Before Midnight Blu-ray Review

Richard Linklater's "Before Midnight," presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, is a testament to the advancements in digital cinematography, courtesy of Criterion’s meticulous Blu-ray release. Utilizing the same 2K digital master overseen by Linklater himself, the film—shot on an Arri Alexa camera—boasts depth and clarity that is particularly striking in daylight scenes. This crispness showcases the camera's ability to capture sharp, detailed images, enhancing the film’s picturesque Grecian setting and intimate character moments with exceptional fluidity. However, it's important to note that some darker scenes exhibit slight shadow detail struggles, leading to minor fluctuations that stem from the original photography rather than mastering errors.

The technical prowess extends to the film's color grading, managed by Digital Intermediate Colorist Parke Gregg, ensuring that colors appear natural, balanced, and steadfast across various lighting conditions. This handling of colors contributes to the film's realistic ambiance, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the narrative's emotional depth and the authentic depiction of its settings. The audio side does not disappoint either; a fully digital soundtrack with 5.1 surround audio mastered from the original audio master files using Pro Tools HD enriches the viewing experience, ensuring audio fidelity that matches the visual excellence.

Significantly, potential buyers should be aware that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access. While this release reaffirms Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's 2013 release with minimal alterations to the sourced material, Criterion's dedication to preserving and presenting "Before Midnight" in its purest form is evident, making this release an essential addition for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate audio-visual quality.

The audio presentation of "Before Midnight" on Blu-ray is delivered through an exclusive English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, augmented by optional English SDH subtitles for viewers requiring them. This configuration underscores the release's commitment to providing a high-fidelity auditory experience, leveraging the advantages of a fully digital soundtrack. The technical quality of this audio track stands out, characterized by its clarity and the absence of any audio imperfections such as dropouts or distortions, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience.

Despite its technical excellence, it is important to note that "Before Midnight" is a film that prioritizes dialogue over auditory spectacle. This decision reflects in the audio track’s dynamic range, which, while impeccably clear and well-balanced, might not cater to the expectations of those accustomed to the more robust and enveloping soundscapes featured in action-heavy blockbusters. The mix maintains a focus on the spoken word, ensuring that every conversation is rendered with precision and nuance, crucial for a narrative deeply rooted in the interactions between its characters.

In essence, while "Before Midnight's" audio presentation might not dazzinate with aggressive surround effects or a bombastic score, its strength lies in its subtlety and the pristine quality of its dialogue reproduction. This deliberate audio design aligns perfectly with the film’s narrative priorities and artistic sensibilities. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track's fidelity and meticulous construction offer an immersive experience that complements the movie's intimate tone, proving that less can indeed be more in the realm of auditory engagement.

The Blu-ray extras for "Before Midnight" provide a rich, behind-the-scenes glance into the movie's creation and the ongoing development of its central characters, Jesse and Celine. "After Before," a documentary feature, grants exclusive insight into discussions among the creators and showcases raw shooting footage, immersing viewers in the filmmaking process. Furthermore, "Love Darkens and Deepens," an episode of Fresh Air, offers an engaging conversation on the film’s production and character evolution, significantly enriching the context of "Before Midnight" against its predecessors. Additionally, the inclusion of an insightful commentary by writer/director Richard Linklater and actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, brings a deeper understanding of the movie's creative journey, directly from its makers. These extras not only complement the main film but also serve as essential viewing for fans and cinephiles interested in the intricate layers of storytelling and character development.

Extras included in this disc:

• After Before: A documentary featuring discussions between Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, and Julie Delpy, alongside shooting footage.

• Love Darkens and Deepens: A Fresh Air episode discussing the production history and character evolution with Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, and Ethan Hawke.

• Commentary: An audio commentary by Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, and Julie Delpy, offering insights into the film's creation.

Richard Linklater's "Before Midnight," the third film in the critically acclaimed Before Trilogy, received its Criterion Blu-ray release with great anticipation. This edition differentiates itself from its initial 2013 Blu-ray release by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with a host of enriching special features. Besides the main feature, the disc is packed with an audio commentary by Linklater himself alongside stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, offering an in-depth look into the making and philosophical underpinnings of the film. Additionally, fans are treated to a nostalgic archival episode of Fresh Air with Terry Gross and a new documentary feature by co-producer and actor Athina Rachel Tsangari, enriching the contextual understanding of the movie's place within modern cinema.

The package is complemented by an illustrated leaflet which includes an insightful essay by critic Dennis Lim on The Before Trilogy, adding a critical perspective to the film's thematic and narrative continuity. The disc ensures accessibility with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature and remains Region-A locked, catering to its North American audience. This release not only celebrates the film's cinematic achievements but also provides comprehensive insights into its creation, themes, and legacy through its curated supplemental materials.

Technical aspects of the film's presentation on Blu-ray are meticulously preserved in this Criterion release, affirming its commitment to quality. The visual and auditory fidelity of "Before Midnight" is paramount, capturing the naturalistic essence and intimate conversations that hallmark Linklater’s direction and the deeply engaging performances of Hawke and Delpy. This release is essential for aficionados seeking to dive deeper into the film’s artistic and narrative intricacies, offering a definitive viewing experience that elevates the already high standards set by its theatrical presentation.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Before Midnight," the third installment in The Before Trilogy, exudes a sense of matured honesty and introspective depth that sets it apart from its predecessors. This edition, having been sourced from a 2K master under the supervision of director Richard Linklater, delivers an image quality that beautifully complements the film's intimate, candid, and raw exploration of love and aging. The visual fidelity is impeccable, showcasing the stunning locales and nuanced performances with an impressive clarity that enhances the viewing experience.

Furthermore, the technical aspects of this Blu-ray release are meticulously curated to ensure that the film's thematic essence and narrative complexity are faithfully preserved. The audio quality complements the visual presentation, ensuring that every line of dialogue, subtle sound effect, and ambient noise is conveyed with pristine clarity. This attention to technical detail underlines the film’s commitment to providing a genuinely immersive cinematic experience, underscoring the authenticity and emotional depth that characterize this concluding chapter.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Before Midnight" is an exemplary showcase of both technological excellence and narrative sophistication. It provides fans and newcomers alike with a mesmerizingly true-to-life representation of the film's exploration of love, commitment, and personal growth. The high-definition presentation not only honors Richard Linklater's visionary directorial approach but also ensures that this poignant story is accessible in its most visually and audibly stunning form. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for those who appreciate cinema that combines technical mastery with deep, resonant storytelling.