My Winnipeg Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation of "My Winnipeg" effectively reflects the eclectic nature of Guy Maddin's documentary film. Presented in its original 1.34:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer has been crafted with meticulous attention to detail, supervised by director Guy Maddin and director of photography Jody Shapiro. The video transfer was created on a Spirit DataCine film scanner from a 35mm interpositive, ensuring a high-definition digital transfer. This comprehensive process also included color correction by colorist Colin Moore at Technicolor, Toronto.

The video quality varies significantly due to the diverse sources of content within the film. Footage spans from standard-definition archival clips to newly shot, high-definition segments by Maddin. Consequently, viewers will experience fluctuations in detail, clarity, and contrast levels. The black-and-white content predominantly maintains excellent image stability, while the few color sequences exhibit noticeable fading and wear. Intentional stylistic enhancements like nicks, scratches, and pulsing in more newly produced content illustrate Maddin’s artistic vision, further evidenced by stable black levels and contrast in these sections.

Overall, "My Winnipeg" presents a challenging yet intriguing video experience that might not dazzle but provides an authentic viewing aligned with Maddin's documentary style. Criterion's efforts in preserving the film's integrity are evident, ensuring no significant encoding or compression issues, although regions locks apply (Region-A). Therefore, potential viewers should consider having appropriate playback equipment for optimal access.

The Criterion Blu-ray release of "My Winnipeg" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack, meticulously remastered at 24-bit from the original digital audio master files. Various audio imperfections such as clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle were manually removed using professional-grade tools like Pro Tools HD, AudioCube's integrated workstation, and iZotope RX 4. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature, enhancing accessibility.

The audio presentation is characterized by a clear and crisp delivery of Maddin's narration, which serves as the central auditory element of the film. While there isn't a prominent musical score, light background music subtly enhances the narration throughout. The soundtrack effectively balances background effects such as horse stampedes and train whistles, adding depth and dimension to the narrative without overwhelming it. The dynamic range, though limited, is appropriate for this type of production.

Overall, the audio quality is impressive given the film's inherent constraints. No audio dropouts or distortions disrupt the continuity, ensuring a smooth and immersive viewing experience. While it may not qualify as demo-worthy material, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track stands out for its clarity and well-balanced mix, making it a commendable audio presentation for "My Winnipeg."

The extras included with the Blu-ray of "My Winnipeg" provide an enriching, in-depth exploration of the film and its creative origins, making it an essential acquisition for fans of Guy Maddin. A standout is the lengthy filmed conversation between Maddin and art critic Robert Enright, which offers illuminating insights into the film's development, blending of fantasy and reality, and the culture of Winnipeg. Additional cine-essays by Evan Johnson and Maddin add further texture with their unique focus on various aspects of Winnipegiana. Archival footage from a 2008 live screening and several short films directed by Maddin enhance the viewing experience by showcasing different facets of his work and vision. The inclusion of a leaflet featuring an essay by Wayne Koestenbaum aids in framing the film within a broader cultural context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Guy Maddin and Robert Enright: Director and critic discuss "My Winnipeg."
• Cine-Essays: Four short explorations on Winnipegiana.
• My Winnipeg Live in Toronto: Archival footage from a 2008 screening.
• Spanky: To the Pier and Back: Short film with Guy Maddin's introduction.
• Sinclair: Short film excerpt with introduction.
• Only Dream Things: Installation short film with introduction.
• The Hall Runner: Short film narrated by Maddin.
• Louis Riel for Dinner: Narrated short film.
• Trailer: Original trailer for "My Winnipeg."
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring Wayne Koestenbaum's essay "My Guy's Winnipeg."

Guy Maddin's "My Winnipeg" is a surreal, dreamlike exploration of his birthplace—Winnipeg, Manitoba. This film balances a mixture of docudrama, mockumentary, and twisted memory, creating a unique "docu-fantasia" experience. Using predominantly black, white, and shades of gray, Maddin crafts a monochromatic world occasionally disrupted by intense splashes of color that highlight the city’s peculiarities. The narrative dives into Winnipeg's cold, sleep-inducing climate, past and present urban transformations, and civic tragedies such as the destruction of its iconic hockey arena. Maddin’s poetic voiceover, despite being improvised, brilliantly encapsulates a city trapped in a cycle of cold-induced apathy and fantastical dreaming.

The visual rhythm of the film shifts unpredictably, sometimes obscured by shadows and at other times brightened with prescient light. It offers an intricate tapestry where personal history intertwines with public records, featuring significant landmarks like the Arlington Street Bridge—a structure laden with historical and symbolic weight. Maddin introduces us to his mother through Ann Savage’s portrayal, adding another layer to this narrative labyrinth. The imagery is trippy and off-the-wall, enhancing the documentary’s hallucinatory quality.

This film is more than an artistic endeavor; its satirical and deeply felt narration serves as Maddin’s love letter to his enigmatic hometown. "My Winnipeg" achieves a remarkable balance of comical surrealism and heartfelt intimacy, making it not just a bizarre cinematic piece but a memorable masterwork in its own class. Criterion’s Blu-ray edition enhances this experience with a high-definition presentation and valuable supplementary materials, solidifying "My Winnipeg" as an unforgettable journey through a city perpetually caught between reality and dream.

My Winnipeg, directed by Canadian auteur Guy Maddin, is a surrealist journey that blends fantastical elements with semi-autobiographical detail to create a dreamlike portrait of his hometown. Criterion's Blu-ray presentation preserves the film's unique visual style, meticulously capturing the haunting black-and-white cinematography and contrasting shots that define Maddin's work. The video quality is exceptional, boasting a high level of detail and clarity that respects the film’s artistic intent. The audio track, presented in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio, delivers clear and immersive sound that perfectly complements the ethereal visuals.

The disc's supplements are a treasure trove for fans and cinephiles alike. Highlights include insightful commentary from Maddin himself, a behind-the-scenes documentary, and a collection of shorts that provide deeper context to the filmmaker's distinctive style. These extras enrich the viewing experience, offering a profound look into Maddin’s creative process and thematic obsessions. Additionally, Criterion has included a booklet featuring essays from prominent film scholars, adding another layer of appreciation for this unconventional cinematic gem.

It is impossible to accurately describe Canadian director Guy Maddin's My Winnipeg with simple words. It blends fantasy and reality in a way that makes his home town look as strange and eerie as Los Angeles does in David Lynch's Mulholland Drive, but there is so much more in it that will captivate your attention and stretch the boundaries of your imagination. See this film late at night and I guarantee you will have a terrific time with it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.