Happiness Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, this Criterion Blu-ray of "Happiness" arrives with a 1080p transfer that boasts an exclusive new 4K restoration supervised by director of photography Maryse Alberti. The film was shot on 35 mm film using Panavision cameras and lenses. This 4K restoration was created directly from the 35 mm original camera negative, ensuring exceptional clarity and detail. The presentation finely captures minute facial details and environmental textures, such as wrinkles on Louise Lasser’s face or patterns in clothing, which are sharply delineated. Lighting carries a natural yet varied tone across different scenes, with sequences in the Maplewoods’ kitchen offering a bright, TV sitcom vibe.

In comparing the 4K and 1080p presentations, the 4K makeover delivers impeccable clarity, delineation, and depth, making it a visual feat for fans. While both versions deliver commendable performances, the 4K version edges out slightly in darker sequences through its nuanced color rendering and enhanced depth. The use of color is generally strong, with an impressive balance between primary hues and subtler shades. The color palette adapts to different emotional tones: darker hues marking scenes between Bill and son Billy, while light-hearted atmospheres are captured in brighter settings. Despite the region lock to Region A, this release’s technical execution in video presentation remains immaculate, promising an even, solid organic appearance throughout the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Happiness" offers an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. This soundtrack effectively supports the film's dialogue-driven narrative. The dialog is consistently clear, with distinct voice portrayals that enhance character interactions. For instance, character nuances like Allen's hesitant pauses or Lenny's direct speech are captured with precision, highlighting the film's emotional undercurrents.

The audio quality stands out with its dynamic range, particularly noticeable in the film's varied and compelling musical elements. These dynamic contrasts effectively enhance the viewing experience, making both music and conversation engaging and immersive. The overall stability of the audio is praiseworthy, devoid of any encoding issues, contributing to a seamless auditory experience.

Subtle ambient sounds enrich the atmosphere, as exemplified in early scenes such as the restaurant setting, where background noise adds authenticity to the characters’ strained dialogue. The audio faithfully reproduces the intricate soundscape of "Happiness,” successfully capturing both the subtleties of personal interactions and the broader acoustic environment, ensuring an enriching experience that aligns well with the film’s emotional depth.

The Blu-ray extras for "Happiness" provide a comprehensive look into the film's creative process and thematic depth. A notable feature is the in-depth conversation between director Todd Solondz and filmmaker Charlotte Wells, offering insights into the world of independent cinema and Solondz's career. This includes challenges such as managing budgets and casting decisions for complex roles, notably his preference for unconventional choices over studio pressure to hire popular stars. Dylan Baker's discussion offers a closer examination of his complex character in the film. A distinctive addition is an illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by Bruce Wagner, which complements the on-disc content with a literary perspective. This curated selection of extras enhances the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of "Happiness," providing valuable context and commentary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Todd Solondz and Charlotte Wells: Discussion about independent cinema and "Happiness."
• Dylan Baker: Insights from the actor about his character.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by Bruce Wagner including technical credits.

Todd Solondz's "Happiness" is an audacious and dark exploration of human misery, brought to Blu-ray by Criterion. The film navigates the intertwined lives of individuals in New York City, each characterized by self-defeating behaviors and cloaked impulses that undermine their pursuit of happiness. With its provocative narrative and raw exposure of human frailties, "Happiness" deftly blends morbid dark humor with unsettling themes, pushing boundaries on the depiction of societal taboos. The film’s portrayal of flawed characters, such as the romantic yet shattered Joy Jordan and the sexually repressed Allen, highlights Solondz's adept storytelling that combines both finesse and an unremitting boldness. The key players deliver impressively raw performances, adept at inhabiting deeply imperfect personas that mirror Solondz's intent to shock and unsettle.

Technically, the film shines through the precision captured in the new 4K master, showcasing director of photography Maryse Albert's vision. Criterion’s attention to visual fidelity ensures that the film’s bleak yet vibrantly uncomfortable aesthetic is vividly realized, providing an immersive viewing experience for audiences open to its contentious content. The clarity in narrative is reflected in the seamless intersecting stories, which ruthlessly dissect life’s unabating dissatisfaction and inherent perversity, challenging viewers’ comfort zones.

"Happiness" retains its infamous reputation for its unsettling subject matter, expertly melding vulnerability and brutality in equal measure, with particular scenes of considerable discomfort involving younger actors contributing to its NC-17 rating. Solondz leverages this explicit material to scrutinize societal norms while testing the limits of narrative acceptance. His craft involves scarring characters with stark contrasts of humor and distress, inviting viewers into a complex narrative puzzle of isolated lives intertwined with shockingly personal revelations. This Blu-ray release faithfully amplifies the film's impact through its pristine visual upgrade, presenting a formal yet deeply engaging critique on modern discontent.

The Criterion Blu-ray release of "Happiness" offers a transformative experience with its new 4K restoration, meticulously overseen by director of photography Maryse Albert. This version captures the film’s starkly honest and often unsettling portrayal of human discontent with enhanced detail and vibrancy, offering viewers an unprecedented visual immersion. The release comes as a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack, making it an essential addition for collectors seeking a definitive edition.

"Happiness" provokes strong feelings as it navigates through the complexities of human relationships and the often troubling lengths to which individuals go in their pursuit of contentment. This cinematic piece deliberately places humor in uncomfortable settings, forcing audiences to confront the more unsettling aspects of human behavior without offering moral critiques or apologies for its characters' actions. Its ability to present these narratives candidly allows for profound introspection and dialogue among viewers, despite—or perhaps because of—the awkwardness it elicits.

In conclusion, "Happiness" stands out not just as a film, but as an experience that challenges audiences to explore the multifaceted nature of happiness and human suffering. Criterion's release enhances this by pairing impeccable technical restoration with a narrative that resonates emotionally and intellectually. This edition is highly recommended for those who appreciate films that defy conventional storytelling norms and provoke thought long after the credits roll.