This Week’s Blu-ray: The Revenant

It took time, but after a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Leonardo DiCaprio received the Academy Award for Best Actor. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu continues his run as a prominent filmmaker in Hollywood, and while he did not win Best Film this year (awarded to Spotlight), he has secured two consecutive Oscars for directing (following Birdman) in addition to several major accolades for his deeply personal film, The Revenant.

The narrative is fundamentally straightforward: a protracted revenge story characterized by significant hardship, expansive and visually stunning landscape shots, and particularly memorable scenes. DiCaprio has at times been viewed as a performer limited to variations of a single persona, as seen in films such as The Great Gatsby, Wolf of Wall Street and Catch Me If You Can. However, DiCaprio delivers a compelling performance in The Revenant. While not his definitive role (arguably still Gilbert Grape), he demonstrates both his talent and a palpable conviction and unrelenting will to survive. Tom Hardy portrays a mumbling antagonist (the film’s extended production schedule impacted his availability for the role of Rick Flagg in Suicide Squad). The film also features a noteworthy CGI bear sequence.

A key highlight of the Blu-ray edition is the audio. The detailed DTS Master Audio HD 7.1 mix provides an exceptional sense of immersion. From the film’s opening sequence, depicting conflict between settlers and Native Americans, the mix delivers impactful bass and dynamic sound placement, creating an intense and immediate experience further enhanced by the exceptional cinematography. The visuals reflect a deliberate aesthetic, employing cold (blue) tones and fog to create a natural, subdued, and somewhat dark image, avoiding an over-processed or artificial appearance despite the use of visual effects. The aforementioned bear sequence stands out as a particularly impressive demonstration for a home theater setup.

The supplementary material includes a behind-the-scenes feature and a dramatization of the film’s development. These segments offer insightful perspectives from director and screenwriter Inarritu over approximately 45 minutes, followed by a photo gallery.

The Revenant is a distinctive film that leaves a lasting impression. While not without its imperfections – its length and the simplicity of its core narrative – it possesses a unique quality in its storytelling, pacing, and execution. The film’s demanding production is evident in the viewing experience, lending it an authenticity that transcends mere marketing. This emotional resonance is, ultimately, the most compelling attribute a film can offer.