7.1 | / 10 |
Users | 3.6 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.6 |
Two girlfriends on a summer holiday in Spain become enamored with the same painter, fully unaware that his ex-wife, with whom he still has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture.
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall, Patricia ClarksonDrama | 100% |
Romance | 72% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: LPCM 3.0
English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Does Woody Allen ever sleep? Now in his early seventies, Mr. Allen continues crank out a couple of movies each year; making his writing and directing and, occasionally, acting duties look easy. Perhaps for Mr. Allen, now in production on his 44th film, it all truly is easy. Mr. Allen’s prolific abilities haven’t shielded him from criticism over the years; only a few years ago, following a series of poorly received films, many critics considered him to be past his prime. In a surprising turn that seemed planned to answer those critics, Mr. Allen left the confines of New York City and made his first film outside of the thriving metropolis that has served as a veritable character in all of his proceeding films. Filmed in London and as far removed from the “Woody-verse” as could be imagined, Match Point signaled that this once great writer / director was back on his game. Several films have followed, none achieving the heights of his crucial comeback. That is, until 2008’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona; an Oscar nominated film that proves, once and for all, that Woody Allen still has a few tricks up his sleeve.
An "International Coffee" commercial is born.
Woody Allen and Cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe have lovingly graced Vicky
Cristina Barcelona with a sumptuous natural veneer that bathes the film in a warm
golden aura. It's a deliberately lush style that gives the movie an aged appearance while
highlighting the beauty of the Spanish landscape. Interior and exterior scenes alike, share
this unique visual approach. The Weinstein Company has translated this material to 1080p
Blu-ray by utilizing VC-1 and maintaining the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1.
Technically, this is a stunningly beautiful transfer. Colors are well defined and heavily
saturated while contrast remains stable and robust. Intricate details are expertly rendered
and never show the tell tale signs of edge sharpening. As far as problematic digital artifacts
are concerned, viewers can rest assured that none creep into this exceptional transfer.
While some may find that the film's visual style conflicts with their personal tastes, most
would be hard pressed to find fault of any kind with Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Highly
recommended.
In spite of notations to the contrary on the film's cover, Vicky Cristina Barcelona actually includes an uncompressed PCM 3 channel soundtrack. I'm not sure where the confusion was when packaging was approved, but I tested the disc on a number of different systems and found the same results each time. Like the track's true specs would indicate, this is a very basic mix that emphasizes dialogue and the occasional musical interlude. In fact, for all intents and purposes, there's not much more to this track than monaural material that rarely utilizes anything other than the center channel speaker - - for dialogue and music. It's all well presented and maintains excellent clarity, but beyond that, there's really not much to crow about with this release. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is decidedly average in the audio department.
No special features were included with Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Woody Allen's 43rd film continues the fabled writer / director's fascination with human relationships and misunderstanding. In his third trip across the pond, away from his normal New York City settings, Mr. Allen continues to create quirky material that features a small dose of introspection and a sly wit. Many will argue against the merits of Vicky Cristina Barcelona in the wake of his classic films, but few would deny Mr. Allen's continued prolific filmmaking abilities, in spite of being in his seventies. The Weinstein Company has gifted Vicky Cristina Barcelona with an impressive video transfer that highlights the film's lush photography. Audio is pleasant enough, despite the strange three-channel presentation. Even with a complete lack of supplements, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is easily recommended.
2012
2011
The Woody Allen Collection
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The Woody Allen Collection
1977
2010
2017
2023
Filmmakers Signature Series
1995
2010
30th Anniversary Edition
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2007
The Woody Allen Collection
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1979
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