A Separation Blu-ray Review

Sony’s Blu-ray presentation of "A Separation" from 35mm film offers an impressive and cinematic 1080p high-definition transfer. Colors are well-rendered with a natural, balanced palette incorporating earth tones like browns, greens, and blacks. Notably, Simin's striking red hair provides a vibrant contrast, enhancing the film’s visual appeal. Flesh tones mostly remain consistent with slight variations, complementing the film's geographical setting. Blacks are solid, shadow detail is estimable, and there’s only mild banding observed in parts, specifically during the opening credits. Sporadic white flecks and edge halos are noted but are not overly distracting.

Detail is a standout element, with close-ups revealing complex textures—from Nader’s beard to the fine creases on Simin's scarf. Structural elements like the courthouse and hospital appear lived-in and detailed. The light grain structure maintains a filmic texture, enhancing the overall gritty yet nuanced look intended by the filmmakers. Resolution does fluctuate slightly, likely inherent to the photography, but this never undermines the image fidelity. Overall, while room for minor improvements exists, the Blu-ray transfer delivers a stable and consistent experience without overt signs of compression artifacts or substantial video anomalies, making it a solid representation of the film's visual intent.

The Blu-ray presentation of "A Separation" features a DTS-HD MA 3.0 lossless soundtrack available in both Persian/Farsi and French languages, with English subtitles automatically enabled. The track is designed to complement the film's dialogue-driven narrative, rendering it with exceptional clarity and precise front-end spacing. The dialogue remains clear and evenly distributed across the center channel, regardless of the characters' inflections or locations. Notable scenes, such as the heated exchange between Nader and Simin at the start, maintain focus despite a slightly shallow sound, while crowded environments like courthouses and hospital hallways benefit from subtle but effective ambient noise that enhances the sense of place and activity.

Though the soundtrack may seem flat to those accustomed to more dynamic audio mixes, it serves the film's needs perfectly. The lack of an immersive surround experience is fitting, given the film’s limited demand for robust background effects. The mix excels in its ability to handle multiple overlapping conversations, often featuring three or four characters speaking simultaneously, which it distinguishes and positions accurately within the front speakers. Low-frequency effects (LFE) are minimal, so don't expect vigorous use of your subwoofer. Overall, the DTS-HD MA 3.0 mix is adept at delivering a clear, coherent auditory experience that aligns seamlessly with the film’s central focus on dialogue, ensuring all spoken words are intelligible and contributing to a cohesive viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Separation" offer a compelling and insightful look into the creative process behind the acclaimed film. The audio commentary with writer/director Asghar Farhadi stands out as a must-watch, providing in-depth insights into the film's production, shooting techniques, and character development, all while encouraging viewers to draw their own conclusions. Additionally, "An Evening with Asghar Farhadi" and "Birth of a Director" deliver rich content that delves into Farhadi's inspirations, personal experiences, and early career, supplemented by engaging Q&A sessions. Together, these extras provide both fans and cinephiles with a deeper appreciation of Farhadi's craft.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with writer/director Asghar Farhadi: Farhadi shares insights while encouraging audiences to interpret the movie themselves.
• An Evening with Asghar Farhadi: A 30-minute Q&A moderated by Andrea Grossman.
• Birth of a Director: An 8-minute interview about Farhadi’s early career and transition to film.
• Theatrical trailer: Original promotional video for the movie.

"A Separation" is an outstanding portrayal of a family's dissolution set against a backdrop of Iranian societal norms and legal systems. The film begins with Simin's desire to leave Iran with her husband Nader and their daughter Termeh, clashing with Nader's refusal due to his responsibility to care for his Alzheimer's-afflicted father. This fundamental conflict leads Simin to seek a divorce, leaving Nader to juggle his job and his father's care by hiring Razieh, a devout Muslim. Razieh’s employment triggers a series of misunderstandings and tragedies, showcasing the complex interplay of human emotions, cultural expectations, and moral dilemmas.

The film's power lies in its unflinching exploration of gray areas within human behavior, avoiding clear distinctions between right and wrong. Instead, it chooses to depict characters who act based on their personal circumstances and moral beliefs. The narrative deftly portrays the emotional and mental strain of the protagonists as they navigate their familial responsibilities and societal pressures. Director Asghar Farhadi masterfully weaves a tapestry that examines raw human emotions, such as fear, trust, anger, and the quest for validation, crafting a dramatically intense movie that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.

The performances elevate this narrative into a compelling human drama. Peyman Moadi (Nader) and Leila Hatami (Simin) deliver deeply realistic portrayals of a quarreling couple, along with Sarina Farhadi as Termeh and Sareh Bayat as Razieh, who enrich the emotional depth of the story. The characters’ actions are driven by a profound sense of duty and personal conviction, making them relatable and real. "A Separation" brilliantly captures the essence of human conflict within a natural cadence and absorbing flow, making it an emotionally challenging yet immensely satisfying cinematic experience.

"A Separation" is an archival-worthy masterpiece that stands as a textbook example of a flawless Character Drama. The film delves into a comprehensive range of human emotions through a universal tale marked by misunderstanding, distrust, passion, anger, and doubt. It features precise direction, natural acting, and expert screenplay. The accolades and critical acclaim that the film has garnered solidify its position as one of the top movies of 2012. The Blu-ray release by Sony offers commendable video quality, steady audio, and a few but quality extras, making it a recommended choice for cinema enthusiasts who favor genuine cinematic drama over conventional blockbuster entertainment.

This introspective movie challenges viewers not just to think, but to genuinely feel. It artfully creates a narrative that guides the mind in one direction while pulling the heart in another. The complexity of the characters and the situational dilemmas they face prompt the audience to ponder deeply about their emotions and perspectives. The film does not dictate how one should feel; rather, it presents a rich tapestry of real characters facing authentic situations, inviting viewers to draw their own emotional conclusions.

In conclusion, "A Separation" is highly recommended not merely for its technical excellence in video and audio but as an essential cinematic experience that provokes thought and introspection. The movie's power lies in its ability to resonate universally while maintaining its intrinsic authenticity, making it a must-watch for audiences who value substantive and honest storytelling.