Biutiful (Alejandro González Iñárritu)

[pro-bassoonist]

Alejandro González Iñárritu's Biutiful has received a preliminary release date: May 16th. Courtesy of Optimum Home Entertainment.

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Reelfilm:

Undoubtedly one of the most disappointing cinematic experiences to come around in quite some time, Biutiful follows Javier Bardem's Uxbal as he attempts to get his affairs in order after discovering that he has terminal cancer. Filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu has infused Biutiful with the feel of a rather conventional character study, with the growing realization that Uxbal simply isn't terribly interesting ensuring that the viewer's interest dwindles steadily over the course of the movie's aggressively overlong running time. (This is despite an expectedly strong performance from Bardem.) It is, as a result, impossible to work up any enthusiasm for the character's rather tedious day-to-day exploits, as Uxbal must contend with his flighty ex-wife, deal with shady Japanese sweatshop owners, etc, etc. Iñárritu's typically low-rent directorial style, which worked so well in his 2003 masterpiece 21 Grams, ultimately plays an integral role in cementing Biutiful's downfall, with the decision to emphasize locations of an almost unreasonably seedy nature contributing heavily to the film's atmosphere of relentless unpleasantness (ie this is undoubtedly one of the most visually unpleasant endeavors within recent memory). And although the movie does improve slightly in its final half hour as Uxbal is finally forced to confront his impending demise, Biutiful is, in the final analysis, a heartbreakingly misguided piece of work that doesn't possess even an ounce of the emotional resonance of 21 Grams or Babel.

Pro-B

[NHassell18]

Really wanted to see this, but my local Arthouse cinema didn't have it on. Will be purchasing.

[PPthenaughtyboy]

Great news thanks Pro-B.

[Immersion]

Originally Posted by NHassell18

Really wanted to see this, but my local Arthouse cinema didn't have it on. Will be purchasing.

Me too. I rarely, if only once or twice a year go to my local picturehouses or cinemas due to the price, easy access to buying BD/DVD, and being able to enjoy films on my projector/screen at home. But this film made me seek out the schedules of the cinemas in my area, as I would have liked to have seen it. Sadly, only one was about 35 miles away! So I'm looking forward to the Blu-ray release.

[rezpekt]

Extras:

• Director’s Flip Notes (making of)
• Javier Bardem Interview
• Maricel Álvarez interview
• Eduard Fernández interview
• trailers
• Biutiful crew

[Immersion]

Pro-B I'm really looking forward to this release, and I was wondering if you might be getting the title for review? I know there is a US release, and I would be curious to see how they compare, so it would be great if you could add one of your fantastic reviews for this edition.

Thanks

[Sig-gotyouth]

I have this but havent got round to watching it yet. will report back tomorrow evening!

[The Driver]

UK cover:


Picked this up.

Lovely transfer. The screen ratio does rightly alternate which -after seeing it previously in approx 1.85:1- may give new meaning for those seeking it.

Amazed this director keeps knocking out such truly great films. I was never a fan of Babel but I'm going to revist it.

This disc is B but I can play it no problem using my A USA Sony BDP-S1

[KrugerIndustrial]

Which release is superior?

[CelestialAgent]

With the grain structure and burnt in coloured subtitles, this looks good for 2011 but I think it could benefit from a newer release.