Beginners Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Beginners" is presented in a 1080p/VC-1 encoded transfer within a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, dutifully capturing its artistic vision. Though the film was shot digitally using Red One HD cameras, it heavily relies on natural lighting, resulting in a subdued and stormy palette that complements its melancholic narrative. Colors are often weary and somewhat washed out, yet occasionally pop, such as in the red dress or shimmering blonde hair of Melanie Laurent's character. Skintones are generally warm and pleasing, maintaining an emotional resonance despite the overall muted contrast and black levels.

Detail in the transfer is solid albeit occasionally soft due to intentional low lighting and loose-focus shots. Close-ups and brightly lit scenes stand out with notable clarity and depth, demonstrating the quality of the source material. However, the naturalistic look achieved through minimal artificial lighting can sometimes make the image appear dim and flat. A visual anomaly involving faint vertical banding appears briefly around the 01:25:19 mark, though it does not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

Overall, while the picture may not conventionally dazzle due to its subdued aesthetic, it remains faithful to the director's intent. There are no significant issues with artifacting, banding, aliasing, ringing, crush, or smearing, making this a commendable transfer. Modest spikes in noise appear intermittently but are source-related rather than encoding flaws. Despite its artistic quirks, "Beginners" offers a Blu-ray experience that aligns well with its thoughtful and emotion-laden cinematography, delivering a video presentation that is both respectful of its creative origins and technically sound.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Beginners" stays true to the film's subtle and minimalist auditory aesthetic. Dialogue is consistently clean, crisp, and clear, even when characters engage in hushed tones or whispers. Although some lines come across as thin and lifeless, they never impede the overall clarity of speech. The ambient sound design is minimalistic yet believable, providing just enough immersion to bring Oliver's world to life, though it limits directionality and rear speaker activity.

The soundfield, although not expansive, complements the film's gentle narrative and tone effectively. The inclusion of many romantic classical and jazz pieces, alongside the original score by Roger Neill, Dave Palmer, and Brian Reitzell, adds a pleasing musical layer to the experience. These pieces maintain good fidelity despite some exhibiting an aged quality. The balance between effects, score, and dialogue is commendable, but the overall soundscape remains reserved. Important bass activity is largely absent, resulting in a restrained output from the LFE channel.

Overall, the audio presentation is quiet and subdued but well-suited to the film’s content. While a bit more immersion and activity would enhance certain sections, the understated approach aligns seamlessly with the movie's emotive storytelling and artistic intent, creating a beautifully somber and romantic auditory environment.

The Blu-ray of "Beginners" offers a concise yet insightful array of bonus features that cater to both technical enthusiasts and fans of the film. The audio commentary by writer/director Mike Mills stands out with its blend of technical insights and personal reflections, though its impact varies as Mills' introspective nature sometimes leads to a lack of focus. Additionally, the making-of featurette provides a grounded and genuine look into the film's production, eschewing glossy presentation in favor of authentic behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. The brief promo clip adds a nice touch with its creative nod to the film's visual style.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track by director Mike Mills covering technical details, autobiographical influences, and experiences with the cast.
• A Short Film About Beginners: Behind-the-scenes featurette focusing on the film's making, Mike Mills' direction, and cast insights.
• Promo: A short promotional video consistent with the film’s artistic style.

Mike Mills' "Beginners" offers a poignant, deeply personal exploration of life's inevitable hardships. The film, starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, operates within a semi-autobiographical framework that weaves themes of illness, loss, and the quest for understanding one's identity. Employing a nonlinear narrative structure characterized by interlocking flashbacks, history lessons, and impressionistic episodes, the storyline centers around Oliver (McGregor). We witness his navigation through grief following his father Hal's (Plummer) passing from stage-four cancer. Hal's decision to reveal his homosexuality late in life redefines their father-son dynamic, enriching an already complex relationship. Alongside this, Oliver's burgeoning romance with the enigmatic Anna (Mélanie Laurent) adds layers of emotional depth and reflection.

Mills' direction shines, balancing authenticity with subtle artistic touches in both narrative and visual presentation. His use of naturalistic cinematography combined with historical montage sequences offers an innovative style that enhances the film's emotional resonance. The stills and voiceovers encapsulate the cultural context of different eras, providing a rich backdrop that informs character motivations and relationships. The aesthetic choice for practical lighting contributes to the raw, understated ambiance, further grounding the film's intimate moments in reality. Insights from Oliver's graphic designs, portrayed through his illustrations of sadness' history, add another layer of creative storytelling.

The performances elevate "Beginners" to a higher echelon. McGregor is exceptional, bringing nuanced humor and melancholy to Oliver’s character—a man haunted yet meekly hopeful. Plummer delivers a career-defining performance as Hal, embodying vibrancy and peace despite his terminal condition. Their on-screen dynamic is intensely authentic and touching. While the subplot of Oliver's romance with Anna initially feels disconnected, Laurent’s performance eventually melds seamlessly into the film’s fabric. Moreover, Cosmo the dog provides delightful comic relief and unexpected emotional gravity, enhancing the story’s charm and humanistic undertones.

"Beginners" is not without its flaws in pacing and focus but remains an impactful meditation on love, loss, and the pursuit of self-acceptance. Mills’ semi-autobiographical approach cultivates a profound narrative that resonates with authenticity and thoughtfulness, making it a compelling watch.

"Beginners" is a touching and personal film that blends elements of humor and honesty, crafted beautifully by director Mike Mills. The standout performances from Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer lend it a heartfelt and intimate feel, allowing the story’s poignant moments to resonate deeply with the audience. The film’s style is both visually creative and refreshingly naturalistic, capturing a blend of bittersweet and joyous tones throughout.

The Blu-ray release by Universal may not boast the most impressive video transfer or DTS-HD Master Audio by industry standards, yet the technical aspects are faithful and well-suited to the film’s modest, understated beauty. The video maintains a clean, consistent look while the audio delivers crisp dialogues and a balanced soundtrack, essential for the film's subtle narrative. Although the technical specifications might not compete with higher-end releases, they adequately serve the emotional depth of the film.

The supplementary content is relatively minimal but includes a commentary track filled with valuable insights that enhance the viewing experience. While it may lack in extensive extras, the disc offers enough to satisfy those who appreciate the nuances of Mill's direction and storytelling.

In conclusion, despite its adherence to some quirky cinema conventions, "Beginners" stands out due to its genuine warmth and moving narrative. The Blu-ray release complements the film appropriately, even if it's not groundbreaking in its technical presentation. Prospective viewers might consider renting first, but for fans of thoughtful and personal filmmaking, this disc is a worthy addition to their collection.