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.
