5.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A singer, whose career has gone on a downward spiral, is forced to make a comeback to the performance stage for a benefit concert.
Starring: Bob Dylan, Jeff Bridges, Penélope Cruz, John Goodman, Jessica LangeDrama | 100% |
Music | 53% |
Surreal | 12% |
Musical | 1% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The musical legacy and poetry of Bob Dylan tries to find any source of oxygen in 2003’s “Masked and Anonymous.” It’s a dystopian western with periodic concert performances from Dylan, who also accepts a starring role in the picture, returning to dramatic interests after a long break from the movies. Co-writer/director Larry Charles (who collaborates with Dylan under pseudonyms for some reason) has the unenviable task of translating Dylan’s thinking into a feature, and there’s some sense of adventure with “Masked and Anonymous,” which puts in a game effort to protect the beloved musician’s head space. However, four minutes of Dylan is one thing, but Charles has to tap dance for 107 minutes here, and his fatigue is impossible to miss.
A 2003 release captured with HD cinematography, "Masked and Anonymous" arrives on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation. There's clarity throughout, with some degree of softness, securing facial particulars on the cast, who display all sorts of aging and signs of illness. Costuming is fibrous. Sets are open for exploration, with interior spaces captured in full, while tighter living quarters showcase extensive set decoration. Colors are mild, with clothing providing compelling primaries. Exterior adventures showcase varied street art and paint jobs. Skintones are natural. Delineation is acceptable, with some solidification.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix respects the power of Dylan's performances, with the most compelling areas of the listening event found during concert and rehearsal scenes. Instrumentation is precise, with sharp percussion and guitar, and vocals are clear and loud. Surrounds also push out music, with a mellow sense of envelopment. Dialogue exchanges are engaging, from mumbled lines to more argumentative encounters. Low-end isn't active.
If you're a fan of Dylan, perhaps there's something to "Masked and Anonymous," which is filled with his music and creative interpretation of language. The movie is a mess, but an intentional one, with Charles trying to craft a valentine to an icon, keeping the film out of reach to best celebrate Dylan's career. Maybe it's an artistic triumph, but it's almost impossible to sit through at times.
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