THE WHITE RIBBON (2009, Blu-ray released June 29, 2010 – MSRP $38.90)
It is immediately clear why German film, The White Ribbon, received Academy Award nominations for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Cinematography. The film is stunning. It immediately draws you in, takes hold and won’t allow you to look away. This film is all about seeing what is on the surface and wondering what lies underneath.
A small village in Germany, just prior to the 1st World War, is the backdrop for our story, as narrated by the village schoolteacher. He is a man of 31 years; however, his voice is indicative of an older man, as he gives an uncertain account of the details and sparse recollections of the events that took place in that village in the year prior to the war. On the surface, The White Ribbon is an unhurried film, but never slow one, weaving a compelling story of village life and the people within it.
There is an abundance of characters that can be daunting to keep track of, but only at first. Eventually, everyone is introduced and it is clear whom is who; however, it may be here where certainty ends. Mysterious accidents, sudden, brutal acts of punishment are being perpetrated on the inhabitants of this village, with no clear indication of who the perpetrator is or what the motive(s) behind these acts could be. Even without ever really seeing them, the impact of these wicked events resonate throughout the story and are visible on the faces of those affected and even those (perhaps) implicated.
The performances are excellent across the board, and the faces…the faces were undoubtedly very carefully selected. Expressions tell as much of this tale as the narration. The children of the village seem mature beyond their years. Each with quite stoic and serious faces that speak of a knowledge and an understanding that we as an audience seek out and ultimately stay with this film in order to achieve.
The film’s 1080p transfer on the Blu-ray disc is gorgeous. Sharp and detailed, it was filmed in black and white and is very reminiscent of old films, both in look and style. The camera only moves when absolutely necessary. Lingering, long takes without a cut allow for the emotion of scenes to hypnotize; like the scene when the children are chastised at the dinner table — several seconds pass without the camera moving as you feel the weight of the scene, noticing body posture and facial expressions. The expected (and perfectly acceptable) amount of grain from b/w film stock is nicely preserved and never distracts. Night scenes are clear enough and the contrast is only uneven in the brighter outdoor, daytime scenes.
The lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround soundtrack is made up of environmental and always setting-appropriate sounds and atmospherics. Music is always an actual part of the scene and always sounds (fittingly) as though it is being played as the scenes were filmed.
Along with several film previews, for bonus features, the disc offers a Making-of that provides insight from the cast and the director about the subject matter of the film. A biographical look at the career of director Michael Haneke is also included, as well as an interview with the man himself. Unfortunately, there is no commentary track, but with everything else on the disc, we get an informed glimpse into the process of making The White Ribbon. As an added treat, there is also a look at the film’s premiere at Cannes. It features shots of the cast on the red carpet and more questions answered by Haneke.
Haunting, mean people, cruelty, odd children–Not a happy film, but a very pretty one. The White Ribbon is a peek into the bizarre under side of the lives of everyday people; not unlike a David Lynch film with a darkness that is buried just a little deeper. Michael Haneke and cinematographer Christian Berger, having worked together more than once before, truly deserve the international attention garnered by this film. The White Ribbon lost the Academy Award to Argentinean film The Secret in Their Eyes, which interestingly enough, is one the previews included on the disc. It did however, take home the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film…Happy ending….
[...] and long overdue for a domestic Blu-ray release. In direct competition with Michael Haneke‘s The White Ribbon (also one of our Top Picks on Blu-ray) for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film this past year, [...]
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