The Box Blu-ray Review

"The Box" makes its mark on Blu-ray with a 1080p High Definition presentation that captures the director's distinctive vision with fidelity. Shot entirely in digital and processed to evoke a 1970s ambiance, the film's visual styling, including its soft-focus sequences and a meticulous color palette, is by design, aiming to draw viewers into a bygone era with authenticity. Despite this intentional softness and somewhat subdued colors, the transfer shines in its clarity and depth, presenting a mix of deep, inky blacks and well-balanced contrast that keeps bright scenes vibrant and dark scenes detailed. The aspect ratio of 2.35:1 to 2.39:1 widescreen embraces every frame's composition, from dreamy hazes to the intricacies of costume and set design, inviting viewers to immerse themselves fully into the film's meticulous period detail.

The digital-to-digital VC-1 transfer is noted for its lack of imperfections, free from artifacting, banding, or noise reduction issues. Detail retention is remarkable, enhancing textures and backgrounds that contribute to the film's atmospheric depth. Special effects, though critiqued for their consistency, benefit greatly from this transfer, with digital augmentations and practical effects alike rendered with sharpness that complements rather than distracts from the narrative. The visual effects, particularly those that are more subdued and integral to the setting and time period, are lauded for their seamless integration.

However, it is not without its drawbacks. The creative choices in cinematography, including the use of diffusion filters and varying degrees of softness, alongside the sporadic incongruity in special effects quality, may alienate some viewers. Additionally, the stylized look leads to sequences that occasionally appear drab or flat, impacting the overall dynamism of the film's presentation. Yet, for those prepared for a movie experience that prioritizes directorial intention over conventional clarity, "The Box" offers a Blu-ray video presentation that is both technically proficient and faithful to its filmmaker's vision, supported by strong resolution and a clean, if non-traditional, aesthetic that stands out for its bold narrative execution and atmospheric depth.

The Box's Blu-ray audio presentation elicits mixed feelings, harboring weaknesses that notably affect the overall experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track exhibits a dichotomy in quality; dialogue comes across as inconsistent, ranging from flat and muddy in more dynamic environments to clear in static, indoor settings. This inconsistency is further exacerbated when character voices are obscured by the overlay of Arcade Fire's intense score or by overpowering ambient effects. The mix tends to be front-heavy, with rear speaker activity and LFE output not fully exploited, save for a few isolated instances that scarcely command attention. The score, despite these shortcomings, does receive its dues in places, standing out as a hauntingly atmospheric complement to the film's mood.

On the brighter side, the mix shines in its handling of various set pieces and detailed sound environments. Atmospheric sounds and action sequences are vividly captured, providing a sense of immersion that aligns with the film's aim for atmospheric tension. The dialogue, particularly in complex scenes with multiple sound layers, is well-prioritized, ensuring clarity amidst chaos. Additionally, the film’s score is treated with care, showcasing its eerie qualities and enhancing the overall tone of the movie. The soundtrack also benefits from the mix, with 1970s tracks rendered with clarity and depth.

However, this presentation betrays missed opportunities to elevate the film's audio experience to its full potential. The haunting score, though occasionally given its moment to shine, often feels underplayed due to the mix’s inadequacies in dynamics and spatial utilization. The mix’s inability to consistently leverage its rear channels and LFE diminishes the potential for a fully enveloping audio experience. Despite these criticisms, moments of well-executed sound design offer a glimpse into what could have been, had the mix taken full advantage of its surround capabilities and provided a more balanced, immersive soundscape.

The Blu-ray special features for "The Box" offer a mixed bag of insights and innovations that, while limited, prove intriguing for enthusiasts of the film and its underlying story. Director Richard Kelly's commentary is methodical, filling the air with production details, personal connections to the story, and a hint of philosophical musing—though it arguably lacks the fervor one might expect from such an ambitious project. "The Box: Grounded in Reality" and "Richard Matheson: In His Own Words" provide compelling, if brief, glimpses into the creative minds behind the film, with Kelly sharing intimate influences and Matheson discussing his storied career. The "Visual Effects Revealed" segments, though short, peel back the curtain on some of the film's more memorable visual feats. However, the three-part "Music Video Prequels" come off as a somewhat disconnected addition to the movie's universe. Collectively, these extras sketch a portrait of creative ambition and personal storytelling, albeit within a somewhat sparse supplementary package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Richard Kelly discusses the movie's production, themes, and connections to his own life.
• The Box: Grounded in Reality: A look into the real-life inspirations behind the film's central characters and story.
• Richard Matheson: In His Own Words: A brief interview with the legendary writer reflecting on his career and the adaptation of his story.
• Visual Effects Revealed: Segments detailing the creation of key visual effects in the film.
• Music Video Prequels: Three short films expanding on the movie's narrative through additional footage and music.

Richard Kelly's "The Box," an ambitious adaptation of Richard Matheson's "Button, Button," presents a perplexing moral quandary wrapped in the guise of a sci-fi thriller. Set in 1976 Virginia, it departs significantly from its source material, aspiring to expand a lean premise into a full-fledged narrative labyrinth. The film stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden as Norma and Arthur Lewis, a couple grappling with the ethical implications of a sinister proposition: push a button on a mysterious box and earn a million dollars, at the cost of an unknown individual's life. Despite commendable performances and intriguing character backstories influenced by Kelly's own parents, the movie struggles under the weight of its convoluted plot and thematic ambitions. The water coffin, nosebleeds, and eerie NASA connections are emblematic of Kelly's penchant for the uncanny, yet they contribute to a narrative that feels increasingly untethered and laborious.

The visual and auditory presentation on the Blu-ray is a mixed bag. While the video quality is aptly suitable for home viewing, enhancing the film’s period aesthetic and Langella’s haunting portrayal of the enigmatic Arlington Steward, the audio fails to match this standard, delivering a rather underwhelming experience. Despite these pitfalls, Langella’s performance emerges as a linchpin in the film’s appeal—his character embodying a dread-inducing charisma that nearly redeems the narrative's excesses.

Yet, as critics and fans will contest, "The Box" exemplifies both the promise and peril of Kelly’s directorial approach. It ambitiously melds philosophical inquiry with genre elements, striving for a chilling exploration of human nature and morality. However, it falters in its execution, ensnared by an overreliance on obfuscation and thematic overreach. This adaptation will likely intrigue Matheson enthusiasts and Kelly's loyal following while alienating others with its baffling plot developments and squandered potential. The divide between visionary ambition and narrative cohesion remains pronounced, making "The Box" a polarizing entry in Kelly’s oeuvre—a film that intrigues as much as it frustrates, a testament to unfulfilled potential shadowed by its Twilight Zone-esque setup.

"The Box" Blu-ray, evaluated on a high-caliber home theater setup including a JVC DLA-RS20 1080p HD projector and an Anthem AVM50v preamp among other refined components, presents a divisive yet intriguing viewing experience. The film, a Richard Kelly creation, oscillates between genius and indecipherability, with starkly polar reviews on its narrative and technical presentation. While some viewers might find themselves lost in its labyrinthine plot and peculiar performances, others will appreciate the deep psychological undertones and the complex relationship at its core.

Technically, the Blu-ray supports the film with a high-quality video transfer that captures Kelly's distinctive visuals with precision, though it falters slightly with a DTS-HD Master Audio track noted for its lack of clarity, which might disappoint audio purists seeking a more immersive experience. The supplemental features—though highlighted as mostly Blu-ray exclusive and enhancing the context for Kelly's aficionados—might leave the average viewer wanting more depth and breadth in content.

In conclusion, "The Box" on Blu-ray divides opinion both in terms of its storytelling and technical delivery. It stands as a testament to Richard Kelly's unconventional filmmaking approach, wrapped in a presentation that shines in visual fidelity but dimly echoes in its audio counterpart. For fans of Kelly's work or those who revel in cinema that challenges convention, this release is certainly worth exploring. Nonetheless, expectations should be moderated regarding its audio presentation and extras. As a cinematic curiosity, "The Box" might just be a peculiar gem worth pushing the button on, if only to witness how it diverges from mainstream narratives and settings.