Velvet Goldmine Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Velvet Goldmine" by Lionsgate/Miramax showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This transfer excels in delivering a bold and bright color palette, offering excellent saturation and robustness that vividly complements the film’s glam rock aesthetic. However, the overall sharpness is inconsistent, with midrange and far-range shots often appearing disappointingly soft and occasionally blurry, most notably in facial close-ups such as Christian Bale’s. Grain can approach digital noise levels in darker sequences, and even some brighter scenes exhibit this issue, impacting the overall visual clarity.

While fine detail is generally above average in close-ups, the concert sequences suffer from gauziness and inconsistent black levels. Additionally, there are recurring artifact issues, such as slight shimmer and aliasing disrupting the vertical lines of pinstripe suits worn by several characters. Occasional minor haloing is also present, especially noticeable in backlit close-ups of faces. The transfer shows evidence of artificial sharpening in a few scenes, leading to mild ringing that nearly reaches the level of blatant edge enhancement. Contrast levels are well-balanced but lack excitement, and black levels are mostly grayish, detracting from depth and shadow detail.

Overall, while "Velvet Goldmine" on Blu-ray offers noticeable improvements over previous DVD versions in terms of resolution and quality, it does come with its share of shortcomings. The color palette, though better than before, still lacks the true brilliance and vividness expected for a film centered around the glam rock movement. This subpar execution in critical areas leaves the visual presentation falling short of its full potential.

The audio presentation of "Velvet Goldmine" on Blu-ray boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that immerses viewers in the vibrant soundscape of the glam rock era. The soundtrack features a compelling mix of original glam rock relics and new material crafted specifically for the film. Performances by actors like McGregor and Meyers, who contribute their own vocals, provide a unique authenticity. The track excels in its representation of the lower end, thanks to the bass and drum-heavy musical pieces, delivering a consistently dynamic audio experience.

However, despite these strengths, some areas leave audiences desiring more. While ambient crowd noises enhance many concert scenes and there’s excellent channel separation, the sound often remains confined to the front stage, limiting the full immersive potential one might expect from a rock-centric film. The dynamic range is praiseworthy, adeptly handling everything from quiet dialogue to high-energy music segments with fidelity that captures clear, precise frequencies. Unfortunately, there are moments when dialogue reproduction suffers, with vocals occasionally being drowned out or too low to be clearly heard, slightly marring an otherwise robust audio presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Velvet Goldmine" significantly enhances the viewing experience with a rich and informative collection of extras. The standout feature is the Audio Commentary by writer/director Todd Haynes and producer Christine Vachon. Haynes provides an almost obsessively detailed analysis of the film, delving into casting, performances, and the cultural influence of the rock movement. Although Vachon's contributions are limited, Haynes' well-prepared insights, including numerous references to real people, make this track essential listening for fans and film aficionados. The presentation is thorough, albeit a bit dry at times due to Haynes' non-conversational delivery, but overall it enriches the understanding of the film's depth and context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary by Writer-Director Todd Haynes and Producer Christine Vachon: Detailed analysis of cast, performances, music, cultural impact, and film references.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film in SD.
• Trailers: Collection of previews from the studio’s catalog in varying resolutions.

Todd Haynes' Velvet Goldmine is an audacious dive into the glam-rock era of the 1970s, marked by its visual extravagance and thematic depth. The film draws inspiration from the lives of icons like David Bowie and Iggy Pop, focusing on fictional glam rock star Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and his disappearance. Haynes employs a non-linear narrative, unfolding through journalist Arthur Stuart (Christian Bale), who navigates a past drenched in glitter and bravado, while also confronting his own sexual identity. The storytelling, reminiscent of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane, interweaves a tapestry of flashbacks and interviews, capturing the essence of a movement that boldly redefined music and culture.

Visually, Velvet Goldmine is a riot of color and style, embodying Haynes' flair for exuberant detail. Its soundtrack pulsates with era-defining hits and original compositions, although the film's over-the-top theatricality often overshadows its emotional core. The interplay between Slade and Curt Wild (Ewan McGregor), a character modeled after Iggy Pop, further amplifies the film's exploration of identity and fame. However, Haynes' intent to evoke rather than accurately depict the era renders the narrative somewhat disjointed, preventing deeper investment in characters. While Bale's portrayal of Stuart injects genuine emotion, highlighting personal liberation through music, other characters remain underdeveloped, leaving gaps in the plot that dilute the central mystery.

Despite its shortcomings in narrative coherence, Velvet Goldmine stands out as a visually enchanting homage to a transformative period in music history. Its ambitious take on the glam-rock scene, combined with striking performances and a pulsating soundtrack, makes it a unique cinematic experience. Haynes’ stylistic choices and thematic explorations create a vivid, albeit idealized, representation of an era that celebrated extravagance and defied conventional norms. This film might not satisfy those seeking historical accuracy or emotional depth but remains an intriguing spectacle that captures the larger-than-life essence of glam rock.

Velvet Goldmine is an extravagant tribute to the glam rock era, brilliantly orchestrated by writer and director Todd Haynes. The film delves into the ephemeral glam rock scene of the 70s, primarily focusing on the vividly portrayed relationship between a Bowie-esque pop idol and an Iggy Pop-like rocker, masterfully brought to life by Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Ewan McGregor, respectively. Supported by Christian Bale who plays a self-liberating young teen influenced by this music genre, the cast delivers remarkable performances that resonate with the film’s flamboyant spirit.

The Blu-ray presentation of Velvet Goldmine offers an improved but still average visual experience. While some scenes showcase enhanced clarity and vibrant colors that complement the film's extravagant aesthetic, other segments appear less refined. The audio presentation fares better, delivering a dynamic sound experience that captures the essence of the film's rich musical backdrop. This release includes a standout audio commentary by Haynes, which is arguably the highlight of the supplementary materials and accentuates the overall value of this edition.

Overall, Velvet Goldmine thrives as an engaging and whimsical homage to a distinct musical epoch, despite its narrative flaws. Todd Haynes’ directorial prowess and the top-notch performances ensure a captivating viewing experience. Though not exactly historical, the film's impressionistic evocation triumphs in vividly depicting the era it aims to celebrate. This Blu-ray is recommended for fans for its insightful commentary and enjoyable content, while casual viewers might find it a worthy rental for its entertainment value alone.