Mystify: Michael Hutchence Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Mystify: Michael Hutchence" on Blu-ray displays a keen handling of diverse historical sources, oscillating between low-resolution footage and crisply detailed imagery. Encoded in AVC at a high bitrate on a BD-50 disc, this 2.38:1 aspect ratio presentation maintains a consistent viewing experience, despite the variation in original recording quality. Archival concert footage has been meticulously enhanced, offering vivid color reproduction and smooth contrast. Even private home movies manage to retain a sense of authenticity while balancing brightness and skin tones naturally.

Nonetheless, the documentary's integration of standard-definition material from a pre-HD era results in variable detail and definition. The 1080p video quality is adequate, meeting typical expectations for historical documentaries. While some upscaled private footage reveals spotty detail and fluctuating resolution, the overall encode captures the myriad textures inherent in such mixed media sources with significant fidelity. Concert clips are notably superior, showcasing bright, accurate colors and clear delineation that highlight the period outfits and powerful stage lighting effectively.

In summary, "Mystify: Michael Hutchence" excels in managing its varied source material, delivering a visually satisfying presentation that honors the essence of the subject despite the inherent challenges posed by older footage.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix on the Blu-ray of "Mystify: Michael Hutchence" delivers a compelling audio experience, particularly enhancing the performance sequences by clarifying both vocals and instrumentation, essential for fully appreciating INXS's body of work. The surround channels effectively distribute musical selections and crowd atmospherics, generating an immersive, circular momentum, especially during live concert clips. Low-end frequencies are handled aptly, providing a percussive thump that reinforces the energetic segments, while interview audio playback is crisp, managing to convey conversations recorded years ago with clarity, alongside recent narration that communicates distinct emotion.

Moreover, the spacious mix guarantees intelligible dialogue throughout, especially noticeable in audio interviews that overlay vintage footage. The use of surround channels for ambient sounds and audience noise during concert footage is done proficiently, contributing to a more enveloping audio landscape. Optional English SDH subtitles are available in a white font for added accessibility. For those seeking an alternative experience, a secondary 2.0 DTS-HD MA track is included and performs adequately well.

The Blu-ray extras for "Mystify: Michael Hutchence" offer almost an hour of additional material that delves deeper into various aspects of Hutchence’s life and career, providing a rich supplement to the main documentary. These scenes, although initially cut for time and flow, deliver more nuanced insights and are essential for ardent fans of Hutchence. The disc also includes a high-definition theatrical trailer. This combination of behind-the-scenes footage and personal glimpses into Hutchence's world enhances the viewing experience, making it a must-watch for those looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the artist.

Extras included on this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional preview of the documentary.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes including The Early Days, Acting, Prague, And Now Max Q, Way of the World, How to Make a Music Video, Motorcycle Baby, A Fish Commercial, All the Lies You Find, The Final Days, Stuck in a Moment, and Absolutely No Way.

"Mystify: Michael Hutchence," directed by Richard Lowenstein, offers an intimate and compelling profile of INXS's charismatic frontman, diving deep into his personal life rather than the band's musical journey. This documentary meticulously traces Hutchence's tumultuous life from childhood to his untimely death in 1997. While INXS and their music provide a contextual backdrop, Lowenstein focuses on showcasing Hutchence's intricate personality and relationships. Through a careful curation of rare archival footage, home videos, and genuine reflections from close family members and former romantic partners like Kylie Minogue and Helena Christensen, the documentary provides a nuanced portrait of Hutchence's psychological struggles and the profound impact of his 1992 brain injury.

Lowenstein avoids conventional talking-head interviews, instead opting for a diverse range of intimate footage to piece together Hutchence’s story. The film emphasizes personal glimpses into Hutchence's life over completeness, occasionally omitting aspects like his drug abuse that are framed as self-medication for deeper issues. Notably absent is an in-depth exploration of INXS’s musical impact; rather, the focus lies in illustrating Hutchence’s evolution from a reserved youth to an international rockstar strained by fame. Momentous events such as his romance with Minogue and the life-altering car accident witnessed by Christensen are poignantly highlighted, reflecting the emotional depths and complexities of Hutchence's journey.

"Mystify: Michael Hutchence" impeccably curates moments that reveal the singer’s sensitive and shy nature, contrasted against his onstage persona. Culminating in the tragic circumstances surrounding his final days with Paula Yates and his children, Lowenstein subtly underscores the environmental and personal factors contributing to Hutchence's tragic end. Through polished direction and a deeply personal touch, Lowenstein offers viewers an engrossing exploration of a troubled yet profoundly talented individual, shedding light on the human side of a rockstar legend often obscured by public persona.

"Mystify: Michael Hutchence" presents a poignant and well-rounded portrayal of the enigmatic INXS frontman. Through a confluence of intimate interviews with his bandmates, family, and close friends—such as Bono—the documentary navigates the complex personality of Hutchence. The narrative delves into the pronounced duality that defined him: a straddling of overwhelming sensuality on stage that stood in stark contrast with his profound personal insecurities. The feature unveils Hutchence's journey to find his voice beyond the confines of INXS and his tumultuous handling of intense tabloid scrutiny following his affair with Paula Yates, who later became the mother of his only child.

Technical elements of the documentary are meticulously crafted, enhancing the overall immersion for the viewer. The blend of archival footage and personal anecdotes results in a textured exploration of Hutchence’s life. The restrained approach avoids sensationalism, choosing instead to celebrate Hutchence as a restless soul and an artist in search of self-expression. This results in a heartfelt cinematic grieving process that resonates with both long-time fans and those less familiar with his legacy. The inclusion of exclusive performance sequences and personal reflections adds depth, evoking a sense of closeness to the iconic rockstar.

In conclusion, "Mystify: Michael Hutchence" succeeds as both an informative and emotional tribute to the late singer. It cherishes his spirit while acknowledging the unresolved complexities surrounding his life and untimely death. For fans, it offers a semblance of closure; for newcomers, it serves as a compelling introduction to a multifaceted artist who left an indelible mark on the world of music.