Youth Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray edition of "Youth" delivers a reference-quality, high-definition video presentation that is nothing short of stunning. The transfer, encoded in 2.39:1 1080p, maintains resolute sharpness and exquisite dimensional depth, showcasing the film’s sumptuous palette and lighting designed by director Paolo Sorrentino and DP Luca Bigazzi. Shot digitally with the Red Epic Dragon camera, the film’s visual appeal is heightened by the scenic Swiss Alps and the detailed set design work. The colors are vividly rendered, offering punchy primaries and well-defined earth tones.

Contrast levels are balanced and dynamic, empowering whites and grays while rendering blacks that are deep and noise-free, although occasionally bordering on crush. Despite this minor issue, the video quality is pristine. The clarity extends to close-up shots, revealing fine facial details and the effects of aging on the characters, with flesh tones appearing natural and subtly described. Wide vistas, especially during outdoor scenes with Fred and Mick, exhibit substantial depth of field contributing to a dramatic sense of space. Shadow delineation remains strong in darker scenes, preventing any problems with crush through warm lighting and detailed shadowing.

In summary, the Blu-ray transfer of "Youth" offers an unparalleled viewing experience with impressive detail, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. The occasional amber color grading adds to the visual richness without detracting from the natural palette. A minor moment of aliasing does not detract from the overall beauty of this transfer, which remains an exemplar for high-definition video.

The Blu-ray release of "Youth" features an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 channel mix that stands out for its surprising efficacy given the film's genre. The audio design is meticulously crafted, leveraging the platform to immerse viewers in a detailed soundscape. Dialogue is superbly clear, projected prominently through the center channel with a level of detail that allows for easy discernment of pitch and inflection. Front channel separation is commendable, enabling both major and minor elements to be distinctly recognized and directionally aligned with on-screen actions.

The 7.1 mix excels in utilizing ambient and environmental effects that enrich the film's real-life segments and its imaginative fantasy sequences. David Lang's score is a highlight, seamlessly integrated into the surround channels to enhance the film's mood without overshadowing dialogue or sound effects. This subtle yet effective sound design creates an immersive auditory experience, maintaining a fine balance that suits the film's nature. The track’s focus on midranges ensures consistent levels without the need for frequent volume adjustments, offering a consistently engaging auditory experience throughout.

Overall, this DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix exceeds expectations by delivering a nuanced and immersive audio presentation that aligns perfectly with the film's eclectic narrative and contemplative tone. It smartly utilizes surround channels to create a rich sense of space while keeping dialogue clean and prioritized. This audio mix elevates "Youth," making it an exemplary model of how thoughtful sound design can enhance even the most unassuming genres.

The Blu-ray extras for "Youth" provide a solid but brief glimpse behind the scenes, totaling almost 18 minutes of high-definition content. These featurettes offer promotional material with interviews from the cast and crew, notably including Michael Caine and Paolo Sorrentino. Although these extras predominantly cover surface-level content, they still provide valuable insights into the film's creation without delving too deeply. Additionally, the disc includes an HD image gallery, allowing viewers to manually or automatically navigate through stills and behind-the-scenes photographs. The theatrical trailer in high definition is also included, rounding out this succinct collection of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Michael Caine: Featurette.
• Paolo Sorrentino: Featurette.
• Cast: Featurette.
• Music and Sound: Featurette.
• The Essence of Youth: Featurette.
• Image Gallery: Offers both Manual Advance and Auto Advance options.
• Theatrical Trailer: High Definition.

"Youth," directed by Paolo Sorrentino and starring Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz, and Paul Dano, intricately explores themes of aging, creativity, and the passage of time. Set against the picturesque Swiss Alps, the film traces the lives of two elderly friends, Fred Ballinger (Caine), a retired composer, and Mick Boyle (Keitel), a filmmaker grappling with the creation of his final screenplay. While Fred rebuffs a royal request to conduct his most renowned composition "Simple Songs," Mick relentlessly pursues his last cinematic endeavor. The interplay of reality and fantasy, reminiscent of Fellini's 8½, is both a visual and thematic delight, although it sometimes sidesteps deeper character development in favor of stylistic flourish.

A central thread of "Youth" is the poignant relationship between Fred and Mick, which Sorrentino unravels through a series of contemplative vignettes. Rachel Weisz’s Lena and Paul Dano’s Jimmy add emotional layers to the narrative, though their arcs occasionally meander, diluting the film's focus. The exploration of Fred’s reluctance to revisit his musical past, intertwined with Jimmy’s struggle to redefine his acting career post a blockbuster role, resonates with artistic authenticity. However, despite its earnest attempts to juxtapose generational perspectives on art and vitality, the film's languid pacing might distance some viewers.

The performances are undeniably compelling. Michael Caine delivers a nuanced portrayal of fragility and resignation, while Harvey Keitel's portrayal exudes a bittersweet determination. The cameo by Jane Fonda as Brenda Morel is striking, even if momentary. The Swiss setting acts almost as a character itself, providing an exquisitely scenic backdrop that enhances the film's nostalgic and introspective tones. Despite occasional narrative sluggishness and an often ambiguous blend of comedy and drama, "Youth" remains an aesthetically beautiful piece that prompts reflection on the relentless march of time and the enduring quest for meaning in one's twilight years.

Paolo Sorrentino's "Youth" is a visually arresting film that blends meditative filmmaking with elements of quasi-magical realism, much in the vein of works like "Birdman." While its fantastical and contemplative nature may diverge from mainstream expectations, the film's nod to Fellini’s "8 1/2" offers a rich tapestry for cinephiles to explore. The Blu-ray release from 20th Century Fox ensures that Sorrentino's artistry is showcased in the most stunning way possible, with a meticulous image transfer that maintains the film's aesthetic nuances and a subtle yet immersive audio track.

The narrative of "Youth" juggles a myriad of philosophical musings, which can sometimes dilute its central character development and elongate the storyline. Despite its indulgent pacing, the film benefits immensely from remarkable performances that anchor its exploratory themes. The Blu-ray edition complements these strengths with top-notch technical merits. The picture quality is crisp and vibrant, capturing the film's picturesque settings and intricate details with precision. The audio track, though understated, enhances the viewing experience by providing a balanced and engaging soundscape. However, the disc’s extra features are sparse, offering limited additional context for the audience.

In conclusion, "Youth" may polarize viewers with its meandering introspection and ethereal touches, but it stands out for those who appreciate deeper cinematic artistry. The impeccable technical quality of the Blu-ray release makes it a valuable addition to any collection. Whether you're drawn in by the sublime performances or the film’s visual grandeur, "Youth" deserves attention for its ambition and beauty. It comes Recommended for those eager to delve into a thoughtfully crafted cinematic journey.