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

Kino has brought the 2017 documentary "Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami" on a dual-layered Blu-ray with a high bitrate. This rather unconventional documentary is composed of footage compiled over a decade or so. The 1.85:1 image quality ranges depending on the format on which it is being shot. There is a certain low-quality digital look to the personal footage of Jones recording or spending time with friends and family. This footage is juxtaposed with brilliant high-definition quality footage (16mm) of Jones performing on stage. The digital image is rather poor but this adds a certain character to the film, giving personal moments more of a home-movie vibe. This is an unusual approach for a documentary, but it is a refreshing one.

When Jones is on stage, the audio just booms. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master track is vibrant and sounds better than most live-recordings. The digital footage however falls within the limits of the format. Dialogue is clear and intelligible though. This low-quality digital sound, much like the picture, is intentional and provides the feeling of being in the room with Grace and company. There is also a 2.0 stereo DTS-HD track, but unless you don't have a surround setup, I wouldn't recommend it. There are optional French and English subtitles on this Region-A Blu-ray.

Kino bring us not one, but two commentaries for "Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami". The first track features Grace, along with director Sophie Fiennes and Associate Professor of Africana Studies (Bowdoin College) Judith Casselberry. This is a very relaxed track, with Jones telling many fascinating stories, including meeting Nelson Mandela. The other track is a commentary with director Fiennes, as well as film critic Ian Haydn Smith. This track focuses less on the life and mythos of Jones, and more on the film production side of things. The two tracks rarely overlap as far as info, and both are wonderful to have here. Next up is a Q&A with Grace Jones and Sophie Fiennes, moderated by Piotr Orlov (Courtesy of Film Society of Lincoln Center). This is a really nice conversation, dealing with how Fiennes and Jones found each other, and their love and respect for each other is palpable. Finally, Kino also provides the film's trailer.

"Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami" is a unique and insightful take on not just Jones, but the idea of a documentary itself. By eschewing the typical documentary scenarios and methods (ie talking heads), the film feels more personal and impassioned. Director Fiennes and Jones make for a wonderful pairing and this Blu-ray package from Kino is highly recommended. And those commentaries are well worth it alone. 

Colin Zavitz