Tideland Blu-ray Review

"Tideland" is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its intended 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The High Definition master, supplied by Universal, retains elements indicative of an older transfer, maintaining continuity with the HD DVD release from 2007. Cinematographer Nicola Peccorini's use of fisheye lenses and unique framing contributes to a hallucinogenic aesthetic, leading to instances where the frame edges are slightly out of focus or shots lose clarity and grain structure. The color palette skews toward yellow, but overall detail levels remain consistent.

While the Blu-ray maintains much of the original theatrical experience, there are signs of electronic sharpening, resulting in edge ringing artifacts. Grain can appear noisy in places, and wideshots occasionally lack detail. Black levels and contrast calibration also come into question, leading to elevated black levels and crushed whites in bright scenes. Colors often seem digitally manipulated, appearing oversaturated or artificial in many scenes.

Despite these issues, the Blu-ray does not fall short to a detrimental level. Detail suffices for most large-scale views, maintaining adequate visual integrity across various screens. Small-screen viewers may find it satisfactory, though projection reveals its limitations. The effort to stay true to Gilliam's vision is evident, but there is ample room for improvement with a potential fresh film scan. Overall, it delivers a passable experience that could significantly benefit from modern standards enhancement.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Tideland" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that delivers a quality soundscape fitting for the film's eclectic and immersive narrative. The surround channels are employed effectively, with outdoor scenes benefiting from the subtle environmental sounds that enhance the sense of immersion. The sound mix showcases the Danna Brothers' charming score, with its lush and layered compositions providing a rich auditory backdrop. Dialogue is consistently clean and clear, maintaining intelligibility despite the varied accents and mumbling tone of Jeff Bridges' character, Jeliza-Rose. No issues with distortion or dropouts were noticed, ensuring a seamless listening experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in presenting environmental details subtly but effectively, making creative use of the surround channels without overwhelming the viewer. Sounds like flies buzzing around the house are rendered so realistically that they create a palpable sense of presence within the viewing space. While the rear channels are generally restrained, they come to life during fantasy sequences, adding a layer of aggression and immersion appropriate for these segments. Bass response is adequate but does not delve deeply into the low-end, though it delivers sufficient punch during key moments. Overall, this audio mix provides a solid and satisfying presentation that complements the film's unique atmosphere.

The Blu-ray extra features of "Tideland" provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look, though they comprise recycled content from previous DVD and Blu-ray versions. Highlights include an engaging and somewhat defensive commentary by Terry Gilliam and Tony Grisoni, detailed documentary on the making process by Vincenzo Natali, and various brief featurettes that give insights into specific aspects of production such as green screen work and deleted scenes. Interviews with the cast and crew add depth, while the B-Roll footage offers raw, unstructured glimpses of the filmmaking process. Below is a formatted list of the included extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Terry Gilliam and Tony Grisoni: Detailed discussion on filmmaking challenges and artistic intentions.
• Getting Gilliam: A documentary by Vincenzo Natali exploring the making of the film.
• The Making of Tideland: Brief EPK with interviews and movie clips.
• Filming Green Screen: Analysis of specific special effects sequences.
• Deleted Scenes: Short scenes with Gilliam's commentary.
• Interviews: Conversations with Terry Gilliam, Jeremy Thomas, and main cast members.
• B Roll Footage: Unstructured, raw behind-the-scenes clips.
• Gallery: Animated montage of production photos.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.
• Introduction by Terry Gilliam: The director's preemptive note to viewers.

Tideland, directed by Terry Gilliam, presents a complex and disturbing narrative that intrigues with its audacity. Adapted from Mitch Cullin's novel, it follows young Jeliza-Rose, portrayed poignantly by Jodelle Ferland, as she navigates a harrowing life punctuated by parental neglect and escapism into fantasy. The film begins with a jarring portrayal of her father's (Jeff Bridges) heroin addiction and her mother's (Jennifer Tilly) erratic behavior, setting a dark tone that persists throughout. Gilliam’s stylistic trademarks—skewed framings and surreal visuals—enhance the unsettling nature of Jeliza-Rose's reality, drawing inevitable comparisons to Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, albeit in a far more grim and nightmarish context.

Set against the desolate backdrop of an abandoned farmhouse, Tideland further accentuates its eerie atmosphere with bizarre supporting characters like the impaired Dell (Janet McTeer) and her brother Dickens (Brendan Fletcher). Gilliam's narrative choices challenge the audience, often leading to a sense of disorientation and discomfort. The themes of childhood resilience and the refuge of imagination are explored through Jeliza-Rose’s interactions with disembodied doll heads, which symbolically offer comfort in her isolating world. While the film achieves moments of visual brilliance reminiscent of Gilliam’s earlier works, it frequently confronts viewers with its provocative content, making heavy use of disconcerting elements such as death and implied sexuality.

Ultimately, Tideland is as polarizing as it is visually compelling. With critics divided and some diehard fans perceiving it as Gilliam's masterpiece, the film’s reception reflects its controversial nature. The Arrow Blu-ray release ensures that Gilliam’s uncompromised vision is accessible, featuring a meticulously crafted presentation without studio interference. Despite technical excellence and exceptional performances, particularly from Ferland, Tideland's deliberate unpleasantries and thematic provocations present an artistic project that is often difficult to digest, standing as one of Gilliam’s most challenging cinematic ventures.

Tideland," directed by Terry Gilliam, is a divisive film that combines elements of grotesque fantasy with moments of emotional depth. Leading the charge is an impressive performance by young actress Jodelle Ferland as Jeliza-Rose, who navigates the film's unique and surreal world. The supporting cast, true to Gilliam's eclectic style, delivers bizarre yet memorable performances. However, the film itself struggles with cohesion, as its striking visual narrative often overshadows an underdeveloped storyline, leaving some viewers disconnected.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Tideland" provides a commendable technical presentation. The picture quality, though dated, remains adequate for this high-definition format, preserving Gilliam's distinctive visual flair. The sound quality is good, contributing effectively to the film's unsettling atmosphere. The supplementary materials, while not groundbreaking, are a solid addition and round out the package for fans of Gilliam's work. Those familiar with the director's penchant for excess will appreciate the effort in the extras, even if new insights are sparse.

In conclusion, "Tideland" is undoubtedly a product of Gilliam's unrestrained creativity, embodying a unique and complex narrative that has both passionate supporters and vocal detractors. While not a universally easy watch due to its grotesque and dark themes, the film carries artistic merit worth recognizing. Arrow Video's Blu-ray release offers a respectable upgrade for existing fans, though it's not recommended as a blind purchase. As always with Gilliam's work, maintaining an open mind is essential to fully appreciating "Tideland.