7.4 | / 10 |
Users | 3.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 3.9 |
A grief-stricken man and woman retreat to their cabin deep in the woods after the accidental death of their infant son, only to find terror and violence at the hands of nature and, ultimately, each other.
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Storm Acheche SahlstrømDrama | 100% |
Horror | 44% |
Psychological thriller | 32% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080/50i
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region B (locked)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Danish director Lars von Trier's controversial film "Antichrist" (2009) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors M6. Amongst the special features on the disc is an audio commentary in English with director Lars von Trier and Professor Murray Smith from University of Kent; an interview with Willem Dafoe; an informative conversation with French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg; footage from the Cannes Film Festival; and much more. With optional French subtitles. Region-B "locked". Please be advised that the film contains disturbing footage that is not appropriate for minors!
In His world
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080/50i transfer, Lars von Trier's Antichrist arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of French distributors M6.
Antichrist has a very unique look. Clarity, contrast and detail are often heavily manipulated in order to emphasize the type of emotions He and She struggle with, as well as to distinguish the two separate worlds they enter. The color-scheme is also uncharacteristic - when She begins to recall her fears, Antichrist has what I could only describe as a "dreamy look". Grays, greens, browns, blacks and whites are almost always cool, even cold. Macroblocking is not a serious issue of concern. There are no disturbing flecks, scratches, debris, or dirt that I detected either. The film is encoded in 1080i50, but motion judder isn't noticeable.
(Note: There are a couple of things that I would like to mention to those of you who may wish to import Antichrist in the U.S. This is a Region-Free disc, but because it is encoded in 1080i50, a standard not supported by the overwhelming majority of Blu-ray players and TV sets in the U.S., I am going to flag it as Region-B "locked". This being said, certain Region-Free Blu-ray players (for example, the Oppo) will convert the 1080i50 signal to 1080, and you will be able to access the disc's content without a problem).
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. For the record, the French subtitles are optional. When turned on, the French subtitles split the image frame and the black bar below it.
I have absolutely no reservations with the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track whatsoever. The dialog is crisp, clear and very easy to follow. The surround activity is limited - aside from Handel's music, and some of the eerie winds from the forest, there really isn't much else that you would notice. There are no disturbing pops, cracks, or hissings to report in this review.
Charlotte etc. - a long and very informative conversation with Charlotte Gainsbourg. The actress talks about her role, Lars von Trier's film and the controversy surrounding it. In French, not subtitled in English. (44 min).
Antichrist au Festival de Cannes - raw footage from the Cannes Film Festival. There are a few quick comments from director Lars von Trier (in English), Charlotte Gainsbourg (in French) and Willem Dafoe (in English). With imposed French subtitles. (14 min).
Interview de Willem Dafoe - Willem Dafoe talks about his work with Lars von Trier, the challenges the script for Antichrist presented to him, his interaction with Charlotte Gainsbourg, some of the explicit scenes from the film, etc. In English, with imposed French subtitles. (9 min).
Confessions de Lars von Trier - director Lars von Trier talks about the controversial message of his film. In English, with imposed French subtitles. (5 min).
L'identite visuelle du film - director of photography Anthony Dod Mantle talks about the level of naturalism in Antichrist, the specific type of look desired by director Lars von Trier, how some of the most controversial scenes were shot, etc. In English, with imposed French subtitles.
(16 min).
L'identite musicale du film - sound designer Kristian Eidnes Andersen talks about the unique sounds used throughout the film. In Danish, with imposed French subtitles. (13 min).
La creation des decors - production designer Karl "Kalli" Juliusson, producer Meta Louise Foldager and director Lars von Trier talk about the specific locations used in the film. In English and Danish, with imposed French subtitles. (6 min).
La femme, instrument du diable - researcher Heidi Laura and director Lars von Trier talk about the mythological and theological context of the film. In English, with imposed French subtitles. (8 min).
La pre-production - a look at the pre-production work. In Danish, with imposed French subtitles. (7 min).
Les trois mendiants - animal handler Ota Bares talks about the animals used in the film. In English, with imposed French subtitles. (9 min).
Effets speciaux et protheses - a look at the special effects. In English, with optional French subtitles. (9 min).
Commentary - an audio commentary with Professor Murray Smith from University of Kent in the United Kingdom and director Lars von Trier. This is a very informative, well conducted, and perhaps also a bit controversial conversation that deconstructs the story of Antichrist, its unorthodox message, etc. In English, with imposed French subtitles.
Bold and unconventional, Lars von Trier's Antichrist is not for the meek! Though expertly done, the film will fail to resonate with those who are not immune to human suffering.
The Blu-ray disc herein reviewed, courtesy of French distributors M6, looks and sounds very good. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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