Southland Tales Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of "Southland Tales" impresses with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The restoration, overseen by director Richard Kelly and director of photography Steven Poster, stems from the original 2K digital intermediate (DI) files. Notably, this transfer results in a filmic look, particularly when compared to Sony’s 2008 Blu-ray release. The video quality benefits from advancements in disc authoring, displaying subtler, more consistent color tones that provide a pleasing visual experience. Furthermore, the addition of new grading has been meticulously executed, reinforcing the film's intentional utilization of both traditional film and video elements to achieve a heterogeneous appearance.

Arrow’s release includes both the Theatrical and Cannes Cut versions of the film, maintaining high detail levels even though some intentionally lo-fi elements like video feeds are present. Though IMDb lists a 4K DI, the 2K workflow was indeed used to create this restoration. The remaster offers a darker, burnished aesthetic that differs from the slightly more garish look of the earlier release. This updated edition showcases improvement in consistency and quality, without drastic variations between the two cuts. There are minor discrepancies in aspect ratios during certain video segments, but these are intentional and contribute to the film's unique visual narrative.

This regrading effort not only enhances the visual cues but also aligns with the director’s vision of completing the work with the resources available. Although some effects were left unfinished when funding ceased, their portrayal here is faithful to their initial versions. Overall, Arrow’s Blu-ray provides a refined and gratifying visual presentation for both new viewers and long-time fans of "Southland Tales".

The "Southland Tales" Blu-ray audio presentation offers two options, both in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD MA 2.0. The 5.1 surround track delivers immersive soundscapes that meticulously blend ambient environmental effects in the side and rear channels. These effects are most prominent in scenes with significant outdoor and water elements, as well as the chaotic interiors of US IDent. While the track occasionally features low-frequency effects (LFE), it is generally more subtle, layering audio details in a method resembling a sonic montage. Dialogue clarity is maintained consistently throughout, ensuring that the spoken word remains front and center.

The newly remastered 5.1 surround track leans towards a front-oriented soundscape but incorporates elements of the score and atmospheric effects to keep the surround channels active. Notably, there is a minor disparity with contemporary song segments that sound more compressed compared to the rest of the soundtrack. This anomaly mirrors the earlier Sony release, potentially indicating either original material limitations or intentional stylistic choices by the filmmakers. The 2.0 stereo downmix track, while seemingly redundant, shows no discernable issues in sampled segments, providing an adequate alternative for those preferring a stereo presentation. Optional English subtitles are available for accessibility.

The Blu-ray extras for Southland Tales present an in-depth and multifaceted exploration of the film‘s complex, unfinished journey. The highlight of these selections is a candid and technically detailed three-part documentary, It's a Madcap World, which chronicles the film’s fraught production and release. Director Richard Kelly's insightful audio commentary on the theatrical cut is also an essential component, offering fans a thorough breakdown of the film's dense narrative. The inclusion of both the theatrical cut and the Cannes Cut, despite neither being definitive, allows for a comprehensive analysis of the film’s development. Additionally, the archival making-of featurette, animated short, and extensive image gallery provide valuable context and depth to the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Richard Kelly: In-depth analysis of the theatrical cut.
• It’s a Madcap World: Three-part making-of documentary.
• Through the Looking Glass: Focus on writing and pre-production.
• This is the Way the World Ends: Exploration of production.
• Have a Nice Apocalypse: Details on post-production and release.
• USIDent TV: Surveilling the Southland: Archival making-of featurette.
• This is the Way the World Ends: Animated short set in the Southland Tales universe.
• Theatrical Trailer
• Image Gallery

Richard Kelly’s "Southland Tales" is an audaciously ambitious and technically dazzling film that defies conventional narrative structure, much like his earlier work "Donnie Darko." The Blu-Ray release intriguingly juxtaposes two cuts of the film: the original Cannes version, which was shockingly dismissed by critics akin to "Donnie Darko’s" Sundance premiere, and the altered theatrical release. The inclusion of varied cuts, supplemented by extensive extras, could foster a reassessment among film enthusiasts. Kelly indulges in a multitude of interlocking subplots featuring an eclectic cast of characters—from an amnesiac actor (Dwayne Johnson) pitching a prophetic screenplay, to a politically motivated porn star turned talk show host (Sarah Michelle Gellar), and a pair of twins involved in a quasi-fascistic government plot.

The film’s narrative complexity is underscored by a dense overlay of science fiction and socio-political commentary set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic America. Here, nuclear devastation and oppressive government control eerily mirror real-world post-9/11 anxieties. The cinematic tapestry weaves together these character arcs within an atmospheric Los Angeles crafted with remarkable visual sense by cinematographer Steven Poster, complemented by Moby’s evocative score. Interestingly, the film also repurposes familiar actors in unconventional roles—Jon Lovitz as a rogue cop and Kevin Smith as a sage-like figure—adding to its disorientating charm.

Despite its intricate plot, "Southland Tales" is often opaque and demanding, requiring viewers to embrace its disjointed narrative flow and let go of traditional story expectations. Kelly’s maximalist tendencies are both a boon and a bane; while the film brims with inventive ideas and moments of brilliance, its sprawling structure can be bewildering. The Blu-Ray’s supplemental features—including a three-part making-of featurette—help demystify Kelly’s vision, drawing on his penchant for overthinking and embellishing. Ultimately, "Southland Tales" may not provide an immediately accessible experience, but its bold ambition and unique storytelling render it a fascinating subject for reevaluation.

Arrow’s Blu Ray release of "Southland Tales" offers a compelling package for both fans and skeptics of Richard Kelly’s ambitious, genre-blending narrative. Visually, the transfer is commendable, bringing clarity and depth to the film's bold and eclectic aesthetic. The film itself features an array of astonishing plot points and quirky character arcs that remain uniquely enigmatic, yet fascinating. While "Southland Tales" can be perplexing, it uniquely intertwines sci-fi elements with profound social commentary, exploring themes and ideas that have proven strikingly prescient.

This limited edition stands out with its dual presentation, offering both the theatrical cut and the longer, more cohesive Cannes cut. The supplemental content is impressively comprehensive, featuring almost all original bonus features along with a new, revealing retrospective that provides rich context and insights into the film's creation and legacy. Arrow has succeeded in not only preserving but enhancing the film's intricate layers through its remastering efforts.

Is "Southland Tales" seemingly willfully perplexing? Yes, but the film does offer a truly bizarre assortment of plot points and attendant visuals. This is another Arrow release of a cult item that may arguably hold as much interest in its supplemental content as for the feature itself. Technical merits are solid, and the supplemental package very enjoyable. With caveats noted, Recommended.