Graduation Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Cristian Mungiu's Graduation delivers an impeccable 1080p transfer on Blu-ray through Criterion. Completed through a fully digital workflow, the film's high-definition presentation is exemplary. The detail and clarity are particularly striking, offering a rock-solid visual experience that showcases the benefits of current digital technology. Colors are natural and balanced, contributing to overall image stability and depth.

The film adopts a cold, visually muted palette, reflecting the somber moods and settings of the storyline. The aesthetic leans heavily towards decayed and moldy colors, with greens, blues, and browns creating a melancholic atmosphere. This stylistic choice highlights the grim and corrupt environment in which the narrative unfolds. Detail is sharp and intense; individual hairs, elemental fabrics, and the textures of run-down housing are rendered with precision. Although skin tones appear somewhat muted, this is intentional rather than indicative of any shortcomings in the transfer. Notably, there are no issues with aliasing, artifacts, or video noise. The earthier tones, while subdued, result in a highly impactful visual presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Graduation" features a Romanian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, paired with optional English subtitles for the main feature. This fully digital soundtrack essentially mirrors the original studio mix, preserving its clarity, sharpness, and depth impeccably. One notable example is the scene where an apartment window gets broken early in the film—this instance showcases the robust depth and clarity of the mix. The dialogue is consistently stable and easy to follow, with no audio dropouts or digital distortions present.

Criterion's meticulous mastering of the original digital audio master files delivers a well-balanced, layered audio mix. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track may not be explosive but excels in subtlety and detail. For instance, ambient sounds such as students walking to class or hospital environments are well-rendered through the surrounds, enhancing immersive experience. Moreover, specific sound effects, such as breaking windows or vehicle engines starting, exhibit sturdy depth and solidity. The score adeptly complements the emotional tones of various scenes, and the dialogue remains crystal clear without any audible imperfections like pops, cracks, or hiss.

Overall, the audio presentation in "Graduation" is meticulously executed, providing a sharp and compelling listening experience that enhances the subtleties of the film's narrative environment.

The Blu-ray extras for "Graduation" provide a comprehensive and insightful look into the film's production and thematic underpinnings. The standout feature is the 30-minute interview with Cristian Mungiu, where he meticulously discusses his method of selecting stories, the integration of social and emotional themes, and his non-judgmental approach to character portrayal. Additionally, the Cannes Film Festival press conference offers a 42-minute session with the director and principal cast members discussing their experiences and creative processes during production. The package also includes seven deleted scenes that, while not crucial to the main narrative, offer extra depth to character development. The original trailer and a meticulously crafted booklet featuring critic Bilge Ebiri's analysis further enrich the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original IFC Films trailer for Graduation with English subtitles.
• Cristian Mungiu: Director's interview on his storytelling approach and thematic focus.
• Deleted Scenes: Seven scenes providing additional character insights.
• Cannes Film Festival: Q&A with the director and cast discussing the film.
• Leaflet: Illustrated booklet with essay by critic Bilge Ebiri and technical credits.

Winner of the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival, Cristian Mungiu's "Graduation" (2016) is an incisive exploration of the socio-political landscape of post-communist Romania. The film centers around Dr. Romeo Aldea (Adrian Titieni) and his efforts to secure a better future for his daughter Eliza (Maria Dragus). Faced with deteriorating living conditions and a pervasive sense of stagnation, Romeo hopes that Eliza's success in her final exams will earn her a stipend to study at a prestigious British university. Mungiu captures the raw and unembellished realities of life in contemporary Romania without overdramatizing or politicizing the narrative.

Set in a provincial town plagued by decaying infrastructure and creeping darkness, Graduation paints a vivid picture of systemic corruption and disillusionment. Romeo's journey is complicated by external forces when Eliza is assaulted just days before her exams, prompting Romeo to confront the corrupt political system in a bid to salvage her future. Mungiu's masterful direction keeps the narrative grounded and authentic, eschewing dramatic resolutions for a more contemplative approach. The film's open-ended finish effectively mirrors the uncertainties that characteristically define real lives, compelling audiences to engage with the film's deeper themes.

Mungiu's ability to weave characters from diverse backgrounds into a coherent narrative is particularly commendable. The film subtly critiques the idealistic aspirations held by many Romanians, revealing how these ambitions can perpetuate cycles of disillusionment across generations. This nuanced portrayal strengthens the film's impact, offering insightful commentary on the ongoing struggle for societal transformation. "Graduation" is a somber yet intellectually engaging film that employs its characters as vectors to expose the unsettling persistence of old political habits amid modern-day Romania’s evolving landscape.

Cristian Mungiu's "Graduation" stands as a poignant exploration of generational disillusionment in post-communist Romania. Embracing a narrative imbued with realism, Mungiu deftly weaves a tale that examines the cyclical nature of societal pressures and the pursuit of Western ideals. The film's central theme focuses on the older generation, disheartened by the unfulfilled promises of post-revolutionary reforms, compelling their children to seek better opportunities abroad. This underlying despair is excellently captured through naturalistic performances and authentic character portrayals.

Visually, "Graduation" benefits from Criterion’s dedication to excellence, with a robust master that maintains the visual integrity of the original. The run-down neighborhood settings are captured vividly, reflecting both the physical and metaphorical decay following the fall of communism. Audio-wise, the mix is balanced and enhances the immersive experience without overshadowing the film's subtle intricacies. The limited bonus features, including an insightful interview with Mungiu, provide valuable context and are well worth the investment despite not being as extensive as some may hope.

The generation of older Romanians that witnessed the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu and then gradually became disillusioned with the reformation of their country as they realized that they are running out of time to have the lives that they had dreamed of are doing just about everything right to ensure that their sons and daughters have pretty much the same miserable lives. In this new cycle, the only difference will be that the majority of these young Romanians will suffer away from their home country. Cristian Mungiu is absolutely right to highlight the problem in his latest film because he understands that the people of his generation are operating with the same damaging idealism while pushing their children to 'make the right choice' and go West as did those of the generation before them when they guaranteed the emergence of a prosperous democracy only a few years after the collapse of the communist regime. Criterion's recent release of Graduation is sourced from a very solid master and has a wonderful exclusive interview with director Mungiu. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.