Experimenter Blu-ray Review

"Experimenter," directed by Michael Almereyda and shot by Ryan Samul, is presented on Blu-ray in a 1080p AVC-encoded transfer from Magnolia. The film features a textured, almost film-like image, likely the result of post-processing techniques aimed at creating a period look. This approach faithfully reproduces the period clothing and décor, particularly the iconic Milgram testing rooms. The color palette varies between cool, tranquil tones and warmer hues in the Milgram household, enhancing the emotional tone of the scenes. Stylized photographic effects like rear projections are clearly intentional and contribute to the film's unique aesthetic.

However, technical issues somewhat undermine the visual experience. Chief among these is noticeable banding, which frequently appears during scene transitions and fades. This detracts significantly from the film's otherwise high clarity. While close-ups are detailed and colors are vibrant in well-lit scenes, shadows present challenges with noticeable crushing and noise, impacting overall image quality. Despite an average bitrate of just over 25 Mbps, adequate for balancing drama and documentary elements, these persistent faults make the transfer fall short of typical Blu-ray standards.

Overall, "Experimenter" on Blu-ray offers a mixed visual experience. While it succeeds in portraying the film's textural and period-specific aesthetic, ongoing issues with banding and shadow detail detract from its potential quality, making it less than optimal for a high-definition viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Experimenter" on Blu-ray is perfectly suited to the film’s setting of labs, offices, and college classrooms, executed through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The soundtrack is understated, with a subdued environmental ambiance that complements the dialogue without overpowering it. Essential sounds like telephones, typewriters, and the simulated electric shocks are distinct and well-prioritized. The most striking element is the unsettling, jazz-inflected score by Brian Senti, which brings a mournful and detached undertone to Stanley Milgram's psychological inquiries.

Overall, this is a straightforward and front-heavy mix. Most of the sound emanates from the front and center channels, aligning well with the film’s play-like structure. The dialogue is meticulously clean and clear, maintaining prominence throughout the runtime—a crucial factor given the dialogue-driven nature of the story. While the soundtrack occasionally ventures into the surrounding soundfield, the rear channels remain mostly inactive. The subwoofer is used sparingly, mainly during lower notes in the soundtrack.

In technical terms, the mix remains solid with no noticeable issues. Voice prioritization is handled adeptly, ensuring clear placement relative to on-screen characters. By maintaining this focus on vocal clarity and positional accuracy, the audio track accomplishes exactly what is required without unnecessary embellishments.

The Blu-ray extras of "Experimenter" offer a short but well-rounded look into the film's production, historical basis, and set design. Featuring interviews with key figures such as actors Sarsgaard and Gaffigan, producers, and the real Alexandra Milgram, "The Making of Experimenter" provides an insightful yet succinct behind-the-scenes glimpse. "Understanding Stanley Milgram" stands out with Joel Milgram’s reflections on his brother, presenting a favorable comparison of the film’s portrayal to previous accounts. Production designer Deanna Sidney's input in "Designing Experimenter" enriches the understanding of the film’s historical re-creations and visual style. However, the promotional material from Magnolia Home Entertainment and the unresponsive BD-Live feature slightly detract from the overall package.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Experimenter: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews featuring cast and producers.
• Understanding Stanley Milgram: An Interview with Joel Milgram: Joel Milgram discusses Stanley Milgram's life and work.
• Designing Experimenter: Overview of set design and period piece creation.
• Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment: Trailers for various films and services.
• BD-Live: Currently inoperative.

"Experimenter," directed by Michael Almereyda, offers a fascinating and unconventional portrayal of social psychologist Stanley Milgram’s groundbreaking obedience experiments. Peter Sarsgaard adeptly embodies Milgram, injecting a quiet yet compelling intensity into the role. The film delves into Milgram’s controversial 1961-1962 experiments at Yale, where subjects, under the guise of a cognitive study, were instructed to administer increasingly severe electric shocks to a learner in another room. Unbeknownst to the subjects, the learner was part of Milgram’s team and only feigned discomfort. The majority of participants, a shocking 65%, continued to apply what they believed were potentially lethal shocks, revealing unsettling truths about human nature and obedience to authority.

Almereyda’s directorial choices enhance the film's unique narrative style. Eschewing traditional biopic formats, Almereyda employs a blend of documentary techniques, staged drama, and rear projection, with Milgram often breaking the fourth wall to address viewers directly. This stylistic approach, complete with metaphorical elements like an actual elephant representing unavoidable controversy, underscores the experimental essence of both Milgram’s work and the film itself. The meticulously detailed re-creations of the obedience experiments are particularly riveting, contrasting sharply with more surreal moments outside the lab that blend humor with profound philosophical inquiries.

"Experimenter" is anchored not just in historical reenactment but also in its exploration of broader themes regarding human nature and ethical dilemmas. The film juxtaposes Milgram’s professional challenges and societal backlash with glimpses into his personal life, notably his relationship with his supportive wife Sasha, played by Winona Ryder. The narrative fluidly shifts from lighter, playful scenes to serious, provocative discussions, encapsulating the complexity of Milgram’s legacy and the enduring relevance of his findings. Almereyda's visionary direction ensures "Experimenter" remains an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Experimenter," directed by Michael Almereyda, presents an artistic and thought-provoking portrayal of Stanley Milgram’s groundbreaking obedience experiments. Almereyda's direction is audacious and visually ambitious, challenging the conventional structure of biopics while skillfully highlighting the youthful enthusiasm of Milgram's team and the psychological intricacies of their work. The film effectively captures both the initial excitement of discovery and the subsequent societal backlash, provoking viewers to reflect on the unsettling truths behind human behavior.

Unfortunately, the technical quality of this Blu-ray release is somewhat disappointing. The video presentation lacks the crisp definition and visual fidelity one expects from a high-definition medium. The imagery often seems subpar, reminiscent of streaming content constrained by limited bandwidth rather than a physical media experience known for superior quality. Audio performance is serviceable but does not particularly stand out, offering clarity without notable flair.

The results of Milgram's obedience experiment may seem less controversial to a contemporary audience, but that is just a measure of how thoroughly Milgram's work has been absorbed into the social sciences and seeped into popular awareness (e.g., in Ghostbusters, which opens with Bill Murray administering a parody of Milgram's test). One of Experimenter's many accomplishments is how it captures the youthful enthusiasm of Milgram's team, their initial excitement as they encounter intriguing and unexpected results, and the incomprehension that Milgram experienced when his results generated such angry reactions. Everyone wants to believe they're a good person, but Milgram's work revealed just how fragile a bulwark goodness provides when people are put to the test. Highly recommended.