The Air I Breathe Blu-ray Review

"The Air I Breathe" arrives on Blu-ray with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio and encoded at 1080p using the MPEG-4 codec. The image quality is a mixed bag; while the source print is in impeccable condition as expected from a modern production, the presentation lacks the razor-sharp fine detail seen in recent Blu-ray releases. Despite this, the color palette is well-represented, with no discernible color bleed or dot crawl. Blacks are deep and solid, and skin tones are accurate, lending a sense of realism to most scenes.

The Blu-ray’s 1080p transfer is adequate, capturing the film’s realistic yet somewhat dreary cinematography. The transfer faithfully reproduces colors that are generally vibrant when required. However, the darkest scenes, prone to noticeable film grain, can appear slightly gray instead of true black. Despite good overall detail in objects and textures, the visuals sometimes lack the pop that would make them truly eye-catching. Flesh tones are solid, though some scenes are soft around the edges.

Technically proficient although not breathtaking, "The Air I Breathe" Blu-ray transfer offers a faithful rendition of the film’s captivating cinematography. The contrast is spot on, and blacks are inky, with reasonable warmth maintained in skin tones. Depth and shadow delineation are commendable, though edge sharpness occasionally falters. While the transfer suffers from inconsistent grain and intermittent softness, it is free from wayward source noise, artifacting, or edge enhancement. On the whole, this Blu-ray edition will satisfy existing fans of the film, providing a reliable portrayal that surpasses previous DVD releases but may not attract new converts solely on its visual merits.

"The Air I Breathe" on Blu-ray comes equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track along with a standard Dolby Digital 5.1 option. For the purposes of this review, we will be focusing on the lossless DTS-HD MA track. Despite expectations, the dialogue component of the track appears to be markedly inconsistent, often presenting at a lower volume that makes it challenging to discern whispered exchanges. This issue seems repetitive across multiple setups and could detract significantly from the narrative experience. Nonetheless, the rest of the audio spectrum fares considerably better. The sound design displays commendable separation, with the rear channels utilized effectively to create spatial depth and immersion.

The film's soundtrack shines in several areas: the vibrant music during the opening credits introduces a great room-filling effect, enriched by a balance between the front and center channels. Likewise, during sequences such as the intense beats following the horse race, the LFE channel delivers resonant bass that fills the room without overwhelming other elements. Additionally, ambient sound effects like rain showers or bustling paparazzi crowd scenes are executed with precision and enveloping audio quality, contributing to a realistic immersion. Sadly, while the music and sound effects excel, dialogue has not been given the same level of attention, resulting in occasional struggles to follow crucial narrative points.

Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio experience provides an engaging and atmospheric soundscape that aligns well with the film’s tone and aesthetics. However, minor issues, particularly with dialogue clarity and prioritization in several segments of the mix, cannot be overlooked. These shortcomings may slightly detract from what could have otherwise been a nearly impeccable auditory experience.

The Blu-ray of "The Air I Breathe" presents some engaging extras that, despite their mixed reception, offer valuable insights particularly for fans of the film. The primary highlight is the feature-length commentary with writer/director Jieho Lee, co-writer Bob Derosa, director of photography Walt Lloyd, and editor Robert Hoffman. This commentary provides an in-depth dissection of the film's cultural influences, technical aspects, and thematic elements, making it a worthwhile addition for those interested in the film's creation. Additionally, the disc includes four deleted scenes which, while justifiably omitted from the final cut, offer additional character development. The offering is rounded out by outtakes and the film's theatrical trailer, though these have been noted to be out-of-place given the film’s tone.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track with creator discussions on cultural influences and filmmaking details.
• Deleted Scenes: Four scenes providing extra character insights.
• Outtakes: A collection of behind-the-scenes fun moments.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the film.

"The Air I Breathe" steps boldly into a genre where few succeed, reminiscent of films like "Memento," "Crash," and "Babel." It interweaves the lives of its characters, representing the elements Happiness, Pleasure, Sorrow, and Love, portrayed respectively by Forest Whitaker, Brendan Fraser, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Kevin Bacon. Whitaker’s segment shines with his portrayal of a down-on-his-luck businessman who loses everything on a gambling bet. Conversely, the narrative falters with Fraser and Gellar’s segments, which delve into clairvoyance and a rising pop star's volatile life. Despite their talents, the actors are burdened by a script that relies heavily on metaphysical ponderings without delivering substantial character development.

Technically, the Blu-ray edition is underwhelming. While it boasts a lossless DTS-Master Audio soundtrack, it falls short with imbalanced audio levels, particularly affecting dialogue clarity. Viewers might find themselves adjusting their audio settings repeatedly. The picture quality similarly leaves much to be desired, with a lack of sharpness contributing to an overall unfocused visual experience. Despite these technical shortcomings, the movie isn’t entirely without merit. The intricate connections between characters and the symbolic butterfly motif serve as thought-provoking elements for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling.

Yet, the film's ambitious themes are undercut by a sense of pretentiousness. Director Jieho Lee appears more intent on heralding his script's perceived profundity than in crafting coherent and relatable characters. His vignettes often feel disjointed, particularly Gellar’s “Sorrow,” which fails to establish meaningful connections with the other segments. The movie's execution underscores an unfortunate prioritization of style over substance, leaving audiences with little more than superficial insights into the human experience. Despite commendable performances by a notable cast and moments of intrigue, "The Air I Breathe" struggles to rise above its fragmented narrative and technical inadequacies.

"The Air I Breathe" is an ambitious film that merges several seemingly unrelated narratives into a cohesive whole. While it draws clear inspiration from movies like "Pulp Fiction," it lacks the same level of finesse. The initial act offers a compelling start, but unfortunately, the subsequent sequences struggle to maintain the same level of engagement, resulting in an uneven pacing that detracts from the overall impact. Despite this, the film is thought-provoking and capable of evoking a lingering sense of curiosity post-viewing.

Image Entertainment has delivered a respectable Blu-ray package for "The Air I Breathe." The video transfer is decent, although not particularly impressive, capturing the film's varied visual tones adequately but without the sharpness and depth seen in higher-end releases. The DTS HD MA audio track is noteworthy, providing a mostly robust auditory experience despite some issues with dialogue clarity. The special features, while not extensive, add a layer of value that may interest collectors and fans of the genre.

In conclusion, "The Air I Breathe" presents a complex narrative structure that may appeal to those who appreciate interwoven storylines. However, its uneven execution and certain technical shortcomings make it a challenging film to recommend unequivocally. It's advisable to rent before committing to a purchase, as it may not resonate with everyone. Those willing to overlook its flaws might find it a worthwhile addition to their collection, but others may be left underwhelmed.