Like Someone in Love Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Like Someone in Love" presented by Criterion is expertly executed with a 1080p HD transfer in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing a RED One MX digital camera and completed entirely within a digital workflow, the film’s final color-corrected DPX files were created in Rec. 709 high-definition color space. This master was approved by Abbas Kiarostami, ensuring the presentation aligns closely with his vision. The transfer appears to match the same digital master used for the British release by New Wave Films, save for an insignificant difference in brightness settings.

Remarkable attention to detail and clarity define this transfer. Even in restricted lighting conditions, minute details are effortlessly discernible. The image stability is exceptional, showing no signs of compression or encoding anomalies. Colors are subtle yet authentic, contributing to organic skin tones and deep, inky black levels. While primary colors are not dominant throughout the film, the overall color palette maintains a soft, natural aesthetic. Close-ups are particularly impressive, capturing the finest textures in costumes and individual facial features with precision.

This Blu-ray also features a fully digital 3.0 surround audio track, mastered at 24-bit quality from the original digital master files using Pro Tools HD. It is encoded as 5.1 to ensure compatibility with legacy receivers, providing robust auditory fidelity that complements the high-quality visual presentation. This meticulous approach by Criterion results in a pristine viewing experience faithful to Kiarostami's original production intents. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray, necessitating a compatible player to access its content.

The audio presentation of "Like Someone in Love" on Blu-ray features a Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0 track. Criterion has mastered this track at 24-bit from the original digital master and, although it includes only three channels, the mix is encoded at 5.1, providing a robust listening experience. English subtitles are available, maintaining the clarity of the dialogue, which is consistently crystal clear and easy to follow.

While the film's soundscape is not laden with action or loud effects, the audio mix demonstrates exceptional attention to detail in other ways. The dynamic range is understandably narrow given the film's dialogue-driven nature, but ambient sounds—such as those from bustling city scenes—are distinct and easily identifiable. The sound effects that are present across the track come through with commendable fullness and depth, devoid of any pops, cracks, or hissing, ensuring a pristine auditory experience.

Overall, the audio experience maintains a high standard throughout the film's run-time. Despite its limited dynamic intensity, the mix delivers clean, stable dialogue and engaging ambient effects without any dropouts or distortions. This meticulous attention to audio fidelity ensures that viewers can fully immerse themselves in the nuanced sound environment of "Like Someone in Love."

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Like Someone in Love" are meticulously curated to enhance the viewer's understanding of Abbas Kiarostami's artistic vision. The highlight is the "Making of Someone in Love," a comprehensive documentary featuring the director’s in-depth discussion on the film's inspiration, his collaboration with Japanese actors, and his preference for digital filmmaking. Included as well are the official trailer, offering a glimpse of the film's tone and musical elements, and a thoughtfully produced booklet featuring an insightful essay by film scholar Nico Baumbach, which provides additional context and analysis.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of Someone in Love: Director Abbas Kiarostami discusses film production, working in Tokyo, and his digital filmmaking preferences.
• Trailer: Original trailer featuring music only.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Nico Baumbach.

Abbas Kiarostami's Tokyo-set drama "Like Someone in Love" marks his second narrative venture outside Iran, following "Certified Copy." The film, notable for its minimalist style and pacing akin to Yasujiro Ozu's work, features an intriguing blend of characters and intimate storytelling. Protagonist Akiko (Rin Takanashi), a student moonlighting as an escort, is introduced through a poignant scene in which she tearfully listens to her grandmother’s messages in a taxi. The film initiates an unusual yet compelling relationship between Akiko and her intellectual but lonely client, Takashi Watanabe (Tadashi Okuno). Their non-romantic interaction is magnetic, driven by Kiarostami's deliberate focus on naturalistic dialogue and restrained confessions, capturing authentic Japanese sensibilities.

The narrative further intensifies with the involvement of Akiko’s possessive boyfriend, Noriaki (Ryo Kase), who mistakenly identifies Takashi as her grandfather. Takashi's reluctant assumption of this role adds a complex layer to the dynamics among the trio, ultimately leading to escalating tensions. Despite minimal action, the film’s strength lies in its atmospheric composition and the detailed portrayal of character interactions. Tadashi Okuno’s portrayal of Takashi as a gentle and enigmatic figure is outstanding, while Takanashi’s vulnerable performance enhances Akiko’s character depth. Denden also leaves a significant mark despite limited screen time through his portrayal of the domineering pimp, Hiroshi.

"Like Someone in Love" may deter viewers with its methodical pacing and prolonged camera focus, creating an almost awkward yet captivating effect. However, for those who appreciate introspective and atmospheric cinema, Kiarostami's directorial nuances offer a richly rewarding experience. The film masterfully navigates themes of isolation, connection, and societal roles, standing out in Criterion’s collection as a distinctive glimpse into contemporary alienation and emotional complexity within a Japanese context.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Abbas Kiarostami's "Like Someone in Love" offers a sublime visual and auditory experience that stays true to the visionary director's distinct storytelling style. Utilizing a high-definition transfer, the film preserves its original aesthetic character while presenting it in stunning clarity and detail. The audio quality, though understated, perfectly complements the minimalist nature of the narrative. Featuring one particularly good extra, this release is a treat for cinephiles seeking more than just conventional entertainment.

The film itself is a slow-paced, beautifully crafted narrative that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the nuanced games people play in their quest for connection. Kiarostami's masterful direction ensures that each character is not only memorable but also deeply compelling. The conclusion, in particular, leaves a lasting impression, provoking thought long after the credits roll.

Sometimes less is more. And this is precisely the case with director Abbas Kiarostami's "Like Someone in Love," a simple but very elegant and quite exotic film about the games people play while looking for love and other things that matter. Admirers of the Iranian master's work will not be disappointed with it. Criterion's release uses a high-definition transfer that is not identical to the one British distributors New Wave Films used for their release of the film last October, but their basic characteristics are the same. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.