The Lost City of Z Blu-ray Review

The Lost City of Z is presented on Blu-ray with a striking 1080p 2.39:1 transfer, which does justice to its 35mm anamorphic source. The transfer maintains the fine film grain, which adds an organic, almost alive quality to the image, enhancing its period piece aesthetic. There is a noticeable preference for green and yellow color grading that brings out vibrant jungle greens and river blues, though it can slightly wash out black levels and affect contrast. Close-ups and mid-level shots reveal exceptional detail, emphasizing textures in costumes and facial features. There are a few scenes where contrast bloomed or appeared a bit hot, yet these minor grievances didn't detract from the overall visual appeal. The jungle scenes stand out with rich earthy tones augmenting the natural beauty captured on field, aligning perfectly with the film’s thematic content.

The encoding quality on the AVC-encoded BD-50 is exemplary, with no visible compression artifacts or video anomalies. The film's unique color palette ranges from sepia tones in England to bright, warm earth tones in the Amazon, each rendered beautifully with lifelike skin tones and stable, deep blacks that provide impressive depth—albeit occasionally overly dynamic. Director of Photography Darius Khondji’s use of Kodak Vision3 film stocks, under- and overexposure strategies to manipulate grain, and specific lens choices for various scenes contribute significantly to the evocative look of this film. Khondji’s aesthetic influences are apparent, as he references the work of painter Claude Lorrain to craft mythical sky images illuminated in gold, red, and blue. Complexions and fine details maintain their integrity despite the occasional subdued color palette.

Overall, The Lost City of Z’s Blu-ray video presentation is a harmonious blend of technical proficiency and artistic vision, preserving the film's intended vintage feel while offering high levels of detail and clarity. It’s an excellent transfer that showcases lush visuals and meticulous cinematographic techniques culminating in a visual experience that stands as a testament to traditional film-making amidst modern digital dominance.

The audio presentation of The Lost City of Z on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, is executed with remarkable precision and immersion. Dialogue is consistently clear and well-articulated, ensuring that every spoken word is heard without distortion. The soundtrack's dynamic energy effectively enriches the overall auditory experience. This film is not heavily reliant on the surround sound for narrative delivery; however, it skillfully utilizes the entire soundstage to develop an appropriate atmosphere. The surround channels come alive, especially in the jungle sequences, amplifying insect and animal noises, while classical compositions and Christopher Spelman's original score are seamlessly integrated to heighten the emotional resonance.

The mix splendidly balances ambient sounds and dialogue. During quieter moments, subtle environmental sounds like wind rustling through trees and water splashing help to maintain an immersive sound field. Key scenes, especially those set in the Amazon and during the war in France, leverage these multi-layered sound effects to build a detailed acoustic environment. Notably, low-frequency effects provide added depth and impact when needed, particularly during intense scenes or musical crescendos.

Gray’s inclusion of classical music pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Stravinsky, and Verdi further complements the rich soundscape. A standout moment is Maurice Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2: Lever du jour, which delivers an awe-inspiring audio experience. The rear channels are effectively employed to support background activity, enhancing the sense of being enveloped by the environment. All technical aspects—from dialogue reproduction to dynamic range and LFE utilization—form a flawless audio track that faithfully serves the source material.

Overall, the audio presentation stands out for its meticulous detail and evocative ambiance, making The Lost City of Z a highly engaging auditory journey.

The extras of "The Lost City of Z" Blu-ray offer a solid assembly of content that complements the main feature. The highlight is the feature film commentary by director James Gray, who provides an articulate and engaging discussion about the intricate logistics and narrative decisions involved in the production. Other supplements include brief but informative featurettes, covering aspects from the novel adaptation process to on-location anecdotes and cast interviews. While the supplementary material tends to be more promotional in nature, it still offers valuable insights for viewers interested in the behind-the-scenes challenges of this ambitious film.

Extras included in this disc:

Feature Film Commentary by Director James Gray: A detailed commentary providing insights into production logistics and narrative choices.

Adventure In the Jungle: Short featurette with interviews and on-location footage.

From Novel to Screen: Discussion with the author and crew on adapting the book.

Expedition Journal: Interactive photo gallery resembling Percy Fawcett’s scrapbook.

Trailers: Various promotional trailers.

James Gray's "The Lost City of Z" is an ambitious and visually arresting film that follows the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, played by Charlie Hunnam, on his relentless quest to uncover a rumored lost city deep within the Amazon jungle during the early 20th century. Hunnam, in a commendable performance, portrays Fawcett as a man driven by both professional obligation and personal obsession. Supported by an equally compelling Robert Pattinson as Henry Costin and Sienna Miller as Nina Fawcett, the cast delivers strong performances that offer depth to their historical counterparts. The film's pacing is deliberate, reflecting Gray's intention to evoke a classic adventure aesthetic, reminiscent of an era when exploration films benefitted from a slower narrative tempo.

Gray's direction allows the natural beauty and peril of the Amazon to shine through meticulously captured cinematography by Darius Khondji. The film's authenticity is accentuated by its shooting locations across Belfast, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and Rio Don Diego, which serve as credible stand-ins for the diverse settings of Fawcett’s expeditions. The choice to use firelight for night scenes imbues the film with a historical texture that aligns aesthetically with Gray’s previous works. However, despite its visual grandeur and historical fidelity, some viewers might find the latter part of the film laborious; the plot extends beyond its optimal length, especially during sequences post-World War I, causing a noticeable drag in momentum.

Thematically, "The Lost City of Z" addresses the clash between civilization and savagery, with poignant moments highlighting Fawcett’s progressive view of indigenous cultures against the dismissive arrogance of his contemporaries. Although it occasionally falters in maintaining dramatic tension throughout its 141-minute runtime, the film ultimately succeeds as a character study and meditation on the relentless human spirit. This profound exploration into Fawcett’s psyche and his doomed yet inspiring adventures ensures that "The Lost City of Z" remains a significant albeit imperfect achievement in contemporary epic filmmaking.

"The Lost City of Z" is a captivating adventure-drama that harks back to the classic films of the 50s and 60s. Directed by James Gray, this movie follows the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, portrayed compellingly by Charlie Hunnam. The film delicately balances rich narrative depth with minimalistic action, offering an engaging viewing experience. The storyline spans decades, exploring Fawcett's quest to discover an ancient civilization in the Amazon. While it occasionally struggles to convey the full grandeur of Fawcett’s explorations due to its compressed timeframe, the film's strengths lie in its mesmerizing scenery and standout performances by the entire cast, including Rob Pattinson and Sienna Miller.

Amazon Studios' Blu-ray release of "The Lost City of Z" showcases the film with exceptional A/V quality. The 2.39:1 AVC image ratio faithfully replicates the lush visuals seen in theaters, capturing both the beauty and danger of the Colombian jungles. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track is particularly noteworthy, immersing viewers in the sounds of the wild amidst the unfolding drama. James Gray's commentary is a vital inclusion, providing insightful context and depth to his directorial choices, although the rest of the special features are somewhat sparse and unfulfilling.

Overall, "The Lost City of Z" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that stands out in the adventure genre. Despite its shortcomings in supplementary content on the Blu-ray release, it’s a must-watch for those interested in historical explorations and narrative-driven cinema. This release is highly recommended for its superb technical presentation and the compelling story it brings to life.