Unsane Blu-ray Review

Steven Soderbergh's "Unsane" features an unconventional video presentation, having been shot entirely on an iPhone 7 Plus using a Moment Lens. This unique approach lends the 1080p 1.56:1 image a distinctive character that is far removed from traditional high-budget productions. The compact nature of the iPhone allowed for innovative, tight perspective shots and unconventional angles, capturing moments that bulky cameras might miss. Despite the absence of sophisticated equipment, Soderbergh's meticulous attention to lighting and framing ensures a largely seamless visual experience. The film underwent post-production software tweaking and a digital grain effect in post, which added a layer of grit and noise that compliments the movie’s raw tone.

The resulting image quality fluctuates throughout the film. In well-lit scenes, details are crisp, colors are reasonably saturated, and the digital grain is complimentary. However, under lower light conditions, the limitations of the source material become apparent, manifesting as macroblocking and shallow black levels. The unique aspect ratio of 1.56:1 is an unusual choice that stands out, adding to the film's distinctive look. While some viewers may find the highlights overblown and the color spectrum inconsistent with typical Blu-ray quality, the visual imperfections match the film’s overall aesthetic and thematic intention. This non-traditional approach ultimately achieves its goal of imparting a unique visual tone, even if it occasionally distracts from the viewing experience.

Ultimately, "Unsane" stands as a testament to Soderbergh's experimental spirit. The visual presentation is faithful to its origin, revealing both strengths and shortcomings of shooting a film on an iPhone. While some traditionalists may find the technical quality lacking, this decision reinforces the story's unsettling atmosphere and speaks to the democratization of filmmaking—anyone can make a movie.

The audio presentation of "Unsane" on Blu-Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, effectively catering to the film's sonic requirements. The mix proves robust, presenting clear and clean dialogue throughout, though occasional tinny qualities may surface during specific confined settings. Natural ambient noises, such as buzzing fluorescent lights and medications falling into paper serving cups, contribute to a nuanced and immersive auditory experience. The film employs subtle yet impactful low-end bass effects, particularly evident during scenes of heightened intensity where the protagonist is drugged. These bursts of sonic intensity create a disorienting atmosphere, further enhanced by the balanced, immersive stage saturation during critical sequences.

The surround speakers are utilized adeptly, introducing random noises and music that envelop the audience, effectively situating them within the film's locale. Thomas Newman's subdued yet strategic scoring adds to the film's tense atmosphere without overshadowing the dialogue or ambient sound effects. The mix remains largely front/center focused but benefits from small positional shifts that retain the listener's engagement. The precise levels ensure that once set, no further adjustments are necessary, although soft dialogue from side characters may sometimes feel intentionally out of range.

In summary, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix proves to be an integral component of "Unsane," with its well-positioned dialogue, effective use of ambient effects, and occasional low-frequency enhancements. Despite lacking the expanded configurations like 7.1 or Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, the audio track proficiently supports the film’s dramatic ebb and flow, making it a commendable aspect that may justify the Blu-Ray purchase.

The special features of the "Unsane" Blu-ray are decidedly minimal and offer little in terms of in-depth content or engagement. The sole featurette, "Unsanity," presented in 1080p and running for 4 minutes and 26 seconds, provides a quick, conventional behind-the-scenes look with talking heads, but falls short of offering any substantial insights into the filmmaking process. The package also includes a DVD copy of the film and a Movies Anywhere digital code. The extras feel more like an afterthought, leaving room for potential improvement in future editions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Unsanity: A brief behind-the-scenes piece exploring the film unconventionally.
• DVD Copy: Included with the Blu-ray purchase.
• Movies Anywhere Digital Code: For digital access to the film.

In Steven Soderbergh's Unsane, audiences are thrust into a gripping exploration of mental instability and bureaucratic incompetence. The film centers around Sawyer Valentini, played by Claire Foy, whose life is upturned by a stalker named David Strine. Despite moving away and adopting a series of rigid routines to avoid him, her fear persists. Seeking professional help, she accidentally commits herself to a mental institution. From the onset, Soderbergh bombards viewers with skewed perspectives and cramped shots, invoking a palpable sense of dread and claustrophobia. This directorial choice is further enhanced by the decision to shoot the film entirely on an iPhone, allowing for inventive angles that heighten the story's tension. Despite some predictability in the narrative’s progression, Unsane successfully keeps viewers questioning Sawyer's reality versus her paranoia.

Claire Foy's portrayal of Sawyer is phenomenal, seamlessly navigating through multiple emotional states—confidence, anxiety, anger, and confusion—as her situation deteriorates. The film becomes an intense character study when Sawyer encounters George Shaw, who she believes is her stalker in disguise. This dilemma propels the narrative forward, inviting audiences to question the veracity of Sawyer’s perceptions. While some plot elements fall into predictable thriller conventions towards the end, the film remains compelling due to its tight narrative structure and unsettling atmosphere.

Soderbergh's choice of shooting with an iPhone results in a raw, gritty visual aesthetic reminiscent of 16mm film, effectively complementing the film's themes of surveillance and paranoia. The device’s mobility ensures a closeness to characters that intensifies the viewer’s immersion in Sawyer's unstable world. Both Foy's nuanced performance and Joshua Leonard's menacing portrayal of David Strine drive the movie’s emotional core. Although Unsane does not revolutionize the thriller genre, it stands out due to its innovative cinematography and engrossing character dynamics, solidifying it as a memorable psychological thriller.

"Unsane," directed by Steven Soderbergh, delivers a unique experience blending psychological thrills with societal commentary. Filmed entirely on an iPhone 7, Soderbergh's innovative use of the device heightens the sense of paranoia and unease central to the plot. The narrative explores the toll of stress and anxiety on the human mind, particularly within the confines of a mental institution, making it a compelling study rather than merely a standard thriller. Claire Foy's commanding performance as Sawyer is a standout, driving the story with conviction and emotional depth, despite the somewhat predictable plot.

Technically, Universal's Blu-ray presentation of "Unsane" holds up well under the constraints imposed by its unconventional filming method. The UHD version provides an appreciable increase in visual fidelity, though the resulting picture remains consistent with the film's deliberate graininess and raw aesthetic. Audio clarity is solid, effectively supporting the tension and atmospheric undertones that pervade the film. The inclusion of only one supplemental feature is a missed opportunity, as a more comprehensive package would have enriched the viewing experience by offering deeper insights into Soderbergh's techniques and creative decisions.

In conclusion, "Unsane" stands out with its inventive approach and strong central performance, making it an engrossing psychological thriller despite its narrative predictability. While Universal’s Blu-ray delivers a satisfactory audiovisual experience, the limited extras are a downside. Nonetheless, the film's exploration of emotional and psychological distress, combined with its unique production style, makes it a recommended watch.