Boy Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Boy boasts a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that remains clean, natural, and faithful to its 35mm origins. A key highlight is the preservation of film grain, which enhances rather than detracts from the viewing experience. The picture, untouched by DNR, is free of edge enhancement and other filtering artifacts, maintaining a genuine film-like appearance. While there are occasional specks and shadow noise, these imperfections are minimal and hardly distracting. The transfer reflects a hands-off approach, typical of Kino Lorber, which works well for a relatively modern film like this. Despite some instances of softness, clarity remains commendable, particularly in closeups, revealing fine textures and details.

However, contrast consistency emerges as a minor issue. In the first half of the film, there are moments where contrast levels appear low, resulting in a slightly hazy image with somewhat washed-out colors. These issues largely resolve themselves in the latter half, transitioning into a clearer and more consistent image. The grading leans towards a neutral palette, delivering a realistic and beachy aesthetic that aligns perfectly with the film's tone and setting. Vivid colors and depth are present, especially in outdoor scenes and closeups where fine detail shines through. Overall, despite its minor drawbacks, the Blu-ray presents Boy with a level of visual fidelity that does justice to Taika Waititi's vision and the distinct environment depicted in the film.

Kino Lorber offers two audio options for "Boy" on Blu-ray: a 5.1 surround mix and a 2.0 stereo track, both presented in the DTS-HD Master Audio codec. While the 2.0 track performs adequately, the 5.1 presentation stands out, provided you have an appropriate home theater setup. Despite not being an action-heavy film, the surround sound excels in creating an immersive experience with ambient effects such as lapping water, distant thunder, and ambient party noises. The audio mix also benefits greatly from the film's poignant score by New Zealand indie band The Phoenix Foundation and era-appropriate music, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the film.

The sound design is balanced, ensuring dialogue remains consistently clear and comprehensible. However, viewers unfamiliar with New Zealand accents might find some dialogue challenging to understand, as no subtitles are provided. While generally impressive, the 5.1 mix occasionally lacks robustness, particularly due to the natural limitations of child actors' vocal range. Nevertheless, the surround sound effectively uses the rear channels to create depth and spatial dynamics, especially noticeable in musical sequences.

On a technical level, although the film leans heavily on dialogue with minimal use of dramatic sound effects, it manages to maintain clarity and presence throughout the soundtrack. Dialogue-driven scenes benefit from clean channel outputs, with the music standing out as rich and immersive across the audio spectrum. Despite minor shortcomings in terms of energy and power, the mix is well-balanced, allowing for volume adjustments without distortion. Overall, the audio presentation in "Boy" demonstrates thoughtful sound design that complements its narrative and visual elements effectively.

The Blu-ray extras of "Boy" offer a revealing glimpse into Taika Waititi's creative process and the film’s development. Two Cars, One Night: A Short by Taika Waititi is an Academy Award-nominated black-and-white short that explores an early version of characters similar to those in "Boy," providing insight into Waititi's thematic intentions. The Interviews and B-Roll Footage deliver in-depth conversations with Waititi and the cast, including insights from producer Cliff Curtis, enhancing understanding of the film’s casting and development despite somewhat disorganized editing. The Theatrical Trailer rounds off the extras with a promotional overview of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Two Cars, One Night: A Short by Taika Waititi: An Oscar-nominated black-and-white short offering a thematic precursor to "Boy."
• Interviews and B-Roll Footage: Extensive behind-the-scenes material featuring interviews with Taika Waititi, the cast, and producer Cliff Curtis.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.

Taika Waititi's "Boy" stands as an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale set against the vibrancy and desolation of 1984 rural New Zealand. The narrative unfolds with an eleven-year-old Maori boy named Boy (James Rolleston), who is tasked with caring for his younger brother and several cousins in the absence of their Nana, who is away attending a funeral. Boy idolizes his estranged father, Alamein (Waititi), and the connection they share with Michael Jackson. However, Alamein's return, ostensibly to reconnect, is actually driven by his search for stolen money buried on their property. Waititi skillfully interweaves humor and poignancy, capturing Boy's tumultuous journey from hero worship to a heartbreaking confrontation with his father's true nature.

Waititi draws heavily from semi-autobiographical elements, imbuing the film with a rich sense of place and time. The film masterfully highlights the stark contrasts of rural poverty set against New Zealand's stunning landscapes. This contrast accentuates the grim reality of Boy's life, juxtaposed with his imaginative escapism through daydreams styled after Michael Jackson music videos. Waititi's portrayal of Alamein as a charismatic yet deeply flawed figure offers a compelling study in the immature desperation to reclaim fatherhood. This nuanced depiction prevents the character from becoming a caricature, allowing for profound character dynamics that explore themes of loss, identity, and maturation.

The film's unique charm also lies in its stylistic choices—animated sequences resembling children's drawings and whimsical re-enactments that bring Boy's imaginative world to life. The blend of sentimentality and humor ensures the story remains engaging without tipping into saccharine territory. Rolleston’s performance anchors the film, providing an earnest portrayal of an innocent boy grappling with adult disillusionment. Ultimately, "Boy" emerges not just as a personal narrative for Waititi but as a universal exploration of childhood and familial bonds, enhanced by its historical and cultural specificity.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of Boy marks the long-awaited arrival of Taika Waititi’s 2010 New Zealand coming-of-age film to the U.S. market. This film masterfully balances humor and emotion, drawing comparisons to Beat Takeshi’s Kikujiro while showcasing Waititi’s growth as a skilled storyteller and filmmaker. Waititi’s unique voice, shaped by his heritage and personal experiences, is evident throughout the narrative, adding layers of authenticity that elevate the film beyond its straightforward plot. The disc also includes Waititi's acclaimed Academy Award-nominated short, Two Cars, One Night, which is a delightful bonus.

For those with a more cynical disposition, Boy might need a little extra effort to fully win them over. While it isn't a groundbreaking film, it certainly has a potent emotional impact that resonates with many viewers. The film’s charm lies in its simplicity and the genuine feelings it evokes. Regardless of initial expectations, it’s worth giving this Blu-ray a spin and forming your own opinion.

Kino Lorber has curated a well-crafted package with limited but high-quality supplements that enhance the viewing experience. While not everyone may find the film appealing, there is an undeniable charm and authenticity that can cater to a wide range of tastes. The nuanced storytelling and cultural richness make this Blu-ray release an intriguing addition to any collection.

In conclusion, Boy is a poignant, humorous, and personal film that showcases Taika Waititi's evolving talents as a filmmaker. Despite varying receptions, its emotional depth and simple charm make it a memorable viewing experience. Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release, bolstered by excellent additional content, comes highly recommended for both fans and newcomers alike. It stands out as a noteworthy release this month.