Amour Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with a 1080p transfer, Michael Haneke's "Amour" has been meticulously brought to Blu-ray by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, employing an MPEG-4 AVC encoding that mirrors the exceptional quality Artificial Eye boasts in their United Kingdom Blu-ray release. The film benefits immensely from the Arri Alexa camera's capabilities, ensuring a result that’s not only sharp but maintains impeccable cleanliness throughout. The cinematography's interaction with confined luminosity produces scenes where the indoor environments may appear slightly subdued, yet retains exceptional depth and clarity that aficionados of high-definition will appreciate. The palette favors naturalism, presenting colors that are both rich and remarkably stable, further enhancing the visual fidelity expected from a Blu-ray of this calibre.

In terms of technical nitty-gritty, the compression work is executed with such finesse that it becomes a non-issue for viewers, preserving the integrity of the film's visual aesthetics without compromise. Image stability, another critical factor in assessing the quality of a video presentation, stands out as outstanding, ensuring that viewers are engaged in a visually immersive experience devoid of distractions that could detract from Haneke's directorial intentions. It’s crucial to note, however, that this disc is Region-A locked, emphasizing the importance of compatibility for audiences in North America eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience "Amour" in its high-definition glory. For those equipped with either a native Region-A or Region-Free PS3 or SA, this release promises an exceptional viewing experience, faithful in its execution and lavish in its attention to detail, making it an essential addition for cinephiles committed to the preservation of film in its highest quality formats.

The audio presentation for "Amour" on Blu-ray, delivered through a French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 track, strikes an impressive balance between sophistication and simplicity. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment ensures accessibility for a wider audience by including optional English and English SDH subtitles. Noteworthy is the disparity between this English translation and that present in the Artificial Eye Blu-ray release, though the excellence of the translation remains unblemished.

Without a dominant music score to guide its auditory experience, "Amour" relies heavily on its ambient sounds and dialogue, making the audio track's job both unique and challenging. Remarkably, it rises to this occasion with aplomb. The dynamic range is naturally constrained given the film's quiet narrative stance; nevertheless, what it might lack in intensity, it abundantly compensates with depth and clarity. Voices are conveyed with such fidelity that every emotional nuance is felt, maintaining stability without succumbing to pops, audio dropouts, or distortions throughout its duration.

This Blu-ray’s audio prowess elevates "Amour" by ensuring that its dialogue-driven storytelling is center stage, engaging the viewer through its impeccably clear and clean sound production. Such attention to maintaining the integrity and purity of spoken word enhances the overall viewing experience, allowing the audience to immerse themselves fully in the nuanced performances and subtle ambiance that characterizes this poignant narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "Amour" offer a mix of promotional and behind-the-scenes content geared towards enthusiasts of European cinema and fans of director Michael Haneke. The inclusion of the original trailer provides a glimpse into the marketing of the film, while the comprehensive "Making of Amour" featurette, shared with the Artificial Eye edition, brings audiences closer to the meticulous pre-production and filming process, enriched by insights from cast members Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, and Haneke himself. The feature’s presentation in mixed resolutions maintains a balance between high-definition visual appeal and archival material authenticity. A standout is the Q&A with Michael Haneke, offering an in-depth exploration of his creative process, motivations behind casting decisions, and thematic fixations, providing valuable context for both scholarly and casual viewers. All extras are designed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of "Amour," reflecting a thoughtful assembly for an acclaimed piece of cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Amour, presented in French with English subtitles.
• Making of Amour: Extensive behind-the-scenes footage featuring interviews with cast and crew.
• Q&A with Director Michael Haneke: An insightful session with the director discussing his artistic choices and the film's themes.

Michael Haneke’s "Amour," a poignant narrative ensconced within the confines of an elder couple's Parisian apartment, captures the harsh reality of aging, illness, and undying love with an unparalleled finesse. Delivered on Blu-ray by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, this Oscar-awarded masterpiece for Best Foreign Language Film stars Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva as Georges and Anne, retired music teachers and lifelong partners faced with the ultimate test of their love when Anne suffers a debilitating stroke. The film meticulously explores the couple's struggle, emphasizing dignity, autonomy, and the intricate dynamics of their relationship against the backdrop of Anne’s declining health. Despite their daughter Eva's (played by Isabelle Huppert) attempts to intervene, Georges’s commitment remains unwavering, underlining the couple's desire for privacy and independence in this intimate chapter of their lives.

Shot by Darius Khondji, Haneke's direction eschews stylistic excess for a stark realism that magnifies the emotional weight of the narrative. The film predominantly unfolds within the couple’s apartment, symbolizing not just their physical world but their shared history and love now confronted with mortality. The absence of a musical score and minimal camera movement serve to amplify the profound silences and intense close-ups that punctuate the film, bringing the viewer uncomfortably close to the raw heart of human vulnerability. Trintignant delivers a performance of remarkable depth as Georges, embodying the silent strength and complexity of his love for Anne, while Riva's portrayal is nothing short of cinematic brilliance, making her character's journey deeply moving.

"Amour" stands as a testament to Haneke’s ability to confront uncomfortable truths with grace and artistic integrity. The film does not merely depict the tragedy of aging but elevates it to a reflection on the essence of love itself. It is a narrative steeped in reality, unflinching yet tender in its depiction of a couple navigating their twilight years amid the relentless advance of mortality. This Blu-ray presentation allows audiences to revisit Haneke’s visionary work with clarity and profound appreciation for its unparalleled execution and emotional depth.

Michael Haneke's masterpiece, "Amour," has finally graced the North American market with its Blu-ray edition, courtesy of Sony Pictures. This long-awaited release has sparked significant interest among cinephiles and Haneke enthusiasts alike, primarily due to the exceptional technical quality that accompanies this critically acclaimed film. The presentation detail and clarity are exemplary, showcasing the care and precision that have gone into this Blu-ray edition. It is evident that Sony Pictures has not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering a product that stands out as a pinnacle in home entertainment media.

The Blu-ray edition of "Amour" is not merely a replication of the film in a different format but an enhancement that offers viewers an immersive cinematic experience. The audio-visual fidelity is of the highest standard, ensuring that every nuance of Haneke's direction and the poignant performances by the cast are conveyed with utmost integrity. This release underscores the importance of maintaining a high-quality benchmark for home releases, ensuring that the viewer's experience is as close to the filmmaker's original vision as possible. It's a testament to the dedication of all involved in bringing this version to market, underpinning why this Blu-ray is a must-have for anyone serious about their film collection.

In conclusion, the North American Blu-ray release of "Amour" represents a significant achievement in home entertainment. It transcends the typical expectations of such releases, offering an unparalleled viewing experience backed by superior technical presentation. With its arrival, Sony Pictures sets a new high standard, making it an essential addition to the libraries of cineastes and Michael Haneke fans alike. Very highly recommended, this edition of "Amour" should not be missed, reaffirming its position as one of the year's must-own Blu-ray releases.