Submarine

The Blu-ray presentation of "Submarine" on Anchor Bay's 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer shines in accurately recreating the film's intentional visual aesthetic. The cinematography, courtesy of Erik Wilson, is characterized by a desaturated palette that beautifully captures the overcast Welsh seaside, where the vividness of Jordana's red jacket stands out as a narrative focal point. Details remain discernible even in dimly lit scenes, such as a pivotal beach sequence at night, thanks to adequate black levels. The transfer respects the film’s textural integrity, maintaining a natural and film-like grain without becoming obtrusive, particularly in expansive landscape shots.

The movie, delivered in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, exploits its stylistic cinematography to full effect. The digital intermediate ensures a clean source with minimal imperfections, and while there's a light layer of grain throughout, it contributes positively to the picture's texture, enhancing its cinematic feel. Colors are subtly muted yet effectively compelling, with certain hues—especially blues and reds—making a significant impact. Noteworthy are the scenes embellished with fireworks or flames, which showcase the transfer’s ability to handle dynamic lighting and vivid colors without any loss in detail or the introduction of blooming.

Black levels and contrast are managed well throughout, ensuring clarity and depth without compromising on the film’s softer visual moments. Fantasy sequences shot in Super8 receive special treatment with appropriate windowboxing, preserving their unique look within the film's broader visual narrative. Notably absent are digital anomalies such as DNR or compression artifacts, allowing for an immersive viewing experience that remains true to the director and cinematographer’s vision. Despite a few isolated instances of softness and minor specks, the overall presentation stands out for its faithful rendition of "Submarine's" dreamy montages, slow-motion shots, and distinctively confident cinematographic style.

The audio presentation for the Blu Ray of "Submarine" is encapsulated within a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack that, while reliable and modest, does not fully explore the auditory depth that its seaside setting and narrative potential allow. Dialogue is consistently clear, albeit occasionally soft, and may challenge American audiences with its regional accents, suggesting the occasional utility of English subtitles for clarity. The soundtrack's highlights undeniably stem from the moody, lyrically provocative pieces crafted by Alex Turner and the instrumental contributions of Andrew Hewitt, which meld seamlessly with the film's tonal ambitions, providing rare moments of auditory pleasure in an otherwise underwhelming soundscape.

The mix is characterized by its front-heavy design, where directionality and immersive soundscapes are sparingly employed, leaving much to be desired in the way of ambient effects and spatial dynamics. Though there are flashes of audio ingenuity—an effectively immersive train sequence and the climatic moments stand out—the overall execution feels restrained, tethered too tightly to minimalistic leanings that forego opportunities for a richer, more enveloping auditory experience. Unfortunately, this restraint results in a soundstage that often feels neglected, lacking the robustness necessary to elevate the film’s quiet subtlety into something more resonant.

Furthermore, instances where the audio mix could have transcended its limitations—through enhanced environmental ambiance or a more varied use of the rear channels—are few and far between. Despite its functional adequacy and moments of artistic flair, the track predominantly hovers at the brink of what could have been a more compelling and immersive audio experience. The endeavor to balance subtlety with impact is understandable, yet the result underscores a missed opportunity to employ a nuanced mix that complements the film's aesthetic and narrative depth without overwhelming it.

The Blu-ray extras for "Submarine" consist of a modest compilation that delves into deleted content and the filmmaking process, albeit with limited exclusive insights. The "Deleted and Extended Scenes" segment offers a glimpse into additional moments not seen in the film's final cut, primarily showcasing the humorous yet unsettling depths of Graham Purvis' character development and his peculiar seduction techniques. This section runs just over twelve minutes and is presented in standard definition, reflecting an opportunity to see what might have been. On the other hand, "The Making of Submarine" featurette provides a cursory behind-the-scenes look, featuring interviews with key cast and crew. Despite its short runtime, it manages to surface some meaningful commentary on character portrayal and production challenges. However, it falls short of offering substantial behind-the-scenes depth. Additionally, while trailers for other films are included, the notable absence of "Submarine's" own trailer might leave something to be desired for fans and newcomers alike. All extras come with the caveat of SD quality and basic stereo sound, underscoring a sense of missed potential in fully celebrating the film's unique aesthetic and narrative vibe.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted and Extended Scenes: A collection of nine scenes featuring extended content.
• The Making of Submarine: A brief exploration of the film’s production process.

Richard Ayoade's "Submarine" is a notable entry in the coming-of-age genre, distinctively British in its sensibility and rich in the tradition of its literary and cinematic predecessors. Adapted from Welsh author Joe Dunthorne's novel, the film navigates the tumultuous waters of adolescence through the eyes of Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts), a young man whose life teeters on the brink of adulthood. The narrative is steeped in irony and introspection, as Oliver's quest for identity and belonging unfolds with a quirky, melancholic charm that is both endearing and poignant. His relationships—with the enigmatic Jordana Bevan (Yasmin Paige) and his increasingly estranged parents, played by Sally Hawkins and Noah Taylor—serve as the heart of the story, exploring themes of love, despair, and the complexities of family dynamics against the backdrop of a drab Welsh seaside town.

Ayoade's directorial debut is marked by a stylistic confidence that belies his newcomer status, drawing comparisons to heavyweights like Wes Anderson and the French New Wave through his use of formalistic techniques such as zooms, freeze frames, and dreamy montages accompanied by an evocative Brit-Pop soundtrack. Yet, despite these influences, "Submarine" manages to carve out its own identity, balancing its dry humor and eccentric narrative with genuine emotion and a deep empathy for its characters. The film's deliberate pacing and introspective tone, coupled with Roberts and Paige's captivating performances, blend to create a portrayal of adolescence that is as nuanced as it is entertaining.

While "Submarine" might occasionally veer into the familiar territory of indie coming-of-age clichés, it stands out for its earnestness and visual flair. Ayoade demonstrates a perceptive understanding of his young protagonists' internal worlds, capturing the essence of their angst, aspirations, and awkwardness with a tender, ironic touch. The film’s exploration of identity, familial responsibility, and the pains of growing up resonates deeply, underscored by its moody cinematography and poignant narrative arcs. As Oliver navigates his personal submarine through the murky depths of youth, Ayoade crafts a memorable tale that is both a homage to and an evolution of the genre.

Submarine," an exploration of adolescent turmoil and the awkwardness of coming of age, stands out as an exceptional yet eccentric cinematic piece that intertwines comedy with drama in a manner that resonates deeply with its audience. The film's nuanced portrayal of emotional discomfort and dysfunctions, reminiscent of the themes prevalent in Ben Stiller's most impactful works, such as "Greenberg," demonstrates a compelling study of youth at the crossroads of life. Despite its slightly familiar narrative style, "Submarine" manages to carve its own identity through a clever and dry sense of humor paired with heartfelt insights into the protagonist's journey. However, it is essential to temper expectations regarding comic relief, as the film leans more towards an introspective examination rather than outright comedy.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray presentation of "Submarine" is commendable for its superior video quality that enhances the visual experience of this unique story. However, it's worth noting that while the video transfer impresses, the audio quality falls slightly short, lacking the depth and clarity that aficionados might seek in a home cinema experience. Furthermore, prospective buyers may find the extras offered to be limited, potentially detracting from the overall value for collectors and enthusiasts seeking an in-depth exploration of the film's background and making.

In conclusion, while "Submarine" on Blu-ray does not present a flawless package due to its audio limitations and sparse supplements, the film itself is an arresting journey through the trials of adolescence, meriting attention for its distinctive voice and the high-quality video transfer. It shines as a worthwhile addition to the collection of those who appreciate cinema that skillfully balances humor with poignant narrative depths. As such, despite its shortcomings, this release is recommended for viewers looking to dive into a cinematic experience that navigates the turbulent waters of youth with sincerity and a touch of whimsy.