Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.5
Overall		4.0

Oslo, 31st August Blu-ray Movie Review

Oslo, August 31^st is the second feature-film in the Oslo trilogy. Produced by Hans-Jørgen Osnes, Yngve Sæther, Sigve Endresen, Oslo, August 31^st is more of a drama than the comedy-drama offered in the starting point in the Oslo trilogy, Reprise. One of three films considered for submission to the 2011 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. Oslo, August 31^st was also a selection of the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Oslo, August 31^st won Best Film and Best Cinematography while playing at the Stockholm International Film Festival (SIFF) and was inspired by Louis Malle's The Fire Within (1963). Starring Anders Danielsen Lie, Malin Crépin, and Aksel Thanke.

Anders (Anders Danielsen Lie) was struggling with drug addiction. Anders couldn’t cope without his drugs and kicking the habit was no easy task for him. Entering a rehabilitation facility for addiction, Anders tries to overcome his heavy drug addiction and is given a day to go out and look for a job to apply for. Anders hopes to leave his past drug addiction behind and rekindle love with his family and friends while seeking steady employment and a better future for himself. Can Anders come out of the darkness and find the light at the end of the tunnel?

Anders Danielsen Lie carries the show and delivers an exceptional performance in the leading role. The performance required a lot of the actor. Anders had to convey the struggles of drug addiction and the way in which it negatively affects his personal and professional life. The performance is compelling – conveying the nuances of addiction and the manner in which the drugs impacted the character’s livelihood.

The production design by Jørgen Stangebye Larsen (Hope, Cold Pursuit) is compelling and a beautiful part of the film. The art direction by Solfrid Kjetså (Atlantic Crossing, Blind) is similarly impressive in providing a sense of realism to the experience. Oslo, August 31^st has a documentary-like style in some respects and this is something well conveyed by these artists.

The costumes by Ellen Dæhli Ystehede (Hope, Thelma) are realistic and true to these characters and their setting. The costuming for Anders is true-to-character and works well within the film. These costuming elements add a lot of understated depth to the production.

The score composed by Torgny Amdam (High Point, Naboer) and Ola Fløttum (The Worst Person in the World, Force Majeure) adds to the filmmaking and provides a good backdrop to the story. The score certainly feels at-home with the character and the journey of Anders. The music is essential to the experience.

The cinematography by Jakob Ihre (Chernobyl, Louder Than Bombs) is impressive and the evocative cinematographic style helps to bring out the best in the filmmaking. A good effort by Ihre. This is certainly essential to the filmmaking.

Edited by Olivier Bugge Coutté (The Worst Person in the World, Beginners), Oslo, August 31^st is an excellent film in terms of pace and rhythm. The film flows exceptionally well from start to finish. Collaboration is an important aspect of filmmaking and Coutté did a great job in his role.

The screenplay by Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt (The Innocents, Blind) is one of the greatest strengths of the film. Oslo, August 31^st is an impressive script and the exploration of drug addiction is something essential to the film. This chapter in the Oslo trilogy has some dark themes that are explored in a compelling manner.

Directed by Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World), Oslo, August 31^st is a solid film in the Oslo trilogy. The emphasis on addiction is key to the filmmaking and director Trier seems to understand addiction and the role it plays in the lead character’s life. The filmmaking is exquisite. An excellent watch.

Oslo, 31st August Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by MUBI, Oslo, August 31^st is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The high-definition video is exceptional looking. The color reproduction and clarity of the transfer is excellent. The detail is apparent. A good encode by MUBI.

Oslo, 31st August Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: Norwegian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Norwegian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. English subtitles are provided. The lossless audio sounds remarkably crisp and clear during the presentation. Dialogue is well reproduced. The score is impressively reproduced as well. A solid lossless encode by MUBI.

Oslo, 31st August Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Alternative Artwork Concepts Gallery includes six click-through slides.

Trilogy Trailer (HD, 00:52)

Oslo, 31st August Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Oslo, August 31^st is the second installment in the Oslo trilogy. Oslo, August 31^st is a compelling drama about the journey of Anders as he seeks to overcome his drug addiction and begin life anew with his family and friends by his side. A strong performance by Anders Danielsen Lie. The Blu-ray release features a strong video and audio presentation. Highly recommended.