Portrait of a Lady on Fire Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is presented by The Criterion Collection in a 1080p transfer with an AVC encoding, maintaining its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The digital master, created in 4K resolution, ensures the film's fully digital workflow is preserved meticulously, with the 5.1 surround soundtrack remastered from the original digital audio files using Avid's Pro Tools.

Shot with RED cameras at source resolutions up to 7K, the Blu-ray employs the 4K master pressed onto a dual-layer disc. The image quality is exemplary, showcasing a vivid and robust color palette. Scenic exteriors in Saint-Pierre Quiberon are captured with stunning detail, offering excellent depth of field and beautifully suffused palettes. Interior scenes, although dimmer, highlight burnished detail and feature precise crosshatched fabric textures on the characters’ attire. A subtle cool, bluish undertone complements the naturalistic depiction, while candlelit sequences offer buttery yellow tones.

Greens and blues are particularly impactful, enhancing both costuming and natural settings. Fine details are prominently visible, capturing nuances in performance and production design with precision. While black levels remain strong throughout, minor compression artifacts are occasionally noticeable during low-light scenes within the manor house, though these do not significantly detract from the overall presentation. Criterion’s Blu-ray release successfully delivers an engaging and visually faithful home viewing experience of "Portrait of a Lady on Fire".

"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" features an immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track in the original French that superbly captures the nuanced soundscape of the film. The delicate balance between natural ambient sounds and dialogue is masterfully done, with scenes like Marianne's rowboat arrival providing a striking showcase for boisterous environmental effects. The clarity and precision of sounds, such as wind and water, are expertly panned through the soundstage, enhancing the viewer's immersion.

The audio presentation smartly creates an isolated atmosphere that brings intimate settings to life. Background effects such as servants traversing echoing hallways or the shuffling of shoes across floorboards are rendered with good discrete channelization, adding depth to indoor scenes. Exterior sequences on cliff faces and beaches benefit from rich environmental sounds, giving the mix a dynamic quality. Dialogue is consistently presented with clarity and no distortion, and optional English subtitles are available. However, the only minor issue noted is the occasionally overpowering mix of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," which can overshadow other elements.

The Blu-ray extras for "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" offer an engaging, insightful dive into the film's production despite a limited selection of features. Key highlights include in-depth interviews with director Céline Sciamma, actresses Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant, and cinematographer Claire Mathon, providing valuable perspectives on the film's development and execution. These discussions are well-edited and richly layered, covering topics from the artistic inspiration behind the cinematography to the feminist themes central to the narrative. The included segment on Hélène Delmaire’s process in creating the film's striking paintings further enriches the viewer's appreciation of the meticulous craftsmanship involved in this exquisite period drama.

Extras included in this disc:

• Céline Sciamma: Interview by Dana Stevens discussing the film's background, challenges, and feminist perspective.
• Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant: Separate interviews contrasting their views on their roles and collaboration with Sciamma.
• Cinematography: Claire Mathon on lighting, color, and technical decisions, from Cannes 2019.
• Paintings: Hélène Delmaire on creating historical artwork for the film.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a visually stunning drama set in late 18th century France, where painter Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is commissioned to paint the portrait of Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) for her arranged marriage. Marianne must observe Héloïse covertly as the latter refuses to pose, thus beginning an intricate dance of observation and interaction. Their relationship evolves from guarded companionship to deep affection, challenging societal constraints and invoking powerful themes of love and art. Sciamma's meticulous direction saturates every frame with palpable emotion, turning simple glances and gestures into profound moments.

The film delves deeply into the dynamics of female autonomy. Compelling performances by Merlant and Haenel anchor the narrative, their chemistry making every shared scene electric. Supporting roles amplify the storyline, particularly Luàna Bajrami as Sophie, a housemaid facing her own dilemmas. Valeria Golino’s portrayal of La Comtesse displays a poignant adherence to societal norms, revealing the multifaceted pressures on women regardless of social class. Sciamma's choice to exclude male dialogues accentuates the women's world, allowing an immersive exploration of their personal struggles and solidarity.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire proves both technically and emotionally resonant. Unobtrusive yet arresting cinematography captures the scenic Brittany landscape, framing each moment as a living painting. The narrative’s leisurely, contemplative pacing allows the story’s emotional weight to unfold organically. This deliberate pace coupled with exceptional production design brings an authenticity that draws viewers into the era. The film not only tells a profound story but subverts typical period drama tropes, making it a timeless examination of love, identity, and resistance against societal conformity.

"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" directed by Céline Sciamma stands as a powerful testament to her prowess in capturing the complexities of human emotion, particularly through the lens of strong, passionate women. The film’s narrative, while simple, is imbued with profound depth and intensity. These elements are masterfully conveyed through stunning cinematography that brings the 18th-century Brittany coast to life with vivid clarity. The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release does justice to these visuals, offering a pristine transfer that showcases exquisite details and color accuracy.

The audio presentation is equally remarkable, preserving the subtleties of the film’s sound design and score. The lack of a traditional musical soundtrack emphasizes natural sounds, such as crackling fires and crashing waves, amplifying the film’s intimate ambiance. The Blu-ray’s supplements are comprehensive, including an insightful interview with Sciamma and other engaging features that delve into the making and thematic essence of the film. These extras add significant value for cinephiles and fans alike.

As is mentioned in the interview with Céline Sciamma included as a supplement on this disc, this is Sciamma's first historical film, after several contemporary outings that traced adolescents in transition. Sciamma is on record as stating she wanted to bring a contemporary flair to this film as well, and it is certainly forward-thinking in how it offers its depictions of women struggling to unfetter themselves from the oppressive norms of the era. "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is subtly political in a way, but it's also surprisingly personal. Technical merits are first-rate, and the supplementary package is very enjoyable. Recommended.