kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 18114
Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 2:41 pm Post subject: Shame [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Shame (Blu-ray/ DVD + Digital Copy) (2011)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | 'Shame' is difficult to watch at times, but it provides an insight into the human psyche that we rarely see depicted in movies. Brandon is a troubled character who has a very real, and dangerous problem. McQueen's film doesn't judge, it merely observes and we're left to form our own conclusions. The acting here is simply amazing. The movie wouldn't work without Mulligan and Fassbender giving it their all. The audio and video presentations are near perfect, but the special features section is dismal. The movie still comes recommended, however it would've been much nicer to have a more complete and thought out feature package to go along with the movie.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Even with its minimal budget and its very low-key atmosphere, McQueen shot the movie on 35mm instead of opting for HD cameras. I think the difference really shows. 'Shame' sports a very cinematic appearance, with a pristine looking 1080p transfer from the 35mm source.
Fine detail is optimal. As the camera tightens up on faces it's easy to see every fine hair, every freckle and every furrowed brow. Fassbender's facial expressions in this movie are just about the only insight into what his character is feeling and seeing them in this exquisite of detail really helps understand the thought processes of Brandon.
Much of the film is dark adding to the depressive nature and mood of the movie as a whole. Yet, color does have ample time to shine. The bright red hair of the woman Brandon meets on the subway is just one instance of brightly vivid color shining a light on the doom and gloom. Shadows are well-defined, albeit there are a couple instances of very light crushing. There aren't any egregious examples of artifacting to report. The movie simply looks great in high-def. Seeing that it was filmed just recently, I wouldn't expect anything less.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Congratulations go to composer Harry Escott who created one of the most haunting, yet understated scores of last year. It's a good thing that Fox's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is a gem, because there is no other way to present Escott's original music. The music fills the soundfield, quickly and relentlessly, drawing you into Brandon's out-of-control lifestyle. As the music swells it slowly draws you downward into Brandon's self-spiral. I'm so glad that the music in this film was given ample room to breathe since it is such a moving and profound soundtrack to begin with.
I first saw 'Shame' on a press screener DVD disc that was sent to my home. Needless to say, the sound in it was underwhelming. Watching it on Blu-ray was a completely different experience. The sounds of New York fill the rear speakers with subtle ambiance. Voices are distinct and clear, even though much of the movie's dialogue is hushed whispers. LFE is more lively than one might expect, adding intensity to the building music and also helping scenes featuring utter despair with sonic weight.
Directionality works perfectly, placing voices exactly where they need to be in the soundfield. Everything about this mix is fantastic. It's just as great as the video presentation. |
Kal
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