Control Blu-ray Review

Anton Corbijn's "Control" receives a commendable high-definition transfer on Blu-ray, presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with VC-1. The 1080p transfer ensures remarkable detail, clarity, contrast levels, and color reproduction. Though the UK release differs from the Canadian one—encoded with VC-1 versus MPEG-4 respectively—any discrepancies are minimal and barely noticeable. A subtle difference can be observed in certain darker scenes, yet this does not detract from the viewing experience.

The UK version is notably contained on a 25GB disc compared to Canada’s 50GB disc, a difference that surprisingly does not result in any detectable compression issues. The transfer masterfully balances sharpness without overzealous effects and maintains an absence of problematic denoising corrections. Region-B locked, this release promises satisfaction to English-speaking fans of the film within applicable regions.

With superb technical execution, "Control" on Blu-ray delivers an exceptional visual experience. Its solid performance in detail retention, contrast consistency, and color accuracy makes it a quality choice for audiovisual enthusiasts.

The audio presentation of the "Control" Blu-ray features a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which provides an immersive experience that places listeners at the heart of the band's electrifying club performances. Momentum Pictures has also included optional English SDH subtitles, which display within the frame and significantly aid comprehension, especially considering the thick accents of some characters. The clarity and stability of dialogue are generally excellent, although the dense accents occasionally require reliance on subtitles.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers a well-rounded and dynamically vibrant soundscape. It expertly balances crisp highs with a robust low end, successfully capturing the intense atmosphere of Joy Division's live performances. While it may not push your audio hardware to its limits, it excels in creating an engaging and realistic listening environment. This technically proficient audio track ensures that every strum of the guitar and beat of the drum resonates with clarity and depth, making it a compelling reason to opt for this release over other available versions.

The extras included in the Blu Ray of "Control" enhance the viewing experience with a diverse collection of supplementary content, providing insightful and engaging material that complements the main feature. The 'Making of' featurette offers a deep dive into director Anton Corbijn's creative process, enhanced by interviews with key cast and crew members. The audio commentary by Corbijn is a valuable resource, offering detailed insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The 'Performance Scenes' recreate the raw energy of Joy Division’s live performances, maintaining the film’s immersive atmosphere. Additionally, the inclusion of the original UK theatrical trailer and the iconic 'Atmosphere' music video lend historical context and nostalgia to the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original UK theatrical trailer for "Control".
• Making of: Featurette with director Anton Corbijn and various interviews.
• Performance Scenes: Three extended live concert performances from the film.
• Commentary: Audio commentary with director Anton Corbijn.
• Music Video: "Atmosphere" by Joy Division, directed by Anton Corbijn.

Anton Corbijn’s Control (2007), based on Deborah Curtis' book Touching from a Distance, captures the turbulent life of Ian Curtis, the enigmatic lead singer of Joy Division, through a monochromatic lens that enhances the narrative's depth and poignancy. Sam Riley masterfully portrays Curtis, charting his journey through personal turmoil, romantic entanglements with his wife Debbie (Samantha Morton) and lover Annik (Alexandra Maria Lara), and his struggles with epilepsy. The film finds a delicate balance between Curtis' anguished personal battles and the raw energy he exuded on stage, shedding light on how his pain shaped Joy Division's music.

A notable strength of Control is the authenticity of its live concert scenes. Riley, along with his co-stars James Anthony Pearson, Joe Anderson, and Harry Treadaway, learned to play Joy Division's songs with such precision that live audio was primarily used, lending a visceral authenticity to the performances. Martin Ruhe's cinematography is stark yet elegant, avoiding flashy clichés while maintaining a gritty realism that respects the rock star's complexities. Director Corbijn, a devoted fan who pursued photography in Britain during Joy Division's rise, ensures the film remains a compelling tribute without devolving into sentimentality.

The film excels in interweaving Curtis' emotional strife with Joy Division's preeminent tracks, creating profound connections between his melancholic lyrics and lived experiences. Extended sequences of Curtis oscillating between Debbie and Annik and grappling with his health condition are underscored by carefully chosen songs, illustrating how these tumultuous experiences informed the band's evolution. Moreover, the narrative doesn't shy away from the darker facets of Curtis' life, depicting his tragic end with unflinching honesty. Winning accolades such as the Camera d'Or at Cannes, Control remains an indelible exploration of a true rock icon's life, rife with authenticity and reverent storytelling.

Control, a biographical film directed by Anton Corbijn, meticulously captures the tragic life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division. With its striking black-and-white visuals, the Blu-ray release truly highlights the film's aesthetic strengths. The high-definition transfer preserves the director’s vision with remarkable clarity and depth. Every frame is crisp, and the contrast levels are impeccably balanced, enhancing the film’s somber atmosphere. The sound quality on this Blu-ray is also noteworthy, rendering the soundtrack authentically and immersively. Each musical performance and atmospheric sound is faithfully reproduced, underscoring the emotional gravity of the narrative.

Special features on this disc include insightful commentary from Anton Corbijn and other key contributors. The behind-the-scenes footage offers a deeper understanding of the production process, and interviews with cast and crew provide additional context to Ian Curtis's story. The supplementary materials are robust, adding significant value to the purchase and catering to both casual viewers and ardent fans of Joy Division.

It is a shame that Anton Corbijn's Control, a wonderful and very stylish tribute to the late Ian Curtis, was not released on Blu-ray in the United States. It is also rather strange that it took such a long time for a UK distributor to step up and release the film on Blu-ray, but as they say, better late than never. If you don't yet have Control in your collection, I urge you to consider importing it as soon as possible. In my opinion, it is one of the top 10 British films to be released during the last five years. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.