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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (July 2020): Kino have transferred Bacurau to Blu-ray. Digital photography has come a long way since its infancy. "Bacurau" is shot by one of the best cinematographers working today, Pedro Sotero ("Rojo", "Neighboring Sounds"). The film was shot using the Ari Alexa Mini (and various lenses) and the sheer level of detail is matched only by the amount of variation in blacks, with bright colors showing an impressive spectrum of hues. There are nighttime exterior shots that, years ago, I would think were un-filmable on digital. Thanks to the new technology (and those lenses) this disc approaches reference quality. Back to that image detail, there are shots near the end of the film where I swear that I could see every pore on Udo Kier's iconic visage. The dual-layered Blu-ray exports Bacurau with a high bitrate which helps to maintain the strong digital presentation.

The film features 3 audio options, with the availability to watch the film in either 5.1 or 2.0 sound, both 24-bit DTS-HD Masters. The third option is the commentary. I preferred the 5.1 surround option, which features some great directional sound, with the film's various effects having more of a three-dimensional presence. The film's music is thanks to Mateus Alves and Tomaz Alves Souza. The standout song featured in the film's funeral procession has been in my head for days since viewing. The film features either English subtitles (for parts spoken in other languages) or English SDH (with everything transcribed) or French. The Blu-ray is a Region 'A' release from Kino Lorber.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray of "Bacurau'' features a handful of meaty extras to dig your teeth into, starting with a 61-minute making-of documentary by Kleber Mendonça Filho that is miles ahead of the usual standard EPK studio dregs. In this intimate behind-the-scenes feature, we see the cast coming together as one (well as the crew) The phrase "it takes a village" comes to mind, in more than one sense. If you have the time, this is worth checking out. In the audio options there is the choice to watch the film with a commentary from co-director Kleber Mendonça Filho. The filmmaker has a laid-back tone and helps to elaborate on not just the production of the film, but the meanings and screen-specific details. There is one deleted scene, taking place at the town's market, which helps flesh out a few characters a tad more (including Sônia Braga's "Domingas''). Kleber Mendonça Filho, Juliano Dornelles and Sonia Braga in conversation features the writers/directors and actor discussing the film, thanks to a screening interview at the Lincoln Center). Kino also includes a new 9-minute interview with Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles. One of the best extras is the wonderfully dark short film, "Mens sana in corpore sano". This 22-minute 2011 short is directed by Juliano Dornelles and I don't want to spoil any of it, just please check it out if you get the chance. Rounding out the extras on the Blu-ray is the film's theatrical trailer. There is also a liner notes booklet with an essay by film critic Fabio Andrade.

I was a huge fan of Kleber Mendonça Filho's phenomenal 2012 film "Neighboring Sounds" which I still believe is one of the finest films of the last decade. His follow-up "Aquarius" was also fascinating and showed that he is one of the best directors working today. This collaboration with long-time friend Juliano Dornelles seemed almost too strange to believe after seeing the trailer. Also due to Covid, the film was robbed of a theatrical exhibition circuit and Kino smartly decided to screen it online. The Blu-ray, however, makes this an essential purchase and one of Kino's top releases in recent memory. The film is not for everyone, as the pastiche eventually gets into some incredible violent territory. That being said, I loved how every expectation is turned on its head, with every new bit of info learned showing a deeper understanding (or misunderstanding) of what came before. The finale is a brilliant take on the tired western town shootout. Showing a new cycle of historical and colonial violence in this postmodern context gave me an even greater appreciation of the film. This is most likely a divisive film, possibly even for fans of Filho's previous work, though not this guy. One of the best films released this year - wonderful to have on Blu-ray.

Colin Zavitz