Moonage Daydream Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Moonage Daydream" showcases an AVC encoded image with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, capturing a wealth of visual data. This film uniquely combines archival footage with modern visual effects and creative diversions. Throughout the presentation, color reproduction is commendable, with vivid reds and blues punctuating the screen. Primary colors are accurately represented, particularly spotlighting David Bowie's iconic attire and the atmospheric stage lighting. Skin tones remain convincingly natural, despite the diverse range of source media. While detail fidelity reaches the outer limits of what is possible given the heterogeneity of film and television footage involved, the depth and richness of the documentary are captivating.

The video content varies in quality due to the blend of original materials ranging from standard definition television interviews to 16mm excerpts from 1970s concerts. These segments maintain their authentic appearance, preserving their historical integrity. However, it is the 35mm footage from the 1980s that stands out, offering superior visual fidelity. Notably, despite the variance in source material quality, it does not detract from the viewing experience. The Blu-ray mastering appears proficient, as it does not exacerbate existing compression artifacts or introduce any novel visual distortions. Some mild banding is present, yet it minimally impacts the overall viewing experience.

While the cover inaccurately lists the aspect ratio as 1.85:1, this discrepancy is minor and insignificant. The seamless integration and mastering of heterogeneous source materials highlight the Blu-ray's commitment to maintaining visual coherence across its varied elements. The film's presentation allows audiences to appreciate both the nostalgic appeal and vibrant artistry inherent in Bowie's celebrated performances and personality.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix in the Blu-ray of "Moonage Daydream" offers a complex auditory experience that mirrors the multifaceted essence of David Bowie’s artistry. Brett Morgen's sonic design captures the vibrant chaos Bowie was known for, intertwining clear interview clips and transformative music tracks that depict various phases of his career. Each audio layer is meticulously woven to maintain clarity and distinctiveness, with the music swirling into the soundstage—from robust rock anthems to more subtle acoustic measures.

The surround sound activity is compelling, incorporating precise panning effects and channel separation to envelop the listener fully. The viewer is immersed in an engaging auditory environment where familiar tunes are innovatively stacked and presented, keeping the soundscape perpetually dynamic. The soundtrack smartly uses Bowie's voice, sourced from various interviews and fashioned into a narrative-like presence that echoes his legendary stage personas, including Ziggy Stardust.

Furthermore, concert performances receive a notably richer depth with active surrounds and responsive low-end frequencies. The carefully detailed sound effects heighten the concert experience and overall auditory immersion, making the audio presentation arguably the standout feature of the Blu-ray release. This intricate layering captures both the grandeur and the introspective moments of Bowie's work, ensuring an enriching experience for fans and audiophiles alike.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Moonage Daydream" are notably sparse, featuring only the theatrical trailer. This limited offering is a missed opportunity for fans seeking deeper insights into the film's creation or David Bowie's multifaceted life. Given the rich material available, additional features, such as interviews with director Brett Morgen or audio commentaries, could have provided valuable context and enhanced accessibility to Morgen's creative decisions. Viewers are left wondering about Morgen's criteria for choosing specific life events over others in Bowie's storied career. The included trailer succinctly encapsulates the film's essence, potentially acting as a litmus test for audiences—those intrigued by its presentation may find the film engaging, while others might find it perplexing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A glimpse into the film's style and narrative focus.

"Moonage Daydream" presents itself as more of a kaleidoscopic tribute to David Bowie than a traditional documentary. Directed by Brett Morgen, the film aims to encapsulate the essence of Bowie rather than educate viewers about the musician. Eschewing standard documentary conventions, it uses a blend of imagery and audio excerpts from interviews, interspersed with Bowie’s music, to craft an experiential journey through the mystique of his career. While the structure is loose—often feeling like an art installation more than anything else—the intent is clear: it's designed as a sensory celebration for fans longing for another encounter with the icon.

Technically, the film can feel disjointed. It incorporates familiar footage from various periods of Bowie's life in a manner akin to a mixtape, sometimes reducing complex years into merely repetitive visuals. This approach limits the depth and scope, particularly excluding much of Bowie’s work post-1990s despite the significant artistry of his later years, including albums such as “Heathen” and “Blackstar”. The blending of low-quality audio sources dilutes the cinematic experience, making it feel more like a high-concept phase than a complete narrative.

Acoustically, "Moonage Daydream" evokes the fragmented style of “Love”, the Beatles’ Cirque du Soleil soundtrack, weaving songs and dialogues into a non-linear fashion. Visually, it mimics a 1990s MTV documentary, flitting through scenes in a frenetic, kaleidoscopic style that might bewilder viewers unfamiliar with its subject. While such bold stylistic choices are intended to immerse, they can alienate as much as they intrigue. Ultimately, the film is more about flair than substance; it's better suited for superfans rather than newcomers who might seek a comprehensive understanding of David Bowie’s indelible impact on music and culture.

"Moonage Daydream," directed by Brett Morgen, delivers a cinematic exploration of David Bowie's legacy that, while thrilling for some, can occasionally feel overwhelming and lacking in depth. Morgen opts for a bold editorial approach, emphasizing sensorial overload to capture Bowie's artistic spirit. The film showcases the musician's evolution through various personas and sonic moods, aiming to depict his unyielding commitment to creation and self-expression. Viewers should be prepared for a sometimes chaotic visual narrative that attempts to encapsulate Bowie's expansive career but may drift at times into predictability.

Despite starting with strong potential and a kaleidoscopic editing style that seems innovative, "Moonage Daydream" struggles to maintain its initial momentum. Morgen's repeated use of visual techniques can feel monotonous, resulting in a viewing experience that occasionally drags. The documentary somewhat neglects Bowie's later years, inadvertently missing the chance to provide a comprehensive view of his artistic journey and the impactful finale he orchestrated for his own life story. This limitation might leave devout fans yearning for a deeper dive into the artist's legacy or a more meaningful exploration of what drove his creative endeavors.

In conclusion, "Moonage Daydream" is a visually intense tribute that might resonate more with dedicated Bowie enthusiasts interested in an artistic homage rather than a detailed biography. While the film can be visually and audibly engaging at times, its tendency toward repetition and superficiality could detract from its overall allure. Fans of Bowie might find fleeting moments of satisfaction in this experience, although they might be better served by enjoying it as a rental. For non-fans, the complexity and disjointedness of its narrative might make this exploration less accessible.