Dheepan Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Dheepan" enjoys a 1080p HD transfer that highlights the film's fully digital workflow. Supervised by director Jacques Audiard and cinematographer Eponine Momenceau, the Criterion release provides a sharp and vivid image quality, showcasing excellent textures across various elements, from facial pores and wrinkles to the detailed imperfections of worn buildings in the background. Charles Freville's color grading delivers stable, natural colors, complemented by deep, inky black levels that maintain their integrity throughout nighttime and darker indoor sequences.

The transfer masterfully captures the film's stylistic choices, offering an impressive sense of depth and dimensionality, especially noticeable in the apartment homes and street scenes. This careful balance between brightness and shadow is consistent with the movie's native photography, although some trailing artifacts appear in a few sequences under low light conditions. Despite this minor distraction, the overall presentation is free from major compression issues like banding or aliasing, ensuring an outstanding image stability.

Colors within "Dheepan" are predominantly moody and earthy, maintaining a realistic appearance that aligns with the film's tone. While not inherently vibrant, some wardrobe and household items provide bursts of primary colors that stand out against the otherwise subdued palette. Skin tones remain natural and accurate throughout, reinforcing the high level of clarity this transfer achieves. Criterion ensures that the digital 5.1 surround audio maintains its integrity, mastered meticulously from the original digital master files using Pro Tools HD. This Region-A locked Blu-ray release is a testament to Criterion's commitment to delivering high-quality video presentations for contemporary films.

This Blu-ray release of "Dheepan" boasts a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack (with portions in Tamil), finely replicated from the original digital master through Pro Tools HD. The audio presentation is devoid of any encoding anomalies, ensuring a seamless auditory experience. Dialogue is impeccably clear, with English subtitles enhancing understanding for non-native speakers. The overall dynamic range is well-balanced, maintaining clarity and avoiding any distortions such as pops, cracks, hisses, or shrill peaks.

Sound effects stand out as realistic and immersive, embellished by natural and urban ambient noises that enrich the soundscape. This mix bolsters the narrative without overwhelming it, striking an excellent balance between cinematic drama and subtlety. The low-frequency extension is particularly noteworthy in action-heavy scenes, providing a robust bass response that enhances the movie's impact without veering into excessive or unstable territory. Surround sound elements are utilized judiciously, creating an engaging and enveloping audio environment. The front and center channels are precise, while the rear channels effectively supplement the spatial audio experience.

Overall, this lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 track ensures that every auditory detail is preserved and presented in a manner that amplifies the film’s immersive quality. Viewers can expect an enriching experience where dialogue, ambient sounds, and dynamic effects coalesce seamlessly to heighten the narrative's emotional and visceral impact.

The Blu-ray extras for "Dheepan" deliver significant valuable insights into the making and thematic essence of the film. The special features include extensive interviews with director Jacques Audiard and actor/novelist Antonythasan Jesuthasan, providing context on the socio-political narratives and personal experiences that informed the film. Additionally, deleted scenes with commentary enrich the understanding of narrative choices, while a detailed audio commentary from the director and co-screenwriter elaborates on the movie's production journey and thematic intricacies. These meticulously curated extras are both informative and engaging, adding crucial depth to the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Jacques Audiard: Director Jacques Audiard discusses his evolving vision of Dheepan, socio-political climate in France, and more.
• Antonythasan Jesuthasan: Antonythasan Jesuthasan reflects on his past as a Tamil Tiger, his refugee experience, and contribution to the film.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of deleted scenes with optional commentary by Jacques Audiard and Noe Debre.
• Commentary: Detailed discussion of the film's evolution from script to screen by Jacques Audiard and Noe Debre.
• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer for Dheepan.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring critic Michael Atkinson's essay and technical credits.

Jacques Audiard’s Dheepan (2015), winner of the Palme d'Or, explores the tumultuous journey of a former Tamil fighter (Antonythasan Jesuthasan), and his makeshift family as they seek asylum in France. With incisive commentary on the failures of European immigration policies and social integration, the narrative delves into the harsh realities of life in suburban ghettos. The authenticity brought by the use of non-professional actors—Kalieaswari Srinivasan and Claudine Vinasithamby—coupled with Audiard’s directorial prowess, lends an undeniable realism to their struggles and evolving relationships. The film juxtaposes familial dynamics with the rampant criminality in immigrant communities, creating a layered and compelling portrait of survival.

Audiard melds socio-political critique with suspenseful elements, reminiscent of Sam Peckinpah’s "Straw Dogs." The script, co-written by Thomas Bidegain and Noe Debre, oscillates between relationship drama and gritty crime narrative, reflecting on the psychological toll of displacement and the resilience required to navigate new forms of conflict. While not as fast-paced as Audiard’s previous works like "A Prophet" and "Rust and Bone," Dheepan is a powerful hybrid narrative, although its epilogue presents a controversial shift towards a more optimistic resolution, potentially undermining earlier critical undertones.

Ultimately, Dheepan stands as a complex exploration of immigrant life and institutional shortcomings, driven by powerful performances and meticulous direction. Its portrayal of violence and community breakdown in Parisian suburbs raises urgent questions about integration and governance, cementing its place as a significant cinematic work that resonates with contemporary socio-political themes across Europe.

"Dheepan," directed by Jacques Audiard, presents a gripping narrative that explores the harrowing impact of 'open border' policies on the European Union, particularly focusing on the tumultuous environments in France's refugee-filled ghettos. The film's initial three-quarters deftly depict these harsh realities and invite viewers to reflect on the socio-political landscape often omitted from mainstream discourse. However, the film's final third has been critiqued for its attempt to rationalize the political elite’s handling of refugee crises, suggesting a disconcerting alliance with powerful, unspoken agendas.

From a technical standpoint, Criterion Collection has excelled in their treatment of "Dheepan." The Blu-ray offers impressive video and audio presentations that enhance the cinematic experience. The emotional depth of the film remains potent, prompting thoughtful discussions regarding international social and political climates. The release also includes compelling extras that serve as valuable supplements, enriching viewers' understanding of the film’s themes and context.

In conclusion, "Dheepan" stands as a strong psychological and socio-political study despite some perceived narrative flaws. The Criterion Blu-ray release is commendable, offering high-quality audiovisuals and worthwhile supplementary content. While the film may not appeal to all demographics, its exploration of refugee experiences and societal issues makes it a significant, thought-provoking watch. Highly recommended for those interested in an engaging, emotionally resonant film grounded in contemporary issues.