The Sisters Brothers Blu-ray Review

The Sisters Brothers" arrives on Blu-ray from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, showcased with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original cinematic aspect ratio of 2.39:1. Captured using Arri digital cameras and likely concluded with a 2K Digital Intermediate (DI), the visual presentation of this feature by director Jacques Audiard and cinematographer Benoît Debie offers an intriguing viewing experience. Incorporating uniquely framed sequences, including distant shootouts and artistically infused lens flares, the film's visual aesthetic varies, playing with detail levels. Color grading leans towards yellows and browns, enhancing the palette in a manner that compliments the breathtaking outdoor scenery. These exterior sequences showcase impressive depth of field and fine details, particularly in foliage, while close-ups provide a gruesomely detailed look at character injuries. However, it's worth noting that some nighttime or dimly lit scenes exhibit limited shadow detail.

Shot across Spain and Romania, the film's portrayal of rugged landscapes is nothing short of stunning, with a 1080p resolution offering strong detail capture. This clarity brings out the rich textures of clothing, costuming, and natural environments, alongside well-rendered facial features. The color scheme predominantly embraces earth tones, yet manages to maintain vibrant flesh tones and doesn't compromise on the intensity of primaries – Eli's flamboyant red shirt in San Francisco being a case in point. Black levels are deep and articulate, though reliant on minimal natural light sources like candles or lanterns to reveal scene contents, thereby preserving a certain depth and dimensionality. Occasional softness and sporadic video noise were observed but did not detract significantly from the overall exceptional visual quality of the film.

The audio presentation of "The Sisters Brothers" on Blu-ray is distinguished by its robust and engaging DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, enveloping viewers in the heart of the action while maintaining pristine clarity across all elements. The soundscape is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the cinematic experience, especially during the film's intense gunfight sequences. These moments, filled with the echoing reverberations of gunfire, demonstrate the mix's dynamic range and directional sound design, creating an almost tangible sense of space whether in the open prairie or the rugged mountainous settings. Additionally, the ambient sound effects and Alexandre Desplat’s score are skillfully dispersed through the side and rear channels, adding depth and layers to the auditory experience.

Dialogue remains consistently crisp and forefront, ensuring that the narrative flow is unhindered by the bustling activity of the mix's more lively moments. The blend of sound is meticulously balanced, allowing Desplat's score to complement without overwhelming, and sound effects are given appropriate emphasis—gunshots punch through with a satisfying kick that utilizes the low-end frequency range effectively. The mix capitalizes on its 5.1 channels to deliver a broad soundscape that excels in conveying atmosphere and immersion, particularly in scenes that span from quiet tension to explosive action.

Though there’s a slight longing for an object-based audio track to further elevate this immersive experience, this 5.1 mix undoubtedly stands out for its precision and atmospheric quality. From the thunderous booms of gunfights to the subtle environmental sounds of frontier life, "The Sisters Brothers" Blu-ray audio mix delivers a thoroughly satisfying auditory journey that enhances every moment of this western tale. Its ability to maintain high-quality dialogue clarity amidst such a richly layered backdrop is particularly commendable, making it a compelling example of audio design done right.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Sisters Brothers" provide a succinct yet insightful glance behind the curtain of its production, albeit leaving one craving for more comprehensive material like a director's commentary. The highlights include a detailed EPK titled "Striking Gold: Making a Modern Day Western" that offers engaging interviews, and a "Q&A Panel" presenting insights from director Jacques Audiard, screenwriter Thomas Bidegain, and actor Jake Gyllenhaal. While the "Promotional Featurettes" and "Gallery" might appear slight in content, they collectively paint a broader picture of the creative process behind the movie. The inclusion of the "Theatrical Trailer" adds a conventional closure to the selection. Despite these assets, the overall offering feels somewhat curt, echoing a sentiment for deeper exploration into the intriguing backdrop of this modern day Western.

Extras included in this disc:

• Striking Gold: Making a Modern Day Western: Insightful EPK with interviews.
• Q&A Panel: Discussion with Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
• Promotional Featurettes: Short EPKs including "Brothers Forever" and "Wanted Dead or Alive."
• Gallery: Features both Manual and Auto Advance options.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official movie trailer.

The Sisters Brothers," a film adapted from Patrick deWitt's novel, sets itself apart as a distinct piece in the Western genre. Directed by Jacques Audiard and co-written with Thomas Bidegain, the movie trades the darkly comic undertones of its source material for a more reflective and somber tone, closely examining themes of mortality, greed, and the search for a peaceful existence. Its narrative is driven by the infamous Sisters brothers, Eli (John C. Reilly) and Charlie (Joaquin Phoenix), hitmen working under the orders of The Commodore (Rutger Hauer). Their task to kill Hermann Warm (Riz Ahmed), a chemist holding a formula for gold detection, becomes complicated as it intertwines with their personal desires for change and escape from their violent lifestyles.

Audiard's adaptation takes creative liberties, especially in expanding the roles of John Morris (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Warm, whose relationships and backgrounds are given more depth than in the book. This decision not only provides additional context but also draws parallels between the characters, enriching the narrative fabric. Despite its departure from some of the book’s humor, the film succeeds in offering a meticulous exploration of its characters' psyches, highlighted by exceptional performances across the board. Reilly’s portrayal of Eli, along with Phoenix as Charlie, brings out a chemistry that is both compelling and authentic.

"The Sisters Brothers" distinguishes itself visually and narratively as a subdued but powerful take on the Western genre. While some may argue it leans towards revisionism, it might be more accurately described as a genre deconstruction, delving into traditional Western themes with a contemporary perspective on human desires and foibles. The effectiveness of its presentation is maintained through stellar cinematography and sequences that evoke the era’s harshness without glorifying violence. Although it didn't achieve anticipated commercial success or awards recognition, this film remains a noteworthy exploration of ambition, regret, and brotherhood against the backdrop of America's frontier.

The Sisters Brothers" Blu-ray offers a refreshing take on the classic Western genre, combining the traditional grit and drama with an undercurrent of comedy that may not align with everyone's tastes. Stellar performances by the lead cast, comprising John C. Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Riz Ahmed, elevate this narrative of familial bonds and survival in a treacherous world. The visual storytelling is commendable, with the film's scenic beauty and atmosphere being impeccably captured in the 1080p transfer, making it a delight to watch. The technical presentation is robust, supported by a superb DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound mix that immerses viewers in the film's expansive landscapes and intense moments, although some may find the bonus features lacking in depth.

Indeed, this release shines in its ability to present a somber, yet impactful tale that harks back to an era when Hollywood Westerns ruled the screen, albeit with a modern twist. While it veers slightly from its source material's darker humor, it doesn't detract from the film's overall emotional impact. The effectiveness of its technical aspects cannot be overstated, contributing significantly to the storytelling and the cinematic experience.

In conclusion, "The Sisters Brothers" Blu-ray stands out as a compelling entry in the Western genre, combining remarkable performances with top-notch technical merits. It comes highly recommended for those seeking a film that is both cinematically beautiful and emotionally resonant, despite the lighter bonus content offerings. This Blu-ray release not only satisfies fans of the genre but also serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the Western narrative in contemporary cinema.