Memento Blu-ray Review

The latest Blu-ray release of "Memento" from Lionsgate represents a significant visual upgrade over the previous Sony version. The new transfer, delivered via an AVC codec in 1080p and 2.35:1 aspect ratio, offers a marked improvement in sharpness, fine detail, contrast, and color saturation. Where the initial release suffered from an often dark and soft appearance, this release brings a much clearer depth of field and vibrant clarity, especially in the color segments. The intentionally overblown contrast and fuzzy graininess of the black-and-white scenes now look more defined, although they retain their stylistic presentation.

This release truly excels in its depiction of the film's varied backdrops, with fine detail that vividly brings to life the nondescript warehouses and hotel rooms pivotal to the narrative. Skin tones are impressively natural, and black levels are satisfyingly deep and inky, aligning perfectly with the film's noir aesthetic. The character of Leonard is a visual standout, with bleached blonde hair and detailed tattoos rendered with remarkable fidelity. While a subtle lacquer of grain persists across the film as a deliberate stylistic choice, the overall transfer is spectacularly clear, free of significant filmic noise and technical artifacts.

Although there are some negligible artifacting issues, including brief shimmer on certain textures, these minor anomalies do not detract from the overall quality. The techniques employed in this Blu-ray version highlight just how far high-definition technology has advanced, demonstrating a crispness and clarity that make this release a superior visual experience compared to its predecessor. This Blu-ray transfer successfully captures the gritty essence of "Memento," offering viewers a clean, detailed, and engaging visual presentation.

The Blu-ray of "Memento" features a noteworthy DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that enhances the viewing experience through a sharp and robust mix, particularly on the low end. While the original uncompressed LPCM track of the Sony BD was already commendable, this new mix brings a sparkling clarity and detail that's impressive. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and well-mixed, making it easy to follow the movie's intricate plot. Notably, the soundtrack excels in discrete channelization, as exemplified by the immersive chase sequence two-thirds into the film. The sound effects are penetrating and well-presented, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere.

From a sound design perspective, "Memento" relies heavily on its precise and clipped crime novel dialogue and a palpable atmospheric mood. The DTS-HD mix achieves this adeptly, with dialogue that is sharp and well-prioritized, essential for a film that demands close attention from its audience. The surround mix activates effectively to build mood and maintain atmosphere, making even quieter scenes feel immersive. The music score by David Julyan is rendered beautifully; the flashback sequences feature an electronic chirp while traditional scenes carry a more classic sound, both rendered with dazzling clarity.

Additionally, an English Dolby Digital 2.0 mix is available, alongside subtitles in English, English SDH, and Spanish. This ensures that the disc caters to various accessibility needs without compromising on sound quality. Overall, while the audio mix may not be exceedingly overactive, it is dynamic enough to impress audiophiles and enrich the viewing experience significantly.

The Blu-ray extras for "Memento" offer a deep and compelling dive into the film’s intricate construction and thematic elements. The Feature Commentary by Director Christopher Nolan provides a nuanced and informative overview of the film's production process, even if presented in a subdued manner. Remembering Memento features Nolan discussing the genesis of "Memento" and its filming. The Anatomy of a Scene focuses on deconstructing the movie’s opening sequence, providing a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. The IFC Interview with Christopher Nolan adds informative yet slightly repetitive insights. Furthermore, fans will appreciate Jonathan Nolan’s original short story, ‘Memento Mori’, the Tattoo Sketches, and pages from Leonard's Journal, which enrich the experience with additional context and texture.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary by Director Christopher Nolan: Insightful yet understated commentary on the entire film.
• Remembering Memento: Nolan discusses the film's origins and production.
• Anatomy of a Scene: Detailed breakdown of the opening sequence.
• IFC Interview with Christopher Nolan: Informative interview covering various aspects of the film.
• Original ‘Memento Mori’ Short Story by Jonathan Nolan: Basis for the film, presented in text form.
• Tattoo Sketches: Close-up look at Leonard's body art designs.
• Leonard's Journal: Pages from Leonard's diary, providing additional narrative depth.

Christopher Nolan’s "Memento" (2000) remains a cinematic marvel that epitomizes innovation in narrative structure and poignantly delves into the human psyche's fragile nature. Adapted from Jonathan Nolan’s short story "Memento Mori," the film follows Leonard Shelby (an unforgettable performance by Guy Pearce), a man with anterograde amnesia, driven by the need to avenge his wife’s murder. The film's brilliance lies in its structure: a convoluted narrative that unfolds through two timelines, with one playing out in reverse. This non-linear approach not merely serves as a gimmick but emulates Leonard’s disoriented mind, demanding viewers navigate the same disarray of shattered memory that defines Leonard's existence.

The film juxtaposes intense color sequences with stark black-and-white vignettes, gradually converging towards a gut-wrenching climax. Nolan deftly manipulates this visual polarity, enhancing the sense of unease and reinforcing the fragmented reality Leonard endures. With every scene reversing time, each moment unravels truth tangled in ambiguity, allowing viewers to become virtual detectives piecing together fragments of Leonard’s reality. The film's opening sequence itself, a percussive rewind of violence as a photograph un-develops, sets the stage for this experiential voyage.

"Memento" is more than its technical bravado; it pulsates with emotional depth. Leonard’s character is a haunting blend of anguish and determination, symbolized through his body marked with tattoos bearing cryptic reminders. The layers of emotional resonance, particularly scenes like Leonard burning Polaroids of his wife, permeate through its intricate architecture, anchoring the viewer in heartbreak and existential pondering. The character dynamics involving Teddy (Joe Pantoliano) and Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) further complicate Leonard’s quest, provoking questions about trust and perception. Nolan’s film remains an enigmatic masterpiece that challenges its audience as rigorously as it compels them emotionally. Whether viewed for the first time or revisited multiple times, "Memento" is a rollercoaster of narrative genius and heart-wrenching storytelling.

Christopher Nolan's "Memento" stands as a seminal work in contemporary cinema, with its intricate narrative structure and thematic depth. This Blu-ray release does utmost justice to the film's innovative storytelling and visual style, capturing its essence in high definition. The meticulously remastered visuals exhibit remarkable detail and clarity, enhancing the film's neo-noir aesthetic. The color grading is preserved with precision, ensuring that each scene retains its original impact. Coupled with a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, the immersive sound design complements the visual fidelity, delivering an experience that is as engrossing as it is technically superior.

Lionsgate has accompanied this phenomenal presentation with an array of supplemental features that delve into the film's complex narrative and production nuances. Both new viewers and long-time fans will appreciate the insightful commentaries, making-of documentaries, and interviews that enrich the understanding of Nolan's creative process. The inclusion of both legacy features and fresh content creates a comprehensive package, allowing for a deeper exploration of the film's themes and cinematic techniques.

In conclusion, Nolan has been crafting game changers long before "Inception," as "Memento" rather conclusively proves. This is one of the most challenging films of at least the last decade, bracing in both its architecture and the implications of its purposefully ambiguous plot. Virtually pitch-perfect in every way, with a unique and very engaging marriage of style and substance, the film finally has a Blu-ray release worthy of its impressive pedigree. Very highly recommended.