Ondine Blu-ray Review

Magnolia Home Entertainment presents the Blu-ray release of "Ondine" with an impressive 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that stays true to the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The visual beauty of the film largely owes to the masterful work of cinematographer Christopher Doyle, whose expertise in crafting a visually stunning mood is abundantly clear. Doyle's choice of a dreamy color scheme, rich with the misty greys, deep blues, and vibrant greens of Ireland, perfectly encapsulates the fairytale essence intended. Despite a few instances of blown highlights and somewhat murky shadows in darker scenes, these aspects appear deliberate, contributing rather than detracting from the overall atmospheric effect. The image offers substantial clarity, especially in close-ups where details like facial textures and the intricacies of a fisherman's sweater are vividly presented, all while maintaining a natural film grain without noticeable edge enhancement.

However, the Blu-ray is not without its minor flaws. Certain underwater scenes demonstrate slight banding, and there's a noticeable uptick in noise in some of the night scenes. Yet, these issues hardly distract from the overall viewing experience. The picture quality manages to capture the cold, crisp essence of an Irish morning with refreshing clarity. Moreover, the intentional handling of shadows and highlights serves more to enhance the mystical and ethereal quality of the film rather than undermine it. On balance, "Ondine" on Blu-ray offers a visually rich experience that does justice to Doyle’s cinematography and the enchanting narrative it seeks to tell, making it a commendable transfer that respects both the technical and artistic aspects of the movie.

The audio presentation of "Ondine" on Blu Ray, delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, is a masterclass in how subtlety can be profoundly impactful in film. Intriguingly, while the film itself operates within a mostly serene narrative, its audio design exploits this quietude to enhance the atmospheric and emotive depth of the storyline. The exceptional moment that breaks this tranquility is a dramatically rendered car crash scene, where the auditory experience of tearing metal and shattering glass immersively envelops the viewer. However, outside of this, the film's soundscape is an homage to gentle natural ambience and nuanced scoring.

From the onset, ambient sounds are meticulously crafted, enveloping the listener in a meticulously constructed environment. The gentle sound of waves, the caressing whisper of the wind, and the call of distant seabirds are not mere background noises but are central to immersing the audience in the film's setting aboard Syracuse's fishing boat. This careful sound mixing extends throughout the film, maintaining a consistent atmosphere that's both dreamlike and grounding. The inclusion of an atmospheric musical score, with guitar and piano melodies, alongside a memorable song by Sigur Ros and the enchanting timber of Alicja Bachleda’s voice, further enriches this soundscape. These elements are presented with remarkable clarity, ensuring each layer of sound is distinct yet harmoniously blended.

Dialogue clarity is another noteworthy achievement of this audio presentation, capturing the nuanced performances of the cast with impeccable clarity, though the richness of the Irish accents may challenge some listeners. Subtitles become a useful feature for those wishing to fully grasp every word without detracting from the immersive audio experience. Overall, "Ondine" demonstrates how a film's audio track can play a pivotal role in storytelling, effectively using its sound design to weave emotion, atmosphere, and narrative into a compelling cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Ondine" collectively provide a somewhat enriching experience, ideal for enthusiasts seeking to delve deeper into the film's creation and promotion. The "Making Ondine" featurette, although standard in its execution, complements the viewing experience with its insights into the film's production. The HDNet segment, "A Look at Ondine," serves as an efficient promotional piece, offering viewers a concise yet engaging overview of the film through snippets and interviews with key figures such as Colin Farrell, Alicja Bachleda, and director Neil Jordan. Additionally, the inclusion of a theatrical trailer and a selection of trailers from Magnolia Home Entertainment broadens the contextual landscape for Ondine within the Magnolia film catalog. The BD-Live Functionality further augments the disc's value by offering updated content, making this collection of extras a modest yet valuable companion to the primary feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Ondine: A peek behind the scenes of the film's production.
• HDNet: A Look at Ondine: Promotional content including film clips and interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer for "Ondine."
• Also From Magnolia Home Entertainment Blu-ray: Trailers for other Magnolia films and an HDNet promo.
• BD-Live Functionality: Offers access to additional online content.

Neil Jordan's "Ondine" is a seductive weave of mythology and raw human drama, anchored by the enigmatic figure of Ondine herself, played with ethereal grace by Alicja Bachleda. The story, deeply rooted in Irish folklore, introduces us to Syracuse (Colin Farrell), a solitary fisherman wrestling with his past and the small-town skepticism that shadows him. His life takes a turn when he discovers Ondine in his fishing net, a woman shrouded in mystery who revitalizes not just the lobster traps but the spirits of Syracuse and his invalid daughter, Annie. The film masterfully balances the line between reality and myth, engaging the audience with the whimsical proposition that Ondine could be a selkie—a seal-woman of Celtic lore—while grounding its tale in the gritty, often harsh realities of a small Irish fishing village.

Jordan's direction ensures "Ondine" transcends its potential melodramatic pitfalls, presenting a narrative that's as compelling in its silent, introspective moments as it is in its thrilling climax. The lush cinematography and sound design serve to envelop the viewer fully in the film’s coastal setting, where the line between the ordinary and the magical blurs. The chemistry between Farrell and Bachleda is palpable, lending authenticity and depth to their on-screen relationship. Farrell, in particular, demonstrates a nuanced vulnerability that marks a significant evolution in his career, channeling his personal experiences into a performance that resonates with genuine emotion.

While "Ondine" may navigate towards narrative rocks with its pivot into thriller territory towards its end, the journey is imbued with enough enchantment and emotional complexity to captivate. Jordan plays admirably with the dualism of hope and despair, weaving a storyline that flirts with fairy-tale clichés while remaining firmly anchored in the complexities of human emotion and frailty. The film stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, myth, and the sheer will to believe in the unbelievable, even when confronted with the stark light of reality.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Ondine," directed by Neil Jordan, encapsulates a rare cinematic experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of storytelling to present a believable fairytale aimed squarely at adults. The film, arguably Jordan's finest work since his 1999 masterpiece "The End of the Affair," is both beautifully shot and acted, reflecting a certain luminescence in its visual and narrative texture that is both enthralling and captivating. While the final act may divide opinions, the lush cinematography and compelling performances, especially by a dreamy Colin Farrell, weave an enchanting tale that is hard to resist. The technical quality of the Blu-ray issued by Magnolia Home Entertainment does justice to the film's aesthetic appeal, bragging excellent video and audio reproduction that enhances the immersive experience.

Though the Blu-ray package might seem scant on special features—a point that might deter some aficionados of behind-the-scenes insights—the film’s intrinsic value and the quality of its presentation more than compensate for this shortfall. "Ondine" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and cinematic beauty, appealing to viewers who appreciate dreamy mysteries and character-driven narratives. It is a versatile addition to one's collection, equally suited for solitary viewing on a quiet evening or as a discussion starter among cinephiles.

In conclusion, "Ondine" on Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for admirers of Neil Jordan's directing prowess and those seeking a visually stunning film that treads a delicate line between reality and fantasy. Despite its sparse extras, the disc offers an admirable showcase of the movie's technical virtues. Perfect for a purchase or at least worthy of a rental, it promises an enthralling escape into a wistfully crafted fairytale that lingers long after the credits roll.