Tiny Furniture Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s release of "Tiny Furniture" is presented in an aspect ratio of 2.40:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, delivering a 1080p transfer that brings Lena Dunham's film to life on Blu-ray. Captured with either a Canon EOS 7D or a Canon 5D camera (depending on which review you consult), the film features a bright, vibrant, and occasionally sterile visual aesthetic. The high-definition transfer showcases consistently excellent detail, especially in close-up shots where you can discern intricate features such as lace patterns and individual hair strands. However, shadow definition and mid-range photography fluctuate, with some softening of detail as the camera pans out.

The image quality does require some adjustment due to its digital nature. The ultra-smooth and fluid imagery can sometimes appear distracting and may be mistaken for edge-enhancement. Furthermore, while the colors are mostly rich and natural, the palette is dominated by whites and beiges, aligning with the artistic and minimalist settings within the film. When light pours through windows, it tends to wash out faces, potentially a deliberate choice by the director to enhance realism.

Though not the most visually stunning Criterion release, it appears to respect Dunham's directorial vision, despite a lack of confirmation on her involvement with the transfer process. Fans will likely be satisfied with this solid presentation that encapsulates the look and feel of "Tiny Furniture" faithfully. Note that this Blu-ray is Region-A locked, so appropriate playback hardware is necessary.

The Blu-ray release of "Tiny Furniture" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is impressively optimized, ensuring crisp and clean dialogue throughout. Criterion has also provided optional English SDH subtitles, which appear within the image frame when activated. The film’s dialogue is notably clear, creating the immersive sensation of being present in the same room as the main characters. However, surround activity is minimal, and Teddy Blanks' minimalistic score only occasionally takes full advantage of the audio spectrum. Importantly, there are no detectable sync issues, distortions, or audio dropouts, highlighting the technical proficiency of this release.

As a quintessential mumblecore film, "Tiny Furniture" relies heavily on dialogue rather than dynamic sound effects or an elaborate soundtrack. The center channel is crucial in this regard and is well-defined, effectively delivering most of the film's audio content. While the rear speakers contribute ambient noise, enhancing scenes set in spacious environments or busy streets, the overall audio experience remains subtle and consistent with the film's subdued nature. The purposeful drifting of lead character Aura's voice at sentence ends feels intentional rather than indicative of any flaw in audio mixing. In sum, this well-balanced and competent audio presentation should satisfy viewers looking for faithful sound quality without overtly flashy elements.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Tiny Furniture" offer a comprehensive deep-dive into Lena Dunham's early work and creative process. Highlights include four short films made prior to "Tiny Furniture," each showcasing distinctive narrative approaches and tonal exploration. The insightful interview between Nora Ephron and Lena Dunham provides valuable filmmaking wisdom, while Paul Schrader's commentary offers an expert critique. Additionally, Dunham's debut feature, "Creative Nonfiction," is a significant inclusion, giving fans a fuller understanding of her artistic evolution. Overall, these extras enrich the viewing experience with valuable context and background that enhance appreciation for Dunham's unique voice.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original trailer for "Tiny Furniture."
• Short Films: Four early works directed by Lena Dunham.
  • Pressure: Three girls discuss experiencing an orgasm.
  • Open the Door: An improvised scene involving Carroll Dunham.
  • Hooker on Campus: A young hooker aims to make money on campus.
  • The Fountain: A girl wanting to wash in a fountain meets a cop.
• Nora Ephron and Lena Dunham: A 31-minute interview covering filmmaking insights.
• Paul Schrader on Dunham: An 8-minute discussion on Lena Dunham's success.
• Creative Nonfiction: Dunham's 2009 feature film, including an introduction by her.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet featuring an essay by critic Phillip Lopate.

Winner of Best First Screenplay Award at the Independent Spirit Awards, Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture (2010) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. The supplemental features on the disc include the film's original trailer; four short films directed by Lena Dunham; video interview with writer, director, and critic Paul Schrader; and more. The disc also arrives with an illustrated booklet featuring an essay by critic Phillip Lopate. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A locked.

Communicating

Aura (Lena Dunham) has just graduated from college and returned home to New York City. Now she must figure out what to do next—find a new boyfriend or get a job. Her mother (Laurie Simmons), a successful artist, hopes that she won't interfere with her work while she is trying to make up her mind. Her sister (Grace Dunham) does not care what she does. At a party, Aura's best friend Charlotte (Jemima Kirke), a trendy young woman who lives with her father's precious credit card, introduces her to Jed (Alex Karpovsky), an up-and-coming filmmaker whose YouTube videos have become a big hit. He is in town to get a deal with someone, possibly the Comedy Channel, but there is something wrong with his ATM card and he does not have a place to stay. A couple of days later they meet and Aura invites Jed to crash at her mother's apartment while she is away on business.

'Tiny Furniture' blends elements of realism and awkward comedy to depict Aura's post-graduate malaise. The film excels in capturing the ennui and disorientation many young adults face after college. Aura’s life unfolds in choppy, episodic fashion, reflecting her uncertain journey filled with trivial pursuits and minor setbacks. Lena Dunham brings poignancy to Aura, making her disillusionment palpable and relatable. The narrative is grounded in realistic dialogue and interactions that highlight the characters' pretensions and vulnerabilities. The portrayal of over-lapping dialogue, replete with colloquial fillers, lends authenticity but may also exhaust some viewers.

The acting in 'Tiny Furniture' is compelling across the board. Lena Dunham shines as the aimless and confused Aura, invoking both empathy and frustration. Supporting performances by Alex Karpovsky and Laurie Simmons add richness, portraying Jed’s irritating ambition and the mother's distant preoccupations respectively. The film's raw and unpolished approach aligns well with its indie roots, making it quintessentially festival material. However, its inherent pretentiousness and stylistic quirks might leave some viewers divided between appreciation and discomfort. If you seek a unique, raw narrative with an emphasis on realism and character study, 'Tiny Furniture' is a compelling choice in indie cinema.

Tiny Furniture is an ambitious film that skews towards an offbeat, quirky comedy, but often treads into melancholy and depressing territory. Director Lena Dunham, who also stars as the lead character Aura, crafts a story that many may find relatable due to its portrayal of post-collegiate confusion and familial dynamics. However, this relatability is marred by a sense of repetitiveness, as the themes and character archetypes seem overly familiar and less effective than in other films of a similar vein. Criterion's Blu-ray presentation, as expected, is top-tier, ensuring that the visual and audio quality genuinely enhances the viewing experience. Technical excellence aside, the narrative's somber tone may overshadow its humorous moments for many viewers.

While 'Tiny Furniture' possesses pockets of humor and wit, it undeniably drags through the middle portion. The storyline meanders through a cast of misanthropes that fail to engage or evoke empathy. Aura's character is particularly polarizing; her socially awkward persona, combined with her regression into near-childlike behaviors around her mother, renders her both pitiable and somewhat irritating. While some may find her relatable, others might find her character grating and overly indulgent in self-pity. The film ultimately caters to enthusiasts of mumblecore cinema and diehard Criterion collectors who appreciate the nuanced presentation despite the narrative pitfalls.

In conclusion, Tiny Furniture is a complex film that walks a fine line between humor and melancholy, but may struggle to captivate a broader audience. Its narrative shortcomings are somewhat mitigated by Criterion’s superb technical presentation. Given its mixed reception and polarizing elements, it’s a film best suited for rental before committing to a purchase. RENT IT.