Stoker

Stoker" presents a visual feast in its Blu-ray format, benefiting immensely from its 35mm film origins, which becomes immediately evident with its 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer. The film stands out in an era leaning heavily towards digital, showcasing a vivid and organic visual quality that speaks volumes of its craftsmanship. Director Park Chan-wook, alongside his cinematographer Chung Chung-hoon, have harnessed the film medium to its fullest, delivering a cinematic experience that's both stark and visually arresting. The transfer manages to preserve the fine grain structure without falling prey to detrimental digital noise reduction (DNR) or over-sharpening that could disrupt its intended aesthetic. Minute details such as the textures of clothing and the subtle nuances in facial expressions are captured with remarkable clarity, ensuring that every frame conveys the meticulous attention to detail that went into its creation.

The color grading of "Stoker" on Blu-ray exhibits a deliberate palette that maintains cool tones even in warmer scenes—a testament to the thoughtful post-production work aimed at preserving the director's vision. Black levels, contrast balance, and skin tones are handled with precision, avoiding the pitfalls of compression that often plague lesser transfers. The lushness that comes with the territory of shooting on 35mm film is palpable throughout, providing a sensory richness that digital formats struggle to replicate. This is particularly evident in scenes laden with vibrant hues where the colors of blood, nature, and attire are rendered with a sumptuous depth, allowing for an immersive viewing experience.

In essence, "Stoker" on Blu-ray is not just a testament to the enduring value of film in an increasingly digital age but also a showcase of how technical superiority in video presentation can elevate a movie's visual storytelling. The absence of technical flaws and the consistent maintenance of high-quality visuals make this release a demonstration of how to correctly handle and present a film shot on 35mm. The clarity and fidelity of the image work hand in hand with the deliberate artistic choices made during filming and post-production, ensuring that viewers are afforded the best possible experience in both detail and color reproduction.

The audio landscape of "Stoker" is one teeming with meticulously crafted details and aural delights, encapsulated within its robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The subtle cacophony of sounds ranging from the crisp, unmistakable crack of an egg, the deliberate ticking of a metronome, to the almost sinister patter of spider's legs across a surface, contributes to a sound design that's as evocative as it is precise. Surround channels are adeptly utilized not just for ambient sounds like wind or rain but also cleverly interwoven with more impressionistic noises that elevate the film's eerie atmosphere. Clint Mansell’s orchestral score, both tense and immersive, complements without overwhelming, ensuring dialogue remains forefront - clear, and discernible.

The audio mix takes an almost character-like role in its presence and importance, focusing intently on enhancing even the slightest sounds to contribute significantly to the narrative's immersive experience. Sound effects transcend mere background, instead becoming pivotal elements that fill the entire soundscape, adding layers of depth around the listener. Whether it's the foreboding crack of a neck or the increasingly insistent buzz of insects in a tense scene, the audio strategically employs directionality and spatial sound to heighten suspense and draw the audience deeper into India’s world. Voices are handled with care, ensuring whispered dialogue is as comprehensible as any frontal audio, with LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) enriching both the score's explosive crescendos and the tension-filled quieter moments alike.

In conclusion, "Stoker’s" audio presentation stands out as a finely tuned and highly effective mix, balancing subtlety with intensity. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track not only supports but enhances the visual narrative, creating a comprehensive cinematic experience that’s notable for its attention to auditory detail. Whether through its expansive use of immersive background sounds or the engaging clarity of its dialogue, the audio mix is a testament to sound design done right, ensuring viewers are engrossed and entertained at every turn.

The extra presentation of the "Stoker" Blu Ray offers a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look, appealing to fans interested in the film's developmental and production intricacies. Standout features include "Stoker: A Filmmaker's Journey", an in-depth documentary covering everything from screenplay development to the challenges of working with director Park Chan-wook. Numerous interviews, including subtitled dialogues with Chan-wook himself, enrich this feature. Deleted scenes, while not fundamentally altering the narrative, provide interesting what-if scenarios. Photography by Mary Ellen Mark offers an extensive, visual behind-the-scenes exploration. Additionally, the London Theater Design and Theatrical Behind-the-Scenes segments offer unique insights into the visual and promotional aspects of the film's release. The collection is diversified with Red Carpet Footage and a live performance, providing a comprehensive package for enthusiasts craving every detail of "Stoker's" cinematic journey.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scenes: Three short deleted/extended scenes.

Stoker: A Filmmaker's Journey: A making-of documentary detailing the film's visual approach and production challenges.

Photography by Mary Ellen Mark: On-set photographs available for auto-play or manual navigation.

London Theater Design: Stills from Stoker's premiere showcasing theater decoration.

Theatrical Behind-the-Scenes: A compilation of interviews and promos, including new material on the poster and music creation.

Red Carpet Footage: Footage from the film’s red carpet event.

Becomes the Color Performance by Emily Wells: A musical performance from the soundtrack.

Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots: Promotion material for the film.

Sneak Peek: Additional previews of related content.

Stoker" emerges as a complex, visually stunning piece, ushering viewers into its unsettling realm with a narrative that challenges as much as it captivates. Directed by Park Chan-wook, known for his work on "Oldboy," and making his English language debut, "Stoker" doesn’t shy away from wrapping itself in a cloak of modern Gothic Romanticism, layered with horror, mystery, and an off-kilter romance. The screenplay, crafted by Wentworth Miller, draws a thin line between art and controversy, offering a narrative fertilized by the deeply haunting familial bonds and a teenager's morbid awakening. The film cleverly interweaves themes of obsession, sexuality, and the hidden dynamics within a seemingly aristocratic family, all under the looming shadow of a Hitchcockian influence.

At the heart of "Stoker" is the enigmatic Uncle Charlie, portrayed with a chilling precision by Matthew Goode, whose sudden appearance at his brother's funeral unravels a series of meticulously stylized visual motifs and suspenseful storytelling. The familial tension escalates in a mansion that is as much a character as India (Mia Wasikowska), Evelyn (Nicole Kidman), and Charlie themselves. Each scene is a testament to Chan-wook's directorial prowess, showcasing his ability to manipulate atmosphere through color, light, and the profound silence between dialogues. Critics and viewers alike might find themselves divided over the film’s narrative approach; however, its homage to Alfred Hitchcock, especially to "Shadow of a Doubt," adds layers of intrigue and homage that cannot be overlooked.

Indeed, "Stoker" does not attempt to mimic Hitchcock but rather pays respect through its nuance and interpretation of similar themes. Wasikowska's portrayal of India adds a complex layer to the narrative, her character grappling with the duality of her awakening against the backdrop of a twisted family saga. The visual storytelling, combined with a narrative that oscillates between the macabre and the subtly erotic, crafts a cinematic experience designed to stir and provoke. While some may argue it verges on style over substance, "Stoker" remains an elegantly distressing cinematic journey into the depths of familial horror and self-discovery, solidifying Park Chan-wook's position as a filmmaker capable of transcending cultural and linguistic barriers to tell universally compelling stories.

Stoker," a film that thrives on its idiosyncratic blend of genre elements and visual storytelling, emerges as a divisive cinematic experience reminiscent of David Lynch's surrealism under the discerning eye of director Park Chan-wook. Its narrative, while occasionally disappointing due to an underexplored backstory, intrigues with unfulfilled narrative potentials, making it an essential watch for those who appreciate cinema that dares to deviate from conventional paths. The Blu-ray edition amplifies this experience, boasting exemplary picture quality and a sound design that complements the film's visual aesthetics beautifully. Moreover, the inclusion of thoughtfully curated special features adds substantial value, making it a commendable package for enthusiasts of Hitchcockian suspense, Lynch's abstract presentations, and the nuanced storytelling found in contemporary Korean cinema.

Despite its distinctive charm and technical prowess, "Stoker" might stir mixed feelings among viewers familiar with Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt," as Wentworth Miller's script draws conspicuous inspiration from the classic. However, if one can overlook these similarities and immerse oneself in the film's visual splendor and atmospheric soundscapes, "Stoker" stands out as a visually arresting piece. Its audio and video quality are particularly noteworthy, demonstrating high production values despite its modest budget. For those attuned to the film's aesthetic merits and complex narrative structure, "Stoker" is recommended viewing, offering a richly layered experience that rewards the audience's investment.

Conclusively, "Stoker" positions itself as an intriguing yet polarizing film, distinguished by its artistic ambitions and the technical excellence of its Blu-ray release. While it may not universally resonate due to its surrealistic influences and narrative choices, it represents a significant entry in the realm of contemporary cinema that challenges genre conventions. For aficionados of movies that blend visual allure with enigmatic storytelling, "Stoker" is indispensable, presenting a compelling argument in favor of innovative filmmaking coupled with high-quality home media presentation.