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

ADDITION: Criterion Blu-ray (June 2021): Criterion brings director Dee Rees debut film "Pariah" to Blu-ray on an all new dual-layered disc. This comes from a 2K digital transfer (the film was shot on 35mm and a 2K master was created) that truly benefits from the 1080p HD image. The 1.85:1 frame holds an image that is rich with contrast and a deep spectrum of blacks and shadows. Bradford Young's cinematography is quite breathtaking, showcasing a kaleidoscopic color palette, with either a handheld or still camera. Fans should be very pleased with the image on display here in this Criterion Blu-ray.
 

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Criterion provides a 24-bit 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master audio soundtrack for "Pariah". The channel separation works nicely here, especially in the club scenes. The soundtrack of Pariah has a ton of great music selections, from the opening "My Neck, My Back" (Khia) pole dance routine, to songs from Reema Major, Kandi Cole, Tamar-kali, Daisha, Trevor Lawrence Jr., and Sparlha Swa. There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'A' /'B' (also released in the UK) Blu-ray from Criterion.

Criterion's Blu-ray has included four new interviews and discussions with the cast and crew of "Pariah". First up is 'Dee Rees and Michelle Parkerson', a 35-minute 2021 conversation with director Dee Rees discussing the writing of and inspiration for her first feature film ("Pariah") with filmmaker, scholar, and author Michelle Parkerson. Up next is the 29-minute 'Cast Reunion', another 2021 feature, with a conversation being had for the occasion of Pariah's ten-year anniversary. This conversation is moderated by film scholar Jacqueline Stewart, and features director Dee Rees and actors Adepero Oduye, Pernell Walker, Kim Wayans, Charles Parnell, and Aasha Davis recalling their intense and intimate process of character development. The joy they have working together is clear from their enthusiasm regarding the project. Next is 'The Making of Pariah: Department Heads', a 39-minute program wherein director Dee Rees, cinematographer Bradford Young, production designer Inbal Weinberg, producer Nekisa Cooper, and editor Mako Kamitsuna talk about the evolution of Pariah and the process of creating its visual aesthetic on a shoestring budget. The discussion is moderated by film scholar Jacqueline Stewart. Lastly, 'Kara Keeling' is a 15-minute interview with the film scholar and author of Queer Times, Black Futures. Also included is an essay by critic Cassie da Costa.

Fans should be sure to pick up Criterion's fantastic 2K digital Blu-ray transfer of Dee Rees' "Pariah". From the stellar 1080P image to the bonus features with cast, crew and critics, this is a definitive release of "Pariah". Adepero Oduye's restrained performance is very moving, and Kim Wayans and Charles Parnell's poor parenting roles are more three-dimensional than one might expect. This Criterion Blu-ray is absolutely recommended.

Colin Zavitz