Breathe In Blu-ray Review

"Breathe In" graces the 4K UHD Blu-ray scene with an exemplary video presentation, boasting a meticulous 2.35:1 1080p AVC transfer that showcases Curzon Films' dedication to preserving the film's cinematic essence. The transfer's color grading is immediately noteworthy - employing a deliberate mix of cold blues and grays alongside warm yellows and red hues, it skillfully evokes contrasting emotions, enhancing the overall narrative impact. Despite occasional inconsistencies in contrast, particularly in darker scenes which may appear somewhat washed out, the presentation maintains a remarkable depth in its blacks, adding to the visual depth without significantly detracting from the visual fidelity. Detail is another area where "Breathe In" excels, especially in close-ups which reveal an astonishing level of clarity, capturing every nuance with precision, thanks in part to the Arri Alexa Plus camera used in filming.

The video's color palette is thoughtfully limited, complementing the film's tonal expression through natural greens, blues, browns, and grays, all balanced to near perfection. This choice not only contributes to the film's atmosphere but, when combined with the high-quality encoding and absence of noticeable compression issues or enhancement artifacts, results in a visually stunning experience. Stability and clarity across both close-up and panoramic shots are commendably stable throughout, further elevating the viewing experience.

In essence, "Breathe In" delivers a visually captivating Blu-ray presentation showcasing exceptional detail and a nuanced color scheme that works synergistically to enhance the narrative's emotional resonance. The absence of noise reduction or artificial enhancement ensures that the original cinematic quality is preserved in this home release, making it an impressive demonstration of what meticulous attention to video quality can achieve in the 4K UHD Blu-ray format.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "Breathe In" is a testament to how impactful and significant sound design and audio quality can be in enhancing the cinematic experience. The release boasts two robust audio tracks: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and an English LPCM 2.0. Each track provides its own unique auditory experience, with the DTS-HD 5.1 MA track offering an impeccably detailed soundscape that envelops the viewer, ensuring that every subtle nuance, from the softest whisper to the dynamic range of musical scores, is articulated with absolute clarity. Dialogue through the center speaker is notably pristine, never competing with background elements, which are themselves intricately layered and spatially aware, creating an immersive atmosphere that is as authentic as it is engaging.

The LPCM 2.0 track, while not as spatially comprehensive as its 5.1 counterpart, still delivers with clarity and precision, particularly notable in the rendering of Dustin O'Halloran's evocative piano compositions that underscore the film's emotional tone. Both tracks are free from any technical imperfections such as pops, cracks, or audio dropouts, speaking volumes of the meticulous care taken in their production. The 5.1 track, in particular, showcases a remarkable range of auditory dynamics, from the subtle ambient sounds that give life to the film's settings to the crisp and intelligible dialogue, making it a significantly richer auditory experience.

Foregrounding both tracks is the film’s sound design, a standout aspect that marries ambient background noises with the on-screen action in a way that enhances narrative depth and emotional resonance. From the bustling streets of New York to the intimate spaces within the Reynolds’ home, each environment is rendered with striking auditory detail. The sound design’s excellence is further exemplified in its treatment of musical sequences and the character's interactions therein, providing a layered auditory experience that complements the visual storytelling magnificently. The attention to audio detail in "Breathe In" sets a high bar for home releases, ensuring that both audiophiles and casual viewers alike are provided with an exceptional listening experience that both immerses and moves.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Breathe In" is sparse, offering minimal content for enthusiasts hoping for a deep dive into the film's creation and thematic exploration. Comprised mainly of a single interview and the film's trailers, the extras package provides some insights into the partnership between Drake Doremus and Felicity Jones, albeit with a degree of mutual admiration that may not satisfy all viewers looking for in-depth discussion. The interview delves into the genesis of the film, character dynamics, and the impact of Dustin O'Halloran's soundtrack, alongside its visual style. However, those seeking comprehensive behind-the-scenes content or a plethora of special features may find the offerings underwhelming. The technical presentation of these extras is competent, presented in 1080p, ensuring visual quality is maintained.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Drake Doremus and Felicity Jones: Doremus and Jones discuss the film's development, characters, soundtrack, and visual style.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for "Breathe In".

"Breathe In," directed by Drake Doremus, is a film that intricately explores the themes of forbidden romance and escapism through the connection of two musicians in a modern setting. Guy Pearce's portrayal of Keith Reynolds, a once ambitious cellist turned disenchanted music teacher, brilliantly complements Felicity Jones's Sophie, a brooding British exchange student with virtuoso piano skills. Their performances anchor the film’s emotional landscape, capturing the complexities of their characters' interactions with both tenderness and intensity.

The narrative unfolds in upstate New York, where Sophie's arrival ignites a passion within Keith that he presumed was long extinguished. The film excels in its exploration of their evolving relationship, which begins with shared artistic aspirations and spirals into a dangerous liaison, challenging the stability of the Reynolds family. The storyline, while appearing straightforward, is laden with nuanced dialogues and moments of silent communication that reveal the depth of connection between Keith and Sophie. These elements are enhanced by the film's technical prowess, notably John Guleserian's cinematography and Dustin O'Halloran's evocative soundtrack, which together create a fluid and intimate visual and auditory experience.

Despite its strengths, the film's handling of ancillary characters and certain plot developments occasionally feels disjointed. Mackenzie Davis' portrayal of Lauren Reynolds, for instance, lacks coherence with the film’s overall tone during critical moments of her character’s arc. Nonetheless, "Breathe In" stands out for its compelling character dynamics and aesthetic sensibilities, offering an immersive glance into the lives of its protagonists as they navigate the precarious brink between fulfillment and despair in their quest for escapism.

"Breathe In" emerges as a formidable entrant in the 4K UHD Blu-ray catalog, delivering a compelling narrative enveloped in a visually stunning presentation. Director Drake Doremus expertly navigates the complex emotional landscapes of his characters, crafting a narrative that is both intimately detailed and universally resonant. The movie's ability to engage and captivate, despite not hitting every narrative mark for some, underscores its undeniable success both as a story and a cinematic experience. The Blu-ray release, brought to us by Curzon Film World/Artificial Eye, enhances this experience, boasting an impressive high-definition video quality that breathes life into the film's nuanced aesthetics.

The technical aspects of this release are noteworthy, with the Blu-ray's video and audio presentations standing out for their clarity and depth. The visual presentation captures the intricate details and atmospheric tones of the film, providing a level of immersion that is rare and appreciated. The audio complements this perfectly, enveloping the viewer in the film's rich soundscapes. However, there is a noted shortfall in supplemental materials, particularly in exploring the film's sound production—a missed opportunity for avid cinephiles seeking a deeper dive into the filmmaking process. Despite this lacuna, the overall technical quality of the release significantly elevates the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Breathe In" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is an exemplar of how contemporary English-language films should be brought to home audiences. The synthesis of Curzon Film World/Artificial Eye's meticulous attention to audio-visual excellence and Doremus' storytelling prowess results in a highly recommended release that warrants attention. While the lack of comprehensive bonus content is a minor drawback, it does little to diminish the film's overall appeal and technical achievements. This Blu-ray not only showcases "Breathe In" in the best possible light but also sets high standards for future releases in the medium.