a-ha: The Movie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "a-ha: The Movie" by Lightyear Entertainment boasts an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, primarily in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The quality varies as is common in music documentaries, seamlessly fusing sharp contemporary interviews with more variable archival footage. Contemporary sequences, including on-the-fly rehearsals and structured interviews, emerge with remarkable clarity and fine detail. Archival elements, pulled from various standard-definition sources, hover closer to Academy ratio, depicting the band's early days. Despite this blend, the transfer maintains a consistent balance, with archival stills noticeably sharp.

The technical execution of this Blu-ray release is largely commendable, with no significant compression issues apparent throughout the 108-minute runtime on a BD-25 disc. The integration of recent footage stands out for its crispness and clarity, reflecting the adept handling by director Thomas Robsahm and the production team. Although some of the oldest footage understandably lacks the pristine quality of newer segments, this amalgamation results in an overall engaging and visually satisfying experience. Lightyear Entertainment successfully elevates the visual narrative, ensuring "a-ha: The Movie" stands shoulder-to-shoulder with contemporary music documentaries in terms of visual fidelity.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "a-ha: The Movie" offers a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and an LPCM 2.0 track, engineered to balance interviews with music segments. While the documentary unfolds primarily through spoken interviews, the soundtrack acutely elevates music-centric scenes, particularly in contemporary rehearsal footage. Despite the occasional boxiness in archival audio recordings, the surround sound adds dimension to these musical interludes. English and Norwegian dialogues are articulated clearly, with forced English subtitles for Norwegian content but lacking optional full subtitle support. The secondary 2.0 PCM track provides a clear, though more confined, auditory experience, maintaining the smooth fidelity of its multi-channel counterpart.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix serves well for its purpose, delivering clean dialogue throughout various exchanges, reflecting both Norwegian and English nuances adequately. Though primarily focused on frontal action, the sound mix is complemented by a pleasant mid-range and an impressive bottom end, enhancing the music's tonality. Archival material from the iconic band's earlier decades is mixed with a moderate depth, reflecting minor temporal limitations in stereo separation and surround activity. Nevertheless, newer rehearsal content brings forth a more expansive soundstage, offering improved depth and channel separation which some music aficionados may find pleasing.

In essence, this audio presentation adeptly balances the documentary’s narrative interplay with musical sections, presenting a blend of nostalgia and clarity. While it lacks comprehensive subtitle options, it provides a satisfactory auditory experience for both casual viewers and dedicated fans of the band’s rich musical legacy.

The Blu Ray of "a-ha: The Movie" is notably sparse in its offering of special features, consisting solely of three brief deleted scenes. These extras provide an insightful glimpse into the inner workings and past of the band. The scenes, presented in HD, reveal both the personal dynamics among the members and a nostalgic reconnection with their musical roots. Despite the limited content, these added clips are revealing in their portrayal of the band's interpersonal and creative challenges, augmented by moments of candid reflection and reunion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scene 1 - Magne Tells Thomas the Truth: Magne confronts the band's self-delusion and narcissism.
• Deleted Scene 2- Paul Isn't Feeling It: An intense and challenging rehearsal is depicted.
• Deleted Scene 3 - Bridges Reunites After 39 Years: Magne and Paul reconnect with their original band after decades.

"a-ha: The Movie" offers an intricate portrayal of the Norwegian band, illuminating their trajectory from teenage aspirations to global stardom. As observers of their remarkable career, viewers witness a group often mislabeled as a "one-hit wonder," despite their substantial international success beyond "Take On Me." The documentary skillfully charts a-ha's progression, highlighting how the band navigated the music industry's tumultuous expectations while maintaining artistic integrity. The thoughtful narrative delves into the distinct personalities and creative dynamics among Pål Waaktaar-Savoy, Magne Furuholmen, and Morten Harket, whose early friendship has been both a foundation and a source of tension.

The film utilizes a collection of candid interviews to explore the complex relationships within the band, offering insights into their creative process and internal conflicts. Known for his primary songwriting role, Pål emerges as a pivotal figure, while Morten's charismatic presence often dominates media narratives. Magne's reflections on feeling overshadowed lend an emotionally charged depth to the story, further emphasized by discussions of sibling-like rivalries and collaborative frictions. As these musicians approach what might be considered elder-statesman status, the documentary captures an implicit melancholic yearning tied to notions of time and legacy.

The documentary maintains an engaging tempo, juxtaposing early chart-topping achievements with recent endeavors, including their process of recording an unplugged album. It revisits the groundbreaking "Take On Me" video, a landmark moment in pop culture history characterized by its innovative blend of animation and live action. By offering both a retrospective and current perspective, "a-ha: The Movie" presents a comprehensive and intimate portrait of a band that defied the limitations imposed by fleeting fame. For fans and newcomers alike, this documentary is a revealing exploration of artistic evolution and endurance within the ever-changing landscape of music.

"a-ha: The Movie" offers a compelling exploration of Norway's iconic pop band, delivering a detailed narrative that combines both psychological and historical perspectives. The film delves into the personal and professional dynamics of the trio, presenting an intriguing mix of both ego and id that aligns with Freudian interpretations of the mind. It isn't merely a retrospective on their peak success but also provides intimate insights into the tensions that have both challenged and shaped the band. The inclusion of new rehearsal footage adds a layer of depth, allowing audiences a unique glimpse into their creative process and individual personalities.

Technical presentation is solid throughout, maintaining high standards that will satisfy discerning viewers. The quality of the Blu-ray format ensures that both audio and visual elements are sharp, preserving the integrity of the original concert footage and interviews. The documentary adeptly balances its focus on well-known hits like "Take On Me" with lesser-known aspects of the band's journey, offering a comprehensive portrayal that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers.

In conclusion, "a-ha: The Movie" provides a fascinating look at a band whose legacy extends beyond their chart-topping hits. It illustrates a story of fame, persistence, and the complexity of maintaining relationships under pressure. Recommended for those interested in the intersection of music history and personal storytelling, this documentary transcends mere nostalgia by delivering an insightful analysis of a band that continues to inhabit a significant space in cultural memory.