6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
An unusual set of circumstances brings unexpected success to a pop star.
Starring: Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Stacy Martin, Jennifer Ehle, Raffey CassidyMusic | 100% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.67:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.66:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Vox Lux has much to say but doesn't have a coherent path towards expressing itself. The film, from Writer and Director Brady Corbet (The Childhood of a Leader), follows a young girl who would become a diva from discovery in the shadow of tragedy through her rise to stardom and her personal decline. The film is about experiences shaping a destiny and destiny shaping a person. The film is told from two unique perspectives, one as a star is born and another as a star sits on the precipice of personal decline and the potential of a comeback. Corbet attempts to tell her story at both ends, a story that is defined in its beginning, middle, and end in the prism of violence, physical and metaphysical violence alike. The film challenges the audience to sort it out, to put purpose and meaning to its character's life and music. It's forward but not aggressive, layered but not neatly so. It's a fascinating concept film that ultimately crumbles under the burdens of nearly impenetrable depth and flimsy narrative execution that perhaps relies too much on the audience, and not enough on itself, to offer a more succinct story and opening towards its greater meaning and purpose.
Vox Lux was shot on film, of course a rarity these days, but here it is and the 1080p, 1.66:1-framed Blu-ray image is nicely reflective of the film source. The only real issues include the extremely minor print speckle in one or two shots and raised black levels. The picture is otherwise attractive and true to its source. Grain retention is regular and distribution is complimentary and light. Textural qualities are excellent, whether odds and ends in a classroom or recording booth, everyday clothes or lavish costumes, or skin and hair seen in close-up. The elder Celeste is often seen in densely applied makeup which also reveals high yield textural density and visibility. The picture appears organically dimensional when it should and intimate as necessary. Colors are well saturated with a neutral contrast. Brightly colored clothes are a high point while skin tones appear accurate and more mundane support shades appear in good balance. This is a very pleasing image from Universal.
Vox Lux is a film about a Pop superstar, but its soundtrack is not necessarily one that reflects that. The film's finale is its most sonically energetic, when Celeste appears on stage performing some of her songs. Low end output is deep and complimentary, energetic musical notes push through the fronts, and crowd cheers and din complete the sequence with immersive and full-bodied surround integration. The track is other otherwise reserved, contemplative at times, even, with dialogue its primary component. The spoken word is delivered clearly and succinctly from the front-center channel. There are some additional elements of note, such as various musical expressions that range from sharp guitar riffs to light support elements when a young Celeste first performs in the recording studio. Some chatty din within the 42 minute mark after a concert pulls the listener into backstage hallways, and some camera shutters pop here and there off to the sides when the press covers Celeste's response to the beach shooting later in the movie.
Vox Lux contains only two brief supplements. First is the "Wrapped Up" Music Video (1080p, 2:13). The other extra is the film's theatrical trailer (1080p, 2:19). A filmmaker commentary track unpacking the movie's themes and approach would have been a most welcome supplement. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with a non-embossed slipcover.
Vox Lux is a film written with more potential than it reveals on the screen. The film has much to say but doesn't quite seem to say it in a way that allows the audience to grasp its full purpose. Performances are excellent and the underlying themes and ideas are worth exploring; they just don't quite come together in the end. Universal's Blu-ray delivers high quality video and audio presentations. Supplements are unfortunately limited to fluff. Rental.
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