La Sapienza Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "La Sapienza" is a meticulously crafted visual experience, delivering sharp clarity and impressive stabilization in cinematography. The 1080p image captures detailed textures, offering immersive views of both character expressions and architectural intricacies. Colors are presented with precision, featuring bright primaries and naturalistic tones that enhance the film’s settings, both interior and exterior. This attention to chromatic accuracy and color grading contributes to a true-to-life presentation, highlighting facial details and the craftsmanship of buildings.

Furthermore, the image's high level of clarity is striking, often making it seem as though the actors are present in the viewing room. This realism, however, can sometimes make close-ups appear awkwardly intense. Nonetheless, colors are exceptionally vibrant, with reds and blues appearing particularly striking. The black levels are deep and rich, creating an excellent sense of dimensionality. The transfer is virtually flawless, with secure delineation that allows for an untroubled appreciation of the scene's intricate details. Overall, "La Sapienza" offers a highly satisfying visual presentation that supports a deeply engaging viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "La Sapienza" on Blu-ray leverages a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that is intentionally subdued but immensely effective. Dialogue exchanges stand out with remarkable clarity and precision, providing a deeply immersive experience. These exchanges are crisp, direct, and maintain a focused presence in the center channels, ensuring every word is articulated with clean, tight silences during pauses. Though the film is dialogue-heavy, the subtle and yet effective use of the surround channels cannot be understated. Gusts of wind, ambient sounds within a quiet cathedral, and everyday nuances of life are masterfully incorporated, rounding out the soundscape profoundly.

Music within the film is notably minimalistic, yet when it does appear, such as in a club sequence or through choral selections, it resonates beautifully. The low-end beats are robust and rounded, adding a dynamic layer to the atmospheric presentation. Specifically, interior scenes are rendered with evocative echoes that enhance spatial awareness, while exterior scenes accurately convey wildlife and background activities, enriching the overall auditory experience. While this mix may not be the most dynamic in cinematic history, its nuanced application perfectly aligns with the narrative intent, delivering an audio experience that is both impressive and compelling.

The Blu-ray extras for "La Sapienza" provide an in-depth look into the artistic and technical aspects of the film. The director Eugene Green's interview is particularly enlightening, delving into his unique directorial approach and the influence of Robert Bresson on his work. "Le Signes," Green's 2006 short film, complements "La Sapienza" by offering insight into his cinematic style. The inclusion of a theatrical trailer offers a concise preview of the film. The booklet, featuring an essay by Nick Pinkerton and a collection of photos, adds another layer of context to enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Booklet: Contains ten pages of photos and an essay by Nick Pinkerton.
• Interview: Director Eugene Green discusses his artistic vision and directing techniques.
• Le Signes: A 2006 short film by Eugene Green featuring Mathieu Amalric and Christelle Prot.
• Theatrical Trailer: A brief introduction to the film’s themes and stylistic elements.

Eugéne Green's "La Sapienza" is a visually arresting film that revels in stillness and architectural grandeur, transforming its narrative into a carefully composed tableau. Raphael O'Byrne's cinematography is exquisite, presenting lush and vivid shots of Rome's intricate architecture. The film employs symmetrical framing and prolonged camera holds on unique architectural features that make it a feast for the eyes. However, these artistic choices also create an uncomfortable viewing experience, as the film often shifts into extreme close-ups of actors who deliver stilted, emotionless dialogue while staring directly into the camera. This unconventional approach can distract from the film's emotional undertones and philosophical aspirations.

Plot-wise, "La Sapienza" follows famed French architect Alexandre Schmidt and his wife Aliénor as they seek to rejuvenate their strained marriage during a trip to Italy. Their journey through the magnificent works of Baroque architect Borromini serves as the backdrop for encounters with siblings Goffredo, an architecture student, and Lavinia, who suffers from a nervous disorder. These interactions allow Alexandre to reconnect with his lost creative vigor and provide Aliénor with a surrogate maternal role. The characters embark on a personal journey that has far-reaching implications on both their professional lives and their interpersonal relationships.

Despite its visual brilliance, "La Sapienza" can be frustrating in its storytelling. The film's heavy-handed thematic exposition on human interaction and the appreciation of beauty becomes repetitive and undermines character development. Conversations feel detached and inauthentic, marred by distracting pauses and an insistence on using POV photography that alienates the viewer. While its critique of modern society's superficial engagements is clear, the execution can come across as condescending. Thus, while it stands as a masterclass in visual aesthetics, "La Sapienza" struggles with emotional connectivity and narrative coherence, making it a challenging but thought-provoking watch.

La Sapienza is a film that caters to the discerning viewer, offering a unique cinematic experience marked by its experimental nature and deliberate pacing. It's not intended for casual audiences; the film’s approach can seem disjointed and soporific, especially in the initial stages. However, for those who appreciate unconventional storytelling and nuanced thematic exploration, La Sapienza presents a compelling journey, underpinned by rich cinematic undertones that guide the production past its methodical tempo.

In terms of production values, La Sapienza excels. The movie’s framing is exquisite, and its immaculate photography is a visual treat. This level of artistry contributes significantly to its overall impact, though it might not suffice to engage all viewers. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of the film is technically impressive, offering a flawless audiovisual presentation that enhances the film’s visual and auditory appeal, albeit with somewhat limited extras. More informative supplemental material could have enriched the viewing experience, providing context and depth to the film’s challenging narrative.

La Sapienza is designed for cinephiles ready to delve into its complex thematic layers and patient storytelling style. While it may not be broadly approachable or particularly entertaining in traditional terms, its artistic merits make it worth considering for those curious or appreciative of avant-garde cinema. The film invites viewers to a thoughtful watch rather than a casual view, making it a specialized recommendation rather than a mainstream must-see.