Wildlife Blu-ray Review

Wildlife, presented on Blu-ray by Criterion with an original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, receiving a 1080p transfer, showcases an impressive visual fidelity. Shot digitally, potentially from a 2K digital intermediate, the film's modern photography equipment, likely the Alexa XT camera, captures the intricacies of both the sweeping landscapes of Livingston, Montana and the intimate indoor settings with exceptional clarity and detail. The film’s fully digital workflow is complemented by a remastered 5.1 surround soundtrack from the original digital audio files using Avid's Pro Tools, highlighting its modern production techniques.

The high-definition presentation highlights the distinctiveness of the film's visual composition, emphasizing vibrant colors, deep inky blacks, and outstanding image stability. The wide range of colors, from striking yellows to deep blues and reds, especially in costuming, adds a layer of authenticity and vividness to the portrayal of small-town life in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The film’s seamless blend of outdoor panoramic shots and close-up indoor scenes demonstrates an impeccable depth of field and fluidity, making for a reference-level home viewing experience.

Moreover, the careful camera work enhances the viewer’s engagement with the natural splendor as well as the detailed period production design. This transfer allows audiences to fully absorb each frame, providing a near three-dimensional experience that encapsulates both the grandeur and the minutiae of the setting. Combined with the accurate portrayal of facial features and textiles, Wildlife’s Blu-ray video presentation stands out as a technically outstanding and aesthetically enriching experience. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access.

The "Wildlife" Blu-ray presents its audio in a singular, high-quality format: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. The audio's digital origin is evident in its pristine clarity and stability, which are particularly remarkable. This clarity brings to the forefront an excellent separation of sounds, creating a layered auditory experience. Unlike many modern productions that often strive for meticulously balanced sequences, "Wildlife" opts for a more organic approach. The film's audio track embraces natural sound nuances, introducing dynamic contrasts that enrich the narrative without compromising clarity. Furthermore, the minimalistic score is elegantly woven into the film’s fabric, enhancing the atmosphere without overshadowing the storytelling elements.

The film's sound design is a testament to the power of subtlety and precision. Set against the backdrop of rural Montana, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track skillfully utilizes atmospheric sounds to immerse viewers in the setting. From the sound of footfalls to a rustling gust of wind, each element is captured with a keen attention to detail that reflects both the physical and emotional landscapes of the characters. Dialogue is consistently clean and clear, ensuring that every word is delivered with intent and received without distortion. Moreover, key moments in the film, such as the visit to the forest fire scene, showcase the audio track's ability to shift from understated to powerfully immersive. This shift is exemplified by the low-frequency effects (LFE) that rumble across channels, creating an unsettling yet compelling audio experience. Lastly, David Lang’s score is subtly interlaced throughout, its beauty lying in its simplicity and its contribution to the overall mood of the piece.

In summary, "Wildlife’s" audio presentation on Blu-ray stands out for its exceptional clarity, depth, and subtlety. The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track demonstrates a meticulous attention to organic soundscapes and dynamic contrasts, all while delivering dialogue with crystal clear quality. The minimalist score complements the sound design, ensuring that every aspect of the audio serves to enhance the storytelling without ever feeling intrusive or overbearing.

The Blu-Ray extras of "Wildlife" offer a focused, insightful dive into the movie's creative process, bringing viewers closer to the nuanced development stages from script to screen. The carefully curated selection features in-depth discussions, revealing the collaborative journey of director Paul Dano, the cast, and crew in bringing Richard Ford's novel to life. Highlighted by a comprehensive conversation between Dano and Ford, these extras explore the film's adaptation process, visual style, and postproduction complexities, offering a rich understanding of its artistic identity. Each segment, produced with Criterion's hallmark quality in 2020 and captured in stunning 1080p resolution, ensures a valuable addition for cinephiles interested in filmmaking's intricacies—all complemented by an illustrated leaflet that adds context with critical essays and technical notes.

Extras included in this disc:

• From Script to Screen: Screenwriter-director Paul Dano and co-screenwriter Zoe Kazan, alongside actors Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal, delve into the adaptation of Richard Ford's novel.
• The World of Wildlife: Discussions on the visual style with Dano, cinematographer Diego Garcia, production designer Akin McKenzie, and costume designer Amanda Ford.
• Postproduction: Insights into the final version's creation with Dano, editor Matthew Hannam, and composer David Lang.
• Paul Dano and Richard Ford: A detailed conversation at Lincoln Center moderated by critic Eric Hynes about the novel's influence and adaptation.
• Leaflet: Includes an essay by critic Mark Harris and technical credits.

Paul Dano's directorial debut, "Wildlife," emerges as a poignant narrative encapsulated within the serene yet somber backdrop of 1960s Great Falls, Montana. This Criterion Blu-ray release showcases Dano's meticulous approach, presenting the film through a brand-new 2K digital master supervised and approved by Dano himself. The tale of the Brinson family unfurls against the economic and emotional struggles of an era where traditional familial roles are in flux, capturing the intricate dynamics between Jerry (Jake Gyllenhaal), his wife Jeannette (Carey Mulligan), and their son Joe (Ed Oxenbould). As Jerry wrestles with his role as the breadwinner and Jeannette navigates her newfound independence, young Joe becomes the lens through which the audience witnesses the unraveling and reconfiguration of familial bonds.

In the quest to chart their path amid burgeoning societal changes, the Brinsons' story is one of resilience, introspection, and the inevitable transformation of relationships under the weight of personal ambition and societal expectations. Jerry's decision to join a firefighting team, prompted by unemployment and pride, acts as the catalyst for a series of revelations that challenge conventional perceptions of masculinity and partnership. As Jeannette embarks on a journey of self-discovery and assertion, the film delves deep into the complexities of identity, liberation, and responsibility, with Joe's perspective offering a poignant commentary on the fragility and strength of family ties.

"Wildlife" excels not only in its storytelling but also through its technical prowess and compelling performances. The direction by Dano, combined with Diego Garcia's cinematography, creates a visually arresting experience that complements the film's narrative depth. Gyllenhaal, Mulligan, and Oxenbould deliver nuanced portrayals that breathe life into the Brinson family's struggles and aspirations. This Criterion release is a testament to the film's artistic merit, offering audiences an immersive cinematic journey into the heart of a family navigating the tumultuous waters of change.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Wildlife," Paul Dano's directorial debut, presents an arresting exploration of a family's unraveling through the eyes of a young boy, capturing a profound emotional depth and interpersonal dynamics. With Richard Ford's novel serving as the bedrock for the screenplay, Dano, alongside co-writer Zoe Kazan, translates this intimate story onto the screen with remarkable finesse. The narrative's authenticity is bolstered by stellar performances from Carey Mulligan, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Ed Oxenbould, each actor delivering their roles with compelling conviction. This film doesn't just mark a successful transition for Dano from actor to filmmaker but stands as a poignant, introspective piece on familial dynamics and personal growth.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray complement the film's thematic and directorial achievements. Boasting an exceptional video transfer that accentuates the period setting and nuanced visual storytelling, the Blu-ray offers viewers an immersive experience. The audio mix is equally commendable, supporting the film's emotional beats and subtle tensions without overpowering them. Although the disc may not be overflowing with bonus features, the included materials are insightful, providing meaningful context to Dano's approach and the adaptation process. For aficionados of meticulously crafted cinema and those inclined towards narratives of deep emotional resonance, this release is a must-have.

In conclusion, "Wildlife" on Criterion Collection Blu-ray is an exemplary showcase of Paul Dano's directorial ingenuity and a testament to the compelling narrative he weaves. The film's profound narrative, combined with outstanding performances and technical excellence, makes this release not only highly recommended but essential for collectors and cinephiles alike. It is a film that warrants multiple viewings, each time revealing new layers of its intricate storytelling and emotive undertones.