Frances Ha Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Frances Ha" enjoys a stunning 1080p transfer on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. Shot with a Canon 5D digital camera and meticulously processed using a fully digital workflow, the film captures a nuanced balance of image quality. The Rec. 709 high-definition color space is utilized to its fullest extent, presenting an aesthetic that deftly bridges the gap between nostalgic homage and contemporary digital filmmaking. Outdoor scenes, with copious natural light, display remarkable image depth and clarity, while indoor scenes occasionally reveal inherited fluctuations in sharpness and contrast levels, reflecting the film's low-budget origins. However, these inconsistencies only enhance the intended creative vision.

The black-and-white cinematography achieves a distinct New Wave look, thanks to the adept digital color-correction by Pascal Dangin at Box Studios, New York. This transformation imbues "Frances Ha" with a textural richness and filmic quality, eschewing the clinical sterility often associated with digital shoots. The film boasts striking contrast levels, producing deep blacks and luminescent whites that contribute to a dreamlike ambiance. Notably, the gradation between black and white results in a seamless grayscale spectrum, devoid of distracting artifacts such as banding. The high fidelity of fine details and textures ensures that the visual presentation remains both engaging and evocative, achieving a compelling blend of past and present cinematic techniques.

Ultimately, "Frances Ha" delivers an exceptional Blu-ray video experience that aligns perfectly with its artistic intent. There are no severe transfer-specific anomalies or stability issues, securing the film's spot as a visually captivating piece that honors its creators' vision. This Blu-ray release stands as an exemplary demonstration of how meticulous digital processing can triumph in creating a richly textured and evocative viewing experience.

The audio presentation of the "Frances Ha" Blu-ray is exclusively available in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The depth and clarity of the sound are exceptional, ensuring that every element of the soundtrack is delivered with precision. Dialogues stand out for their crispness and stability, remaining clear and easy to follow throughout the movie. Dynamic intensity is somewhat restricted, and notable surround effects are sparse, but the dialog-centric mix performs admirably in maintaining immersion without technical issues like dropouts or distortions.

The film's eclectic soundtrack, featuring tracks such as "Modern Love" and scores from iconic films like "A Gorgeous Girl Like Me," is given substantial weight by the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. This track ensures that the dialogues remain pristine while also allowing music to shine. Most dialogue lines are anchored to the center channel, with occasional spatial distribution during busier scenes like restaurant or party sequences, which enhances the overall sound depth. Though atmospheric ambient noise is minimal, many scenes are driven by emotive musical choices rather than environmental sounds, creating a richly textured aural landscape. Each piece of the soundtrack utilizes the 5.1 format effectively, producing a balanced and enriched listening experience that complements the visual narrative without overwhelming it. This audio mix faithfully echoes the film's aesthetic and emotional tone, providing a satisfying auditory experience that aligns seamlessly with Baumbach’s artistic vision.

The Blu-ray extras for "Frances Ha" provide a wealth of insight into the filmmaking process and creative collaborations that shaped the film. The conversation between Noah Baumbach and Peter Bogdanovich offers a deep dive into Baumbach's digital filmmaking techniques and the influence of various films on "Frances Ha." The discussion between Greta Gerwig and Sarah Polley explores Gerwig's performance intricacies and her approach to writing. "Interpreting Reality" features Baumbach, DP Sam Levy, and Pascal Dangin explaining the complex methods used to achieve the film’s aesthetic, emphasizing the challenges involved in digital cinematography. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer and a meticulously crafted booklet with an essay by Annie Baker enriches the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of this unique cinematic piece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original R-rated trailer for "Frances Ha."
• Peter Bogdanovich and Noah Baumbach: Discussion on film's style and making.
• Sarah Polley and Greta Gerwig: Conversation about Gerwig’s performance and writing process.
• Interpreting Reality: Insights into the film's visual aesthetic and digital filmmaking challenges.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring Annie Baker's essay "The Green Girl."

Noah Baumbach's "Frances Ha," starring Greta Gerwig, is a modern black-and-white film that pays homage to the French New Wave. The narrative, essentially a plotless character study, hinges on Frances' charisma and the audience’s connection with her. Frances (Gerwig) aspires to be a successful dancer but is plagued by uncertainties and financial instability. Her close relationship with best friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner) undergoes stress as Sophie’s life progresses, further shaking Frances’ sense of direction and belonging. This portrayal is steeped in the paradox of permanent change versus societal expectations for stability.

Shot with a Canon 5D digital camera and meticulously color-corrected, the film's visual style draws heavily from New Wave aesthetics, occasionally veering into an overt homage. Notably, Baumbach's choice to use music by legendary composers such as Georges Delerue and Jean Constantin wonderfully punctuates the film’s emotional landscape with timeless resonance, aligning perfectly with its introspective themes. The soundtrack juxtaposes classic pop tunes like David Bowie's "Modern Love," embodying Frances’ fleeting joy and evolving self-acceptance.

The film’s structure—with separate segments delineated by title cards—lends a dreamlike quality that reflects Frances' uncertain journey through various New York locales and emotional states. Standout sequences, such as Frances' awkward explanation of her single status or her exuberant run through New York streets to Bowie's track, capture her internal conflict and search for identity with poignant authenticity. Baumbach’s unforced narrative allows negative spaces to resonate as much as filled ones, making "Frances Ha" a nuanced exploration of self-discovery and the embrace of personal voids over external validation.

The Blu-ray release of "Frances Ha" has garnered praise for its compelling representation of a young woman's journey through the complexities of life. The film, directed by Noah Baumbach, is presented in a crisp black-and-white format that effectively underscores the raw, unfiltered narrative. The Blu-ray transfer showcases excellent contrast and detail, maintaining the visual integrity of the cinematic experience. The sound quality is equally noteworthy, with a clear and balanced audio mix that complements the film's minimalist style. Fans of Baumbach’s work will appreciate the natural, spontaneous feel that permeates the film, a hallmark of his directorial touch.

Further enhancing this release are the special features included by the Criterion Collection, which provide deeper context and appreciation for the film. The commentary tracks offer insightful perspectives from both Baumbach and lead actress Greta Gerwig, adding layers to the viewing experience. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes featurettes and interviews with the cast and crew are thoughtfully compiled and informative, offering fans a rich understanding of the creative process behind "Frances Ha".

In conclusion, I believe that there will be two types of reactions to Noah Baumbach's "Frances Ha." On one hand, it will likely appeal to viewers who are unfamiliar with the different films that have inspired it and can easily relate to many of the challenges and situations its main protagonist faces. These viewers will discover something new and fresh. On the other hand, there will be a lot of viewers that will remain indifferent to the main protagonist's immaturity and the sweetness that is attached to it. Amongst these viewers, some will also conclude that a lot of what "Frances Ha" tries to accomplish has already been done a lot better. Naturally, I think that it would be best if you find a way to RENT IT first.