Sound and Fury Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		4.0

Sound and Fury Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 26, 2021

The kids aren’t alright in “Sound and Fury,” a 1988 feature written and directed by Jean-Claude Brisseau. He takes viewers to a small area of France, studying the dual experiences of Bruno (Vincent Gasperitsch), a young teen new to the area, and Jean-Roger (Francois Negret), a seasoned juvenile delinquent who becomes his friend. Incredible behavioral darkness ensues, as Brisseau looks into the ways of adult influence and responsibility, embracing the chaos that comes when young men are empowered to be a destructive as possible, losing their precious innocence in the process.

“Sound and Fury” is spare, as Brisseau tries to strip filmmaking comforts from the production, making a picture about raw behavior, keeping close to Bruno as he takes in Jean-Roger’s malevolence. This includes acts of pyromania and animal torture, but the root of this illness is found with Jean- Roger’s father, who enjoys causing emotional wreckage, even living like a madman, transforming an apartment hallway into a gun range. Such a toxic display fully melts his son’s brain, and Bruno deals with his own parental neglect, finding some source of kindness in his teacher’s patience, which becomes another target for Jean-Roger’s mental illness.

Sound and Fury Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation preserves the stark atmosphere of "Sound and Fury," offering a cooler palette reflecting seasonal changes and dire living situations. Colors are distinct throughout, with costuming providing some livelier hues, and interior decoration showcasing offerings of art. Dreamscape events deliver softer washes of blue and white. Skintones are natural. Detail is sharp, surveying student activity in the classroom and apartment life, with its various elements of destruction. Facial surfaces are textured. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in excellent condition.

Sound and Fury Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix remains simple but effective, with crisp dialogue exchanges that secure emotional outbursts and quieter confessionals. Atmospherics are evocative, capturing classroom activity and outdoor adventures, while roaring engines and gunshots are heavier. "Sound and Fury" also goes without music, with stillness capably communicated.

Sound and Fury Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A U.S. Trailer (1:37, HD) is included.

Sound and Fury Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Sound and Fury" tracks the progress of these two teens as they manage help from outsiders and succumb to their misery, leading to a few shocking acts of violence. Brisseau doesn't have a story to share with "Sound and Fury," but he has intermittently fascinating personalities to develop, as curiosities darken and self-control weakens, or perhaps was never there to begin with. The unfolding horror of adolescent misery maintains attention to a certain degree, like a Larry Clark or Harmony Korine picture, but every now and then the production will find a clear moment of conflict or personal choice that holds the endeavor together, keeping it just far enough away from exploitation to make the viewing experience more than a crude tour of self-destruction.