Never Look Away Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Never Look Away" demonstrates an exceptional video quality that seamlessly merges the meticulous craftsmanship of digital cinematography with the visual appeal of film. Shot on the Arri Alexa XT Plus digital camera, but meticulously processed to emulate film stock, the transfer boasts a discernible faux grain structure that enhances its filmic texture. This visual mastery can be credited to both Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel and Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, who aimed for a film-like appearance while circumventing the high costs of traditional film processing.

Sony delivers a pristine 1.85:1 AVC 1080p Blu-ray transfer, capturing the Oscar-nominated cinematography with remarkable clarity and detail. Facial features, including pores, freckles, and stubble, are incredibly well-defined, offering an intimate viewing experience. The textures of Nazi uniforms and the intricate details of various environments—from museums to outdoor locales—are rendered with sharp precision. Furthermore, Kurt's artwork comes alive on screen, with canvas textures and brush strokes appearing astonishingly clear. Colors are balanced and neutral, shining particularly in the vibrancy of paints and hues like the deep red of Nazi armbands against more natural tones.

The visual narrative is bolstered by nuanced color grading that shifts throughout the film, beginning with honey-colored and earth-toned scenes, progressing to amber and gold highlights in art school sequences, and incorporating teal hues for night scenes. Black levels are deep and hold shadow details effectively. The image has no noticeable flaws or artifacts, exhibiting a seamless post-production effort that highlights the film's artistic and emotive strengths. This Blu-ray edition stands as a testament to Sony's ability to deliver near-perfect visual fidelity in their Manufactured On Demand line.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack on the Blu-ray of "Never Look Away" is expertly crafted. Given the film's dialogue-heavy nature, the soundtrack delineates verbal clarity and firm front-center placement, particularly with the native German language delivery. Dialogue comes through naturally, enhancing the immersive experience. Integrated details like the rumble of a rolling bus and the blaring bus horns expand into the room with precision, showcasing moments of sonic demand efficiently. The music remains well-defined, primarily positioned frontally, presenting a natural width that aligns harmoniously with the cinematic context.

Environmental sounds are also handled with finesse. For example, small but significant elements such as office ambient noise in chapter four are convincingly reproduced, contributing to the realistic audio landscape. Notably, early wartime sound effects exhibit acceptable detailing that enhances the film's atmosphere. This attention to detail creates a holistic and encompassing auditory experience that elevates the film's overall impact.

The Blu-ray extras for "Never Look Away" provide substantial insight into the filmmaking process, although the selection is modest. A Q&A session featuring writer/director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck is the centerpiece, offering nearly 42 minutes of detailed discussion about the film's conception and production. This session is highly informative, particularly for cinephiles and those interested in the technical craftsmanship behind the evocative narrative and visual style of "Never Look Away." In addition, the disc includes the theatrical trailer and previews of other Sony titles, which, while standard, add some value. Overall, the extras included significantly enhance the viewing experience by providing context and deepening appreciation for the film’s artistic and historical intricacies.

Extras included in this disc:

• Q&A with Writer/Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck: An in-depth discussion about the film with Joe Neumaier.
• Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the film.
• Previews: Additional Sony titles.

"Never Look Away," directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, is a compelling cinematic journey that spans over three decades, tracing the intersecting lives of two men amid the tumultuous backdrop of Nazi Germany and post-war East Germany. The film opens with a significant art show in 1937 designed as Nazi propaganda against modern art. Young Kurt Barnert, escorted by his aunt Elisabeth (Saskia Rosendahl), experiences an artistic awakening soon shattered by Elisabeth's tragic institutionalization and subsequent murder ordered by Dr. Carl Seeband (Sebastian Koch), a prominent Nazi physician. This profound trauma haunts Kurt throughout his life and artistic career, forming a poignant narrative thread.

As the narrative unfolds, the dual arcs of Kurt and Dr. Seeband diverge and reconverge over the years. Seeband escapes justice post-war by leveraging his medical skills to gain Soviet favor, maintaining his elitist Aryan ideals while practicing as a prestigious doctor. Meanwhile, Kurt evolves from a traumatized child into a burgeoning artist, traversing the oppressive artistic restrictions of East Germany. The eventual confrontation—or lack thereof—between these men is ingeniously subtle, evoking profound emotional intimacy without resorting to melodrama. Von Donnersmarck's screenplay meticulously crafts their personas, highlighting Kurt's pursuit of artistic truth juxtaposed against Seeband's unfaltering arrogance.

Technically, the film is exemplary. Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel’s choice to use Arri Alexa digital cameras with substantial post-production tweaks creates a richly textured visual aesthetic reminiscent of classical film stock. The Blu-ray transfer is near impeccable, striking a balance between lush color palettes and intricate details that enhance the film’s emotional gravitas. Honey and earth tones characterize the early sequences, while later scenes utilize amber, gold highlights, and teal night shots to signify different periods and emotional states. This visual mastery is complemented by stellar performances from Tom Schilling as Kurt and Sebastian Koch as Seeband, each delivering deeply nuanced portrayals that propel the film's intricate exploration of human frailty, resilience, and morality.

"Never Look Away" is a masterful film that excels through its powerful performances and meticulous direction. Tom Schilling, Sebastian Koch, and Saskia Rosendahl deliver exceptional portrayals that elevate the entire narrative. The film kicks off with an intense 34-minute sequence featuring Rosendahl and Koch, which stands as one of the most gripping moments in cinematic storytelling. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's directorial approach brings a raw and youthful energy to the piece, contributing to its authenticity and emotional depth.

The technical presentation on Blu-ray is nearly flawless, showcasing the film in its intended aspect ratio of 1.85:1 AVC. The audio tracks, available in German DTS-HD MA 5.1 and English DVS, provide an immersive experience that enhances the viewing. Subtitles in English and English SDH further support accessibility. Despite the film's runtime of 189 minutes, it maintains a compelling pace driven by a robust script and resonant subject matter. However, the scant extras on the disc are a slight letdown, save for a notable filmmaker Q&A session.

In conclusion, "Never Look Away" is an essential addition to any film enthusiast's collection. Its nomination for two Oscars underscores its artistic merit, particularly in cinematography and as a foreign language film. This Blu-ray edition from Sony is highly recommended for its pristine video and audio quality, despite the limited special features. A must-watch film that resonates on multiple levels and leaves a lasting impact.