Zama Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Zama Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 27, 2018

“Zama” is a period piece, an adaptation of a novel by Antonio di Benedetto, handed over to respected Argentinian filmmaker Lucrecia Martel (“The Headless Woman,” “The Holy Girl”), who makes a return to screens after a near-decade break from fictional storytelling. Perhaps fueled by her own career set-backs, Martel pours her perspective into “Zama,” which examines the days of a Spanish officer (Daniel Gimenez Cacho) in colonial South America trying to get himself out of professional and psychological stasis, running into all kinds of problems as the surroundings start to poison his mind.

Martel is a careful filmmaker with a specific tempo for “Zama,” which doesn’t unfold in a traditional sense, aiming for a more idiosyncratic tone where blips of comedy rest uneasily with moments of despair and confusion. The helmer creates a time and place with ease, using painterly visuals to communicate what words cannot, generating an understanding of the titular character as he interacts with fellow officers, the native population, and those who are spectators in the new land, giving him hope for an improved life. “Zama” examines individuality, political position, and military submission, but it does so in its own circular way, with Martel enjoying the leisurely stroll through the crumbling of a soul, picking up on absurdities and a few horrors, with violence finally making an appearance in the feature’s final act.

Zama Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation brings the beautiful locations of "Zama" to life with a sharp, clean image, giving viewers a chance to study the frame in full for most of the picture. Facial surfaces are fresh and textured, costuming is fibrous, and outdoor encounters deliver precise distances, providing a full sense of scope. Colors are just as impressive, keeping to natural skintones (there's ample nudity here) and greenery, while more theatrical hues maintain their presence during the effort's stylistic passages. Deep reds on tribal makeup also delivers intensity. Delineation is somewhat problematic, with intense scenes set during the evening or around limited lighting showcasing some mild crush.

Zama Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides an evocative listening experience, doing very well with open water and beach events, giving lapping waters and community bustle a fine presence into the surrounds, joined by other atmospherics that deliver a defined position. Dialogue exchanges are satisfactory, managing tempers and cooler acts of ridicule with confidence. Low-end is sparse, but some acts of violence land with heft.

Zama Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:56, HD) is included.

Zama Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Zama" requires patience with Martel, who never gets anywhere quickly, and those who can lock on to her special way with atmosphere and character nuance are sure to have a rewarding sit. It's a gorgeous feature with fine performances and memorable costuming, it just lacks momentum at times when it could really use a few dollops of intensity.