Graduation Blu-ray - Adrian Titieni

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

(aka 'Graduation' or 'Bacalaureat')

Directed by Cristian Mungiu
Romania 2016

Blending rigorous naturalism with the precise construction of a thriller, this Cannes award–winning drama from Cristian Mungiu sheds light on the high stakes and ethical complexities of life in contemporary Romania. As his daughter nears high-school graduation, Romeo (Adrian Titieni), an upstanding doctor, counts on her securing a competitive scholarship that will send her to university in England. But when an injury sustained during a sexual assault compromises her performance on an important exam, Romeo’s best-laid plans for her threaten to crumble, leading him to seek favors in a world that runs on back-scratching and bribery. Suffused with quiet dread, Graduation takes a humane and deeply ambiguous look at how corrosive rampant corruption is to moral convictions.

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Theatrical Release: May 19th, 2016 (Cannes International Film Festival)

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Review: Criterion Collection - Region 'A' - Blu-ray

Box Cover		CLICK to order from: Also available on Blu-ray in the UK by Artificial Eye:
Distribution	Criterion Collection - Spine # 924 - Region 'A' - Blu-ray
Runtime	2:07:41.278
Video	Disc Size: 49,260,440,666 bytes Feature Size: 38,491,834,368 bytes Average Bitrate: 35.18 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	DTS-HD Master Audio Romanian 2991 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 2991 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Criterion Collection Disc Size: 49,260,440,666 bytes Feature Size: 38,491,834,368 bytes Average Bitrate: 35.18 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video Edition Details: • New interview with Mungiu (29:32) • Press conference from the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, featuring Mungiu and actors Adrian Titieni, Maria Dragu, Malina Manovici, and Rare Andrici (41:46) • Deleted scenes (08:21) • Trailer (2:17) • PLUS: An essay by film critic Bilge Ebiri Blu-ray Release Date: Mary 22nd, 2018 Transparent Blu-ray Case Chapters: 17

Comments:

NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Criterion's presentation of Graduation comes from a 2k digital master, approved by director Cristian Mungiu. The transfer has no visible scratches or debris, and is very clean and crisp. The film is shown in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc, with a maxed out bitrate. The film has a very modest color pallet, strong on pastels but there is a slight teal-leaning which I didn't find distracting. The contrast looks good, especially noticeable in darker scenes.

Criterion offer a 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack (24-bit). There is no composer credited for the score, which gives the film more of a vérité vibe. Although there is classical music utilized from Florin Bogardo (Ani de liceu), Antonio Vivaldi and Henry Purcell. The surround separation is handled well, with no distracting or jarring moments. There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'A' Blu-ray disc.

For the supplements, Criterion give us a new 30-minute interview with director Cristian Mungiu. This interview was recorded in Bucharest in 2018 for the Criterion Collection. Also provided is a 41-minute press conference from the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, featuring Mungiu and actors; Adrian Titieni, Maria Dragus, Malina Manovici, and Rares Andrici. There are also seven deleted scenes, coming in at just under 10 minutes. Also here is the films trailer, and a 12-page leaflet featuring an essay by film critic Bilge Ebiri.

Graduation continues various themes prevalent throughout the films of Mungiu. It approaches various ethical quandaries with grace and style. Criterion's Blu-ray included extras are very revealing and thoughtful. Another great package from Criterion.