Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Chained for Life Blu-ray Movie Review

A thought-provoking exploration of vanity in Hollywood

One of 2018's most unique creations, Chained for Life is a pitch-black comedy-drama surrounding the production of a independent feature-film. A critical darling that currently resides with an astonishing 100 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Chained for Life is a must-see cinematic vision to contemplate and discuss. Exploring the vanity of Hollywood and the marginalization of people who suffer from disabilities, there is much food-for-thought.

Set against the backdrop of a bustling film production, Mabel (Jess Weixler) is a sweet-and-charming girl playing the part of a blind woman. The character is to fall in love with a disfigured character that her co-star Rosenthal (Adam Pearson) performs. In real-life, Rosenthal is disfigured the same way the character is (as he suffers from Neurofibromatosis). The pair form am unlikely connection and as their experience filming the production goes underway, Chained for Life explores their challenges and fears while making the feature with European art-house filmmaker Herr Director (Charlie Korsmo) working behind-the-scenes. The film features a zany cast of side-characters and takes audiences on a strange trip they won't soon forget.

One thing that truly sets Chained for Life apart is the fact it actually cast a disfigured actor in a leading role: Adam Pearson (who performs the part of Rosenthal) is disfigured in real life and what audiences see in the film is who he is (without make-up). The actor previously made a turn in Jonathan Glazer's Under the Skin and now takes on a lead role. The film explores his disability while not talking down to the actor or character and that is something that sets it apart from expectations (and it is for this reason the film is so distinctive).

An introspective, intelligent, and challenging work of art

The performances are absorbing and ground the filmmaking in the real world. Though the filmmaking has the style and tone of a dark comedy-drama, the actors meet the material with real gravitas. This film feels humane and that is something that counts for something. Both Jess Weixler and Adam Pearson perform their parts with equal splendor.

The film has a stylistic approach that feels vintage and modern at the same time. With a stirring original music score composed by C. Spencer Yeh and evocative Super 16 cinematography by Adam J. Minnick (The Alchemist Cookbook, Buzzard) the film feels steeped in nostalgia while still feeling modern at the same time. There is a unconventional style to the filmmaking: it's a little bit like David Lynch meets the Coen Brothers.

Aaron Schimberg (Go Down Death) wrote and directed the feature and was highly inspired by Tod Browning's Freaks as a classic film exploring similar issues. The film stands apart as something remarkably distinctive in its exploration of marginalized actors in Hollywood. Chained for Life is a decidedly strange and offbeat film that manages to make a strong impression. It's often hard to watch but at the same time it is transcendent. A true work of art.

Chained for Life Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Chained for Life has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The film utilized a Super 16mm negative format and as such it has a far less polished aesthetic. This is important to note as the film has a visual sensibility which sets it apart from a typical modern production.

The film certainly has a nostalgic glow to it with regards to the yesteryear visuals: the cinematography makes it feel as though the film could have been produced long ago. This release does not have the crisp feel of a film shot on digital or with 35mm film. However, the transfer is exceptional and reproduces the intended aesthetic of the film effectively. Color reproduction appears effective throughout and the print is free from any print damage whatsoever.

For a film that is so often about the vanity of Hollywood, the cinematographic approach utilized was highly effective. An excellent creative decision and one that is well-rendered with this presentation. Kudos to Kino for an excellent encode.

Chained for Life Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release has received some unusual audio options (in comparison to a typical release). Chained for Life has a mono audio soundtrack and Kino have decided to include two different listening options for experiencing the film with its mono design: a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack selection and a mono track that is encoded in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio with audio only coming out of the center-channel speaker (and with no sound from the surrounds, despite the encoding method).

The audio is crisp, clear, and easy to understand throughout. Dialogue sounds fluid from beginning to end and there are no problematic elements at play with regards to the audio presentation. The music score is evocative and well-implemented into the soundstage as well. While the output options are different than an ordinary release, Kino did a good job at presenting the film nonetheless. Optional English SDH subtitles (from the deaf and hard of hearing) are provided.

Chained for Life Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Director Aaron Schimberg

Deleted Scene (HD, 2:38)

Interview with Actor Adam Pearson (HD, 9:09) is a must-see for anyone who has seen the film. The actor discusses how he was brought into the production and his experience working on Under the Skin before being cast in this film. He delves into his personal experiences and what it was like working on Chained for Life with director Aaron Schimberg.

Interview with Actress Jess Weixler (HD, 17:35) is worth checking out for her insights into her views regarding the production and the problems of Hollywood vanity that are confronted with the film. She discusses her own challenges with regards to the role and how she approached the material.

Interview with Actress Sari Lennick (HD, 16:46) offers more insights into the production. Lennick delves into how she became involved in the project and her views on the story and ideas explored in Chained for Life.

Chained for Life Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:54)

Chained for Life Teaser Trailer (HD, 1:02)

Chained for Life Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A thought-provoking exploration on marginalization in Hollywood and the vanity that can sometimes be seen in the system, Chained for Life is an impressive film from writer-director Aaron Schimberg which is worth seeking out. The film is a fascinating dark comedy-drama and has real bite to it. The Blu-ray release features an impressive audio-video presentation which preserves the fantastic, old-school Super 16 cinematography in all its glory. The release includes insightful supplemental materials which are worth-a-view. Fans of the film are highly encouraged to pick up this excellent release.