Güeros Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Güeros Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 2, 2015

“Gueros” is a collection of little ideas rolled up into a road movie structure, emerging as an impish creation from co-writer/director Alonso Ruizpalacious, who’s ultimately creating a feature about Mexico that’s aware of Mexican cinema clichés. There’s a lot to take in with the picture, which gleefully bounces around various tonalities to preserve surprise for viewers, but as scattershot as the effort is, it miraculously stays together thanks to a great deal of wit, timing, and audio/visual experimentation.

“Gueros” is deceptively relaxed when it comes to storytelling, showing more interest in isolated incidents than a throughline of soulful awakening. Following three men as they make their way through Mexico to acquire a special moment with a musical performer, the screenplay makes time for plenty of detours. Ruizpalacious has a special fondness for university politics, inspecting the amplification of demonstrating students, and there are discussions on Mexican cinema, where formula is debated and employed. “Gueros” isn’t shy about referencing itself, adding to a sense of mischief that’s smoothly added to the mix of emotions, apathy, and cynicism.

Güeros Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a softer black and white viewing experience, but true detail isn't lost. Textures are quite vivid with facial close-ups, which really get in there to study wrinkles and reactions, and locations retain their subtle decay, permitting inspection of room and cities. Contrast remains secure, and delineation is strong, making sense out of evening sequences and distances. Source is clear and clean.

Güeros Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Sound is the defining experience while viewing "Gueros," and the 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix doesn't fumble the opportunity to immerse the listener in a circular event. The track is a collection of rough and soothing sounds colliding, creating a fullness that spreads outward into the surrounds, which deliver powerful moments. Dialogue exchanges are comfortable and purposeful, handling dramatic extremes without distortion. Music registers loudly, finding rolling percussion blasts hitting hard, and low-end interests are respected. Atmospherics stand up straight for urban life, capturing cars and community bustle. Silence also plays an important role, delivered crisply here.

Güeros Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (six pages) contains an essay by Godfrey Cheshire.

• Deleted Scenes (12:04, HD) offer additional non-sequiters and behavioral beats.

• Interview (14:04, HD) with co-writer/director Alonso Ruizpalacious discusses historical influence on the screenplay and the challenges of shooting in Mexico City.

• Short Films from Ruizpalacious present "Café Paraiso" (10:32, SD) and "El Ultimo Canto del Pajaro Cu" (14:51, HD).

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:09, HD) is included.

Güeros Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Gueros" is a bit of a puzzle, but it's not an impenetrable feature. Ruizpalacious maintains a vision for the film, delivering interesting, intimate shots and a frightfully active sound design. The movie has a curious way of pulling viewers in, even when it identifies and inspects a particular cultural fingerprint, emerging with a sense of humor and identity that's not above analyzing itself.