Requiem for a Dream (Director’s Cut) [Blu-ray]
Requiem for a Dream (Director’s Cut) [Blu-ray]
Genre: Horror
Rating: UN
Release Date: 8-SEP-2009
Media Type: Blu-Ray
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars About this Blu-Ray…
First of all, this really is a stunning, staggering, heart-wrenching film. It’s sad and beautiful world (as Jim Jarmusch might say) full of flawed characters, and Ellen Burstyn was magnificent. That Julia Roberts won Best Actress over her is a crime against decent film-lovers everywhere. But be fore-warned: Based on the novel by Hubert Selby, this is NOT a plucky, feel-good experience. It’s overwhelmingly raw, and probably not for all tastes ( I’m looking at you, Norbit fans)
But, as for this disc: Here is a prime example of why people bother upgrading their media to the latest-and-greatest format. Daily, I have to fight the urge to waste money on new versions of movies I already own (& I did already own the fine Requiem for a Dream (Director’s Cut) DVD of this), but I couldn’t resist a film that looks and sounds this good. [Side note: The Kronos Quartet soundtrack is spectacular.]
If you’ve already got the setup (HDTV or projector, sound system, etc) than you can do a lot worse. And for even more eye-candy, give The Fountain a try.
5 Stars A great movie!
Despite of the raw content of the movie, I give this movie 5 stars because the director of the film is able to show the underground world where people may be left while consuming any kind of drugs. It is dramatic, powerful, sad and shocking.
Furthermore, blu-ray movies are the only way to watch movies at home. Therefore, Requiem for a Dream is a highly recommended movie and its quality just awesome.
3 Stars great movie, but where are the extra extras
I wasn’t expecting it to have anything extra than the DVD version, but then I got it and it really didn’t and that makes me sad. It’s the same exact copy of the DVD version, but it’s all in stunning 1080p. I would have liked to had the songs as a playlist but no. I regret buying this because I already had a DVD copy and it was only the price that influenced my buying decision.
5 Stars A flawless transfer to Blu-ray, great picture and audio quality
This is a great transfer to Blu-ray, despite the disc’s discount price, and is likely the best this film will ever look. It’s a marked improvement over the DVD.
The picture is great. The disc’s bitrate averages around 35-36 Mbps. The blacks and shadow detail are deep. The color is accurate, bringing out the depressing greens of fluorescent lighting and blues of the night lighting, along with the warm natural outdoor shots of Coney Island. Grain is very present but there is no visible digital noise reduction (DNR) applied. There is maybe just a hint of edge-enhancement, but it’s not offensive and not visible in normal scenes. The film looks soft and hazy at times, but only due to the cinematographer’s use of soft-focus filters. When the image is meant to be crisp, it is. You can see the detail in Jennifer Connelly’s skin and Marlon Wayans’ stubble.
The lossless audio is great in DTS-HD 7.1, really highlighting Clint Mansell’s score and the sounds of the Kronos Quartet. The hallucinations of Ellen Burstyn’s character sound creepy and scary.
The extras are the same as on the DVD. They include a commentary by the director, Darren Aronofsky, a very detailed commentary by the cinematographer, Matthew Libatique, deleted scenes, a making-of, an interview by Ellen Burstyn of the author of the original book, Hubert Selby Jr., and the usual trailers and TV spots, including the uncut TV infomercial that plays a large role in Ellen Burstyn’s character’s motivation.
A great presentation of this indie film!
5 Stars One of the best movies ever made
I never feel sad watching this film, i can’t help but take sadistic pleasure in the twisted, realistic ending.
Jennifer connely’s transformation into a crack whore is delicious. =)
Filed under: Blu Ray Movie Reviews