The Skin I Live In Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Skin I Live In" is a superb visual experience, perfectly encapsulating the meticulous attention to detail that defines Pedro Almodovar’s cinematic style. Presented in its original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer delivers extraordinary detail and clarity. Skin textures, crucial to the film's thematic content, are rendered with such precision that they appear almost photoshopped, yet remain entirely faithful to the film’s intended aesthetic. The high-resolution presentation highlights everything from the flawless skin of the characters to the imperfections of burn victims and aged skin, maintaining a consistent and natural level of filmic grain that enhances its cinematic qualities.

The color palette is nothing short of spectacular, reflective of Almodovar’s flamboyant visual style. The vibrant and rich colors burst from the screen, creating an almost overwhelming visual feast during both indoor scenes and panoramic shots. Every shade and tone is given outstanding, photo-realistic representation. Black levels are robust and inky, contributing to impressive shadow detailing and night sequences. Furthermore, there are no noticeable digital artifacts such as edge enhancement, DNR, blocking, or banding, which could detract from the viewer’s experience. While there are minor compression artifacts, they are negligible and do not diminish the overall quality.

This Blu-ray is region-locked to Region B, so viewers need compatible Region-B or Region-Free equipment to enjoy it. Overall, the video presentation is worthy of high praise, offering a demo-quality display that perfectly aligns with Almodovar's vision and enhances the thematic depth of the film with its pristine visual fidelity.

The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track on "The Skin I Live In" Blu-ray disc is meticulously optimized, delivering an almost demo-quality experience. This is far from the usual bombastic fare, instead offering a nuanced and precisely engineered soundscape. Dialogue is consistently crisp and exceptionally easy to follow, primarily emanating from the center channel with occasional spread to the frontal array. The effects are keenly observed, from the atmospheric nuances at various gatherings to the distinctive Spanish location elements like chirping insects that paint an immersive aural landscape. The audio’s intricacy ensures even the smallest noises are easily identifiable.

The standout feature is Alberto Iglesias' eclectic soundtrack, which seamlessly blends classical overtones with funky beats. It dynamically shifts between playful and oppressive tones, enhancing the film's unique atmosphere. The soundtrack, integral to the mix, carries most of the LFE content, punctuated by infrequent gunshots. The haunting score benefits from a wide range of nuanced dynamics, adding rich, exotic layers to the film's ambiance without overshadowing the narrative. Pathé Distribution-UK provides English subtitles for the main feature, although they're imposed and cannot be turned off.

Overall, the Spanish DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track is a substantial contributor to the film's immersive experience, balancing clear dialogue, nuanced effects, and a versatile soundtrack that drives both the tension and emotional depth of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for “The Skin I Live In” by Pedro Almodóvar are a mixed bag, with this UK Region B-locked release falling short when compared to its US counterpart. While the US edition boasts a substantial 85-minute interview with Almodóvar, the UK version includes a more concise 12-minute featurette alongside several promotional materials. These extras, although professionally crafted and insightful, lack the depth and comprehensiveness offered by the US release, making it somewhat disappointing for fans seeking in-depth insights into the film’s production and ideology. Notably absent is the extensive, enriching interview which could have provided a more detailed exploration of Almodóvar’s vision and directorial approach.

Extras included in this disc:

Original Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer with imposed English subtitles.

Teaser Trailer: Original teaser trailer with music and English text.

Photo Gallery: A collection of photographs from the film's production.

Somerset House Premiere: Footage from the Somerset House screening with comments by Pedro Almodóvar and Elena Anaya.

Behind the Scenes Featurette: Raw footage from the shooting of the film with English subtitles.

Pedro Almodovar’s "The Skin I Live In" emerges as a masterful juxtaposition of meticulous beauty and profound discomfort. Acclaimed for its compelling narrative, the film reunites Almodovar with Antonio Banderas after nearly two decades, marking one of Banderas's most riveting performances to date. The story delves deep into themes of obsession, isolation, and identity, weaving a tale of vengeance that grounds itself in psychological horror rather than visual gore. This intense exploration ensures the film lingers with viewers long after the credits roll, likely prompting multiple viewings to fully grasp its intricate layers.

Technically, the Blu-ray release demonstrates exceptional video and audio quality, capturing the film’s visually stunning and atmospheric design. However, potential buyers should be aware that the Region B-locked UK edition lacks substantial extras found in the US version, such as the comprehensive 85-minute interview. It does, however, include behind-the-scenes features and original trailers, showcasing some insightful content regarding the film's production. Presented in Spanish with imposed English subtitles, the Blu-ray offers a glimpse into the uncompromising world that Almodovar creates.

Adapted from Thierry Jonquet's novel "Tarantula," Almodovar’s screenplay intricately segments significant episodes from both past and present, maintaining clear chronology despite frequent overlaps. The narrative's gradual escalation through three intense episodes underscores important moral and ethical questions pertinent to contemporary science. Despite its grim subject matter, the film sporadically reveals Almodovar's signature dark humor, though it conclusively descends into unsettling depths. Performances are uniformly stellar, with Antonio Banderas delivering his best work in years alongside a strikingly elegant Elena Anaya. Notably, the film garnered a Palme d'Or nomination at the Cannes Film Festival, underlining its critical acclaim and solidifying its place as a hauntingly beautiful piece of cinema.

Review 1: Pedro Almodovar's "The Skin I Live In" is an enthralling and visually arresting film that captivates from start to finish. Its narrative depth, paired with a formidable performance by Antonio Banderas, leaves a lasting impression. The Blu-ray's picture quality is pristine, with sharp detail and vibrant colors. The audio track is robust, delivering clear dialogue and an immersive soundscape. However, the lack of supplemental features on this Blu-ray release is disappointing, as insights into the film's production and themes would have been valued additions.

Review 2: "The Skin I Live In" delivers an unsettling yet compelling experience. Almodovar's direction is impeccable, blending elements of horror and drama seamlessly. The HD transfer on the Blu-ray is superb, capturing every nuance of the film's stunning cinematography. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track enhances the movie’s intricate sound design. While the presentation is top-notch, it's unfortunate that there are no in-depth special features, which could have enriched the viewing experience even further.

Review 3: Almodovar’s thriller, "The Skin I Live In," stands as one of the most unique films of recent years. The Blu-ray excels in visual and audio quality, offering a razor-sharp image and a well-balanced audio mix that perfectly complements the film's suspenseful atmosphere. Despite its technical excellence, the disc's lack of additional content, such as behind-the-scenes footage or director’s commentary, is a notable shortfall that prevents it from being a comprehensive package.

Our Review: Pedro Almodovar’s "The Skin I Live In" is a masterful blend of suspense, drama, and horror that delivers a gripping cinematic experience. Antonio Banderas gives a riveting performance under Almodovar’s skilful direction. The Blu-ray excels in technical presentation; the high-definition transfer is impeccable, presenting vivid colors and fine details with clarity. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provides a rich auditory experience, encompassing the viewer in the film’s atmospheric soundscape.

However, despite the excellent picture and sound quality, the release suffers from a lack of supplemental features. The absence of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, or an audio commentary by Almodovar leaves much to be desired for those wanting deeper insights into the film’s complex narrative and production.

`Very dark, very entertaining and very, very different, Pedro Almodovar's The Skin I Live In is one of the year's best films. Do not read reviews and do not watch trailers, just see it. I guarantee you will have a terrific time with it. Pathe Distribution's presentation of the film is excellent, but I wish there were some good supplemental features on the Blu-ray. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.