wakefield." RECOMMENDED for fans of Cranston and those intrigued by sophisticated character studies.