Goodbye to Language 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.0

Goodbye to Language 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 27, 2015

Jean-Luc Godard’s “Goodbye to Language” is a film that defies explanation, and that appears to the point of the work. It’s a swan dive into images, conflicts, and sound, loosely tied together with the story of a combative relationship and the adventures of a dog. It’s philosophy and experimentation, light and dark, love and poop. Yes, bowel movements do factor into the flow of “Goodbye to Language,” which takes on the weight of the world with Godard’s finely-tuned esoteric vision, asking viewers to completely devour a cinematic experience that’s not about interpretation, but complete and utter submission.

The 3D journey doesn’t have a specific shape, with Godard mixing intellectualism and mischief to build an odyssey into far reaches of nature and emotion. “Goodbye to Language” doesn’t bother telling a story, it just breathes, demanding that viewers soak up layered imagery and follow subjects that range from Godard’s own pet to author Mary Shelley. Some of it resembles a traditional French art piece, ornamented with nudity and cigarettes, and the rest looks like a Beastie Boys video, finding them helmer fiddling with color timing dials and making extensive use of GoPro-style cameras.

Goodbye to Language 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Considering that "Goodbye to Language" is a film that's intentionally distorted, it's a little difficult to assess the AVC encoded image (1.84:1 aspect ratio) presentation without Jean-Luc Godard sitting next to me. Shot with numerous cameras ranging in resolution, the feature doesn't have a set "look," offering the viewer a wild ride of diverse footage. Some scenes are sharp and crisp, others are noisy and soft. Colors are natural one moment, and severely tinkered with in others. There doesn't appear to be any overt troubles (there are crush issues) with the viewing experience, which is geared more toward immersion than precision, while 3D imagery registers as intended.

Goodbye to Language 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix is equally feral in design, toying with volume extremes and position in a way few home theater listening experiences dare to explore. Without a narrative anchor, dialogue and sound effects are free to roam anywhere, with plenty of directional movement to keep circular activity alert, keeping the listener in a state of unrest. Vocal clarity is passable, but English subtitles periodically fail to keep up with dialogue, leaving a few sequences possibly even more bewildering than designed. Perhaps this was intentional, it's difficult to tell. Soundtrack selections offer equal agitation, but hold musicianship satisfactorily.

Goodbye to Language 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Canon Europe Interview" (46:19, HD) sits down with Jean-Luc Godard is discuss his career and experimental work on "Goodbye to Language." Technical details, a history of influences, and memories of the French New Wave community of filmmakers are a few of the topics covered.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:28, HD) is included.

Goodbye to Language 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Goodbye to Language" isn't necessarily good or bad, it just is. It requires a leap of faith few features demand, rewarding the patient with unusual 3D shot construction. Godard enthusiasts will likely be the most impressed audience for the picture, while newcomers will likely wish they started elsewhere in the director's filmography.