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Vinegar Syndrome

Region FREE - Blu-ray

Single-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

DTS-HD Master Audio English 2106 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2106 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Commentary:

Dolby Digital Audio English 96 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 96 kbps / DN -4dB

Single-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video

Edition Details:
• Commentary track with director Alexander Cassini
• "Shooting Star Time: An Interview with Cinematographer Fernando Arguelles" (31:37)
• "The Great Performance: A short film by Alexander Cassini" (5:10)

Blu-ray Release Date: March 27th, 2018
Transparent Blu-ray Case

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

"Star Time" comes to us newly scanned and restored in 2k from the 35mm original camera negative. Presented here on a single-layered disc in 1080P with a very high bitrate. The film looks flawless and any notion of it being dated would only be due to the costumes (or CRT televisions present throughout). This looks as if it could have been shot yesterday. There is a modest amount of grain but hardly any noise. The image looks crisp and clean throughout the film. A solid transfer. 

The film is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio in 2.0 stereo. Though only provided in stereo, this is a decent track. Dialogue is very clear and the music is noticeable but not overwhelming, as it should be. The music was composed by Blake Leyh, who would go on to be a music supervisor for various HBO TV shows including 'The Wire', 'Treme', and 'The Deuce'. SDH English subtitles are included on the Blu-ray disc.

The audio commentary features Joe Riven and director Alexander Cassini. The commentary seems to have been recorded outside, as you can hear various extraneous noises. The voices are still clear though, and this shouldn't distract anyone from listening to this very revealing track. The director explains his choices and motivations for the film (including the surprising fact that Cassini was inspired by Jane Campion's "Sweetie"). "Shooting Star Time" is an intriguing 31-minute interview with cinematographer, Fernando Arguelles. He talks about how his love of movies led him to become a cinematographer. Also discussed is the motivations behind the unique look to the film. Arguelles discusses the ins and outs of shooting, and isnt shy about getting into specific details, whether its changing eye-lines from shot to shot, or underexposing film for a certain mood. Any aspiring filmmakers would be wise to watch this featurette as it is chock full of information. Next up is the 5-minute short film, "The Great Performance" by "Star Time" director Alexander Cassini. It is an interesting and beautifully shot short, involving a Pagliacci-type clown dressing down into a suit and going on stage, to laughs and jeers. It is quite effective and the reveal of the audience is quite humorous. The music and sound editing are just as great as the camerawork. Rounding out the extras is the trailer for "Star Time".

Star Time is a very effective thriller with a lot to say about the media age and its effects on vulnerable people. As critic Jonathan Rosenbaum says in his review, "Thematically, Star Time crosses The King of Comedy with Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer." I couldn't have said it better myself. Any fans of either of these two films will be very impressed with this low-budget yet very stylish take on the slasher film. Vinegar Syndrome once again prove to be a stalwart curator of often forgotten films that deserve a second (or first) look.

 - Colin Zavitz

CLICK to order from:

Vinegar Syndrome

Region FREE - Blu-ray