The Velvet Underground Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, The Velvet Underground's Blu-ray release boasts a remarkable 1080p transfer. Directed by Todd Haynes and visually shaped by Ed Lachman, the digital master was crafted in 4K resolution, preserving the fidelity and texture of its diverse source materials. While the archival footage displays inherent fluctuations tied to age and source quality, recent interviews exhibit standout clarity and stable colors. Such nuances are typical of documentaries employing varied footage.

The video presentation on this Blu-ray admirably balances decades-spanning source material. The older segments exhibit distinctive grain that enhances their vintage allure, with black-and-white footage appearing impressively crisp. Criterion's meticulous restoration efforts result in excellent visual integrity, especially notable in remastered older color scenes that maintain a natural look. The new interviews, the visual highlight, showcase sharpness and clarity, providing a stark contrast to the documentary's more historical visuals.

In keeping with the ascetic of the times, the documentary isn't highly colorful, largely comprising interviews and historical clips. However, the remastered concert footage and short films shine through with improved black levels and rich skin tones, offering an engaging visual experience. Overall, Criterion delivers a commendable transfer for a documentary genre of eclectic visual content, maintaining a seamless narrative through its technical mastery.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Velvet Underground" offers two standard audio tracks: Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 2.0, along with English SDH subtitles. With the Dolby Atmos track, the allure of experiencing The Velvet Underground's music in a heightened auditory sphere is evident. This track notably enriches the iconic hits and provides a subtle yet effective enhancement to the low end of the bass, complementing the treble with finesse. Despite being a documentary, where such a high-definition audio option could initially seem excessive, the immersive quality Atmos brings to the concert sounds and music playback is commendable.

On a comparative note, while the Dolby Digital 2.0 track delivers satisfactory performance throughout the film, it's important to measure expectations reasonably across different segments of this archival-heavy documentary. Although various points transition between new interviews and original materials, the Dolby Digital 2.0 suffices in maintaining clarity and balance without losing impact. Notably, dialogue remains consistently clear in both tracks, aiding comprehensibility without distraction.

Ultimately, while Dolby Atmos offers an elevated auditory ambiance, particularly for the music which plays a pivotal role in the film, Dolby Digital 2.0 still serves as a solid alternative for viewers content with effective, if less vivid, audio quality. For enthusiasts seeking the most immersive experience of The Velvet Underground's sonic legacy, opting for Dolby Atmos would be an advisable choice.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Velvet Underground" deliver an immersive experience that delves into the band's enigmatic aura and historical significance within the New York art scene. The section includes a rich array of avant-garde film presentations, long-form interviews, and insightful commentary that contribute to a profound understanding of this cultural phenomenon. Todd Haynes' audio commentary offers an invaluable behind-the-scenes look into the creative process, unpacking the narrative structure and sharing newly discovered footage. The interviews with key figures, such as Jonas Mekas and Mary Woronov, provide engaging anecdotes that explore personal experiences with Andy Warhol and the band. Complemented by a visually appealing booklet containing an essay by Greil Marcus, this Blu Ray is an essential acquisition for fans seeking a deeper appreciation of The Velvet Underground's impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Teaser: Original Apple teaser for the film.
• Avant-Garde Films: Three vintage films without sound, including "Award Presentation to Andy Warhol," "Venus in Furs," and an excerpt from "Walden: Diaries, Notes, and Sketches."
• Interviews: In-depth discussions with Jonas Mekas, Mary Woronov, Jonathan Richman, and a conversation with Todd Haynes moderated by Jenn Pelly.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Todd Haynes and editors Affonso Goncalves and Adam Kurnitz.
• Booklet: Features an essay by critic Greil Marcus.

Todd Haynes' "The Velvet Underground" Blu-ray, presented by Criterion, offers an immersive examination of the band's iconic yet unconventional journey. The release is complemented with exclusive features, including commentary from Haynes himself and others closely linked to the project, providing nuanced insights into the film's creation and the band's artistic legacy. In Region-A locked format, this Blu-ray rendition boasts English audio with optional SDH subtitles for clarity.

The documentary meticulously weaves new interviews with living band members, such as John Cale and Maureen Tucker, alongside rich archival footage, adding depth to its narrative. Though the atmosphere of camaraderie and tension within The Velvet Underground is palpable, some may find the film's revelations less groundbreaking, focusing more on reiterating established facts about the band's dynamics and external perceptions. Notably, despite insightful interviews with Mary Woronov and others, the film occasionally falters in delivering new revelations about the band's internal conflicts or its pivotal role in shaping modern rock music.

Haynes' stylistic approach enriches the narrative through the creative use of split-screen techniques, juxtaposing talking heads against unexpected archival visuals, thus simulating a dynamic commentary track. While Jonathan Richman offers a unique perspective on how The Velvet Underground redefined his musical world, the documentary arguably glosses over significant developmental aspects, such as Lou Reed and Andy Warhol's complex rapport. Despite these shortcomings, Haynes succeeds in reviving the allure of The Velvet Underground through vivid storytelling bolstered by previously unseen footage and interviews that amplify the intrigue surrounding this influential band. Criterion’s presentation on Blu-ray showcases the film's intricacy well, inviting both dedicated fans and newcomers to delve into the band's storied past.

Todd Haynes' "The Velvet Underground" on Blu-Ray offers a multifaceted glimpse into the enigmatic band and the vibrant scene they inhabited. The documentary is praised for its creative visual storytelling, which succeeds in capturing the essence of The Velvet Underground's music, as well as the cultural milieu surrounding them. Haynes employs innovative cinematic techniques that enhance the narrative experience, providing viewers with an engaging, albeit somewhat disjointed, perspective on a band known for their complexity and elusive nature. Despite a wealth of sincere interviews with key figures linked to the band, the film occasionally struggles to weave a fully coherent narrative, reflecting the difficulty of definitively profiling such an eclectic and influential group.

The technical quality of Criterion's Blu-Ray release is impeccable, featuring an excellent video transfer and Dolby Atmos sound that brings The Velvet Underground's timeless music to life. These elements offer an immersive audiovisual experience that complements the documentary's content. Bonus features included in this release add substantial value, providing deeper insights and a more rounded view of the band’s legacy. The combined effect of these technical aspects ensures that this Blu-Ray stands out as a formidable presentation of Haynes' work.

In conclusion, while "The Velvet Underground" may not serve as the definitive exploration of the band’s legacy or offer a seamless narrative, it nonetheless provides an evocative portrayal bolstered by top-notch technical execution. Fans of The Velvet Underground will undoubtedly appreciate Criterion’s meticulous presentation and find this edition a worthy addition to their collection. However, for those less familiar with the band, a rental might suffice. Despite its narrative imperfections, the documentary’s vibrant depiction remains compelling and worth experiencing for its artistic and historical significance.