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S E A R C H    D V D B e a v e r

 

H D - S E N S E I

A view on Blu-ray by Gary W. Tooze

 

Antichrist [Blu-ray]

 

(Lars von Trier, 2009)

 

 

 
         

 

Also available in the Lars Von Trier Boxset:

 

  

 

Review by Gary Tooze

 

Production:

Theatrical: Zentropa Entertainments

Video: Warner Home Video (France) / Artificial Eye / Criterion (spine #542)

 

Disc:

Warner is Region FREE! (as verified by the Momitsu region FREE Blu-ray player)

NOTE: (From Greg in email) : "FYI - The French Antichrist blu-ray is not compatible with Sony PS3 or with Sony BDP 550 model blu-ray players. Some say that the trailers are PAL and that is why I can't get passed the first (black/blank) screen. Maybe its just the 1080/50." (thanks Greg!) - We suspect this is because it is 1080i/50. Apologies to all who ordered, but it does play on many other region 'A' players like my Oppo and region 'A'-locked Momitsu(s).

Artificial Eye is Region: 'B'-locked

Criterion is region 'A'-locked

 

Runtime: 1:44:05.000 / 1:44:00.040 / 1:48:50.065

Disc Size: 44,267,437,944 bytes / 23,368,893,604 bytes / 47,731,201,235 bytes

Feature Size: 23,542,259,712 bytes / 15,932,119,488 bytes / 24,153,022,464 bytes

Video Bitrate: 23.56 Mbps / 14.78 Mbps / 24.95 Mbps

Chapters: 12 / 12 / 22

Case: Standard Blu-ray case / Transparent Thicker Blu-ray case

Release date: November 4th, 2009 / January 11th, 2010 / November 8th, 2010

 

Video (Warner and AE are both 1080i):

Aspect ratio: 2.35:1

Resolution: 1080i / 25 fps - Criterion is 1080P - 23.976 fps

Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

 

Audio:

DTS-HD Master Audio English 2123 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 2123 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit)
DTS-HD Master Audio French 1751 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1751 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit)
DTS Audio English 768 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit

 

English (DTS-HD Master Audio 3321 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 3321 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit / DN -4dB))
English (Dolby Digital Audio 448 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 448 kbps / DN -4dB)
English (Dolby Digital Audio 448 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 448 kbps / DN -4dB)

 

DTS-HD Master Audio English 2858 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 2858 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps /
24-bit)
Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps

 

Subtitles:

French, none

Danish, Italian, none

English, none

 

 

Extras:

• Commentary - with Professor Murray Smith and director Lars von Trier (imposed French subtitles)
Charlotte etc.(43:52 in HD! - French - no English subs)
Antichrist au Festival de Cannes - (13:57 in SD)

• L'identite visuelle du film - (15:31 in HD!)
• L'identite musicale du film - (13:00 in HD!)

Interview de Willem Dafoe (8:06 in HD!)
Confessions de Lars von Trier (4:57 in HD!)
La creation des decors - (6 min).
La femme, instrument du diable - (8:13 in HD)
Les trois mendiants (8:06)
Effets speciaux et protheses

• La pre-production - In Danish, with imposed French subtitles (7:42 in HD!)

 

• Behind the Test (6:30)

• The Evil of Woman (7:40)

• The Visual Style of Antichrist (15:29)

• Eden (5:08)

• The Three Beggars (8:04)

• Confessions About Anxiety (4:55)

• The Make-Up, Effects an Props of Antichrist (8:11)

• The Sound and Music of Antichrist (12:58)

• Chaos Reigns at the Cannes Film Festival (7:20)

• Interview with Charlotte Gainsbourg (6:16)

• Interview with Willem Defoe (8:03)

• Commentary with Lars von Trier and Professor Murray Smith

• Trailer

 

• Audio commentary featuring von Trier and film scholar Murray Smith
• Video interviews with von Trier (4:57) and actors Willem Dafoe (18:14) and Charlotte Gainsbourg (43:53)
Making of... - collection of seven video pieces delving into the production of Antichrist through interviews with von Trier and key members of his filmmaking team, as well as behind-the-scenes footage: Behind the Test (6:30), The Visual Style of Antichrist (15:29), The Sound and Music of Antichrist (12:58), Eden - Production Design (5:08), The Make-Up, Effects an Props of Antichrist (8:11), The Three Beggars (8:04) and The Evil of Woman (7:40)

Chaos Reigns at the Cannes Film Festival, a documentary on the film’s world premiere, along with press interviews with Dafoe and Gainsbourg
• 3 Theatrical trailers
• 30-page liner notes booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Ian Christie

 

Bitrates:

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

Description: Lars von Trier's controversial exploration of depression, guilt and sexuality stars Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg as a couple grieving the death of their young son. The mother is initially admitted to hospital following the incident, but her husband - a therapist - insists on taking her to their remote forest cabin, 'Eden', and looking after her himself. Presented in four chapters with a prologue and epilogue, the film charts the often violent and disturbing course of the couple's anguish as they immerse themselves in nature and act out their deep suffering in a sequence of increasingly bizarre and brutal rituals.

 

***

 

Lars von Trier shook up the film world when he premiered Antichrist at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. In this graphic psychodrama, a grief-stricken man and woman—a searing Willem Dafoe and Cannes best actress winner Charlotte Gainsbourg—retreat to their cabin deep in the woods after the accidental death of their infant son, only to find terror and violence at the hands of nature and, ultimately, each other. But this most confrontational work yet from one of contemporary cinema’s most controversial artists is no mere provocation. It is a visually sublime, emotionally ravaging journey to the darkest corners of the possessed human mind; a disturbing battle of the sexes that pits rational psychology against age-old superstition; and a profoundly effective horror film.

 

 

The Film:

The term antichrist is commonly used to mean "the opposite of Christ." It actually translates from the original Greek as "opposed to Christ." This is a useful place to begin in considering Lars von Trier's new film. The central character in "Antichrist" is not supernatural, but an ordinary man, who loses our common moral values. He lacks all good and embodies evil, but that reflects his nature and not his theological identity.

This man, known only as He, is played by Willem Dafoe as a somber, driven, tortured soul. The film opens with He and his wife, She (Charlotte Gainsbourg), making passionate love. This is a moment of complete good. In the next room, their infant son begins to crawl around to explore and falls to his death. This in itself is a neutral act. It inspires the rest of the film, which labels itself in three stages: Grief, Pain and Despair.

We must begin by assuming that He and She are already at psychological tipping points. She has been doing research on witchcraft, and it leads her to wonder if women are inherently evil. That may cause her to devalue herself. He is a controlling, dominant personality, who I believe is moved by the traumatic death to punish the woman who delivered his child into the world.

Their first stage, Grief, is legitimate. Their error is in trying to treat it instead of accepting it and living it through. Of course they blame themselves for having sex when they should have been attentive to the infant. Guilt requires punishment. She mentally punishes herself. For reasons he may not be aware of, he is driven to deal with her guilt as a problem, lecturing her in calm, patient, detached psychobabble. Her grief is her fault, you see, and he will blame her for it.

Excerpt from Roger Ebert at the Chicago Sun Times located HERE

 


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

The story is divided into four chapters, "Grief", "Pain (Chaos Reigns)", "Despair (Gynocide)" and "The Three Beggars", in addition to a prologue and an epilogue, all displayed over the abstract designs of Danish artist Per Kirkeby.

 

 

Despite some of the slow motions shots created using a Phantom HD Camera and the final printed format being 35mm - my software is indicating the transfer is 1080i (interlaced) although I couldn't detect it while obtaining screen captures. Thee are no combing artifacts that I could discern. Frankly, it looks magnificent. The Prologue and Epilogue segments are in black and white appearing with excellent contrast. Much of the film is shot outdoor and colors are bright, detail exceptional and the use of the 'anxiety cam' produces the desired result probably looking quite similar to the theatrical intent.  The Blu-ray does a solid job producing a sexy, sophisticated image dynamically supporting the film's diverse and eccentric visuals.

 

Update: Artificial Eye- Region 'B' Locked 2010

The first thing to note about this release is that the disc sports nearly half of the bytes of the previously reviewed Warner release, with a significantly fewer amount of information dedicated to the film itself. That being said, the differences between pictures are nowhere near as extreme as one might predict. Indeed, I'll give the previous release the prize when it comes to the film's visuals, as it boasts slightly greater detail is close-ups and small objects. The differences seem minor and suspect that only those with discerning systems would notice a superiority. Other than this, I can't really find fault with the image. Like the previous release, it's interlaced, but unlike another reviewer, after careful analysis I couldn't find any instances of combing whatsoever (most players de-interlace very well).
 

 

Update: Criterion - Region 'A' Locked - October 2010: Despite the fact that the Criterion is the only edition that is progressive (1080P) I don't notice an extensive amount of visual differences. Technically it is better on every front (larger feature film size and, hence, higher bitrate) and seems to retain the strong contrast seen in the French Warner. It is advertised as "approved by director Lars von Trier and supervised by director of photography Anthony Dod Mantle". It may exhibit some further depth than the other two. I tried my best to match the captures but I may be off by a frame or two on a few.

 

 

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

Tarkovsky's 'Solaris'

 

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

Tarkovsky's Mirror (Zerkalo)

 

 

1) Warner Home Video (France) Region FREE - Blu-ray TOP

2) Artificial Eye - Region 'B' - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM

 

 

 

Audio :

I had no issues at all with the DTS-HD Master English 5.1 audio track at 2123 kbps. The Händel music incorporated into the film - 'Lascia ch'io pianga' from 'Rinaldo'- sounds wonderfully pure in the prologue and when effect noises are utilized that can be sharp and crisp evoking the appropriate visceral responses. Antichrist's audio is as perfect as I can discern not having heard it in a theatrical environment. It has no flaws.

 

The BIG issue is that, not without some toil, the original English audio can play WITHOUT imposed French subtitles. It can only be done on the fly through the pop-up menu - not directly via the remote 'audio' or 'subtitles' buttons. My Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

 

The audio is crisp and clean on this release, with out any discernible problems. When the disc is started, you have the option of choosing between English and Danish. The latter option gives you Danish menus and subtitles (Italian, but not English, subtitles are also available).

 

Criterion is equal to, if not exceeding, the audio of both European releases with a DTS-HD Master 5.1 at 2858 kbps 5.1. I can determine no difference. It comes with optional English subtitles.

 

Extras :

The supplements are excellent and the vast majority are in English with French subtitles. There is an interview with Willem Dafoe, a lengthy piece on Charlotte Gainsbourg - although this is in French with no English subtitle option - and tidbits with von Trier giving production info and touching upon some deeper issues. The most valuable supplement, as you might have guessed, is the commentary with Professor Murray Smith (University of Kent) and von Trier himself - all in English. This is fantastic listening with lots of interesting input on all factions of the film - with some mention of Tarkovsky references.

 

The discs also appear to only have some overlap in the extras department. Coming over from the Warners, are the commentary track, the interview with Willem Defoe, and the featurettes on the special effects, the music, the film's visual style, and the three beggars. Judging from the run times, I can only assume that the Cannes piece and the behind the scenes feature are different as well. While I can't speak for the missing extras, I can say that the features on the AE disc are invaluable for admirers of the film.

 

The Criterion appears to have all of the extras of both previous releases including the informative commentary - seven part 'Making of...', the interviews, Cannes documentary, trailer but adds a 30-page liner notes booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Ian Christie.

 

 

Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray

 

 

BOTTOM LINE:
Von Trier is such a daring film artist - and we need more like him in the cinema world. There was some things about Antichrist that I didn't care for - but others that I loved. I haven't always been a big fan of von Trier's work but I was intrigued by the 'Tarkovsky scenes' and while certainly spooked by the controversial content - it didn't shock me to such an extent that I was overly disturbed or too offended to watch to completion. The 1080i/50 transfer can be difficult for most standard North American Blu-ray players. It seemed to work fine on my Oppo and Momistus (899 + 799) but it may be prudent for those with more mainstream models to wait for the Artificial Eye's UK edition hoping that it, too, is the complete, uncut, 104 minute edition. Stay tuned we will identify here. NOTE: the French box inaccurately indicates it is 120 minutes - when it is indeed the full 104 length.

 

I think this is a fabulous Blu-ray which will, no doubt, garner votes in our year-end poll. We recommend, with caution for both playability and disturbing level of some graphic scenes. Let's see what the Artificial Eye release can give us.  

 

On the whole, I don't think that you can go wrong with either release. The Artificial Eye release is marvelous and deserves to be a strong contender in our end of the year competitions, and the Warner looks great as well! Since this is region 'B' locked, fans who can't play it may want to wait for Criterion's November release in North America. Otherwise, this is highly recommended.

 

The Criterion is the most complete package - the best video and the best supplements. It has become a difficult film to re-watch for me - von Trier's cinema probes at your emotions like sticking a knife in an open wound... and I find this troublesome. I think I've seen it 4 times now and tend to like it less on each re-visitation but it's hard not to appreciate the creativity and heavy style. While I don't suggest a double-dip (if you own one of the European releases already) - for those desirous to view Antichrist - our recommendation, to those capable of playing 'A'-locked discs, would be the Criterion.   

 

Gary Tooze

December 3rd, 2009

August 2010

October 2010

 

 

 
         

 

Also available in the Lars Von Trier Boxset:

 

  

 

About the Reviewer: Hello, fellow Beavers! I have been interested in film since I viewed a Chaplin festival on PBS when I was around 9 years old. I credit DVD with expanding my horizons to fill an almost ravenous desire to seek out new film experiences. I currently own approximately 9500 DVDs and have reviewed over 3500 myself. I appreciate my discussion Listserv for furthering my film education and inspiring me to continue running DVDBeaver. Plus a healthy thanks to those who donate and use our Amazon links.

Although I never wanted to become one of those guys who focused 'too much' on image and sound quality - I find HD is swiftly pushing me in that direction. So be it, but film will always be my first love and I list my favorites on the old YMdb site now accessible HERE.  

Gary's Home Theatre:

60-Inch Class (59.58” Diagonal) 1080p Pioneer KURO Plasma Flat Panel HDTV PDP6020-FD

Oppo Digital BDP-83 Universal Region FREE Blu-ray/SACD Player
Momitsu - BDP-899 Region FREE Blu-ray player
Marantz SA8001 Super Audio CD Player
Marantz SR7002 THX Select2 Surround Receiver
Tannoy DC6-T (fronts) + Energy (centre, rear, subwoofer) speakers (5.1)

APC AV 1.5 kVA H Type Power Conditioner 120V

Gary W. Tooze

 

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