Exit Through the Gift Shop Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Exit Through the Gift Shop" is delivered with a 1080p/AVC encode. The film, assembled from extensive hours of Thierry's standard definition footage, reveals the constraints of its source. The imagery bears noticeable artifacts, pervasive chroma noise, and persistent aliasing. Colors lack vibrancy, detail is minimal, and the overall visual aesthetic leans towards the raw and amateurish. Such visual quality may disappoint those expecting high-definition clarity, yet it aligns authentically with the nature of the original material.

Despite the inherent limitations, this release demonstrates an appreciable improvement over its DVD predecessor. The newfound sharpness of the encode underscores the stark contrast between the rough source material and newer HD-sourced still images inserted into the film, adding depth and context otherwise absent in previous versions. Never intended to be a showcase of high-definition prowess, the Blu-ray remains faithful to its origins, presenting "Exit Through the Gift Shop" as it was meant to be seen, albeit with a degree of enhancement befitting the format.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track of "Exit Through the Gift Shop" is competently handled, though it does face some inherent limitations, particularly with slightly muffled voices in Thierry's footage. However, the narration by Rhys Ifans is clear and well-balanced within the mix. Notably, all the music, including the synth-heavy tracks, has a strong presence that enhances the film’s atmosphere. The rear channels contribute to an immersive soundstage, primarily utilized for the soundtrack, which adds a welcomed layer of envelopment. Additionally, this release provides English and English SDH subtitles, facilitating better understanding of Banksy's modulated voice.

For those who prefer variety in audio options, the Blu-ray includes both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. The 5.1 track excels in its use of all channels when music is present, offering occasional subwoofer rumbles but primarily a clear, center-driven sound. This track effectively isolates dialogue in the center channel while maintaining a balanced mix with the background music. Conversely, the 2.0 track shows some difficulty with overlapping music and dialogue, making the 5.1 track the preferable choice for a coherent and immersive audio experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Exit Through the Gift Shop" provide an insightful and eclectic mix of additional content that complements the main feature. Each segment delves into different facets of street art culture, providing historical context and deeper perspectives on the artists involved. "A Star is Born" offers a compelling view of Mr. Brainwash's involvement in the Cans Festival with Banksy, while "More Brainwashing" consists of short, yet interesting, deleted scenes. "Life Remote Control" is a condensed and chaotic display of Thierry's ambitious but unfocused documentary attempt. Lastly, "B Movie" serves as a succinct yet impactful overview of Banksy's career and the street art phenomenon, with contributions from notable figures within the art world.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Star is Born: Mr. Brainwash participates in Banksy's Cans Festival.
• More Brainwashing: Short deleted scenes showing Thierry's preparations.
• Life Remote Control: A 15-minute chaotic montage from Thierry's documentary.
• B Movie: Overview of Banksy's career with interviews from notable figures.

"Exit Through the Gift Shop," directed by the enigmatic street artist Banksy, offers a compelling meta-narrative that intriguingly blurs the lines between documentary, satire, and potential hoax. The film chronicles Thierry Guetta, an eccentric French émigré in Los Angeles with an irresistible urge to film everything. Initially, Guetta’s video obsession leads him to document various street artists, ultimately earning him proximity to notable figures like Shepard Fairey—the mind behind the iconic Obama Hope poster—and the elusive Banksy himself. However, it becomes rapidly apparent that Guetta lacks the skill to convert his extensive collection of footage into a coherent documentary, culminating in the chaotic "Life Remote Control."

Banksy, recognizing Guetta’s inability to produce a substantive film, suggests he try his hand at street art. In a bizarre turn of events, Guetta morphs into 'Mr. Brainwash,' transforming his rapidly assembled pop-culture-driven art into a sensational exhibit that nets nearly a million dollars in its opening week. The documentary deftly captures Mr. Brainwash's meteoric rise, his absurdly derivative art pieces, and the public’s uncritical acceptance of his hastily manufactured works. Banksy's commentary on Guetta's success as an artist illuminates broader critiques on the commercialization and commodification of art.

The narrative strength of "Exit Through the Gift Shop" lies in its layered exploration of authenticity within the art world, topped with Banksy's signature dark humor. Whether Mr. Brainwash is a calculated prank by Banksy or a genuine fluke remains ambiguous, contributing to the film's brilliance. This ambivalence extends an invitation to viewers to question the very nature of art and celebrity. "Exit Through the Gift Shop" serves as both a biting satire and a fascinating documentation of street art culture, leaving audiences pondering the nebulous border between genius and charlatanism.

Exit Through the Gift Shop is a clever and engaging exploration of the elusive street art scene, centered around the enigmatic Banksy. The film begins as a documentary on street artists but takes an unexpected turn, evolving into a subversive critique of the art world itself. Through the narrative of Thierry Guetta, an eccentric French shopkeeper turned amateur filmmaker, viewers are drawn into an intriguing blend of raw creativity and audacious commentary. The film's intelligent structure and captivating subject matter ensure that it remains not only informative but also highly entertaining.

The Blu-ray offers a modest upgrade in terms of audio-visual quality compared to the DVD. The visuals are crisp, with a sharpness that enhances the vivid colors and detailed textures of street art showcased throughout the film. The audio track is clear, bringing out the nuances of the film’s eclectic soundtrack and making the documentary’s numerous interviews and dialogues immersive. While it may not be a groundbreaking leap in technical terms, it certainly provides a satisfying viewing experience for both new and returning audiences.

Although Exit Through the Gift Shop didn't win Best Documentary Feature at the 83rd Academy Awards, it gets my vote for being clever, funny, and scathing. Is it a hoax? Who knows and who cares? The speculation only adds to the film's mystique. This is easily the best documentary I've seen so far this year. Highly recommended!