Mutual Appreciation Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Mutual Appreciation Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 29, 2019

Writer/director Andrew Bujalski is currently entering a strange position in his career, newly in charge of movies that people are actually seeing, achieving some success with last year’s “Support the Girls,” and also taking a screenwriting credit on the upcoming Disney+ live-action remake of “Lady and the Tramp.” Of course, Bujalski wasn’t always in such a people-pleasing mood, launching his career with 2002’s “Funny Ha Ha” (which featured intentionally distorted sound) and 2005’s “Mutual Appreciation,” which welcomes audiences into the world of three characters who spend their time conversing with one another. And that’s it.

Screen tension is rejected by Bujalski, who elects to remain in a conversational space with his characters as they search for love and money, and enjoy the smell of old books while making their way in Brooklyn. They’re twentysomethings without much direction, but they love to talk. These exchanges make up the entirety of “Mutual Appreciation,” which largely takes place inside cramped apartments and offices, with the three leads (Bujalski, Justin Rice, and Rachel Clift) discussing random topics, suffering thorough endless small talk, and taking infrequent stabs at emotional communication.

Mutual Appreciation Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.31:1 aspect ratio) presentation is billed as a "New 2K restoration from the original 16mm camera negative." "Mutual Appreciation" is a grainy picture, but the viewing experience is film-like, with agreeable detail to survey along the way, delivering varied facial surfaces and personal living spaces. Textures remain with clothing as well. Delineation is strong, with healthy blacks. Source is in strong shape, without pronounced damage.

Mutual Appreciation Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers a loud and defined push of dialogue exchanges, making the picture's main event precise, securing performances. Musical performances enjoy sharp instrumentation, identifying guitar strums and percussive taps. Atmospherics are present as well, capturing activity in bars and apartments.

Mutual Appreciation Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (10 pages) features essays by Damien Chazelle and Will Sheff.

• Commentary features the parents of the cast and crew of "Mutual Appreciation."

• "A Kind of Professionalism" (28:34, HD) is an extended interview with writer/director/star Andrew Bujalski.

• "Peoples House" (8:13, SD) is a 2007 short film from Bujalski.

• "Vampira Video Introduction" (1:51, SD) offers a parody of a late-night horror host program.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:26, HD) is included.

Mutual Appreciation Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Bujalski makes movies for specific audiences, and he's become a stronger storyteller since the release of "Mutual Appreciation," getting used to the idea that perhaps viewers who spend time with his work might want a little more dramatic emphasis than lengthy scenes where characters stammer as they make plans for the evening. "Mutual Appreciation" has an irresistible indie film look (shot in B&W, on grainy 16mm), but the viewing experience is quite tedious for anyone not fully invested in the particulars of Bujalski's cinematic interests.