Written By Blu-ray Review

"Written By" is presented in widescreen 2.35:1 with MPEG-4 AVC 1080p coding, providing a richly detailed visual experience. The transfer is exceptionally clean, thanks to Mei Ah's meticulous handling, with no scratches, debris, or stability issues. Fine details such as birds in the background and braille dots in Melody’s novel are rendered with admirable clarity, even in mid-range shots. Strong contrast ratios deliver deep blacks, notably during the graveyard sequences, while the vibrant and well-saturated color palette enhances the overall visual appeal. Skin tones remain natural and consistent, showcasing subtle gradations beautifully.

The mid-range sharpness is excellent, giving a pleasing depth to the scenes and occasionally achieving a sought-after 3D pop factor. However, there is noticeable digital noise in a few scenes, which may be more apparent on larger screens. Some faint edge-enhancement can be observed, though it is not intrusive. Despite these minor hiccups, the transfer handles complexity well, especially during scenes where Melody and Tony's worlds blend seamlessly, presenting wild yet impressive hues in 1080p.

Though certain special effects reveal some amateurish qualities under the scrutiny of this high-definition transfer, this is more of an observational note rather than a flaw. The selective focus used by Wai Ka-Fai creates sharp mid-range shots at the expense of slightly out-of-focus foreground objects, which might initially be distracting but eventually contributes to the film's unique aesthetic. Overall, "Written By" on Blu-ray offers a professionally executed and visually compelling presentation that promises to satisfy viewers.

The audio presentation of "Written By" on Blu-ray showcases an undeniably powerful Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround track, complemented by a Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 option. From the outset, the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track demonstrates its prowess during the car crash scene in the opening moments. This sequence features incredibly deep bass that resonates through the flooring and potent surround effects. The auditory experience is immersive, with broken glass audibly shattering from behind the listener and the crash reverberating through all four surround channels.

The impressive surround intervention continues throughout the film, with constant audio activity and precise engineering. The bass consistently stands out, providing moments that test even the most robust subwoofers. Such instances highlight the track's capacity to deliver both finesse and raw power, including accurately positioned high-impact effects and a weighty orchestral score that envelops the viewer. However, some may find the mix overpowering during high-treble moments, which could be seen as a potential drawback.

In parallel, the Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track offers equally impressive dynamics with clear dialog, robust bass, and well-distributed rear channel utilization. Both tracks are virtually indistinguishable in terms of clarity and fluidity, ensuring a uniform auditory experience regardless of the chosen format. Optional subtitles in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and English further enhance accessibility, making this Blu-ray's audio presentation both exquisitely detailed and universally accommodating.

The Blu-ray extras for "Written By" are somewhat disappointing, primarily due to the absence of English subtitles across all features, which limits accessibility for non-native speakers. Despite this, the additional content remains minimal and underwhelming. The "Making Of" feature provides a behind-the-scenes look at the film's production with cast interviews and scene breakdowns. However, its standard-definition quality detracts from the overall experience. The Photo Gallery is lackluster, offering only six high-definition images from the movie. Lastly, the single high-definition trailer provides some value, but it's not enough to elevate the overall sparse selection of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: Behind-the-scenes look at the production with cast interviews and scene breakdowns.
• Photo Gallery: A limited collection of six high-definition images from the movie.
• Trailer: A single high-definition trailer for the feature film.

"Written By," directed by Ka-Fai Wai, is a 2009 cinematic exploration that uniquely melds the boundaries between fantasy and reality. The plot follows a blind girl named Melody, who endeavors to cope with her father Tony's death by writing a novel that resurrects him. The story examines themes of mortality and destiny, presenting an innovative narrative structure that oscillates between reality and the imagined world. Despite the intriguing premise and a fast pace driven by Wai's adept direction, the film can be convoluted, potentially alienating viewers with its complex narrative. Additionally, some CGI effects are poorly executed, detracting from the overall experience. Nevertheless, the film stands as a unique offering for viewers seeking something offbeat.

On a structural level, "Written By" may challenge audiences unused to non-linear storytelling. The plot intertwines multiple perspectives, primarily focusing on Melody but also delving into a fictional world where Tony copes with his loss by doing what Melody does—writing a book. This meta-narrative device blurs the lines between fiction and reality to an extent that can be confounding initially. The film contains subplots that sometimes overextend their reach, leading to moments where characters appear artificial. However, the performances, particularly by Mia Yam as Melody and Lau Ching-wan as Tony, are commendable. Yam's portrayal anchors the fragmented script, adding cohesion to the otherwise scattershot narrative elements.

Technically, the film boasts robust cinematography by Wong Wing-Hung and a charming musical score by Xavier Jamaux, although it is not as pronounced as his previous works. These technical aspects complement the film's thematic exploration, providing a visually and aurally engaging experience despite its narrative complexity. Though "Written By" may not appeal to all due to its ambitious storytelling and occasional flaws, it is worth a watch for those interested in a fresh cinematic approach to existential themes.

The Blu Ray of "Written By" offers a visually compelling experience that, while not flawless, holds up remarkably well. The video presentation falls just short of top marks yet remains pleasing overall, due to its well-defined imagery and moments of impressive three-dimensional depth. The transfer aids in highlighting the film's intricate details, which could easily be lost in inferior quality presentations. The cinematography’s nuance and visual storytelling are significantly enhanced by the Blu Ray format. However, viewers might find some scenes slightly lacking in the vividness and sharpness that typifies top-tier releases.

From an audio perspective, "Written By" is truly exemplary. The film boasts a reference-standard audio presentation, with meticulous attention to surround sound detail. This is most evident in the car crash scene, which stands out as a piece of demo material for its dynamic use of the 7.1 surround channels. The audio mix ensures that all dialogue and sound effects are crystal clear and impactful, creating a fully immersive auditory experience that is likely to satisfy any audiophile. While the extras package is somewhat minimal and comes without English subtitles, the strength of the core audio and video presentations helps to offset this shortcoming.

In conclusion, "Written By" is an above average film presented with a fantastic transfer and a superb surround sound track. To truly appreciate its intricate narrative and technical prowess, viewers should approach it with undivided attention. Despite its limitations in the extras department, it remains a highly recommended purchase for those looking for both an engaging story and a high-quality home viewing experience.