The Master (2012)

[pagemaster]

I saw this movie in 70mm a few weeks back, I have got to say the presentation was superb but the movie was not all that great.

[42041]

Originally Posted by Aragorn84

I don't know about the contrast, but something is up with those screen caps. They show some nasty artifacts. I trust that it's not reflective of the PQ on the disc.

I dunno about "nasty", seems to look reasonable. Seeing it in photochemical 70mm, it'd be hard for the blu-ray to measure up.

I think I need to recalibrate my monitor... looking at the shots on my work computer, the contrast looks okay. Or maybe this monitor's messed up. I do recall that the trailer matched the theatrical appearance color-wise, and it looks about the same as these screenshots so maybe my memory's just failing me.

[PBateman87]

Nice review that's up now, can't wait to get this in a few weeks!

[saprano]

Originally Posted by Aragorn84

I don't know about the contrast, but something is up with those screen caps. They show some nasty artifacts. I trust that it's not reflective of the PQ on the disc.

Yeah the pictures don't look that good to me. Especially for something shot in 65mm.

[saprano]

Originally Posted by 42041

I dunno about "nasty", seems to look reasonable. Seeing it in photochemical 70mm, it'd be hard for the blu-ray to measure up.

I think I need to recalibrate my monitor... looking at the shots on my work computer, the contrast looks okay. Or maybe this monitor's messed up. I do recall that the trailer matched the theatrical appearance color-wise, and it looks about the same as these screenshots so maybe my memory's just failing me.

Well the TDKR 70mm IMAX scenes measured up perfectly on bluray. It looked exactly like i rememberd seeing it in IMAX. Somewhat better since our TV's are way smaller.

[Dubstar]

regarding the blu-ray.com review of the bluray:

while it was the first film since Hamlet to be released in actual 70mm, technically 'Samsara' is the first film since Hamlet to be filmed as such (just not theatrically released)

[Scottie]

Will this hit below $19.99 on release day?

[MichaelR]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

regarding the blu-ray.com review of the bluray:

while it was the first film since Hamlet to be released in actual 70mm, technically 'Samsara' is the first film since Hamlet to be filmed as such (just not theatrically released)

Samsara is a documentary. The review states, accurately, that:

As has been widely publicized, The Master was the first fiction film to be shot in 65mm since Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet in 1996 . . .

The same point is made in the Kodak article linked later in the quoted sentence.

[42041]

Originally Posted by saprano

Well the TDKR 70mm IMAX scenes measured up perfectly on bluray. It looked exactly like i rememberd seeing it in IMAX. Somewhat better since our TV's are way smaller.

The Master looked quite a bit better to me than TDKR when I saw it (maybe because it was printed straight off the negative, or because I didn't have to sit in the front row). It was an very, very detailed image, much more than blu-ray can deliver, especially without aliasing.

[Bluprint]

This will look un-damn-believable on BD! The color and focus levels are so extraordinary that this will look as dimensional as 3D. The film is a hit or miss but acting is a Grand Slam add that with Mihai Malaimare cinematography and you have a must own blu-ray!

[joenostalgia23]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

regarding the blu-ray.com review of the bluray:

while it was the first film since Hamlet to be released in actual 70mm, technically 'Samsara' is the first film since Hamlet to be filmed as such (just not theatrically released)

Weren't The New World (2005) and The Tree of Life partially shot on 65mm? I know Samsara is entirely 65mm, but The Master isn't completely 65mm either(though 80% is very substantial)

Though it still stands that The Master was the first film to be printed to (non IMAX) 70mm since Hamlet, since Samsara was released in 4K.

[Doomnaut]

Originally Posted by joenostalgia23

Weren't The New World (2005) and The Tree of Life partially shot on 65mm? I know Samsara is entirely 65mm, but The Master isn't completely 65mm either(though 80% is very substantial)

Though it still stands that The Master was the first film to be printed to (non IMAX) 70mm since Hamlet, since Samsara was released in 4K.

The Landmark in Pasadena was screening 70mm prints of Samsara.

[andsoitgoes]

I completely agree.

I think this is a very different, but equally important film. I DO give an edge to TWBB, though. I think there's something more epic about the film. Something more... I don't know how to explain why I feel different, but I do see an extra layer in TWBB. Maybe an extra chunk of unpredictability?

[Show spoiler]i didn't feel there were as many standout moments, not that there were any moments that the picture lulled, and this is still leaps and bounds better than the majority of films to come out nowadays.

I also think this film might have been very tantric in comparison to TWBB or Magnoilia, maybe due to Freddie's constant proclivities, but there weren't the same kind of "payoffs" here. No church scenes, no milkshake, no diner scene, no explosion..

But by no means is this anything other than a brilliant film. Joaquin was absolutely amazing, as was Hoffman, though I liked his younger performances more than his more recent ones, I couldn't tell you why, though.

Amy Adams was great as usual, it's still strange, but relieving at the same time, to see her out of her Enchanted role and her bathroom scene with Hoffman was, well, interesting to say the least.

Anyway, you are right. Looking at the nominations of Silver Linings and this, it's baffling to see what these award shows actually base their judgement on. Last year it was The Artist, The Help, The Decendants (see a trend? =\), Moneyball, and such, most of which were decent films but none, NONE came close to TWBB, No County or The Master, all of which Are the best movies in the last few years.

Originally Posted by nekz

In my opinion of the Oscar nominees this is the best film of 2012.

Comparing it to P.T.A's prior work, I don't know which I like better: There Will Be Blood or The Master.

This is a film I will revisit many times.

[spanky87]

I went to see it in the theater earlier today at 11am. It was the second last day my theater was showing the 70mm print. I was the only person there and it was quite the experience to take in this movie by myself with such a beautiful presentation. Joaquin Phoenix was outstanding. Some of the best scenes of 2012 are in this film, in particular the long question exercise sequence. It was a near masterpiece for me, but it lost me a little towards the end. I think I was expecting a big payoff, but that's not a fair criticism. Thinking about it, it did have a fitting ending. So I think a 2nd viewing on blu-ray will only improve my experience.

I'm glad I decided to see the 70mm print in theaters while I still had the chance, even though the blu-ray is out at the end of the month.

[Jumpman]

Originally Posted by nekz

In my opinion of the Oscar nominees this is the best film of 2012.

Comparing it to P.T.A's prior work, I don't know which I like better: There Will Be Blood or The Master.

This is a film I will revisit many times.

I made a statement on these boards months ago that a top ten list of 2012 is incomplete without a viewing of Anderson's the Master. Well, it took long enough but I can finally close the books on 2012.

Saw this yesterday and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it as well as place it within Anderson's filmography.

For the longest time, Magnolia was my favorite Anderson film until I did a recent rewatch of Punch Drunk Love. Now, between that film and There Will Be Blood, I don't know which is my favorite of his. Combine that with my thoughts on the Master, I have this weird suspicion that the Master might creep up to number one of that list after a few more viewings.

It is expertly crafted to the nth degree on all phases. It is lyrical, aloof, beautiful, and yet very hard to pin down. As I left the theatre, I kept thinking that this is one of the oddest love stories I've ever seen. A film about two men who kind of complete each other in a sense that they both want/need/desire what the other is. There are numerous layers to this thing that I've yet to scratch the surface on but that was my immediate thoughts after just one viewing.

The performances are impeccable. If it wasn't for Daniel Day Lewis' stunning transformation into Lincoln, Phoenix would be a sure fire lock for Best Actor at the Oscars. Utterly trans-formative. Hoffman is Hoffman. That guy is practically great in every film he's in. But the big surprise (well not surprise) is Amy Adams. She's a ****ing knockout in this thing. Again, if it wasn't for Anne Hathaway's stunning part in Les Miserables, Adams takes home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in a landslide. I'm still trying to decode her performance and her character.

It's going to take me a while to decrypt the Master. It's that layered. Still, how the Academy left this film off the Best Picture list is extraordinary. It's easily one of the top three films of the year.

And with this viewing, the collecting of the rest of Anderson's filmography on BD begins. The moment this film is on sale for 9.99, I'm purchasing all of his films in one shot. Hope that rumor about Punch Drunk Love is true....

[andsoitgoes]

I think Magnolia will ALWAYS be my favorite. TWBB a close second and The Master coming in 3rd, but it's like a race between the best runners in the world, even if you come in 4th place in the Olympics, it's the bloody OLYMPICS!

I may need to give Punch another try, it's been many years but I couldn't express my disappointment in the film. I felt nothing and simply wasn't moved, or excited. It didn't connect in the least, and isn't even in the running for movies I care to own. Boogie Nights was okay, but that was as exciting as it ever got for me, just okay. Better than a lot of films, sure, but was it REALLY good? Not in comparison with the 3 I love of his. Not even in the same country.

One thing I have to state is my utter frustration on the lack of, well, anything on his releases. Magnolia, as anemic as it was, at least had one of the most compelling and addictive documentaries I've seen on a film. It was a direct trip into his mind, and I always love me some Fiona apple. The lack of commentary and, well, anything else is just a true bummer. I feel the same about the Cohen brothers films. To this day, the lack of commentary on No Country makes me about as sad as I could be. I still NEED TO KNOW:

[Show spoiler]was he behind the door?!?!

These directors are brilliant, and it's a shame that they aren't either able or willing to dedicate more time and energy to giving us more background, commentaries (seriously the best thing to happen to film since... Film

Originally Posted by Jumpman

I made a statement on these boards months ago that a top ten list of 2012 is incomplete without a viewing of Anderson's the Master. Well, it took long enough but I can finally close the books on 2012.

Saw this yesterday and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it as well as place it within Anderson's filmography.

For the longest time, Magnolia was my favorite Anderson film until I did a recent rewatch of Punch Drunk Love. Now, between that film and There Will Be Blood, I don't know which is my favorite of his. Combine that with my thoughts on the Master, I have this weird suspicion that the Master might creep up to number one of that list after a few more viewings.

It is expertly crafted to the nth degree on all phases. It is lyrical, aloof, beautiful, and yet very hard to pin down. As I left the theatre, I kept thinking that this is one of the oddest love stories I've ever seen. A film about two men who kind of complete each other in a sense that they both want/need/desire what the other is. There are numerous layers to this thing that I've yet to scratch the surface on but that was my immediate thoughts after just one viewing.

The performances are impeccable. If it wasn't for Daniel Day Lewis' stunning transformation into Lincoln, Phoenix would be a sure fire lock for Best Actor at the Oscars. Utterly trans-formative. Hoffman is Hoffman. That guy is practically great in every film he's in. But the big surprise (well not surprise) is Amy Adams. She's a ****ing knockout in this thing. Again, if it wasn't for Anne Hathaway's stunning part in Les Miserables, Adams takes home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in a landslide. I'm still trying to decode her performance and her character.

It's going to take me a while to decrypt the Master. It's that layered. Still, how the Academy left this film off the Best Picture list is extraordinary. It's easily one of the top three films of the year.

And with this viewing, the collecting of the rest of Anderson's filmography on BD begins. The moment this film is on sale for 9.99, I'm purchasing all of his films in one shot. Hope that rumor about Punch Drunk Love is true....

[Jumpman]

Originally Posted by andsoitgoes

I think Magnolia will ALWAYS be my favorite. TWBB a close second and The Master coming in 3rd, but it's like a race between the best runners in the world, even if you come in 4th place in the Olympics, it's the bloody OLYMPICS!

I may need to give Punch another try, it's been many years but I couldn't express my disappointment in the film. I felt nothing and simply wasn't moved, or excited. It didn't connect in the least, and isn't even in the running for movies I care to own. Boogie Nights was okay, but that was as exciting as it ever got for me, just okay. Better than a lot of films, sure, but was it REALLY good? Not in comparison with the 3 I love of his. Not even in the same country.

One thing I have to state is my utter frustration on the lack of, well, anything on his releases. Magnolia, as anemic as it was, at least had one of the most compelling and addictive documentaries I've seen on a film. It was a direct trip into his mind, and I always love me some Fiona apple. The lack of commentary and, well, anything else is just a true bummer. I feel the same about the Cohen brothers films. To this day, the lack of commentary on No Country makes me about as sad as I could be. I still NEED TO KNOW:

[Show spoiler]was he behind the door?!?!

These directors are brilliant, and it's a shame that they aren't either able or willing to dedicate more time and energy to giving us more background, commentaries (seriously the best thing to happen to film since... Film

Those filmmakers you mentioned, I think, want to keep some mystery in the cinematic experience. Plus, they also want us to come up with our own interpretation of the work they presented to the audience. Nolan and Spielberg are the same way.

In all honesty, I like the anemic supplements in Anderson's home video releases because they are always unique, but completely insightful into his thought process. Not to mention, they're never bloated, which has become a problem with a lot of home video releases, in my opinion.

As for Anderson's films, I agree with you. It's like picking the best child in your household. You can't. My flip from Magnolia being my favorite to Punch Drunk Love has a lot to do with my last viewing of Magnolia last year. For the first time, I couldn't get through the film, which has NEVER been a problem before. I finished the viewing but I'll admit I skipped parts. What's worse, Paul Thomas Anderson gave an interview during press for the Master where he states that he wishes he could go back and re-edit Magnolia to chop off 15 minutes from the length.

On the flip side, I've become a major softy since the birth of my boys over the last five years and I find love stories hit me harder, emotionally, than the dark dramas I loved in my 20's. I had already liked Punch Drunk Love a lot but when I watched it last year, it hit me harder than ever before. The whimsical nature of it. The melancholy. Sandler and Watson's performances. Just everything felt organically perfect. It is not a challenging film at all but I think it might be his most composed.

Still, There Will Be Blood and the Master are, in my opinion, two sides of the same coin. They are his most challenging work and maybe the most rewarding on multiple viewings.

[MikeScott]

Is this actually a 2-Disc set? And does it have a slip?

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by joenostalgia23

Weren't The New World (2005) and The Tree of Life partially shot on 65mm? I know Samsara is entirely 65mm, but The Master isn't completely 65mm either(though 80% is very substantial)

Though it still stands that The Master was the first film to be printed to (non IMAX) 70mm since Hamlet, since Samsara was released in 4K.

The Tree of Life wasn't shot in 65mm, and I'm not completely sure, but I believe The New World was just shot in 35mm.

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by MikeScott

Is this actually a 2-Disc set? And does it have a slip?

2 Disc, 1 blu 1 DVD. No slip.

However there is an alternate reversible cover. Criterion Cast has pics on its tumblr if you want to see it, but its the old faded photographs of Hoffman and Phoenix.