Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.0 |
| Video |  | 4.5 |
| Audio | | 4.5 |
| Extras | | 3.0 |
| Overall |  | 4.0 |
Neon Bull Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 27, 2016
“Neon Bull” is the second film I’ve seen this year from director Gabriel Mascaro (“August Winds” was recently issued on Blu-ray), and it appears he’s already settled on a style, favoring stories that permit him screentime to take in settings and character behavior, gently pushing away any interest in drama. Mascaro is obviously gifted, but not inclusionary, keeping viewers at arm’s length, serving them a feast for the eyes, but unable to find passion that would elevate his work to the feeling of soulful vibration he’s clearly pursuing.
Unlike “August Winds,” “Neon Bull” has more of a narrative drive, though it remains in a state of observation, watching Iremar (Juliano Cazarre), a bull handler, figure out his dreams and skill as a tailor. The movie consists of interactions and travel, watching Iremar at work tending to livestock while feeling out his gifts in his downtime. Mascaro fills the film with atmosphere and procedural sequences, and there are dreamscape visits to spice up the odyssey. New to Mascaro’s work is a sense of humor, with “Neon Bull” containing one of the few horse semen gags I’ve seen, making this something of an art-house Farrelly Brothers picture for a brief moment.
Neon Bull Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (2.38:1 aspect ratio) presentation isn't particularly problematic, but banding does creep in periodically. HD cinematography remains appealing, providing a textured look at the animal kingdom parading around the characters, while human particulars retain detail. Colors are secure, with an occasionally extreme palette around club lighting, but natural hues remain, including skintones. Delineation has a few moments of solidification, but nothing epidemic.
Neon Bull Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix isn't striking, only truly grabbing attention with dance sequences, which crank soundtrack cuts, delivering a heavier low-end and sharp instrumentation. Dialogue exchanges are basic and intelligible. Atmospherics are more interesting, filling out surrounds with cattle movement and workplace bustle.
Neon Bull Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Behind the Scenes (14:43, HD) is a decent fly-on-the-wall featurette, spotlighting director Mascaro on set, setting up shots and dealing with production challenges.
- Interview (21:11, HD) features Mascaro.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (2:14, HD) is included.
Neon Bull Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
The inertia of "Neon Bull" begins to wear down the film, and if the production's visual presence doesn't grab you immediately, nothing else will. Mascaro doesn't struggle with the feature, he just isn't interested in providing an emotional opening to the tale. Considering the plot concerns the pursuit of opportunities and periodic surges of lust, the remoteness makes the movie feel like an empty exercise in craftsmanship. It's a pretty picture, but frustratingly distant.
