All Good Things Blu-ray Review

"All Good Things" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p/AVC encode on a dual-layer 50 GB disc, courtesy of Magnolia Home Entertainment. The high-definition transfer maintains a natural filmic appearance with a fine grain structure, ensuring no Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) or excessive edge enhancement is applied. Predominantly defined by a chilly bluish cast, the film effectively sets an appropriately bleak mood. Skin tones may appear pallid, but this is an intentional effect. The colors remain strong and well-saturated even in the frostiest scenes, although black levels typically hover around a deep grey. The encode stands solid with no noticeable compression problems, like banding, macroblocking, or errant artifacts.

The 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC transfer showcases a slightly washed-out palette but offers good clarity and contrast. A modicum of grain lends the image a welcome grit and realistic feel, with exteriors exuding nice depth. Colors maintain a natural look and flesh tones are stable and true throughout. Intricate details like garish '70s fashions and facial textures are crisply resolved. Certain shots, such as reflections through a sliding glass door, exhibit crystal-clear quality. Although some noise creeps into the background of low-light sequences, especially around the one-hour mark, the overall presentation remains clean and faithful to the original source without any digital enhancements or imperfections.

The Audio presentation of the Blu Ray of "All Good Things" is furnished with a robust lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This format provides a soundscape that, while not overtly flashy, is meticulously crafted to complement the film's menacing yet subtle narrative. The score, punctuated by sharp violins reminiscent of "Psycho," effectively builds tension. There is a heavy reliance on ambient noises, such as bird calls, wind, and rain, with the rear channels actively contributing to the atmospheric experience. A fluorescent hum in a tiled bathroom and the rumbling thunder are captured with precision. Additionally, seamless cross-channel effects, like a car moving from left to right, enhance the immersion. Rob Simonsen's score is notable for its fullness and force, particularly in the low-end frequencies, and the strings’ timbre is clear and distinct.

Furthermore, the mix excels in delivering clear and dynamic sound with detailed stereo separation. The ambient effects are spread adeptly across the rears, creating a wide and engaging audio field that pulls viewers into the scene. The musical elements, from Steely Dan tunes to the instrumental score, resonate with rich fidelity and tonal depth. Dialogue remains well-prioritized and clean throughout the film, ensuring clarity even during mumbled speech. There is no distortion, surface noise, or dropout issues detected. Though not an extravagant audio track filled with bells and whistles, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix provides a nuanced and crisp auditory experience that enhances the viewing of "All Good Things."

The Blu-ray release of "All Good Things" includes a commendable collection of extras that provide substantial context and depth to this true-life mystery. The standout feature is undoubtedly the commentary with director Andrew Jarecki and the real Robert Durst, offering candid insights into Durst’s life. The alternate commentary with Jarecki and screenwriters Marcus Hinchey and Marc Smerling delivers a conventional yet enriching dissection of the film’s narrative and production elements. The deleted scenes add fascinating character nuances, while the making-of documentaries meticulously explore the film’s research process and real-life inspirations. Additional features, such as the time-lapse footage of Ryan Gosling's transformation and a detailed interview with Jarecki, round out this impressive package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Andrew Jarecki and Robert Durst: Insightful answers from Durst about his life as depicted on film.
• Commentary with Andrew Jarecki, Marcus Hinchey, and Marc Smerling: Traditional discussion on character analysis and scene veracity.
• Deleted Scenes: Four scenes providing deeper character insight.
• All Good Things: Truth in Fiction: Making-of documentary with interviews of cast and crew.
• Back in Time: Researching the Original Story: Interviews with associates close to the Durst case.
• Wrinkles in Time: Ryan Ages: Time-lapse footage of Ryan Gosling in makeup.
• Beneath the Surface of All Good Things: Interview with Andrew Jarecki: Extensive sit-down with director Andrew Jarecki.
• Also From Magnolia Home Entertainment Blu-ray: Trailers for upcoming releases and HDNet promo.

Andrew Jarecki's "All Good Things" takes a detailed and dramatized look at the enigmatic case of Robert Durst, mirroring the perplexity of the real-life events it depicts. The narrative commences in the early 1970s, with Ryan Gosling portraying David Marks (based on Durst) and Kirsten Dunst as Katie McCarthy (Kathleen McKormack). Jarecki's period-accurate depiction of New York's seedy areas and affluent social strata set the stage for an intense exploration of character dynamics and societal pressures. The film effectively compresses significant life events into its runtime, presenting David’s progression from a reserved, socially awkward heir to a tormented individual entangled in dark crime. The plot addresses David's reluctance to follow his father Sanford Marks (Frank Langella) into the family’s cutthroat real estate business, leading to psychological strain and eventual violence.

From a structural standpoint, "All Good Things" employs an intricate mix of flashbacks and real-time sequences, artfully interweaving David's trial testimony with his turbulent past. This non-linear narrative enhances the underlying tension and echoes the unresolved mysteries surrounding Durst. Moments of ambiguity and surreal tangents, such as David’s bizarre cross-dressing phase while hiding in Texas, add dramatic depth while remaining grounded in historical plausibility. The screenplay by Marcus Hinchey and Marc Smerling excels in providing nuanced character studies, dissecting motivations behind each pivotal action. However, despite the engaging setup and character complexity, the storyline suffers a loss of momentum post-Katie’s disappearance, impacting emotional investment.

Performance-wise, the film is bolstered by its standout cast. Gosling deftly embodies David’s internal conflict with subdued intensity, while Dunst delivers a compelling portrayal of a wife grappling with a deteriorating marriage. Langella and Philip Baker Hall contribute layered performances that lend credibility to their roles. The score, while overly dramatic at times, complements the movie’s haunting ambiance. Overall, "All Good Things" presents a gripping examination of a notorious mystery but falls just short of achieving true cinematic greatness due to its occasionally melodramatic execution and pacing inconsistencies.

All Good Things on Blu-ray presents a gripping true-crime narrative that should appeal to fans of the genre. Kirsten Dunst delivers a superior performance, with Ryan Gosling providing solid support in portraying one of New York's most infamous unsolved cases. While the film's pacing slows after the first hour, it remains an engrossing psychological study. The Blu-ray edition is marked by above-average video quality and nuanced audio that enhances the viewing experience.

Technically, the Blu-ray boasts excellent visual fidelity, capturing the film's dark and moody atmosphere with clarity and depth. The audio mix is equally impressive, delivering a balanced and immersive experience that complements the film's tension and drama. Bonus materials include several hours of insightful content, adding significant value for those interested in delving deeper into the story behind the film.

True-crime fans will definitely want to check out All Good Things, which has all the essentials—a screwed-up family, grisly murders, an enigmatic main character, and a dark, still-unsolved mystery. The film did not perform well in theaters, but hopefully, it will find its audience on Blu-ray, where it looks great, sounds great, and offers several hours of insightful bonus materials.