Daddy Longlegs Blu-ray Review

Criterion's 1080p transfer of "Daddy Longlegs" harnesses a 4K scan from the film's 35mm digital intermediate negative, which results in a grain-heavy and colorful 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This transfer provides a filmic texture that reflects the early '70s aesthetic, accentuating the grain consistent in every scene. The film’s hand-held, jittery cinematography creates an intimate and realistic atmosphere. Despite its age, the transfer showcases smooth motion without ghosting or frame rate issues. The color palette is dominated by muted tones like browns, greys, dark greens, and blacks, with the occasional pop of primary colors showcased through city neon signs and lighting. Additionally, black levels are commendably deep, maintaining richness without notable banding or crush.

While the transfer succeeds in several technical aspects, it does encounter drawbacks including light macro-blocking and other compression issues, most visible in the grainiest sequences. These flaws are likely due to suboptimal disc encoding but remain minimal and non-distracting during playback. Moreover, viewers might notice occasional scratches and marks appearing as white vertical lines. Whether intentional or not, these scratches contribute to the film's lived-in look but could have been minimized post-scan for a cleaner presentation.

Lighting conditions vary throughout "Daddy Longlegs," with many interior scenes cloaked in poor lighting leading to silhouettes instead of defined figures. Nevertheless, exterior urban scenes are grittily vivid, with a sense of hidden-camera immediacy capturing bustling pedestrian life and traffic. The new transfer handles lower-light scenes with less murkiness, and skin tones appear natural under various lighting conditions. Detail also fluctuates due to the cinematic style, with heavy grain sometimes obscuring extreme details, yet clothing textures and daylight close-ups maintain satisfactory clarity. Overall, the Blu-ray presents a faithful reflection of the film's aesthetic through a well-executed and director-approved visual transfer.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Daddy Longlegs" features an adept LPCM 2.0 Stereo mix, which, while not groundbreaking, delivers a competent auditory experience. This sound mix effectively balances clear dialogue with background effects, including the sporadic use of diegetic music and occasional soundtrack cues that dynamically interact with the narrative. The choice to maintain a front-forward track without faux-surround elements enhances the film's intent to convey a sense of sonic claustrophobia, aligning with its atmospheric storytelling.

In a film driven by chaotic dialogue, the audio mix impressively encapsulates the bustling ambiance of urban life: car horns, revving engines, and overlapping conversations create a frenetic soundscape inherent to the setting. The mix skillfully incorporates ambient noise with the main character's vocal clarity and integrates additional sound elements like the chatter and clamor from businesses, contributing to its enveloping yet confined acoustic environment. The subtle heft in sound effects and soundtrack alludes to moments of intensity without overpowering the narrative flow.

Optional English SDH subtitles are available only during the main feature, ensuring accessibility without detracting from the feature's aural authenticity. Overall, this LPCM 2.0 track complements the visual presentation well, capturing the essence of the film while maintaining technical precision and artistic intention.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Daddy Longlegs" impresses with an exquisite array of bonus content, expertly combining archival elements and contemporary insights. The extras provide a dynamic view into the film's universe, featuring retrospective interviews and intimate behind-the-scenes glimpses. Notably, the Family Affair interview connects viewers personally with the film's cast and creators, while The Universe is Out There scrutinizes the Safdie brothers' filmmaking ethos. Test footages like Supervised Visit and experimental shorts such as There's Nothing You Can Do showcase creative processes with raw authenticity. Additionally, promotional materials like CNN Breaking add a playful touch. The package includes a meticulously styled Criterion booklet, enriched with essays and fictional inserts enhancing the lo-fi aesthetic. This compelling collection serves both as an educational resource for cinephiles and a cherished artefact for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Family Affair: A reflective featurette with the Ranaldo family discussing their involvement.
• The Universe is Out There: A documentary examining the Safdies' influences and collaborations.
• Supervised Visit: Early test footage with lead actors.
• Deleted Scenes: Eight clips presented in unpolished format.
• Second Stop from Jupiter: A short 2011 documentary narrated by Leah Singer.
• CNN Breaking: Comedic promo for U.S. theatrical release.
• Why? [This Movie Exists]: Street promotion by Benny Safdie from 2009.
• There's Nothing You Can Do: A provocative short film by the Safdies.
• Talk Show: Lo-fi examination of early Safdie collaborations.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional piece included in features.

"Daddy Longlegs" delivers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the chaotic life of Lenny, portrayed by Ronald Bronstein, in this semi-autobiographical piece by the notable Safdie brothers. Filmed with a visceral 16mm vérité aesthetic, the movie immerses viewers into a gritty New York City setting, capturing a tumultuous two-week custody stint with Lenny's young sons, Sage and Frey Ranaldo. This project starkly contrasts the typical father-figure narrative, portraying Lenny as an erratic yet endearing character whose recklessness borders on criminal neglect.

The film does not shy away from depicting Lenny's questionable parenting choices, such as entrusting his boys to navigate the bustling city with shopping tasks or allowing them to run amok unsupervised. A particularly controversial plot development sees Lenny administering sedatives to ensure their sleep while he's at work—the implications of which stir discomfort and disbelief. Despite these grim portrayals of fatherhood, Bronstein's performance exudes a magnetic draw, making it hard to avert one's gaze from the screen.

Technically, the Safdie brothers' direction, along with the film's nostalgic, almost vintage portrayal of New York, evokes a profound sense of urban realism akin to films from the '70s. The stunning visuals are complemented by a layer of unsettling yet poignant familial love, highlighting Lenny's deep yet flawed affection for his children. Underneath the layers of turmoil and dysfunction, subtle moments of beauty punctuate this narrative, leaving an indelible impact on audiences. Overall, "Daddy Longlegs" is a gritty cinematic exploration that pushes boundaries while delivering evocative character studies.

Josh and Benny Safdie's "Daddy Longlegs" emerges as a raw and compelling semi-autobiographical narrative that offers a distinctly vivid slice-of-life experience. The film, while sometimes uncomfortable and slightly unrealistic, captivates with its vérité aesthetic, reflecting the unique genius of the Safdie brothers. Criterion's Blu-ray release enhances this experience with a mostly solid audiovisual presentation, maintaining the film's gritty authenticity in a 1080p HD transfer complemented by a robust 2.0 stereo audio track.

The package excels not only in visual and auditory clarity but also in its thoughtful compilation of bonus materials. A standout feature is the comprehensive 36-page booklet, which includes an insightful essay by clinical psychologist Oren S. Lang evaluating the parenting skills of protagonist Leonard Sokol, enriched with black-and-white photographs. It also presents an illuminating interview with the Safdie brothers from 2009, providing deeper insight into their creative process and motivations. The extras enhance the viewer's appreciation and understanding of both the film and its creators.

In conclusion, "Daddy Longlegs" on Blu-ray is a commendable offering from Criterion that effectively bridges the gap between provocative storytelling and accessible home viewing. While it may resonate most profoundly with established fans of the Safdie brothers, its raw narrative and comprehensive supplementary content make it a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's collection. Highly recommended for those seeking an in-depth look at the Safdies' early work and an unforgettable cinematic experience.