Once Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Once" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment boasts an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, presented in a slightly unconventional 1.84:1 ratio. This review highlights an anomaly also spotted in the British Blu-ray version—a peculiar ribbon of pillarboxing on the left side of the frame. Given its filming on a modest digital camcorder, the visual fidelity of "Once" is inherently soft, grappling with low contrast in dimly lit scenes, and carrying a naturalistic color palette that leans towards accuracy rather than vibrancy. Despite these limitations, which are indicative of its shoestring budget and guerrilla filmmaking approach in Dublin's streets, the level of fine detail in close-ups is commendably high. The transfer is clean, devoid of compression artifacts or other significant digital issues, preserving the film's raw and authentic aesthetic with integrity.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 treatment respects the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, faithfully reproducing the visual essence experienced by audiences in theaters. Challenges inherent to its low-budget indie production—unsteady camerawork due to distant shooting necessitated by a lack of official permissions, variable focus, and a reliance on natural lighting—are all evident. These elements contribute to occasional compression artifacts including banding and aliasing. Nevertheless, such flaws are not indicative of the transfer's quality but rather inherent to the source material's condition. The digital cinematography's clarity and an absence of traditional celluloid defects are noticeable, though it lacks the sharpness often expected from high-definition media. Despite these qualities that may seem detracting, this release represents the apex of "Once"'s visual potential on home media, with colors appearing more vibrant and imagery more faithful to its original cinematic display, significantly surpassing its DVD counterpart in quality.

The audio presentation of "Once" on Blu-ray, delivered via DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, faithfully represents the film's lo-fi essence, mirroring its raw and immediate visual style. This stereo mix excels in clarity and balance, particularly showcasing the film's musical sequences with superior instrument layering. The ambient sounds of Dublin's streets are captured with a notable finesse, presenting a vibrant city life that, while lacking in spatial depth, remains impressively detailed. Dialogue emerges crisp and clear, ensuring that the interactions between characters are as compelling as the music binding them. This audio track offers an unblemished listening experience, underscoring the film's authentic narrative approach.

True to "Once's" ethos, the audio does not venture beyond its original 2.0 mix but instead enhances it with a lossless upgrade, seamlessly fitting the film's content. The majority of the movie's charm comes from its live-recorded musical performances, contrasting with the conventional studio recordings found on the soundtrack CD. Unique to this film, viewers will experience the diegetic world of "Once" through every unplanned sound captured during filming—be it the hum of city life or the distinct echo of music off cobblestone. The mix retains a naturalistic quality that envelops the viewer, yet it cleverly utilizes dynamic mixing between the two channels for musical numbers, an attention to detail not extended to non-musical elements.

However, it’s worth noting that on rare occasions, the film diverts from its predominantly live audio ethos. A couple of songs transition from live to studio recordings, providing a brief departure from the otherwise immersive audio experience. Despite these moments, the audio track remains true to the film’s raw vitality. The consistent use of front channels for audio delivery might seem restrictive, but it reinforces the personal and intimate nature of "Once," making it evident that the film’s audio presentation is carefully crafted to complement its narrative and visual storytelling.

The Blu Ray extras for "Once" superbly complement the main feature, providing a comprehensive and enriching view behind the scenes. Both the general and musical commentaries, led by writer/director John Carney and actor/musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglová, offer invaluable insights into the film's production and the music that is its soul. The blend of technical discussion, personal anecdotes, and song-specific commentary furnishes a holistic understanding rarely seen in DVD extras. "Making a Modern Day Musical" and "More Guy, More Girl" delve deeper into the creative process, from conceptualization to casting, revealing the meticulous yet passionate drive behind the project. The inclusion of the brief yet charming webisode "Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy" adds a delightful touch to the overall package. Preserving all technical extra details and maintaining a technical tone, these extras are essential for fans seeking a deeper connection to the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Writer/Director John Carney and Actor/Musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglová: Insightful behind-the-scenes commentary covering various aspects of filming and production.
• Musical Commentary with Writer/Director John Carney and Actor/Musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglová: A focused look at the songs of the film, discussing the inspiration and execution of each musical number.
• Making a Modern Day Musical: A deep dive into the creation of the film, discussing everything from conceptualization to final touches.
• More Guy, More Girl: Insights into the film’s central characters and their development.
• Webisodes: Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy: A short animated piece tied to one of the film’s memorable songs.

Once," an unassuming musical film that has captivated audiences with its simplicity and authenticity, makes a significant impact with its understated approach to storytelling and music. Directed by John Carney and starring the musically gifted Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, the film unfolds in Dublin, capturing the serendipitous connection between a street musician and an immigrant single mother. Their story isn't spun from the threads of grand gestures or epic romance but rather from a mutual passion for music, which becomes their primary mode of communication and connection. This stark realism and focus on the organic evolution of their relationship, set against a backdrop of heartfelt songs, offers a refreshing departure from traditional musicals.

Despite its acclaim and success, including an Oscar win for Best Original Song, "Once" might puzzle those expecting a Hollywood-style narrative with elaborate production values. Its magic lies in its realism, the genuine performances of Hansard and Irglová, and the sincere simplicity with which it portrays its characters' lives. The film's unpolished aesthetic and focus on music as a raw expression of emotion defy conventional musical formats, appealing directly to those who seek something genuine and deeply human in cinema. The musical sequences, integral to revealing the characters' inner worlds, stand out as moments where the film truly soars, transcending its indie constraints to touch something universal.

At its heart, "Once" is an ode to the transformative power of music and the beauty of fleeting connections. Its success story, from a low-budget indie film at Sundance to a celebrated cinematic phenomenon, underscores the hunger for authentic storytelling that resonates on a personal level. The Blu-ray presentation further enhances this experience, offering fans and newcomers alike the chance to immerse themselves in a musical journey that is both modest and profoundly moving. Without capitulating to clichés or manufactured drama, "Once" emerges as a poignant exploration of artistic collaboration, love, and the paths not taken.

Once," an indie film that has captivated audiences with its heartwarming story and remarkable soundtrack, delivers an engaging experience despite its narrative and production limitations. The film, which could be described as a series of vignettes rather than a cohesive story, is elevated by its music, serving as a central element that not only enhances the storytelling but also smooths over some of the rough edges inherent in the film’s execution. While the high-definition presentation of the Blu-ray may not drastically improve the raw, microbudget look of the film, it does justice to the original material without introducing new flaws. The audio and video quality, though limited by the source, are competent, ensuring that the film’s charming essence and emotional depth are preserved.

The Blu-ray disc itself impresses with a suite of special features previously available on the DVD release, which is a notable addition for a production of this scale. Director John Carney's acknowledgment of the film's structural issues in his commentary and featurettes adds an insightful layer to the viewing experience, allowing audiences to appreciate the film's strengths and unique charm more fully. The universal appeal of the music, alongside the relatable tales of relationships and ambition, speaks volumes, ensuring that "Once" resonates with a wide audience. Its success among viewers and at film festivals underscores its status as one of the finest musical dramas in recent years, making it a must-watch for anyone who hasn't yet experienced its magic.

In conclusion, "Once" on Blu-ray comes highly recommended, not only for its compelling story and enchanting music but also for the care taken in its presentation and the addition of meaningful supplemental content. Despite some narrative and technical shortcomings, the film's undeniable charm and the emotional resonance of its musical storytelling make it a standout gem. Whether you're revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, "Once" offers a rewarding cinematic journey that highlights the power of music and the universal experiences of love and ambition.