Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Carol Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman March 10, 2016

The concept for Director Todd Haynes' (Far from Heaven) and Screenwriter Phyllis Nagy's Carol can be traced back to the 1952 book The Price of Salt by the late Patricia Highsmith, who published that novel under a pseudonym and whose other notable works include Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Though it's taken more than six decades, the film has finally earned a screen adaptation and arrives when issues of nontraditional sexuality dominate the headlines and popular culture. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including nods for its leading ladies, Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, as well as Screenwriter Phyllis Nagy, Cinematographer Edward Lachman, Costume Designer Sandy Powell, and Composer Carter Burwell.

Carol (Blanchett) is a married mother of one who is in the middle of a difficult divorce. Therese (Mara) is a department store clerk, an aspiring photographer, and not particularly interested in pursuing any romantic relationships, at least not with the young men in whose company she finds herself. Carol and Therese meet at the store and, over time, develop into rather close acquaintances and friends. In an effort to flee the pains and stress of her divorce, Carol decides to take a westward trip and invites Therese along, allowing them to develop a closer bond and, eventually, admit their deeper feelings for one another.

It would be fair to call Carol a "delicate" film, crafted with, indeed, a delicacy befitting its deeply versed characters and setting, but it probably wouldn't be fair to label its story as "delicate." The movie builds its arc through a harsh-edged narrative of family dysfunction and a fight for custody with its then-scandalous notion of lesbianism and sexual experimentation driving that tussle between mother and father with a young child caught in the middle. The budding romantic relationship between Carol and Therese is the more gently, affectionally developed barrier that separates, but doesn't distance, Carol from her domestic problems. That relationship, however, is certainly the movie's centerpiece, allowing it to more deeply explore the characters, Carol in particular, and more so than were she to run away with another man rather than another woman. That added layer of intrigue, shock (for its timeframe), and scandal (again for its time) allows for a complex examination of a character-in-time as Carol deals with the crumble of her traditional relationship and the burgeoning feelings she explores with her newfound partner and, eventually, lover. There's plenty of depth on the other side, too, particularly as it relates to Therese's youthful innocence, which is often contrasted against Carol's life experiences, both on the road and in bed.

The movie is arguably more a technical masterpiece than it is a narrative masterpiece. While the story is satisfyingly engaging and tangibly complex on its emotional front, there's no mistaking the movie's gorgeous assemblage that will leave cinephiles awestruck. The picture was shot on Super 16, which gives it both a moderately grainy veneer but also an accentuating softness that not only amplifies its period feel but also heightens intimacy with the material. Colors are also not pushed very hard. The palette presents a soft and slightly muted scheme, one that, like the film texture, offers more an embrace of the material than a straight-edge reproduction of it. Likewise, score is softly accentuating and extraordinarily complimentary. Production design is terrific, transporting audiences to a bygone era filled with tactile wonders that the film uses, again, in exquisite complimentary form. Todd Haynes' and Cinematographer Edward Lachman's lensing enjoys a blend of intimate characterization and suggestive photography by way of regularly perfect frame juxtaposition and placement. Carol is well worth a watch -- a must see, even -- even for those who may take issue with its story. It's simply too beautiful a film from purely a stylistic perspective to miss.

Carol Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Carol's 1080p transfer, sourced from a 16mm shoot, is gorgeous. As noted above, the movie is inherently grainy and soft, but details are refined within the image's constraints and context. Period attire, whether a rich fur coat, heavy suit fabrics, or more delicate garments are finely revealing. Skin showcases an array of complexities with ease. Brick, stone, wood, and concrete architecture and accents are home to a wide array of tactile, intimate textures. Colors lack vibrance, but they're exquisitely reproduced, again, within the movie's intended appearance. Nothing particularly pops, but brighter accents stand apart and consistency reigns throughout. Black levels hold firm and reveal positive shadow detail. Skin tones appear accurate, only pushing warm when lighting demands. Compression artifacts and film flaws are few and far between.

Carol Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Carol's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack isn't Action-movie engaging but it's well designed and executed. Music is thoroughly rich and detailed, with positive instrumental definition, wide front stage spacing, and mild, supportive surround work. The track carries a wide assortment of complimentary ambient effects throughout, often submerging the listener into the movie's period setting. Bustle on city streets, background music and patron chatter and clatter at a restaurant, public address announcements and background elevator music in a department store, and other small details richly involve the listener in each location. The track produces a couple of more pronounced, front-and-center effects. A blaring alarm signals in the back and, with the camera's 180-degree shift moments later, transitions effortlessly in the home soundstage as well. Dialogue plays with positive prioritization, flawless clarity, and firm center placement.

Carol Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Carol contains several cast and crew-specific featurettes and a handful of Q&A snippets. A UV digital copy voucher is included with purchase.

• Behind the Scenes Gallery (1080p): A collection of interview pieces that, collectively, cover a wide spectrum of behind the scenes detail surrounding the film's performances and production. Included are Cate Blanchett (4:02); Rooney Mara (4:39); Todd Haynes, Director (4:45); Phyllis Nagy, Screenplay (4:58); Edward Lachman, Cinematography (4:56); Sandy Powell, Costume Design (3:42); Judy Becker, Production Design (4:03). and Carter Burwell, Composer (4:53).
• Q&A Highlights with Filmmakers & Cast (1080p, 29:25): Interview clips from several different sit-downs, including a Q&A with Rooney Mara and Screenwriter Phyllis Nagy from Los Angeles, October 22, 2015; a Q&A with Cate Blanchett, Roomy Mara & Director Todd Haynes from New York, October 10, 2015; a SAG Q&A with Cast and Director from Los Angeles, November 13, 2015; and a Q&A with Filmmakers from New York, October 17, 2015.

Carol Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Carol tells a strongly developed and well characterized story of life and love. The narrative combines harsh realities with tender intimacies, supported by terrific lead performances and amazing technical assemblage. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of Carol features standout video and good lossless audio. Supplements are informative. Highly recommended.