Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Cemetery of Splendor Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 1, 2016

The cinema of writer/director Apichatpong Weerasethakul is an acquired taste, with his latest, “Cemetery of Splendor,” taking a meditative look at weary, haunted souls and tentative personal connection. Those who’ve sampled pictures such as “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives” and “Tropical Malady” should be prepared for the observational qualities of the helmer’s work, with “Cemetery of Splendor” a fine addition to a career filled with artistic achievements and perpetual curiosity with the human experience.

Keeping to his Thai roots, Weerasethakul settles into tale of medical and mental exploration, using metaphor and personal history to examine the saga of Jenjira (Jenjira Pongpas Widner), who’s stationed herself inside a temporary clinic, observing comatose soldiers and making friends with psychic Keng (Jarinpattra Rueangram), while focusing on the weary consciousness of patient Itt (Banlop Lomnoi). Memories fill the room and time is spent on probing conversations, which slip into confessions as the surrounding area is disturbed by construction activity. The production makes multiple connections between nature and humanity (which also includes footage of a man defecating), but it’s most assured with Jenjira and her curiosity, maintaining a gentle understanding of compassion as Weerasethakul slowly introduces dreamscape visits and hypnotic medical treatments.

Cemetery of Splendor Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Cemetery of Splendor" offers no surprises, delivering cinematographic essentials without disruption. Subtlety is preserved, with colors secure and expressive but inherently subdued, maintaining greenery and costuming with care. Skintones are natural. Detail is satisfactory and quite necessary with a picture that likes to keep its distance from performers, while set decoration retains interesting textures. Delineation isn't problematic.

Cemetery of Splendor Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers a steady stream of atmospherics, with blowing wind as important to the production as the dramatics. Dialogue exchanges are secure, detailing conversations that rarely inspire excited reactions. Music is limited, but soundtrack selections handle instrumentation comfortably. Surrounds are active throughout, opening up locations with evocative activity, getting a feel for rooms and the outdoors.

Cemetery of Splendor Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Mekong Hotel" (59:10, HD) is a 2012 picture from Weerasethakul.

• Deleted Scenes (13:12, HD) provide additional atmosphere and time with supporting characters.

• Making Of (17:46, HD) is a fascinating look at the creation of "Cemetery of Splendor," with BTS footage exploring on-set atmosphere and Weerasethakul's professional presence. Woven into the featurette is a conversation between the helmer and his star, Jenjira Pongpas Widner.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:43, HD) is included.

Cemetery of Splendor Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Cemetery of Splendor" takes its time, with the helmer often more interested in patterns and repetition than the unfolding story, trying to generate a mysterious mood to get lost in. It works for long stretches, and performances are capable. The real star is the film itself, which hits hypnotic highs as it searches for deeper meaning and emotion, handling its puzzle delicately.