Youth Without Youth Blu-ray Review

The 2.35:1, 1080p high definition Blu-ray transfer of Francis Ford Coppola's "Youth Without Youth" represents a commendable technical and artistic achievement. Captured using Sony's HDC-F950 high definition cameras, the imagery predominantly excels in clarity and detail. Close-ups are particularly striking; for instance, Dominic’s post-lightning hospital scene showcases each meticulous detail of his bandages. While vibrant and rich colors dominate most scenes, flashbacks employ a sepia-toned aesthetic that occasionally transitions to color, evoking a near-black-and-white ambiance. Such stylistic choices highlight the director's intent to blend visual storytelling with emotional resonance, although there are occasional instances where black levels appear a touch too bright and gray.

Despite minor inconsistencies, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer maintains an impressive standard. The image is generally grain-free, with only slight noise during darker scenes. Black levels are robust, and shadow details are well-preserved, contributing to a visually satisfying viewing experience. The movie’s photography leans towards the utilization of color filters that sometimes flatten scene dimensionality, but this is offset by numerous sequences that exhibit remarkable clarity and depth. Skin tones may occasionally take on a reddish hue, likely attributable to specific lighting conditions rather than transfer faults.

Overall, Coppola’s venture into High-Definition digital video successfully showcases the medium’s strengths without compromising on visual fidelity. While the image may not embody the classic film-like texture some purists may expect, it aligns well with the director’s vision for the project. "Youth Without Youth" thus stands as a testament to the capabilities of HD digital filming—a visually compelling experience that significantly benefits from the Blu-ray format.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless sound mix for "Youth Without Youth" is truly exceptional, providing an immersive audio experience right from the start. The opening moments are a sonic adventure, filling the soundscape with a mesmerizing array of sounds. The deep, rumbling lows from the subwoofer harmonize with the myriad of otherworldly sounds from surrounding channels, creating a captivating auditory experience. The lightning strike incident, in particular, delivers a sudden jolt of sound that both surprises and delights. Adding to the dynamism, scenes involving Nazi experiments leverage the full sound field to engender a potent and thrilling challenge to the listener's auditory senses.

Osvaldo Golijov's lush score is rendered with impressive fidelity, enveloping the audience in musical richness that spans the spectrum from the high-pitched violin to the deep-throated cello. Thunder strikes resonate powerfully through the subwoofer channel, while gun shots, although infrequent, punctuate the soundtrack with sharp, clear precision. Dialogue moments are particularly noteworthy, with creative stereo placement enhancing scenes involving the protagonist's split personality. For those employing ProLogic IIx processing, the 5.1 track can be decoded to pan accurately across a full 7.1 speaker setup, raising the level of immersion even further.

Overall, "Youth Without Youth" demonstrates an expertly mixed audio track that engages listeners from quiet dialogue-heavy scenes to loud, action-packed moments. The mix is not only well-balanced but also remarkably dynamic, making it a compelling and fitting accompaniment to the film's narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "Youth Without Youth" provide a range of engaging content for enthusiasts looking to delve deeper into Francis Ford Coppola's filmmaking process and thematic exploration. The standout feature is the Audio Commentary by Coppola, where he passionately discusses the original novella by Mircea Eliade, delving into its complex themes like dreams, consciousness, and time, although it occasionally leans towards plot recaps rather than technical insights. The disc also includes The Making of 'Youth Without Youth', an EPK-style featurette offering brief, yet insightful interviews with the cast and crew, and significantly highlighting Matt Damon's views on the film's experimental nature. The Music for 'Youth Without Youth' provides an exhaustive look at the composition and integration of the musical score, albeit with a somewhat protracted pacing. Additionally, 'Youth Without Youth': The Makeup examines the detailed makeup work, particularly focusing on Tim Roth's transformation. The package is rounded out with End Credits and several promotional trailers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Francis Ford Coppola: Director's insights on themes and background of the novella.
• The Making of 'Youth Without Youth': Interviews with cast and crew, focusing on the movie's meaning and production.
• The Music for 'Youth Without Youth': Detailed examination of the film's musical score.
• 'Youth Without Youth': The Makeup: Insight into the makeup design and prosthetics.
• End Credits: Full listing of film credits.
• Trailers: Promotional trailers for various films.

Francis Ford Coppola’s return to directing with 2007's "Youth Without Youth" is a deeply personal project that challenges even the most patient and attentive of viewers. Set in pre-WWII Romania, the film stars Tim Roth as Dominic Matei, a despondent 70-year-old professor who regains youth and extraordinary abilities after being struck by lightning. This plot twist throws him into a journey fraught with philosophical dilemmas and supernatural events. The narrative skims through years, exploring Dominic’s intellectual pursuits and his interactions with Veronica (Alexandra Maria Lara), a woman with similar mysterious afflictions. Their relationship, layered with intrigue and complexity, allows Dominic to delve into ancient languages and the essence of human consciousness, although with severe personal costs.

Shot on a low budget using digital video, Coppola's film employs in-camera trickery, unconventional angles, and deliberate pacing reminiscent of cinematic greats from Hollywood's past. The stylistic choices, including film noir elements and upside-down shots, create a reality steeped in distorted emotions and confusion, pulling both characters and viewers into a disoriented state. Though aesthetically rich, the plot is demanding, offering no respite as each moment builds on the last. Tim Roth’s performance is remarkable, immersing himself into the role, while Alexandra Maria Lara shines in her dual portrayal of Veronica and Rupini.

Despite its philosophical ambitions, the film often struggles to provide conclusive insights into its myriad themes of time, consciousness, and language. The dialogue tends to be overly expository, more focused on delivering thematic content than fostering genuine character engagement. While some narrative threads remain unresolved, the film undeniably showcases Coppola’s auteurist prowess, from enigmatic montages to dream sequences. "Youth Without Youth" is not an easy watch but stands as a compelling piece for those who appreciate meticulously crafted cinema that stimulates intellectual and philosophical discourse.

Francis Ford Coppola's "Youth Without Youth" is a visually stunning yet polarizing cinematic endeavor that marks his return to filmmaking. The Blu-ray release offers a superb technical presentation, featuring pristine video clarity and immersive audio quality that undoubtedly enhance the viewing experience. Coppola's signature attention to detail and craftsmanship shines through, but the film’s intricate narrative and abstract themes may not cater to all tastes.

The storyline, deeply rooted in philosophical and metaphysical musings, requires significant viewer engagement and possibly multiple viewings to fully grasp its nuances. The film is undeniably thought-provoking, presenting a slow-paced and cerebral exploration that demands complete attention. While some viewers will appreciate the depth and complexity, others may find it lacking in conventional entertainment value.

For those inclined towards unconventional and intellectual films, "Youth Without Youth" on Blu-ray is an impressive package. The additional extras included in this edition add layers of insight into the movie, aiding in the comprehension of its complex narrative. The technical excellence of this Blu-ray presentation truly stands out, making it the best format for appreciating Coppola’s artistic vision. Although the film itself invites mixed reactions, this Blu-ray edition is a worthwhile acquisition for discerning film enthusiasts.