Tale of Tales Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Matteo Garrone's "Tale of Tales" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer courtesy of Shout Factory. This release appears to be sourced from the same master used for the UK market by Curzon Artificial Eye, given that the film was shot digitally using the Arri Alexa XT camera. Detail, clarity, and depth maintain a consistent quality, albeit with brightness levels that may appear slightly lower. Notable is the film’s color stability and image stability, which remain exceptional throughout, despite some minor fluctuations during darker sequences.

However, there are critical discrepancies between exterior and interior scenes. Exterior scenes exhibit gorgeous detail work and a robust color palette that stands out, making these segments a visual delight. Conversely, the interior scenes suffer significantly from tampered white levels, leading to a pervasive white hue that compromises these shots. For example, key dramatic moments such as John C. Reilly’s underwater encounter are marred by overly bright and murky visuals, necessitating multiple viewings to discern details clearly.

In conclusion, while the exterior visuals of this transfer set a high bar with exquisite detailing and vivid colors, the interior scenes disappoint due to excessive manipulation of white levels. This disparity results in an uneven viewing experience that undermines the cinematographic integrity of the film.

The Blu-ray release of “Tale of Tales” presents two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The clarity and depth of the fully digital soundtrack are commendable, though the overall dynamic intensity may not satisfy those accustomed to the aggressive mixes of blockbuster films. Dialog delivery remains consistently clear, stable, and effortless to follow throughout the presentation.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, although predominantly front-heavy, effectively supports the film’s ambience. While the movie features ample dialog and minimal action sequences, the sound designer has strategically utilized the surrounds and subwoofer during pivotal moments. Noteworthy scenes like the underwater fight and Dora’s fall exhibit substantial bass impact, demonstrating that the audio track can deliver when required. This mix eschews constant intensity for subtler, mood-appropriate enhancements, effectively enriching the viewing experience without overwhelming it.

In addition to the standard audio options, optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are available, appearing neatly within the image frame when activated. This audio setup, while perhaps more subdued than those found in high-energy blockbusters, serves “Tale of Tales” well, ensuring both the quiet subtleties and sporadic intensities of the film are capably represented.

The Blu-ray extras for "Tale of Tales" provide a comprehensive and engaging dive into the film's production. The highlight, "Making of Tale of Tales," is an in-depth documentary that meticulously covers all facets of the movie, from set and costume design to character motivations and cinematography, offering an unexpectedly thorough examination for a film of this scale. Supplementary materials include the original theatrical trailer and TV spots, all presented in high-definition without subtitles. These extras collectively enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer: Original trailer for "Tale of Tales".
Making of Tale of Tales: Detailed documentary chronicling the production.
TV Spots: Two original TV spots from IFC Films.

"Tale of Tales," directed by Matteo Garrone and based on Giambattista Basile's 17th-century novel, brings to life three interwoven stories with striking visuals and an ensemble cast. This neo-Baroque fantasy film comes alive through the skilled lens of cinematographer Peter Suschitzky using the Arri Alexa camera, capturing the lush period details with finesse. The film stands out in its originality, despite a perceived unevenness in narrative focus. The engrossing orchestral score by Alexandre Desplat adds further depth, accentuating the film's dramatic flair.

The first story stars John C. Reilly and Salma Hayek as a king and queen desperate for a child, resulting in an unusual and somewhat absurd promise involving a sea creature’s heart. Despite Salma Hayek’s compelling performance, this segment feels both climactic and anticlimactic in its narrative execution. The second storyline, featuring Vincent Cassel as a hedonistic king infatuated with a woman's voice, is arguably the weakest. It unfolds predictably without much emotional depth and fails to leverage Cassel’s talents fully. The third and most complete story features Toby Jones as a king whose peculiar obsession leads to a wrenching arrangement for his daughter. This narrative is balanced well in terms of pacing and provides a fulfilling conclusion compared to the other segments.

Overall, "Tale of Tales" is visually opulent and imaginatively ambitious but stumbles with its multi-threaded narrative structure, leaving some plots thin and undeveloped. While it does not entirely realize its potential, the film offers enough unique elements to fascinate audiences, akin to watching a lavishly illustrated storybook come to life. Each tale encapsulates a twist on classic folklore woven into intricate depictions of obsession and consequence, providing a visual feast while inviting varied interpretations.

Matteo Garrone's first English-language film "Tale of Tales" intricately weaves together three enchanting narratives drawn from Giambattista Basile's 17th-century fairy tales. A meticulously crafted period piece, the film will captivate audiences who appreciate the dark elegance of works like "Brotherhood of the Wolf". The Blu-ray release by Shout Factory boasts a stellar technical presentation, with exceptional video and audio quality that significantly enhances the viewing experience. However, while the visual craftsmanship and ambitious storytelling are commendable, the film's narrative structure poses some challenges.

The three stories within "Tale of Tales" offer varied experiences. Salma Hayek delivers a strong performance in her gripping tale, although it falters with an unsatisfying conclusion. Vincent Cassel's storyline, despite his charismatic presence, feels superfluous and fails to engage effectively throughout. Conversely, Toby Jones's narrative stands out with its smooth flow and satisfying arc, even if it seems underdeveloped to warrant an entire feature. The ensemble cast brings depth to the characters, yet the film occasionally struggles with balancing the storylines, resulting in an uneven pacing that might leave some viewers wanting more cohesion.

In conclusion, "Tale of Tales" is an ambitiously stylish film that melds fantasy and drama with a unique aesthetic flair. While it may not fully achieve narrative perfection, its visual splendor and distinctive storytelling make it a noteworthy addition to any collection. Shout Factory's Blu-ray presentation ensures that fans can enjoy the film in its best possible form. Highly recommended for those who appreciate ambitious, visually driven cinema with a dark, whimsical edge.