Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Being Natural Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 23, 2022

“Being Natural” is a Japanese production that has a secret. Such a reveal is saved for the last moments of the picture, and it transforms a rather sedate endeavor into something wild. However, to reach an oddball display of physical transformation, one is expected to remain with the slow-burn approach of the feature, which invests in character-driven frustrations and atmospheric stops. “Being Natural” is a comedy that’s not especially funny, but the screenplay almost delights in such dryness, having fun arranging itchy relationships and unexpected confrontations that, for some viewers, will resemble certain social and political experiences in Japan.

“Being Natural” deals in small-scale problems for its characters, visiting a fishing pond that’s home to three men used to their way of life. Such routine is disrupted by the arrival of a family from Tokyo who look to take a piece of the peace, creating tensions explored through some unusual behaviors. “Being Natural” offers committed performances to assist the strange atmosphere director Tadashi Nagayama is trying to summon, and these irritable and anxious personalities provide the most compelling moments of a feature that’s in no hurry to get to its bewildering conclusion.

Being Natural Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a decently textured look at the HD-shot feature, which often works around decorated interiors or dimensional exteriors. Skin surfaces are detailed, highlight elements of age, and makeup work is inviting/repulsive. Colors are satisfactory, exploring vivid greenery, bright fish hues, and defined costuming. Red blood reinforces acts of horror. Skintones are natural. Delineation is acceptable. Some mild artifacting is present.

Being Natural Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA deals with a dialogue-driven feature, and performances are preserved during the listening experience. Scoring cues are sharp and supportive, and instrument usage is distinct, including crisp bongo hits. Sound effects are satisfactory, along with atmospherics.

Being Natural Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (four pages) contains an essay by Mathieu Li-Goyette.

• Interviews (18:51, HD) include director Tadashi Nagayama, writer Yuriko Suzuki, and actor Yohta Kwase.

• Making Of (19:52, HD) features interviews with director Tadashi Nagayama, VFX artist Eriko Saji, SFX artist Tomo Hyakutake, and SFX Assistant Manabu Namikawa.

• English Credits (:45, HD) are offered.

• And a Trailer (1:53, HD) is included, with star Yohta Kwase asking viewers not to spoil the secrets of the film.

Being Natural Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While it never feels like it, "Being Natural" is going somewhere, tracking the combustibility of certain characters, which offers a defined tonal change for the movie. Overall, it's just a bit too much stagnancy and strangeness for the production to manage, but certain acts of emphasis and a few relationships support the viewing experience, offering those willing to take a chance on the picture with a bumpy ride of behaviors before the big show begins.