Licorice Pizza Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Licorice Pizza" provides a visually captivating experience, true to Paul Thomas Anderson's distinct filmic style. Presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition at the original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, the film exhibits a genuinely organic and period-appropriate aesthetic. The blend of 35mm and 70mm film formats perfectly encapsulates the '70s atmosphere with burnished pastel hues and a rich warm color palette. Stunning details are visible; every hair strand, skin pimple, and mole are rendered without digital enhancement, emphasizing an authentic and immersive viewing experience.

From the golden California landscapes with amber glows to the vibrant interiors filled with deep oak and red leather tones, the film delivers an impeccable visual journey through its locale. Colors are expertly handled, appearing slightly muted to accentuate the era's mood yet never failing to impress with their vibrancy. The black levels are notably deep and inky, offering excellent contrast that highlights scenes set in dimly lit environments, though there's minimal banding observed.

Detail is strikingly sharp throughout, from wide panoramic shots that beautifully frame the Los Angeles scene to crisp closeups revealing nuanced textures on characters' faces. The delicate layer of film grain adds a nostalgic charm without any digital interference or compression artifacts. It’s a masterfully engineered transfer that puts emphasis on Anderson's wide framing techniques. While a 4K UHD release would undoubtedly enhance the visual fidelity further, this Blu-ray version stands as an outstanding representation, delivering exceptional color reproduction and palpable visual storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "Licorice Pizza" presents an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that seamlessly balances dialogue, music, and ambient effects. The audio design is predominantly front-heavy, providing crisp and clear dialogue that remains forthright across all channels. It complements the film's narrative, driven primarily by conversations, ensuring that the dialogue is consistently polished and comprehensible.

Despite its dialogue-centric nature, the mix also employs moderate surround usage to enhance environmental context and boost certain scenes, such as the immersive atmosphere inside an arcade or the dynamic motorcycle stunt. While the surround channels and LFE aren't overextended, their nuanced application adds a layer of envelopment, notably at key sequences with dramatic sound effects and well-chosen 70s era musical numbers.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track excels in delivering both high-level detail and ambient subtleties, leveraging every channel appropriately without overshadowing the film's core elements. From the bustling street noises to vivid sound textures like vehicles and arcade machines, directional effects are judiciously placed, adding depth without being overbearing. Low-frequency effects find their mark during pivotal scenes, enhancing the overall soundscape with a satisfying rumble where needed. This attention to detail in sound design highlights an audiophile-level engagement, offering a comprehensive and satisfying auditory experience throughout this engaging cinematic tale.

The Blu-ray release of "Licorice Pizza" offers a modest selection of extras with an emphasis on visual content and minimal narrative engagement. The Camera Tests provide a glimpse into the pre-production phase, showcasing actors’ rehearsals and blocked scenes that are intriguing for enthusiasts of production minutiae. The Handman Scene is a brief deleted segment adding little new insight to the film’s narrative. Fat Bernie's Commercial, a quirky in-universe advertisement, showcases Gary Valentine’s directorial flair, packaged in under a minute. Behind the Scenes delivers a straightforward collection of captivating on-set photos and clips, lacking deeper exploration or commentary—a missed opportunity for more comprehensive insight. While these extras lack depth and cohesion, die-hard fans may appreciate the visual snippets despite anticipation for a more detailed future release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Camera Tests: Pre-production footage showing actors rehearsing and blocking scenes.
• The Handman Scene: Deleted scene from the film.
• Fat Bernie’s Commercial: Faux-commercial directed by Gary Valentine.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Collection of on-set photos and videos from the production.

Paul Thomas Anderson's "Licorice Pizza" emerges as a nostalgic exploration of unexpected relationships, set within the vivid landscape of 1973's San Fernando Valley. Featuring Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, the film deftly blends fantasy with reality, capturing the viewer’s attention through its dynamic narrative structure. The unconventional bond between 25-year-old Alana Kane and 15-year-old Gary Valentine serves as a vehicle for exploring youthful innocence and emotional complexity. Anderson defuses potential tensions by steering clear of cliched romantic tropes, preferring to illustrate a surreal yet sincere connection that feels more playful than provocative. While the film delivers impressive character development, particularly portraying Alana's journey of self-discovery, some viewers have noted the sprawling narrative might benefit from a tighter focus.

The standout performances are central to the film's charm. Alana Haim is lauded for her compelling portrayal, bringing depth and radiance to her role, while Cooper Hoffman captivates with his portrayal of the entrepreneurial yet earnest Gary. Their chemistry drives the movie's heart, supported by memorable appearances from Bradley Cooper and Sean Penn who add layers of humor and unpredictability. However, the episodic nature of "Licorice Pizza" introduces several narrative tangents; these side plots at times disrupt the film's momentum. This adventurous storytelling choice can both entertain and frustrate, depending on one's expectation of narrative cohesion.

Visually, the film excels under Anderson’s direction. The period-accurate production design contributes significantly to its nostalgic appeal, complemented by Jonny Greenwood's evocative score which aids in setting the tone. The craftsmanship in editing ensures scenes transition smoothly, maintaining audience engagement despite the film’s length. Ultimately, "Licorice Pizza" may not find a universal audience due to its meandering plot and unique thematic elements, yet it remains a significant entry in Anderson's oeuvre, praised for its daring storytelling and vibrant aesthetic.

"Licorice Pizza," as one of Paul Thomas Anderson's latest cinematic forays, strikes a delicate balance between nostalgic exploration and raw, unfiltered storytelling. Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman deliver commendable performances, bringing an authentic, unpolished charm that aligns with Anderson’s vision of showcasing realistic characters with imperfections. The film is a surreal tapestry of comedic and dramatic elements which are woven seamlessly into a narrative that could feel distant to average viewers but resonates deeply with the director’s ardent fans.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Licorice Pizza" boasts high-quality video and audio that accentuate the film's stunning cinematography and dynamic soundtrack, elements crucial in crafting its engaging aesthetic. Universal Studios' release maintains an impressive standard in delivering a robust audiovisual experience, despite a sparse selection of supplemental content. The disc includes an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 AVC, with audio options in English DTS-HD MA 5.1, French DTS 5.0, and English DD 2.0, supported by subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.

For aficionados of Anderson’s work, "Licorice Pizza" is an essential acquisition pending its anticipated 4K release, which promises further enhancements and possibly expanded extras. Until then, it serves as a valuable addition for collectors and a recommended rental for those looking to indulge in a unique narrative experience. While the film may not cater universally, its distinctive storytelling and excellent Blu-ray presentation warrant attention from discerning audiences.