Waltz with Bashir Blu-ray Review

Waltz with Bashir is presented on Blu-ray with an impressive 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, encoded using the MPEG-4 AVC codec. This UK release by Artificial Eye showcases the movie's unique animation style with striking clarity and detail. The transfer excellently captures the film's haunting visuals, from the dreamlike sequences that exhibit an almost three-dimensional depth to the vivid portrayal of the surreal and the mundane. Notably, the colors are rendered with extraordinary precision, enhancing the film's atmospheric tones and emotional weight. From the vibrant hues of dream sequences to the more subdued colors of real-life settings, every frame is a testament to the quality of this transfer.

Despite a few minor grievances, such as occasional digital noise that could arguably be seen as an intentional aesthetic choice to echo newsreel footage authenticity, the overall visual presentation is nearly flawless. The digital noise does little to detract from the overall viewing experience, thanks in part to the film's clever usage of color and light, which remains consistent and evocative throughout. Moreover, edge enhancement and macroblocking issues are practically nonexistent, ensuring that the animation's fluidity and the stark, haunting beauty of its imagery are preserved without distraction.

This Blu-ray does not just stand out for its technical merits but also for its additional perk of being region-free, unlike its advertised Region-B lock. This accessibility means more viewers across geographical boundaries can experience Waltz with Bashir's mesmerizing video presentation on their devices. While it may not boast the overtly crisp textures seen in higher-budget animated productions, the transfer brings to life Folman’s vision with an authenticity and clarity that is both exceptional and deeply immersive, making this release a commendable addition to any collection.

The audio presentation of "Waltz with Bashir" on Blu-ray delivers an engaging auditory experience, prominently featuring two tracks: a Hebrew DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a Hebrew Dolby Digital 5.1. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, upon in-depth listening, stands out with its rich, full-bodied bass and notably active surround channels, complementing the atmospheric soundtrack composed by Max Richter. This track excels in delivering sharp, clear dialogue and handling silence with effectiveness, making the quieter scenes just as compelling as the action-packed sequences. Comparisons with the Dolby Digital 5.1 track have shown consistent quality across the board, with both formats ensuring that neither pops, hissings, nor dropouts interrupt the immersive experience.

The film's audio landscape is notably enriched by its balanced treatment of differing elements – from interviews and surreal elements to intense battle scenes, all are rendered with clear distinction. The lossless Dolby Digital TrueHD 5.1 mix, akin to the DTS-HD Master Audio, maintains this clarity and balance, offering an impressive depth of field through well-utilized low channels and constant ambient presence. The prioritization of sounds prevents abrupt volume changes, ensuring an even and pleasurable auditory journey throughout. Moreover, the surround ambience is consistently engaged, bringing even the film's most delicate scenes to life with remarkable precision.

Despite the audio's high caliber, it is worth noting the restricted language options provided on this Blu-ray edition – limited to Hebrew and English audio tracks, with only English and English SDH subtitles available. This limitation is unexpected for a film with potential international appeal and contrasts sharply with the otherwise exemplary audio presentation. The availability of these tracks ensures accessibility for English-speaking audiences, yet a broader international palette might have enhanced its global reception.

The Blu-ray extras for "Waltz with Bashir" offer a comprehensive look into the making and conception of this groundbreaking film. The collection is notably enriched by insights from director Ari Folman, who discusses at length the inspirations behind the movie, his personal experiences with the Israeli Army, and the meticulous effort involved in bringing his vision to animated life. Noteworthy are the contributions from the animation director Yoni Goodman and art director David Polonsky, shedding light on the creative process. The inclusion of deleted scenes, animatics, and a direct commentary by Folman adds layers to the understanding of the film's unique narrative approach. The extras, despite their standard-definition presentation, are essential for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the technical and emotional underpinnings of "Waltz with Bashir." However, it's critical to note the need for compatible players due to the PAL-format of these features.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Of: Insights from director Ari Folman, animation director Yoni Goodman, and art director David Polonsky on the creation of the film.
• Interview with Ari Folman: Folman discusses his motivations for making the film and his history with the Israeli Army.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of stilts and scenes not included in the final cut with optional English subtitles.
• Original theatrical trailer: The UK theatrical trailer in PAL format.
• Audio Commentary with Ari Folman: Folman shares in-depth details about the making of the film and its political context.
• Q&A with Ari Folman: Provides additional insights into Folman's perspective on war.
• Surreal Soldiers: Making of 'Waltz with Bashir': A look at turning live-action interviews into animated sequences.
• Building the Scenes - Animatics: Early-stage animations showcasing the film's development process.

"Waltz with Bashir," directed by Ari Folman and released in 2008, stands as Israel's pioneering animated feature, offering a visceral and haunting portrayal of the 1982 massacres at Chatila and Sabra refugee camps within Lebanon. Marketed as an animated documentary, this groundbreaking work skillfully combines the advanced techniques of rotoscoping with a script meticulously crafted from interviews, resulting in a cinematic piece that blurs the lines between documentary realism and animated interpretation. Despite its classification stirring some debate, the film's aesthetic brilliance and emotional depth cannot be understated, showcasing a fluid, dreamlike quality that captures the nightmarish experiences of combat and its lingering aftermath.

The narrative embarks on a profound exploration of memory and its suppression through the lens of Folman's personal journey as a former Israeli soldier seeking clarity about his role in the Lebanon War. The opening scene featuring 26 rampaging dogs sets an unsettling tone, leading into a series of flashbacks that investigate the complexity of war, collective guilt, and the struggle for redemption. The film avoids offering conclusive answers regarding political conspiracies or placing blame. Instead, it remains focused on individual and collective memory, making it clear that during war, there are no victors, only survivors grappling with the consequences of their actions.

Accompanied by Max Richter's award-winning soundtrack, "Waltz with Bashir" transcends traditional filmmaking boundaries, presenting a powerful critique of war's horrors against the backdrop of stunning animation. The decision to conclude with real-life footage from the massacres underscores the stark reality behind the animated narrative, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of horror and empathy. This creative choice highlights Folman’s attempt not just to recount his and others' experiences but to prompt reflection on the nature of memory, war, and humanity’s capacity for both violence and healing.

"Waltz with Bashir," Israel's official entry for the 2008 Oscars, represents a significant cinematic achievement and has been treated with the respect it deserves in its Blu-ray release by Artificial Eye. This Region-Free Blu-ray not only broadens accessibility for international audiences but also includes exclusive extras that augment the viewing experience beyond what is available on the standard DVD version. The film's presentation benefits from superb audio and video quality, ensuring that both its visual narrative and powerful soundtrack are experienced with the clarity and intensity intended by its creators. The pricing strategy adopted for this release is commendably attractive, making it an appealing purchase for cinephiles and collectors alike.

While some viewers might find "Waltz with Bashir" challenging due to its unique storytelling approach, its appeal to adventurous film enthusiasts cannot be overstated. It offers a distinctive cinematic experience that diverges from mainstream filmmaking, capturing the complexities of memory and trauma through animation. This aspect, coupled with a carefully curated set of extras—which, though limited, enrich the overall understanding of the film’s context and creation—ensures its place as a must-have for those seeking depth and innovation in film.

Conclusively, "Waltz with Bashir" on Blu-ray is a compelling acquisition for both connoisseurs of serious cinema and those intrigued by its historical and psychological themes. Its high-quality audiovisual presentation, alongside value-adding exclusive content at an attractive price point, warrants our highest recommendation. This release not only honors the film’s artistic and thematic significance but also serves as an exemplary model of how contemporary cinema can be preserved and presented for future generations.