Cain at Abel Blu-ray Review

Kani Releasing, a boutique label under OCN Distribution, presents "Cain and Abel" (1982) on Blu-ray, utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-25 disc format housed in an Amaray clear case. The release is sourced from the only surviving 35 mm print in the ABS-CBN film archives, scanned at 4K resolution and restored in 2K by the Central Digital Lab in Manila. Despite being originally shown at the 1982 San Sebastian Film Festival in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, evidence suggests it was released theatrically in the Philippines in a 1.85:1 ratio. This disc respects that ratio, although inherent limitations are noted, including some softness, warping, and distortion.

Director Conrado Baltazar's cinematography leveraged 35 mm spherical lenses, with substantial effort taken to preserve the original vision despite the loss of primary elements. Users can expect some unavoidable warping, particularly during early reels when camera movement is prominent. This technical challenge diminishes as the film progresses and becomes less distracting over time. The transfer maintains solid color values and grain structure, with a naturally soft and hazy appearance due to the character of the source materials. Damage to the print has been minimized though not completely eradicated.

Kani's encode achieves a mean video bitrate of 20983 kbps, ensuring the highest possible quality from limited materials. The transfer comes segmented into seven chapters within the 109-minute runtime, facilitating navigation and enriching user experience. Viewers are encouraged to approach the transfer with understanding and empathy, appreciating both its restored historical significance and its place within ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula restoration initiatives.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray release of "Cain at Abel" is rendered in DTS-HD Master Audio, Dual Mono (1381 kbps, 24-bit), primarily in Filipino (Tagalog). This technical setup, although limited to 2.0 mono, attempts to encapsulate the essence of the film's auditory experience. Despite the constraints of using optical track sources from remaining prints, it delivers a relatively clean sound. However, listeners may notice pronounced background noise and some distortion throughout. This suggests that there may not have been any post-production sound enhancements, such as sync sound or looping.

Dialogue clarity varies, likely due to live capture techniques and minimal post-production. The audio levels fluctuate with the camera distance from the actors, posing a challenge for consistent delivery. Yet, the overall audibility remains acceptable for audiences. Composer Max Jocson's score is noteworthy, presenting an ominous atmosphere through synth drones complemented by lyrical pan flutes. These elements are articulated effectively, reinforcing the film's tension and thematic depth.

The English subtitles provided are optional, clear, and designed for easy comprehension. While some minor sibilance in the dialogue is detectable, it does not undermine the listening experience significantly. Overall, the audio track meets basic expectations but could have benefited from more advanced audio engineering to enhance its dynamic range and spatial fidelity.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Cain at Abel" provide a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the film's impact in both cinematic and sociopolitical contexts. José B. Capino's video essay, "Cain at Abel: An Appreciation," dives into the film as a pivotal piece of Lino Brocka's career, emphasizing its visual and thematic composition, as well as its allegorical critique of the Marcos regime. Complementary interviews with Carmi Martin and Christopher de Leon enrich this understanding by offering personal anecdotes and industry insights during the era the film was produced. The restoration trailer further highlights the technical efforts in preserving this cinematic gem for modern audiences. A detailed twenty-page booklet, featuring essays by Capino and screenwriter Ricky Lee, adds depth to Brocka's biography and "Cain at Abel's" legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Cain at Abel: An Appreciation: Capino critiques the film's significance and its visual style.
• Interview with Carmi Martin: Martin discusses her film career and insights on working with Brocka.
• Interview with Christopher de Leon: De Leon reflects on his career and experiences with Filipino directors.
• 2016 Restoration Trailer: A glimpse into the restoration process of the film.
• Booklet: Includes essays by Capino and Lee, providing further context on the film's impact and production.

Lino Brocka's "Cain at Abel" (1982) stands as a pivotal piece in the canon of the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema. The film expertly intertwines familial tension with a sociopolitical undercurrent, subtly reflecting the constraints of censorship under Ferdinand Marcos. Set in an indeterminate province, the narrative focuses on Doña Piña, a wealthy matriarch navigating complex family dynamics. Her preferential treatment of her younger son, Ellis, over his brother Lorens, propels an engaging plot woven with themes from Genesis Chapter 4. As familial disputes escalate, a seemingly innocuous confrontation leads to a transformative event with far-reaching consequences.

Visually and thematically, "Cain at Abel" transitions from an intimate family drama to a visceral action narrative, a shift reminiscent of Sam Peckinpah and John Woo. The story’s progression highlights Lorens and Ellis's descent into rivalry, each backed by their gang of loyal followers. The tension culminates in a virulent conflict that engulfs the entire town. Brocka’s film reveals its low-budget origins, yet the skilled ensemble cast delivers powerful performances that capture the emotional intensity and moral complexity of the narrative.

Despite some moments veering into excessive melodrama, the film remains an insightful exploration of familial loyalty and betrayal against a backdrop of political subtext. The nods to films like "Straw Dogs" enrich its layered storytelling. Brocka's masterful navigation of genre conventions, coupled with his keen eye for social critique, ensures that "Cain at Abel" is both a compelling narrative and a nuanced reflection of its cultural and historical milieu.

"Cain at Abel" by Lino Brocka, a cornerstone in the history of Filipino cinema, is given a new lease on life through the release by Kani Releasing. The film, steeped in the cultural nuances of 1980s Philippines, effectively brings a biblical narrative into this unique context, thanks to Ricardo Lee's skilled writing. The performances by Mona Lisa, Christopher de Leon, and Phillip Salvador are remarkable, contributing significantly to the film's impact. Despite the transfer exhibiting some warping, it remains accessible and retains its narrative strength.

The Blu-ray edition's technical aspects are a mixed bag. While the video transfer is lacking due to limitations of the original elements, the visual quality is preserved adequately enough for viewers to appreciate the film. The monaural sound, though perhaps not as enhanced as it could have been, avoids distractions such as pops or hiss, remaining clean albeit basic. The inclusion of Brocka scholar Jos� B. Capino's insightful video appreciation and contemporary interviews with two key actors adds valuable context, enriching the viewing experience for both new audiences and long-time admirers of Brocka’s work.

Overall, Kani Releasing successfully revives "Cain at Abel," allowing it to gain a deserved international audience despite technical constraints. It's a minor classic that offers a critical reflection of its era and country. This release is a must-view for viewers interested in exploring the depths of world cinema and Brocka's oeuvre. For those unfamiliar with Philippine cinema but eager to explore it, "Cain at Abel" is an excellent starting point, underscoring its significance on an international scale. Kani's package is a commendable effort in preserving and promoting a once-lost cinematic gem.