Small Apartments Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Small Apartments" stands as a testament to an almost paradoxical combination of a glossy veneer paired with an impressive level of detail and vividness that rarely allows for any detail to go unnoticed. The high-definition transfer showcases a remarkable clarity, bringing to life the peculiar charm of the settings and characters with an almost hyper-realistic vibrancy. From the intricate facial expressions and the fine wooden textures of the Alphorn to the eclectic clutter populating the apartments and the worn exteriors of the building, every element is rendered with stark clarity and stability. However, this sheen doesn't come without its caveats; there's a palpable, somewhat excessive glossiness throughout the presentation which, while heightening the surreal atmosphere of the film, might not appeal to all viewers due to its departure from a more natural visual texture.

Vivid colors explode across the screen, pushing the boundaries with their intensity and diversity—ranging from cool, soothing blues to an almost aggressive array of neon, like Simone's striking green jacket. Scenes burst with a spectrum that could almost be described as flamboyant, especially noticeable during Dolph Lundgren's character's vibrant introduction. Despite this riot of colors, black levels occasionally veer towards a deep purple, and flesh tones remain consistently accurate, anchoring the visuals in a semblance of reality amidst the dazzling display.

In essence, the video transfer of "Small Apartments" Blu-ray delivers an extraordinarily bright and engaging experience, characterized by its exceptional detail and an audacious color palette that complements the film's eccentric narrative and aesthetic. While its overly polished finish might not sit well with purists who prefer a more organic look, the transfer's fidelity to details and color dynamics makes it a visually stunning presentation that faithfully amplifies the movie's unique flair.

The "Small Apartments" Blu Ray presents an audio experience that, while technically competent, does not consistently stand out in a crowded field of dynamic and immersive soundtracks. Employing a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless format, the track excels in moments of low-frequency emphasis, notably during scenes involving Franklin's Alphorn. These instances deliver a deep, robust sound that resonates well with audiences, providing a tactile sense of presence that few other scenes manage to evoke. The impeccably smooth and heavy bass lines during these moments are a testament to the soundtrack's potential, suggesting a care in mixing that could have been more uniformly applied throughout the film's runtime.

Music and dialogue in the film are handled with a competent but underwhelming approach. The music lacks a certain vigor, playing it safe with a consistent but unremarkable front-side balance that misses opportunities to fully engage with the multi-channel setup. Surround effects are sparingly used, resulting in a soundscape that feels more functional than enveloping. While the essential dialogue is delivered clearly and without fault through the center channel, ensuring that the narrative remains accessible and uninterrupted, there is a sense that the audio presentation is holding back, content to perform reliably rather than memorably.

In essence, while the audio presentation of "Small Apartments" on Blu Ray features moments of technical brilliance, particularly with specific sound effects like the Alphorn sequences, it generally adopts a conservative posture. The soundtrack does enough to support the film without distracting from it, making efficient use of its surround sound capabilities without fully exploring the potential for a more richly textured auditory environment. This creates an experience that is solid and undistracting but leaves room for a more adventurous and immersive approach.

The Blu-ray extras for "Small Apartments" offer a modest yet insightful look into the film's production and unique features, despite the apparent omission of several minutes found in its DVD version, which remains unverified due to the unavailability of a DVD copy for comparison. The behind-the-scenes footage presents a comprehensive glimpse into various aspects of the film's creation, such as the story's development, casting process, and the intensive shooting schedule, enriched by discussions on the movie's distinctive visual style, direction by Jonas Åkerlund, the collaborative spirit among cast members, and its musical elements. Additionally, an eccentric and brief tutorial by Johnny Knoxville on constructing a gravity bong adds an unusual but memorable touch to the extras. However, it's the absence of specific scenes and how it might affect the overall context of these supplements that leaves one curious.

Extras included in this disc:

• Small Apartments: Behind the Scenes: An engaging overview featuring cast and crew discussing the film's production elements.
• How to Build a Gravity Bong: A quirky instructional video by Johnny Knoxville.
• Previews: Teasers for additional Sony titles.

Small Apartments" emerges as a cinematic oddity, enveloping its audience in a whirlwind of emotions ranging from disgust to affection, all while presenting an eccentric narrative that defies conventional filmmaking. Director Jonas Åkerlund crafts a film that is as much a visual spectacle as it is a dramatic outlier, earning it the hypothetical accolade of the year's most unique, eccentric, and creatively bold film. Its opening scenes perplex, laying the groundwork for a journey through the bizarre and complex lives of its characters, notably Franklin - portrayed with disturbing honesty by Matt Lucas. His portrayal is a testament to the physical and emotional rawness required to bring such a peculiar story to life. Franklin's interactions with his equally odd neighbors and the unfolding of a narrative filled with dark humor and unforeseen consequences serve as a testament to Åkerlund's ability to navigate the absurd.

The heart of "Small Apartments" lies in its detailed production design and standout cast performances, from Lucas' unapologetic physicality to the diverse supporting roles that add depth and vibrancy to this unusual world. The movie's environments - each apartment brimming with personality - play a significant role in amplifying the story's eclectic tone. Billy Crystal, Dolph Lundgren, James Caan, Juno Temple, Johnny Knoxville, and James Marsden contribute significantly to the film’s charm, their characters intertwining in a series of bizarre yet meaningful ways that underscore the movie's central themes of serendipity and redemption.

For viewers willing to embrace its oddities, "Small Apartments" rewards with a uniquely enthralling cinematic experience. Its blend of grotesque imagery and heartwarming resolutions underscores the film’s underlying message about finding beauty in the unconventional. It’s a visual feast that demands viewers keep an open mind, promising an indelible journey through the lives of its misfit characters. This film stands as a vivid illustration of how eccentricity and emotional resonance can collide to create something truly unforgettable, urging cinephiles to delve into its complexity without preconceptions.

Small Apartments" emerges as a strikingly unorthodox film that, at first glance, might repel the average viewer due to its crude humor, seemingly pointless narrative, and an aura that heavily suggests an experimental project rather than a traditional cinematic experience. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this initial perception is merely a façade for what is an ingeniously crafted piece of cinema. The film's bizarre eccentricity smoothly transitions into a captivatingly serene and heartfelt story, rendering it far more profound than its surface-level quirks would suggest. The exceptional cast delivers performances that perfectly embody each distinctively unique character, further enriched by the film's robust art direction.

Jonas Åkerlund's directorial prowess is evident throughout the film, as he adeptly navigates the viewer through a visual narrative that manages to make even the most mundane aspects of Matt Lucas's character both engaging and visually appealing. The initial shock of the unconventional visuals gradually gives way to a focus on the film’s underlying dramatic and emotional core, showcasing Åkerlund’s ability to transcend initial viewer judgments and uncover the true essence of the narrative. Sony's Blu-ray release of "Small Apartments" upholds the visual and auditory integrity of Åkerlund's vision with strong video quality and commendable audio performance. However, it falls somewhat short in the supplemental features department, which is a minor drawback for those keen on exploring behind-the-scenes content and directorial insights.

In conclusion, "Small Apartments" is a testament to the idea that true cinematic excellence often lies beneath an unassuming or unconventional exterior. It challenges viewers to look beyond first impressions and embrace the eccentricities that make films memorable. While the Blu-ray release could benefit from a more expansive collection of special features, the quality of the film itself—combined with superior video and audio presentation—makes it a highly recommended addition to any collection. The film not only entertains but also provokes thought and emotional engagement, marking it as a uniquely compelling watch.