In the Family Blu-ray Review

"In the Family" utilizes the RED system, shot by cinematographer Frank Barrera. The Blu-ray features a 1080p AVC-encoded transfer taken directly from digital files, ensuring no loss in resolution or analog artifacts. The image quality is characterized by noiseless and detailed visuals typical of RED photography, delivering true blacks and realistic colors without exaggeration. Extensive post-production color correction, as demonstrated by director Patrick Wang in the Sculpting a Scene feature, allows for subtle alterations in contrast and shadows to guide viewer focus. Despite the meticulous care, the Blu-ray transfer is not entirely flawless, occasionally showing light banding during fadeouts. Nonetheless, artifacts and compression errors are minimal to non-existent.

The high-definition presentation shines in brightly lit scenes and close-ups, effectively showcasing the naturalistic style of storytelling intended by Wang and Barrera. However, the transfer does face challenges in darker scenes or those relying heavily on natural lighting, where issues like haziness, crush, and banding become apparent. These imperfections highlight the limitations faced by independent filmmakers in achieving a perfect picture. Despite these shortcomings, certain moments stand out for their exquisite detail and contrast. A notably well-shot scene between Joey and his lawyer Paul, lit brilliantly via a window emitting intense light, exemplifies the fine craftsmanship achieved in parts of this indie film. While the overall image quality may seem uneven at times, it seldom detracts from the film's impactful presentation.

The Blu-ray presentation of "In the Family" offers two audio options: a lossless PCM 2.0 track and a lossy DD 5.1 track at 640 kbps. Upon comparison, the DD 5.1 track presented a distracting quality, with voices sounding hollow and detached, and exaggerated sound effects that overwhelmed the dialogue. Conversely, the PCM 2.0 track provided a much better balance, delivering more natural vocal quality and clearer intelligibility. It is noteworthy that the PCM track needs to be selected manually as the Blu-ray defaults to the 5.1 track. Given these observations, the PCM 2.0 track is recommended for an optimal audio experience.

The film's quiet and contemplative nature directs the audio mix towards emphasizing clarity of the actors' lines rather than immersive sound effects. While the DD 5.1 track does a satisfactory job conveying dialogue indoors, it falls short in providing enveloping ambient and atmospheric sounds. This is particularly evident in outdoor scenes where background noises, such as children playing or traffic, are faint and lack depth. The PCM 2.0 track, however, maintains a proper balance of environmental noises and dialogue, ensuring credibility and authenticity in each scene. Additionally, music elements from musician Chip Taylor are cleanly rendered within the soundscape, contributing subtly but effectively to the film's atmosphere.

Ultimately, "In the Family" relies on its audio mix to convey emotion and dialogue with clarity. Despite the DD 5.1 track's shortcomings in ambient sound representation, both tracks manage to serve the film's overall narrative intent effectively. The PCM 2.0 track, however, stands out in providing superior stereo separation and a natural auditory experience, critical for fully appreciating this dialogue-driven film.

The Blu-ray extras for "In the Family" offer a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the film's filmmaking process, featuring a balanced mix of technical insights and creative discussions. The collected video essays, each brought to life by voices integral to the film's creation, encompass detailed analyses of narrative techniques, cinematography, and directorial decisions. From Kevin B. Lee's critical evaluation of character dynamics and pacing, to H.P. Mendoza's empathetic reflections on audience engagement, and Patrick Wang's in-depth takes on scene construction, editing choices, and sound design, these features provide a rich understanding of the film's nuanced storytelling. Additionally, behind-the-scenes footage offers a raw look at the audition processes and behind-camera decisions that shaped the final production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Video Essay: Simple Expressions of Absolute Values: Insights from Kevin B. Lee on character portrayal, space, pacing.
• Video Essay: The Mirror to Nature: H.P. Mendoza discusses empathy and audience interaction.
• Video Essay: A Tour of the Cutting Room: Patrick Wang explains excluded scenes and editing rationale.
• Video Essay: Sculpting a Scene: Patrick Wang on scene development, focusing on the Drunk Cody scene.
• Behind the Scenes: Featurette from auditions to principal photography.
• Theatrical Trailer: Overview of the film’s premise without revealing extensive details.
• Insert Booklet: Essays by notable critics and commentators.

Patrick Wang's debut feature, "In the Family," distinguishes itself markedly from contemporary independent and studio films, blending meticulous craftsmanship with nuanced storytelling. The narrative swiftly immerses the viewer in the lives of Joey Williams (played by Wang) and his partner, Cody Hines, along with their son Chip. The early scenes meticulously convey the dynamics within this non-traditional family through simple, everyday interactions. Wang's background in theater is evident; he strategically avoids unnecessary camera movements and edits, preferring extended takes that allow the actors' performances to unfold naturally. The film’s pace requires audience patience but rewards with deep emotional resonance. Influences from Bergman and Cassavetes are palpable, emphasizing character and dialogue over visual grandiosity.

Set in the modest-sized town of Martin, Tennessee, "In the Family" eschews overt drama in favor of personal intimacy and subtlety. The plot pivots around the tragic death of Cody and the ensuing custody battle over Chip. Despite initial appearances of an "issue movie," Wang deftly subverts expectations by focusing on individual experiences rather than broad social commentary. As Joey battles legal and familial obstacles, Wang captures profound emotional depth with understated yet powerful sequences—transformative moments achieved through deliberate pacing and long, continuous shots. By concentrating on Joey’s journey, not as a mere legal conflict but as a profound human experience, the film exhibits a tender exploration of loss, family bonds, and societal misperceptions.

The subtlety extends to the film’s technical aspects, where static camera placements and long takes emphasize Joey's perspective without signaling a clear Point of View (POV). The decision to frequently position Joey off-center or showing only parts of him visually underscores his status as an outsider yearning for acceptance within his makeshift family and community. "In the Family" sidesteps typical melodramatic pitfalls associated with issue-centric films, offering instead a richly woven narrative that prioritizes human decency and understanding above all else.

Patrick Wang's film “In the Family” arrives in this Blu-ray release as an underappreciated gem ripe for rediscovery. The movie explores powerful themes, such as family values, gay parenting, racial stereotyping, and gender politics, yet manages to navigate these ideological complexities with remarkable grace. The strength of the film lies in its focus on the small everyday deeds of its characters, which create an intimate and emotionally resonant drama. Wang's ability to supplant the grandiose spectacles typically associated with such themes with genuine moments of kindness and love is profoundly poignant.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray release are meticulously crafted, offering an exceptionally clear and finely detailed presentation. The high-definition transfer maintains the subtle nuances in lighting and color, critical to the film's emotional tone. The sound design is equally impressive, with a balanced dynamic range that adds depth to the dialogue-driven narrative without overwhelming it. This home release also includes additional features that enrich the viewer’s understanding of Patrick Wang’s directorial choices and thematic intentions. Such extras offer compelling reasons for both connoisseurs and new viewers to add this film to their collections.

As I considered what to write for this review, I was struck by the degree to which Wang’s film overlaps thematically with another that, on the surface, it in no way resembles. In the first chapter of Peter Jackson's blockbuster trilogy "The Hobbit," the wizard Gandalf is asked why he asked a halfling to join his dangerous mission. He replies: “I have found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay... small acts of kindness and love.” That sentiment is the emotional core of "The Hobbit” (and arguably, too, of “The Lord of the Rings”), and it is also the center of “In the Family.” Patrick Wang has said that the film is informed by his belief that there are good people in the world, and his story presents a thicket of potentially impenetrable ideological traps (family values, gay parenting, gender politics, racial stereotyping), all of which end up being defeated—or at least evaded—by the ability of good people to act towards one another with kindness and love. Peter Jackson’s construction of mammoth spectacle on this simple foundation is a logistical triumph, but Wang’s success at creating compelling intimate drama on the same theme is no less of a challenge. If it were easy, more people would do it. For those willing to make the effort, highest recommendation.