Nobody Walks Blu-ray Review

"Nobody Walks," directed by Ry Russo-Young, offers an engrossing visual experience thanks to its choice of being shot on Super 16mm film. This decision creates a distinctive, warm, and filmic tone that deeply complements the movie's aesthetic. The 1080p AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer from Magnolia Home Entertainment stays true to the source, expertly preserving the film's intricate grain structure without resorting to excessive digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement. The resultant picture maintains a high level of detail in close-ups while providing a naturally grainy texture during wider shots, staying faithful to the original cinematographic intent.

The transfer does highlight the inherent limitations of 16mm, such as reduced clarity when compared to 35mm, yet it remarkably manages these constraints. The image remains wonderfully resolved, displaying robust detail and a realistic, unstylized color grading. This adds warmth to the highlights and vibrant saturation levels that avoid looking artificial. Importantly, no noticeable filter abuses or compression issues detract from the viewing experience, ensuring a consistent picture quality throughout the film. Occasional white specks are present but are minimal and fleeting.

The deliberate use of the Super 16mm format adds a unique layer of texture and warmth, enriching the visual storytelling. This Sundance-esque quality is further enhanced by the high contrast, which keeps the image from feeling over-processed. Martine's black and white scorpion-and-ant-themed film-within-a-film also benefits from this careful transfer, appearing clear and well-defined. Overall, "Nobody Walks" excels in utilizing its format to create a visually engaging and authentic presentation, honoring both the director's vision and the capabilities of Blu-ray technology.

The Blu Ray of "Nobody Walks" offers an intriguing audio presentation, delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. This track excels in capturing the film's quiet domestic drama, ensuring that dialogue remains cleanly recorded and flawlessly balanced throughout. The mix beautifully integrates low-level ambient sounds in the rear channels—such as party noise and outdoor sounds—and features an unobtrusive yet effective score by Fall On Your Sword, known for their work on "Another Earth" and "Lola Versus." Notably, Peter and Martine’s foley audio experiments add an enjoyable layer to the audio experience, with freeway noise, insect sounds, and synthesizer effects spread across the 5.1 channels, occasionally leveraging deep bass to enhance the sense of audio intimacy crucial to the film's narrative.

However, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track occasionally reveals an inconsistency in the dialogue mix. While dialogue is generally intelligible, certain voices—like those of Justin Kirk and Rosemarie DeWitt—register differently, sometimes resulting in one character sounding clearer while another appears slightly muffled or altered. Though not overly detrimental, this discrepancy is noticeable at times and may affect the overall listening experience for discerning viewers.

Overall, the mix does a commendable job of accentuating the film’s musical elements and ambient noise. The subtle, nuanced scores by Fall On Your Sword drift between front and rear speakers, with occasional low-frequency effects enhancing the soundscape. Additionally, scenes involving Peter and Martine’s sound experiments are a standout, as they utilize surround channels to capture the echo off mountain ranges and tactile sounds from within Peter’s environment, reflecting the film’s thematic focus on sound design. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are included for accessibility.

The Blu Ray extras for "Nobody Walks" offer a comprehensive suite of features, ranging from interviews to short films, aimed at providing deeper insights into the making of the film and its thematic compositions. Particularly notable is the extended interview with director Ry Russo-Young, which delves into character motivations and the creative process behind the collaboration with Lena Dunham. Olivia Thirlby's interview offers additional perspectives on her character and on-set dynamics, although it occasionally veers into redundant territory. Martine’s short film “Scorpio” is included and is noteworthy for those interested in her character’s artistic expression. The disc also features some less impactful content, such as a deleted scene and promotional material that reiterates previously covered ground.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scene: Kolt and her friends discuss her father and Martine.

Scorpio: Martine's short, experimental film.

Interview with Director Ry Russo-Young: Detailed discussion on filmmaking.

Interview with Olivia Thirlby: Insights into her character and filming experience.

AXS TV: A Look at Nobody Walks: Promotional featurette with clips and snippets from interviews.

Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the film.

Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Additional promotional content.

Ry Russo-Young’s "Nobody Walks," co-written with Lena Dunham, stands as a compelling examination of interpersonal relationships and professional entanglements in the young urban professional milieu. Central to its narrative is Martine, a young artist from New York, played by Olivia Thirlby, whose infectious charm and manipulative tendencies disrupt the lives of sound designer Peter (John Krasinski) and his psychologist wife Julie (Rosemarie DeWitt). This indie drama navigates a loosely structured plot filled with nuanced performances that delve deeply into the complexities of human emotions and interactions. Set against the sunlit, languid backdrop of suburban Silver Lake, the film thrives on subtle observations of male and female dynamics, leveraging its excellent cast to portray a storyline rich in sexual tension and quiet turmoil.

Within its layers, "Nobody Walks" acts as a rare exploration into the world of cinematic sound design. Through Peter’s work on Martine’s avant-garde short film, the movie draws parallels between the sensory nature of sound and the sensual undertones of the unfolding drama. This intricate audio-visual interplay highlights the minutiae of life—traffic hums, rustling leaves, soft whispers—adding a tactile texture to the viewing experience. However, as Peter’s professional admiration for Martine spirals into a precarious, volatile affair, the film transitions from subtle build-up to rapid unraveling, affecting not just his relationship with Martine, but also shaking the delicate balance within his family.

Supporting characters like Julie, who finds herself in slightly humorous yet equally complex scenarios involving a patient’s romantic advances, and Kolt (India Ennenga), dealing with her own adolescent crushes and inappropriate tutor propositions, add depth to the narrative. Although their arcs may sometimes feel underdeveloped or melodramatic next to the central plot, they collectively underscore the film’s overarching theme: how our desires and reality clash, leading to emotional dissonance. Krasinski’s portrayal is particularly notable for capturing Peter’s transformation from dependable family man to someone consumed by passion, showcasing his potential beyond his comedic roots. In sum, "Nobody Walks" intricately weaves a tapestry of professional interactions, personal desires, and the inevitable chaos spawned by unchecked attractions.

"Nobody Walks" is a nuanced indie drama that explores themes of fidelity, emotional complexity, and the subtleties of human interaction. It delicately examines the ripple effects of an outsider's presence in the life of a seemingly stable family, provoking thoughtful contemplation on the interplay of relationships. The film excels in its quiet, methodical pace, occasionally leaving the viewer craving deeper exploration into the turmoil it hints at. This restraint can be both a strength and a weakness, as it allows for some truly authentic moments but often skirts around the more profound emotional depths it alludes to.

Technically, Magnolia's Blu-ray release delivers a strong high-definition transfer that preserves the film's atmospheric cinematography with impressive clarity. The audio track is equally commendable, capturing the intricacies of the film's sound design, which plays a pivotal role in conveying its thematic essence. The disc offers a handful of informative extras that provide valuable context and enhance the viewing experience. However, while these features are well-executed, they may not be sufficient to justify a purchase for those who do not anticipate multiple viewings.

In conclusion, "Nobody Walks" is a subtly engaging film that is worth watching for its perceptive exploration of human relationships and its high-quality Blu-ray presentation. Despite its occasional narrative disconnects, it features compelling performances and moments that resonate. Given its understated nature and limited replay value, it is recommended as a rental rather than an outright purchase. Nonetheless, for those interested in a carefully crafted, introspective drama, it promises a rewarding experience.