Candy Blu-ray Review

The 2010 Blu-ray release of "Candy" from Drakes Avenue Pictures has been revisited by Shout Factory, utilizing the same AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The presentation maintains its aged appearance but is functional. Colors have notably depleted, rendering skintones slightly bloodless and the general palette lacking vibrancy. Both clothing and environments appear somewhat washed out, with delineation being adequate yet susceptible to solidification in certain scenes. Detail within this transfer is acceptable, capturing the gritty essence of the characters' surroundings and the wear brought on by drug addiction, though a degree of softness persists. The source elements remain in commendable condition.

Despite the film's Hollywood star power, "Candy" exudes a low-budget indie aesthetic due to its flat and largely lifeless cinematography. The picture quality reveals itself as an older HD transfer, seemingly originating from the late 2000s. Shout Factory's release clocks in at nearly 108 minutes on a BD-50 and presents the 1.85:1 aspect ratio in 1080P resolution, encoded with high-bitrate AVC, thereby avoiding any compression issues. The transfer itself, however, is dated, characterized by limited fidelity and fine detail even though it avoids heavy processing. Flesh-tones have a pale, nearly washed-out appearance, and while the contrast is consistent, it remains weak and could benefit from enhancement. The color palette is dull with minimal saturation, clearly indicating the need for a new color grading through a high-quality 2K or 4K scan to rejuvenate the visual presentation.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix on the Blu-ray of "Candy" delivers a focused auditory experience, primarily revolving around dialogue exchanges. Performances are clear and articulate, with well-pronounced accents that are easily understandable. The sound design includes a supportive score that enhances the emotional highs and lows associated with the domestic and drug-related themes of the film. However, the atmospherics are limited, providing minimal depth, and there is a noticeable lack of low-end impact.

Shout Factory's release is commendable for including both 5.1 surround audio and stereo audio options. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix, though primarily dialogue-driven, incorporates minor ambiance in the rear channels and broadens the score's soundstage modestly. While this mix is not particularly dynamic, it does present a moment of notable engagement when Sixto Rodriguez’s song "Sugar Man" plays over a key scene. For viewers whose home theater setups cannot accommodate the surround track, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA stereo audio serves as a competent alternative.

Overall, while the 5.1 mix is not overly complex or immersive, it is more than adequate for delivering clear dialogue and a supportive score, making it suitable for the thematic content of "Candy." Optional English SDH subtitles are available in a white font for additional accessibility.

The Blu-ray release of "Candy" from Shout Factory effectively ports over the special features from the original THINKFilm DVD, contributing valuable insights into the creative process behind the film. The audio commentary by director Neil Armfield and writer Luke Davies provides a comprehensive discussion on filmmaking decisions, including casting and directorial influences. The featurette “The Path to Wild Abandon” is particularly enlightening, showcasing interviews with the cast and crew that delve into the film's thematic elements and development, highlighting a six-year screenplay refinement process. The extras also include “Writing on the Wall,” which presents a short but evocative poetry session integral to the final act, and a theatrical trailer. While no new content has been added for this release, the existing features are preserved in upscaled HD format, maintaining their informative and engaging nature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Feature with director Neil Armfield and writer Luke Davies.
• The Path to Wild Abandon: Making-of featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• Writing on the Wall: Brief presentation of poetry.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.

In Neil Armfield's 2006 film "Candy," adapted from Luke Davies' semi-autobiographical novel, viewers are pulled into the harrowing reality of two heroin addicts attempting to maintain a functional relationship amidst self-destructive behaviors. The film stars Heath Ledger as Dan, a poet ensnared by addiction, and Abbie Cornish as Candy, a young painter drawn into the tumultuous world of heroin. Their love story is steeped in a mixture of dewy poeticism and harsh reality, with the narrative oscillating between moments of fleeting ecstasy and profound despair. Geoffrey Rush's portrayal of Casper, a chemistry professor with his own drug dependencies, adds an additional layer of dark mentorship, reflecting the destructive cycle both addicted lovers are caught in.

"Candy" stands out through its powerful performances, particularly Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish, whose chemistry is undeniably raw and palpable. Ledger, fresh off his Oscar-nominated performance in "Brokeback Mountain," delivers a hauntingly authentic portrayal of a man consumed by his addictions. Cornish matches and sometimes surpasses Ledger in her intensity and emotional depth, rendering a searing performance that further anchors the film’s tragic core. The onscreen dynamic between the leads is both compelling and tragically endearing, akin to seeing two fragile beings hurtling towards inevitable ruin.

Armfield's direction and the screenplay endeavor to evoke a Malickian sense of beauty amidst the decay, occasionally straining against its runtime but infusing the film with bursts of visceral, poetic poignancy. In contrast to the often clinical portrayal of addiction seen in films like "Requiem for a Dream," "Candy" offers a more humane perspective. The characters' brutal experiences remain underscored by an understanding that adds layers to their flawed humanity. This approach succeeds in making "Candy" a memorable dive into the depths of addiction and love, even if it doesn't always hit its artistic ambitions perfectly.

"Candy" on Blu-ray delivers a complex portrayal of addiction, articulated through the tumultuous relationship between Dan and Candy. The film's visual and audio quality are exceptional, with the high-definition transfer rendering stark contrasts that emphasize the narrative’s emotional and physical degradation. The Blu-ray’s crispness intensifies the harrowing performances by Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish, whose portrayals oscillate between moments of tender intimacy and chaotic despair. The soundtrack, effectively remastered, underscores the film's thematic gravity, immersing viewers deeper into the couple's descent.

The director, Neil Armfield, presents an artistic and somewhat improvisational narrative that occasionally sacrifices depth for style. While some scenes poignantly confront the characters' grim realities—such as family dynamics and impending parenthood—the overall execution sometimes falls short of communicating the lingering menace of addiction thoroughly. Despite this, certain sequences are profoundly moving, thanks in large part to the sincere efforts from the leading actors. Geoffrey Rush's supporting role as a drug dealer adds a necessary layer of authenticity, enriching the narrative.

In conclusion, "Candy" strives to capture the grand arc of addiction, going from a place of harmonious experimentation to the decimation of spirit, all the while focusing on Candy and Dan as they try to figure out their connection in life, clinging to the idea of love without ever really respecting its power. They're confused characters, but Armfield doesn't go deep enough with the couple, preferring to make something artful and improvisational instead of crafting something profound. Select scenes hit their mark, especially when the twosome is forced to confront the reality of their actions, including familial relationships and a pregnancy, and while performances are showy (Cornish is especially pronounced with her dramatic purging), they often come up short in terms of a deeply disturbing communication of chemical suicide. "Candy" isn't meant to be an After School Special, and it shouldn't be. Armfield doesn't take the disease lightly in the least. However, he's never quite hostile either, more interested in generating a dreamy actor's showcase with Cornish and Ledger (and Geoffrey Rush, who portrays a genial dealer and fellow junkie) than delivering a critical comprehension of depressive motivation, sacrifice, and denial. There's power here for the taking, but the production tends to stay away from the harsher aspects of self-destruction.