Heaven Blu-ray Review

Echo Bridge's release of "Heaven" on Blu-ray, featuring cinematography by Tom Tykwer’s frequent collaborator Frank Griebe, presents a mixed bag in terms of video quality. While the 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer boasts acceptable black levels and colors that show proper saturation, it fails to impress beyond the capacities of an ordinary DVD. The claim to superior detail is compromised by a visible smudging effect, likely a consequence of grain reduction techniques rather than outright digital noise reduction (DNR). This smudging appears to stem from a truncation of high-frequency information crucial for image detail, an issue that can be attributed to the disc's lower-than-expected bitrate of 19.65 Mbps and overall disc image size of 16.3 Gb.

Further complicating the video presentation is a noticeable, albeit light, application of artificial sharpening. This decision aligns with an apparent pursuit of a more contemporary HD video aesthetic at the expense of the film’s original cinematic texture. Although the sharpening is not excessive enough to induce ghosting artifacts, it contributes to a departure from the film-like experience, nudging the image closer to something one might expect from high-definition video rather than preserving the rich, textured look of celluloid. The overall strategy seems to have been aimed at modernizing the visual experience, yet it inadvertently sacrifices the intrinsic filmic qualities that make "Heaven" visually distinctive.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray edition of "Heaven" does deliver an upgrade over standard DVD in terms of resolution and color accuracy, the execution leaves room for improvement. The reduction in natural film grain and addition of artificial sharpening serve more as detriments than enhancements, obscuring the film’s original aesthetic under the guise of technological advancement. This leads to a viewing experience that feels unnecessarily compromised, straying from a faithful representation of Tykwer and Griebe’s cinematic vision.

Echo Bridge's recent release of "Heaven" on Blu-ray with a DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo soundtrack has stirred considerable debate among audiophiles and fans of the film alike. This decision, described as a regrettable step back, is particularly puzzling given that the film originally boasted a more immersive 5.1 audio mix during its theatrical run, a mix also included in its 2003 DVD release. Despite this downgrade, the 2.0 mix presented here manages to maintain clarity in dialogue and offers good fidelity, especially noteworthy within the film's minimalist musical score, featuring compositions by Tykwer, Arvo Pärt, among others.

The choice to revert to a stereo soundtrack raises questions about Echo Bridge’s commitment to delivering the most authentic home viewing experience possible. The shift from a 5.1 to a 2.0 mix undeniably strips away a layer of immersion that could have been preserved, as the original 5.1 mix provided a richer, more enveloping soundscape that complemented the film’s atmospheric storytelling. While the current stereo mix achieves serviceability, with its crisp sound quality and competent handling of the film's understated score, it leaves one to speculate on the missed opportunities for auditory depth and spatial nuance offered by the more complex 5.1 setup.

This decision is notably disappointing because it forces consumers and loyal fans of the film to settle for a less robust auditory experience than what was initially delivered—and expected. As someone who has not viewed the film recently enough to recall the exact nuances between the 5.1 and 2.0 mixes, it seems an unfortunate oversight not to offer the originally theatrically released audio track on this Blu-ray edition. Providing the authentic 5.1 mix would have been a testament to Echo Bridge's dedication to quality and fidelity, an opportunity that, notably, was missed in this release.

The Blu-ray release of "Heaven" by Echo Bridge is notably Spartan compared to its predecessor from Miramax under Disney's Buena Vista label, which was abundant in its offerings. While the initial DVD carried substantial extras like director's commentary, deleted scenes with optional commentary, a unique Space Cam Fly-By, and "The Story of Heaven" featurette, the Echo Bridge Blu-ray version dramatically trims down these offerings. The only extra surviving this transition is "The Story of Heaven" featurette, presenting insights from key figures like director Tom Tykwer, Cate Blanchett, Giovanni Ribisi, and executive producer Sydney Pollack among others. Despite the quality content of this remaining featurette, the scarcity of extras sharply contrasts with what fans might expect given the film's rich creative lineage. The reduction of supplementary materials doesn't just diminish the release's value—it encourages enthusiasts to seek out the now out-of-print Disney DVD for a more comprehensive experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Story of Heaven: A featurette that includes insights from director Tom Tykwer, actors Cate Blanchett and Giovanni Ribisi, executive producer Sydney Pollack, and producers Anthony Minghella and William Horberg.

In "Heaven," German director Tom Tykwer transitions from his earlier kinetic storytelling style, embraced in films like "Run Lola Run," to a profound narrative ambitiously scripted by Krzysztof Piesiewicz and the late Krzysztof Kieslowski. Unlike Tykwer's previous work, this film evolves from a seemingly straightforward crime drama into a multifaceted exploration of fate, spiritual redemption, and the blurry lines between justice and morality. Set against the backdrop of Turin, Italy, and conveyed through a blend of English and Italian dialogue, "Heaven" tells the compelling story of Philippa Paccard (Cate Blanchett) and Filippo Fabrizi (Giovanni Ribisi), whose lives intertwine under the most dramatic circumstances—her arrest for a failed act of vengeance against a corporate villain implicated in her husband's death and the consequential drug-related demise of her students.

The film intricately showcases Tykwer's skill in handling complex themes of chance and destiny, hallmark traits of his directional finesse previously seen in works like "The Princess and the Warrior." As Philippa’s resolve to combat perceived justice with violence brings her under the scrutiny of young translator and Carabinieri officer Filippo, a deep, ineffable connection blossoms between them, challenging viewers' perceptions of love, sacrifice, and divine intervention. This connection, tested through the gears of escape, pursuit, and revelation, becomes the fulcrum around which "Heaven" pivots, transforming into a narrative that transcends its initial plot to provoke thought on subsequent viewings.

Despite the heavy burden of its themes—questions of morality, redemption, and the consequences of vengeance—"Heaven" refuses to offer easy answers. Instead, through Blanchett and Ribisi's compelling performances, Tykwer crafts a cinematic experience that oscillates between the ethereal and the tangibly real, echoing the script's Kieslowskian roots. While Echo Bridge's Blu-ray presentation might leave technical enthusiasts wanting, it currently stands as the only vessel through which this enigmatic chapter of Tykwer's filmography can be experienced. The film’s portrayal of philosophical and emotive depth ensures its place as a thought-provoking piece that lingers long after the credits roll, inviting audience contemplation on notions of justice, love’s power, and ultimately, what it means to seek redemption in an imperfect world.

The Blu-ray release of "Heaven" presents a mixed bag for cinephiles and fans of both Tykwer's and Kieslowski's filmography. While the film itself remains a profound piece of cinema, noteworthy for its stellar performances and intricate thematic explorations, the technical aspect of Echo Bridge's Blu-ray presentation does not do it justice. It's a common consensus that when it comes to bringing such a cinematic gem into your home collection, the quality of the medium should match the caliber of the content. Unfortunately, this release falls short in delivering the exemplary viewing experience one would hope for, with noticeable shortcomings in video and audio fidelity that detract from the immersive potential of the film.

Moreover, despite the low price point which might make it an attractive purchase, potential buyers should weigh their decision carefully. The essence of "Heaven" as a cinematic experience is somewhat compromised by this Blu-ray edition. For enthusiasts longing to see every detail and hear every nuance as intended, the presentation here may leave you wanting. There's an underlying sense of what could have been had the release been given the attention to detail such a film deserves—better visual restoration, superior sound quality, and perhaps some special features to enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film's place in both directors' repertoires.

In conclusion, while the film "Heaven" remains an essential piece for aficionados of thought-provoking cinema, the Blu-ray release by Echo Bridge is a reminder that not all physical copies do justice to their source material. Although priced attractively, the significant downfalls in audiovisual quality make it a challenging proposition. This edition serves as a placeholder at best, until a more fitting tribute to Tykwer’s and Kieslowski’s storytelling craftsmanship is made available. We recommend the film heartily but suggest cautious consideration before investing in this particular Blu-ray iteration.