Love Is Strange Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Love Is Strange" is commendable in its 1080p transfer, despite certain limitations that occasionally affect the visual quality. The film is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, offering a generally sharp and clear image that balances well with its filmic origins. Rooftop sequences and exterior shots of New York City highlight the best aspects of this transfer, with fine details in urban landscapes, textures, and facial features that are vividly showcased. Colors are vibrant and pop, particularly in outdoor scenes and with the richly hued outfits of characters, effectively capturing the lively essence of Manhattan.

However, some scenes exhibit noticeable shortcomings. Lower-light interiors and bland settings can appear pasty and flat, lacking the pristine detail and lifelike authenticity seen in higher-end Blu-ray releases. Black levels, while frequently deep and inky, may occasionally struggle to maintain consistent natural balance, and flesh tones are not always perfectly rendered. Minor banding and moderate noise can present themselves in certain interior shots, which slightly detracts from an otherwise satisfying image. Despite these minor issues, the presentation is notably clean, free from significant artifacts or debris, fulfilling modest HD expectations and delivering an engaging visual experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Love Is Strange" is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that delivers commendable clarity and accuracy in dialogue, which remains the focal point of the mix. The spoken word flows with effortless precision from the center channel, ensuring every conversation is clear and distinct. Moreover, light piano music and classical tracks enrich the soundscape, providing a lifelike and immersive listening experience. The front-heavy mix is complemented by scattered yet effective background city ambiance, including the subtle sounds of Manhattan such as squealing brakes and distant chatter. The surround channels enhance these ambient noises, creating an immersive environment that captures the essence of urban life.

Despite its predominantly dialogue-driven nature, the audio track exhibits excellent dynamic range and directionality. While the film lacks heavy action sequences that typically challenge the low-frequency extension, there are moments where music-based elements effectively engage the LFE, adding depth to the sound. Instances of more robust musical interludes, like the scene in chapter 13 featuring background dance beats, demonstrate the track's capability to deliver fuller and richer sounds when required. Noteworthy too is the impeccable dialogue reproduction which remains free of any pops, cracks, or hissing.

Overall, this Blu-ray audio presentation is technically sound, offering a well-mixed track that captures the subtle intricacies of the film's soundscape. While predominantly soft-spoken, the mix includes sophisticated layering of ambient sounds and occasional bursts of more dynamic audio, resulting in an engaging and natural listening experience. This DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track not only provides high fidelity in dialogue but also ensures that every nuance of the understated yet evocative soundtrack is delivered with precision.

The Blu-ray extras for "Love Is Strange" provide a substantial and enjoyable deep dive into the film's creation and its intimate character dynamics. The audio commentary track featuring Ira Sachs, John Lithgow, and Alfred Molina stands out for its engaging chemistry and thoughtful insights into the filmmaking process, offering fans and cinephiles meaningful reflections on the film's themes and performances. Additionally, the "What is Love: Making of Love is Strange" featurette is a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look, providing valuable context on Sachs' direction, the actors' chemistry, and on-set experiences. The LA Film Fest Q&A session further enriches the viewer's understanding through candid interactions between the cast and audience, moderated by David Ansen. Trailers and previews are also included, rounding out a robust selection of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, and Ira Sachs: Insightful track discussing story, characters, and filmmaking process.
• What is Love: Making of Love is Strange: Comprehensive featurette covering story origins, cast chemistry, Sachs' direction, and on-set footage.
• LA Film Fest Q&A with John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Cheyenne Jackson, and Ira Sachs: Moderated session with audience questions and cast discussions.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official movie trailer.
• Previews: Additional Sony titles.

"Love Is Strange" is a tender portrayal of the enduring relationship between Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina), who have been together for nearly four decades before finally marrying. The narrative quickly shifts to hardship when George loses his job as a Catholic school music teacher because of his marriage, forcing the couple to sell their beloved Manhattan apartment and live separately. George moves in with rowdy friends while Ben finds shelter with his nephew's family. This setup explores intergenerational tensions, family dynamics, and the struggle to stay emotionally connected despite physical separation.

While the film lacks a tightly knit narrative and sometimes wanders without a clear purpose, its strengths lie in the authentic performances of its leads. Lithgow and Molina infuse their roles with genuine heart and chemistry, making their characters' love and sense of loss palpable. The supporting characters, notably Ben's nephew Elliot (Darren Burrows) and his family, add layers to the story, though they are less developed compared to the main duo. The overall ambiance of New York City enriches the film, making it a character in its own right.

Sachs' direction and the collaborative script with Mauricio Zacharias provide a realistic glimpse into late-life hardships and the resilience required to face them. The film is both melancholic and charming, featuring poignant moments that reflect on past relationships and youthful escapades. Despite its narrative shortcomings, "Love Is Strange" succeeds in bringing a heartfelt and intimate look at love's endurance, buoyed by strong performances from its seasoned leads. The classical music score adds to the film's emotional depth, making it an ode to enduring love amidst life's unpredictability.

"Love Is Strange" presents a nuanced narrative with noteworthy performances by John Lithgow and Alfred Molina, more than making up for its occasional lack of direction. The film beautifully captures the complexities of love and companionship, offering glimpses into its characters' intimate lives. While some may find the plot meandering, the emotional depth and the genuine connection between the lead actors ensure an engaging experience.

Sony's Blu-ray release complements the film with impressive audio-visual quality. The video transfer is clean and vivid, showcasing the film's striking imagery in high definition. The audio presentation, while basic, serves the dialogues and subtle ambient sounds perfectly, enhancing the viewing experience without any distractions. The package also includes a selection of extras that, although not extensive, provide valuable insights into the making of the film and its themes.

In conclusion, "Love Is Strange" comes highly recommended both as a film and a Blu-ray package. Its strong performances and emotional resonance make it a memorable watch, despite its narrative shortcomings. The Blu-ray's high-quality presentation and worthwhile extras make it a solid addition to any collection. Rent it or add it to your home library for a genuinely touching cinematic experience.