Showing Up 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation of "Showing Up" by A24, encoded with HEVC / H.265 in a 2160p resolution and framed at 1.78:1, showcases a visually compelling yet peculiar adaptation from its original shooting format. Originating from Arri Alexas with a capture resolution of around 3.4K, the actual digital intermediate (DI) used for this release is ambiguous, stirring curiosity regarding whether it was downscaled to 2K or directly transformed from its near-native 4K sourcing. The imagery's deliberate post-production manipulation to emulate a 16mm film aesthetic enhances the grain intensity, particularly in brighter settings, which might not appeal to every viewer's taste. This effect ostensibly aims at amplifying the film's granular texture but could inadvertently obscure finer details in darker segments, despite HDR's effort to salvage shadow intricacies.

The film exhibits an intentionally subdued color palette, characterized by subdued hues with occasional peach-like undertones that become more distinguished in this UHD version compared to its 1080 release by A24. This color grading complements the film’s thematic elements, providing a visual consistency that supports the narrative's mood and tone. The detail retention varies across different lighting conditions; in well-illuminated scenes, specifically outdoor ones, the resolution advantage of 4K UHD is evident with an improvement in texture and clarity, showcasing enhanced fine details that were perhaps somewhat compromised in dimmer environments due to the heavy digital grain.

Despite these nuanced drawbacks, the 4K UHD presentation of "Showing Up" succeeds in delivering a distinct visual experience aligned with Director Reichardt’s artistic vision, offering viewers a meticulously crafted image that stands out for its stylistic choices. The implementation of HDR technology, albeit inconsistently beneficial due to the overpowering digital grain, occasionally allows for better discernment of details within the shadows, adding depth to the visual narrative. In summary, while this release excels in portraying the intended atmospheric and aesthetic qualities through its unique visual treatment, it may also polarize viewers due to the aggressive grain and subdued color scheme that deviate from conventional high-definition presentations.

The audio aspect of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "Showing Up" presents an interesting case of juxtaposition. Despite being underpinned by a modest sound design, the inclusion of a Dolby Atmos track elevates the auditory experience to a level of immersion that, while often understated, is unmistakably present and engaging. This subtlety is primarily articulated through environmental ambient noises and the nuanced directional sound within crowded interior spaces, setting a tone that is immersive yet not overwhelming. Ethan Rose's minimalist score, incorporating distinctive music box elements, is adeptly mixed into the sides and rear channels, enhancing the atmosphere without dominating it. The track's reserved nature doesn't detract but rather complements the film's aesthetic, ensuring that dialogue remains the focal point, presented with clarity and crispness.

Furthermore, the Dolby Atmos implementation on "Showing Up" meticulously utilizes its capabilities to add depth to scenes with an understated effectiveness. The spatial audio arrangement allows for a layered auditory scene where environmental sounds and score elements are dispersed smoothly across the soundstage, creating an enveloping but not overtly aggressive soundscape. This careful balance ensures moments of congregation or solitary scenes maintain an air of authenticity, inviting the audience into the film's environment without unnecessary distraction.

Accessibility is also a strong point for this release, with optional English and Spanish subtitles available, catering to a broader audience. This inclusion emphasizes the production's commitment to delivering a quality viewing and listening experience for diverse audiences. Overall, the audio presentation for "Showing Up" in its 4K UHD Blu-ray format exemplifies how subtlety and restraint in sound design can contribute significantly to the atmosphere and storytelling of a film, making it a commendable feature for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra presentation of "Showing Up" boasts a meticulously curated selection of special features that enriches the viewing experience with deeper insights into its artistic themes and production nuances. Notably, the filmmaker commentary, featuring insights from director Kelly Reichardt, director of photography Christopher Blauvelt, and artist Michelle Segre, offers a nuanced dive into the film's creative process. Adding to the collection are two short films focused on art—"Bronx, New York, November 2019" and "Cal State, Long Beach, CA, January 2020"—which provide a unique glimpse into the art world settings that influence the narrative. Completing the package, the digipack includes five art cards showcasing Cynthia Lahti's watercolors, further tying the extras back to the film's artistic core, all encased in an elegantly designed slipbox.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Commentary: Insights from Kelly Reichardt, Christopher Blauvelt, and Michelle Segre.

• Short Films: Two engaging pieces centered around art.

  • Bronx, New York, November 2019
  • Cal State, Long Beach, CA, January 2020

• Art Cards: A collection of five cards featuring Cynthia Lahti's watercolors.

Showing Up," released by A24 and set in Portland, offers viewers a deliberately understated dramedy that resonates with the idiosyncrasies and charm of its locale. Central to the narrative is Lizzy (Michelle Williams), a sculptor facing the seemingly trivial yet disruptive challenge of a lack of hot water as she prepares for an upcoming show. Her landlord, Jo (Hong Chau), also an artist, is preoccupied with her own exhibitions, epitomizing the film’s theme of mundane struggles amidst the pursuit of art. This personal narrative intertwines with Lizzy's family dynamics, including her relationship with her mother Jean (Maryann Plunkett) at the Oregon School of Art and Craft, and the anticipation of her emotionally volatile brother Sean (John Magaro) attending her show. The film, directed by Kelly Reichardt, embeds itself in Portland's landscape, featuring cameos that underscore the city's "keep it weird" ethos, an affectionate nod to the unique vibrancy of Portland's community.

The film cleverly uses Lizzy's incident with her cat Ricky and a bird as a peculiar yet poignant metaphor, drawing unexpected parallels to other cinematic moments, such as those seen in "Empire of Light." "Showing Up" is characterized by its exploration of vignettes that, while seemingly inconsequential in propelling the plot forward, collectively craft a narrative rich in observational humor and subtle pathos. Reichardt’s direction is intentional in its focus on characters who are metaphorically and literally coasting through life, reflecting a broader commentary on artistic endeavor and personal stagnation. This approach is bolstered by standout performances from the ensemble cast, who excel in their roles within this minimalist cinematic landscape.

"Showing Up" encapsulates the essence of Portland through its storytelling, combining a mix of melancholy and whimsy against the backdrop of artistic endeavor. The film's portrayal of Lizzy’s artistic and personal journey, underscored by her interactions with an eclectic mix of characters, captures a nuanced perspective on the complexities of life and art. Reichardt's film is a contemplative piece, marked by its deliberate pacing and emphasis on character over plot, presenting a meditative exploration of creativity, familial bonds, and the peculiarities of daily existence.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Showing Up" provides a visually and audibly appealing experience, which is likely to satiate the appetite of art house cinema aficionados and technical connoisseurs alike. Highlighting the intricacies of Portland’s artistic milieu through the lens of its laid-back yet nuanced narrative, the film captures the essence of the artist's struggle with authenticity and livelihood. The backdrop of the now-closed Oregon College of Art and Craft adds a poignant layer to the film, enriched by the personal anecdote of a local handyman with an MFA from the institution. This real-life connection underscores the film's reflection on the challenges facing art and artists in contemporary society. The technical merits of the Blu-ray do justice to the film’s deliberate pacing and aesthetic, ensuring that viewers receive a quality viewing experience.

The disc's audio-visual quality stands out, with the 4K resolution enhancing the film’s visual storytelling. The attention to detail in color matching and scenic composition is particularly noteworthy and speaks to both the film's artistic sensibility and the high-quality transfer of this Blu-ray edition. Viewers can expect solid performance in both picture and sound, with nuances of the film's low-key yet intentionally artful production being adequately preserved in this home media format.

In conclusion, "Showing Up" on 4K UHD Blu-ray comes highly recommended for those who appreciate art house cinema, as well as for enthusiasts of technical film presentation. The disc not only showcases the film with commendable audio-visual fidelity but also offers an intimate glance at the complexities of the artistic life in Portland. With its combination of a compelling narrative, robust technical merits, and an additional layer of real-life relevance, this release represents a thoughtful addition to any cinephile's collection.