The Shape of Water Blu-ray Review

"The Shape of Water" on Blu-ray is presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1, delivering an exquisitely detailed and vibrant visual experience. The digital origin of the film (finished at 2K DI) is adeptly handled to retain a traditional cinematic look, emphasizing a deeper, more textured appearance. Dan Laustsen's Oscar-nominated cinematography is faithfully preserved, displaying stunning clarity in both slimy ridged textures of the Creature and the plush fabrics of Giles' apartment. Black levels are notably deep and inky, lending a superb contrast to the frequently noir-ish lighting and occasional miasmatic haze associated with the water imagery.

The color palette is carefully bifurcated, with green-teal hues dominating lab scenes and warmer gold tones illuminating the interiors of Elisa's and Giles' apartments. This meticulous grading enhances the film’s atmosphere while maintaining high detail levels. Highlights include the standout swimming scene in Elisa's apartment and the intricate details in rain-soaked and underwater scenes, achieved with minimal banding. Even in the black-and-white sequence towards the film’s end, gray scale management stands out alongside impressive depth and dimension.

Fox Home Entertainment's release excels in encoding, utilizing MPEG-4 AVC to provide a crisp, clean transfer devoid of noticeable artifacts or noise. The contrasts remain consistently well-balanced across varying scenarios, from the muted browns and greys of the 1960s setting to the bold primaries and drab greens of the Amphibian Man’s security facility. Facial textures and skin tones are rendered meticulously, further highlighting character detail. Overall, this is a masterful Blu-ray presentation that ensures fans will undoubtedly appreciate the film's rich visual fidelity.

The Shape of Water's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track consistently delivers an engaging and immersive audio experience. Alexandre Desplat's Oscar-winning score is beautifully presented, with a wide soundstage that accentuates key moments without overwhelming the listener. Ambient environmental effects are notably excellent, especially during scenes involving rainfall, which make effective use of the side and rear channels to create a wash of sound that envelops the viewer. Dialogue remains clean and clear throughout, seamlessly balancing with other audio elements.

While an Atmos or DTS:X mix would have provided a more atmospherically rich experience, the 5.1 track holds its own with exceptional surround activity that enriches key scenes. Noteworthy moments include the subtle background noises from Elisa's apartment above a movie theater and the organic hustle and bustle of the research facility, which seem to fade into the environment naturally. The sound effects, such as the deep hisses of the Amphibian Man and the industrial-sized doors of the government facility, are captured with precision, adding depth to the auditory experience without drawing undue attention.

Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers splendid presentation. The balance between dialogue, music, and effects is well-maintained, ensuring a seamless listening experience. Bass levels, while more reserved, serve the story aptly, with impactful moments like thunder and gunshots utilizing the LFE channel effectively. It is a well-balanced mix with clear dialogue reproduction that allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in the world of The Shape of Water.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "The Shape of Water" are a robust compilation that delve comprehensively into the film’s creation. Despite the absence of one of Guillermo del Toro’s signature commentaries, the assortment of featurettes and interviews offer an engaging behind-the-scenes experience. Highlights include a multi-part series that covers various production aspects such as special effects, scoring, and practical effects that brought the amphibious character to life. Notable segments include detailed analyses of key scenes and a Q&A session featuring del Toro and his team. While providing insight into the intricate craftsmanship and storytelling, it leaves potential for more extensive future releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Fairy Tale for Troubled Times: A four-part behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, highlighting special effects and scoring.
• Anatomy of a Scene: Prologue: Discussion on storyboards and transitions pivotal to the film's opening.
• Anatomy of a Scene: The Dance: Behind-the-scenes footage of the dance sequence.
• Shaping the Waves: A Conversation with James Jean: Interview with the artist and illustrator.
• Guillermo del Toro's Master Class: Q&A session with del Toro and crew at the Zanuck Theater.
• Theatrical Trailers: Includes several trailers for the film.

"The Shape of Water," directed by Guillermo del Toro, is a remarkable fusion of dark fantasy and romance set against the Cold War era of the 1960s in Baltimore. This film embodies del Toro's signature style, seamlessly merging magical realism with historical elements. The narrative centers on Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor working at a secret government facility. Elisa's monotonous life changes dramatically when she encounters an extraordinary amphibian creature (Doug Jones), leading to an unlikely and tender love story. The film's lush production design, coupled with Alexandre Desplat's award-winning score, crafts a richly textured world where every detail, from the vintage Jell-O ads to the elaborate aquatic tank, immerses the audience in this unique vision.

The performances enhance this beautifully shot film, with Hawkins delivering a profound and nuanced portrayal of Elisa. Michael Shannon excels as Colonel Strickland, the menacing antagonist whose arc encapsulates period-specific fears and intolerance. Octavia Spencer and Richard Jenkins both offer compelling support as Elisa’s confidantes, each bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Doug Jones' performance, despite being buried under elaborate prosthetics, breathes life into the creature, making the romance between him and Hawkins’ character both believable and poignant.

"The Shape of Water" excels in its thematic exploration of 'the other.' Del Toro challenges the traditional monster movie clichés by emphasizing empathy and humanization over fear and revulsion. The film’s visual style is saturated with sickly greens and yellows, perpetuating the water motif that runs throughout. It skillfully balances moments of tenderness and thrill, with sequences that range from Hitchcockian tension to slapstick humor. Ultimately, del Toro’s creation is a layered narrative where every character is meticulously developed, adding to the film’s richness. This fairytale for adults is an exemplary piece of filmmaking that resonates with profound romanticism and intricate storytelling.

"The Shape of Water" arrives on Blu-ray with a resounding display of technical mastery, courtesy of 20th Century Fox. Del Toro enfolds viewers in a dark and whimsical fairytale that transcends the boundaries of genre, artfully blending elements of sci-fi, romance, and horror. The film moves at a brisk pace, maintaining a meticulous balance between dramatic tension and delightful charm, steered by Sally Hawkins’ evocative performance. The A/V presentation is impeccable, reflecting the film’s stunning visual and auditory landscapes with precision.

This Blu-ray package excels not only in its audiovisual clarity but also in the assortment of bonus features it offers. Viewers are treated to an enriching experience, with behind-the-scenes insights and extras that enhance the film's narrative depth. While comprising a nuanced storyline involving a mute cleaning woman and an amphibian man, some may find the concept initially challenging. However, del Toro’s heartfelt storytelling ensures a broad appeal, resonating deeply both intellectually and emotionally.

If you see only one film about a mute cleaning woman in love with an amphibian this year, I must insist you make it "The Shape of Water." That, of course, is said with tongue planted firmly in cheek, but this is a rare film that dares to be almost willfully different, yet connects inerrantly with its audience on both intellectual and emotional levels. Fox has offered another disc with top-flight technical merits, and it’s probably no great surprise that "The Shape of Water" comes highly recommended.