Leave No Trace Blu-ray Review

"Leave No Trace" boasts a 1.85:1 AVC encoded Blu-ray presentation that captures the verdant Oregon and Washington wilderness with remarkable fidelity. The green, lush environment serves as a vibrant backdrop, with color grading that leans neutral but allows the forest greens to dominate the scenery effortlessly. Detail is exceptionally high, as evidenced by the intricate textures shown in close-ups, such as the slightly receding hairline of Ben Foster and the complex crevices on the forest's giant trees. Although there are a few isolated scenes that appear flat and noisy, the overall visual experience remains immersive and striking.

The 1080p video presentation delivers a sharp and detailed depiction of both natural and man-made settings. Intimate close-ups offer finely-honed facial and fabric details, while the lush vegetation sparkles with intense clarity, ensuring distinction between various plant species. A notable scene at the 9:20 mark, however, reveals some flatness and noise, highlighting limited imperfections in an otherwise pristine transfer. The colors are pleasingly natural, maintaining a strong organic intensity. Specifically, green vegetation remarkably stands out without overshadowing elements like colored clothes and interior shots. Black levels maintain healthy depth, although they occasionally appear slightly elevated, particularly in darker scenes such as nighttime tent interiors. Despite those minor issues, flesh tones remain accurate and the overall visual presentation is a testament to detailed digital cinematography.

Universal has delivered a well-rounded 1080p transfer that keeps digital artifacting to a minimum, aside from sporadic instances of digital noise. The cinematography's attention to detail significantly enhances the viewing experience, making "Leave No Trace" a visual delight for Blu-ray audiences.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track for "Leave No Trace" is commendable, encapsulating a nuanced and balanced sound design that adapts seamlessly to the film’s varying aural landscapes. Dialogue remains the central focus and is replicated with exceptional clarity, despite minor instances of Ben Foster's mumbled lines. The subtle yet precise deployment of ambient sounds, such as birds chirping, rustling leaves, and distant machinery, enriches the auditory experience. This creates an immersive atmosphere that aptly reproduces the serene yet complex natural settings of the film.

The track also excels in highlighting the stark contrast between the tranquility of the forest and the more aggressive sounds of urban settings. When Will and Tom venture into town, the rumble of cars and trains as well as the chopping of trees by chainsaws becomes significantly pronounced, effectively portraying the jarring intrusion of modern noise on their peaceful existence. LFE elements are deployed judiciously; the low frequencies punctuate crucial scenes without overwhelming the mix, adding depth to sequences involving chainsaws and subtle crashes. The score is clear and spaced beautifully across channels, providing rich auditory texture without overshadowing the dialogue.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix offers a professionally crafted soundscape that aligns perfectly with the film's thematic and emotional narrative, ensuring an engaging listening experience for its audience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Leave No Trace" offer a comprehensive dive into the film’s production. These special features include a making-of featurette, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes vignettes, and a photo gallery of location scouts. The vignettes, with a total runtime of approximately 15 minutes, examine how the actors authentically prepared for their roles, adding depth to the on-screen performances. Noteworthy inclusions like "Learning to Touch Bees" and "Forest Park Rehearsal" shed light on the meticulous preparation involved. The "Creating Leave No Trace" featurette provides insights from cast and crew on the film's themes and director Debra Granik's vision. The photo gallery offers roughly 30 still images showcasing various filming locations, enhancing appreciation for the film’s meticulous scouting work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Creating Leave No Trace: Cast and crew recount the plot and themes.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes Social Media & Slugs and Kryss and Gus.
• Behind the Scenes Vignettes: Features like Learning to Touch Bees and Devotional Dance.
• Location Scout Photo Gallery: About 30 auto-advancing still images of filming locations.

"Leave No Trace" tells a poignant survival story with remarkable depth, capturing the delicate balance between a father’s psychological struggle and a daughter's coming-of-age journey. Directed by Debra Granik, the film explores the lives of Will (Ben Foster) and his daughter Tom (Thomasin McKenzie) as they isolate themselves in the Oregon wilderness. Will, a veteran dealing with PTSD, finds solace in seclusion, training Tom to be self-sufficient and resilient. This secluded existence is shattered when authorities discover them, forcing them back into society—a place Will adamantly rejects.

As they adjust to the norms of modern life, Will's deep-seated issues compel him to retreat back to nature. The narrative subtly reveals Will's torment through nuanced dialogue and his interactions with the V.A. Foster’s portrayal of Will is compelling; he embodies the essence of a man teetering on the edge of societal acceptance and total withdrawal, bound by duty to his daughter yet enslaved by his own demons. McKenzie's performance is equally captivating, portraying Tom's internal conflict with great authenticity as she grapples with newfound desires versus her loyalty to her father.

The film underscores themes of survival beyond just physical sustenance but extends to the preservation of one's soul and sanity. Granik’s direction and the script’s restrained storytelling avoid overt dramatization, instead favoring measured revelations and quiet reflections. The supporting roles emphasize humanity’s intrinsic goodness while simultaneously highlighting systemic failings. Ultimately, "Leave No Trace" is a masterful exploration of family bonds, mental health, and societal divergence, all conveyed through stellar performances and meticulous direction.

"Leave No Trace" is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that explores the delicate complexities of mental health, family bonds, and societal intervention. Directed by Debra Granik, the film stars Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie in compelling performances as a father and daughter living off the grid and struggling with the intrusion of well-meaning but unwelcome societal help. The narrative is a slow burner, offering a slice-of-life portrayal rather than following a traditional three-act structure, but it is profoundly affecting and filled with emotional depth that rewards patient viewers.

The Blu-ray release from Universal is exemplary in terms of technical specifications. The 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio provides a lush, visually engaging experience that captures the film's naturalistic beauty. The audio, delivered via DTS-HD MA 5.1 and English DVS DD 5.1 tracks, offers a clear and immersive soundscape that complements the film's subtle storytelling. Subtitles are available in English SDH and Spanish, making the film accessible to a broader audience.

However, the supplementary materials on the Blu-ray are somewhat limited. While not abundant, the included extras are certainly worth exploring and add value to this otherwise exemplary release. Overall, "Leave No Trace" is a superb film that combines strong performances, rich visuals, and an engrossing story into a highly recommended package. This Blu-ray is an essential addition to any serious film collection.