Long Day's Journey Into Night Blu-ray Review

"Long Day's Journey Into Night" arrives on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, offering a dual-disc release that caters to both 2D and 3D viewing preferences. The 1080p 1.85:1 transfer is a visual treat in either format. The film's stunning detail clarity allows viewers to capture even the minutest details, from facial expressions to the condition of a dilapidated restaurant. Colors, though primarily cooler with emphasis on blues and grays, are adequately robust and give individual primaries moments to shine. Flesh tones are natural, and black levels are deep and nuanced, enhancing shadow separation and providing a striking sense of three-dimensional depth even in the 2D presentation.

For the 3D version, viewers are advised to adhere to the film’s demarcation point where the protagonist dons his 3D glasses, thus transitioning into the latter half of the film’s single-take sequence shot in 5K. This segment offers impeccable image clarity and utilizes the heightened depth to incredible effect. The camera work in confined spaces initially feels restrictive but eventually opens up to showcase the labyrinthine cityscape with impressive foreground, middle, and background object placement. This seamless transition in format underscores the final sequence’s technical mastery and enhances the overall dream-like experience director Bi Gan envisioned.

Regardless of the chosen format, "Long Day's Journey Into Night" remains visually captivating. While the 3D presentation enriches the film with surreal depth and immersive engagement, the 2D version stands as a testament to sophisticated cinematography and lush color palettes, ensuring it remains a must-watch for all viewers.

The Blu-Ray release of "Long Day's Journey Into Night" features three lossless audio options, including 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. The richness of the sound design is immediately evident, with exceptional audio fidelity that captures every minute detail—right down to droplets of water and the subtle hum of a bicycle. The music score is beautifully serene, effectively drawing the audience into the film's immersive world. The hypnotic dream-state toward the film's conclusion is particularly noteworthy, making full use of surround sound capabilities for a rewarding auditory experience.

Among the three tracks, the 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio stands out as the most compelling, creating an expansive soundscape that complements even the film's smaller, contained spaces. Echo effects within old buildings, rain, and distant traffic sounds contribute to a large and encompassing atmosphere. In comparison, the 2.0 stereo track feels somewhat limited and less impactful. The 5.1 track follows closely behind the 7.1, offering a robust alternative. Regardless of the chosen track, dialog remains consistently clean and clear, with balanced levels throughout. Even during the quieter moments, the surround effects remain active and present, particularly enhancing scenes such as the 3-D sequence where the audio picks up and places ambient sounds naturally within the viewer's field of sense.

Additionally, subtitles in English and French are available and removable, allowing for an uninterrupted viewing experience if preferred. This meticulous attention to audio detail ensures that the film's auditory elements are as impactful and engaging as its visual ones.

The Blu-ray release of "Long Day's Journey Into Night" offers a well-curated selection of extras that provide valuable insights into the filmmaking process, although they might leave some viewers wanting more detailed content. Particularly enriching are the interviews with Director Bi Gan and lead actor Huang Jue, both of which delve deeply into their respective creative processes. The making-of documentary, though brief, includes glimpses behind the scenes but lacks comprehensive coverage, especially regarding the film's groundbreaking technical feats. Trailers are included for promotional context. Overall, these extras are informative, especially for fans and those interested in the technical aspects of filmmaking.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Director Bi Gan: In-depth insights into the film's vision and production.
• Interview with Huang Jue: Engaging discussion about the lead actor's role and contribution.
• Making-of Documentary: Short featurette with behind-the-scenes footage.
• US Trailer: Promotional trailer for the US market.
• Chinese Trailer: Promotional trailer for the Chinese market.

Review of Long Day's Journey Into Night on Blu-ray: The Movie

Long Day's Journey Into Night, directed by Gan Bi, stands out as a significant achievement in modern experimental cinema. The film uniquely blends 2D and 3D cinematography, with the last 59 minutes unfolding in a mesmerizing, unbroken one-take shot. This stylistic choice elevates the narrative, inviting viewers to delve deeply into the protagonist Lou Hongwu’s (played by Huang Jue) fragmented memories and his quest to find the enigmatic Wan Qiwen (Wei Tang). With stunning cinematography by Hung-i Yao, the film bathes in saturated cityscapes that merge seamlessly with Qiang Liu’s meticulously designed sets. The synthesis of these visual elements transports audiences through a labyrinth of distorted time and elusive reality. The compelling score by Chih-Yuan Hsu and Giong Lim further enhances this dreamlike atmosphere, making the blend of visuals and sound an immersive experience.

Moreover, Gan Bi’s storytelling techniques play a crucial role in the film’s impact. By intertwining current events with flashbacks without clear demarcations, he reflects the unreliable nature of memory. This narrative style not only invites comparisons to David Lynch's thematic explorations but also ensures that every conversation and scene drips with a sense of foreboding and mystery. Although the film's slow, methodical pace might challenge some viewers, it rewards those who engage actively with its meticulous construction. The 59-minute 3D sequence is a technical marvel, demanding viewers' investment not just for its visual spectacle but also for its narrative payoff. The calculated cinematography, maintaining consistent spatial orientation and avoiding sharp camera movements, primes audiences for this sequence, making it essential to the overall story’s structure and emotional resonance.

In conclusion, Long Day's Journey Into Night is an unparalleled cinematic experience that challenges traditional narratives and rewards patience with its hypnotic artistry. It is essential viewing for cinephiles interested in innovative filmmaking techniques and immersive storytelling.

"Long Day's Journey Into Night" on Blu-ray is a visually and technically captivating release that offers an immersive experience for fans of arthouse and international cinema. The film's hypnotic style and intricate storytelling are masterfully supported by a dual-format presentation, allowing viewers to choose between a 3D and 2D experience. The packaging includes separate discs for each format, ensuring that both versions deliver extraordinary visual and audio quality, nearly reaching demo-worthy levels.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release efficiently captures the film's enigmatic beauty, with stunningly crisp visuals and a sound mix that enhances the overall atmosphere. Though the bonus features are somewhat limited, the quality of the main feature more than compensates for this shortcoming. It's worth noting that while the film's complex narrative and artistic approach may not appeal to everyone, its rewarding depth becomes apparent to those willing to invest their attention in its nuanced details.

In conclusion, "Long Day's Journey Into Night" is a remarkable cinematic achievement that stands out as a must-see event film. Its astonishing visuals and hypnotic style make it an unforgettable experience. This Blu-ray release is an excellent addition to any collection, offering both 3D and 2D presentations alongside a modest selection of extras. Highly recommended.