There Will Be Blood

The Blu-ray presentation of "There Will Be Blood" offers a visually compelling experience that significantly enhances the movie’s gritty and stark aesthetic. Sporting a 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 framed transfer, the video quality excels in reproducing the film’s detailed environments and intense character moments with clarity. Notably, the transfer embraces the film’s natural grain, particularly in darker scenes and during the climactic moments, contributing to the authenticity and atmospheric depth of the viewing experience. Despite occasional washed-out blacks in dimly lit scenes, such as the mineshaft opening, the overall black levels are deep, and flesh tones are accurately presented. While minor fluctuations in contrast and slight fuzziness in background objects are perceptible, these do not detract significantly from the visual fidelity. The vivid detailing, from the intricacies of oil derricks to the environmental minutiae of turn-of-the-century California, is consistently impressive.

Compared to its DVD counterpart, the Blu-ray release of ‘There Will Be Blood’ marks a substantial improvement, free from the muddy colors and artifacts that marred previous editions. The Blu-ray’s color stability, natural skin tones, and handling of exterior lighting showcase director Anderson’s bleak yet precise palette with remarkable skill. Despite minor issues with black levels and slight trailing edge enhancement noted in some scenes, the overall transfer maintains a moderate, steady grain that respects the film’s original cinematic texture without succumbing to unnecessary digital noise reduction (DNR). Details are rendered with startling sharpness, from facial expressions to the dynamic environmental elements that define the film's visual narrative.

In essence, this Blu-ray edition not only surpasses expectations but also serves as a testament to the original cinematography's meticulous detailing and atmospheric composition. The transfer navigates the challenges of maintaining natural grain, managing complex lighting scenarios, and preserving the integrity of blacks and colors with commendable proficiency. For fans and newcomers alike, the Blu-ray of 'There Will Be Blood' delivers a richly textured and immersive viewing experience that draws viewers into its haunting portrayal of ambition, power, and transformation in early 20th-century America.

There Will Be Blood" graces the Blu-ray format with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack that, while not bombastic or overpoweringly dynamic, perfectly suits the film's nuanced narrative and atmospheric tension. The opening minutes, largely devoid of dialogue save for sparse bursts, lay a compelling auditory groundwork, combining understated yet meticulously rendered sound effects with Jonny Greenwood’s haunting score. The soundtrack’s early promise of bass depth may underwhelm, but patience is rewarded as the narrative progresses, particularly at key dramatic junctures such as the 19:30 mark where the audio vividly captures the raw power and chaos of an oil strike. This clarity and impact are not reserved solely for moments of heightened drama; even the subtlest sounds—whether the soft speech of characters or the eerie quiet of anticipation—are given their due, affording the film an aural clarity that enhances rather than distracts.

Dialogue throughout is crisp and well prioritized, whether capturing Plainview’s menacing growls or H.W.'s gentle utterances, each line is imbued with a naturalistic presence that grounds the characters in their environmental context. The TrueHD track excels in its finesse, balancing dialogue, music, and ambient sounds in a mix that is both front-heavy and immersive. Ambient effects and Greenwood’s score fill the soundscape with a sense of place and mood, adding layers of depth to the on-screen action without overwhelming it.

However, despite its successes, the audio presentation maintains a restraint that mirrors the film's storytelling approach. Large-scale sonic events are few, focusing instead on creating a soundfield that envelops the viewer in the film's psychological complexity and thematic depth. This subtlety might not showcase the kind of aggressive rear-channel activity some might expect from a modern Blu-ray release, yet it aligns perfectly with the film’s intimate exploration of ambition and isolation. In essence, Paramount’s TrueHD track doesn’t just reproduce the theatrical experience; it complements and intensifies the emotional landscape of "There Will Be Blood," ensuring an audio experience as meticulously crafted as the film itself.

The Blu-ray release of "There Will Be Blood" presents a selection of extras that, while modest, offer valuable insights into the film’s genesis and the historical context it draws upon. The standout feature, "There Will Be Blood: Pics, Research, Etc.," juxtaposes period documents with movie scenes to underscore the film’s commitment to historical accuracy. Additionally, "The Story of Petroleum," a silent era educational film, enriches the disc with a nuanced look at the oil industry's early days, complete with a modern score. However, this collection falls slightly short of exhaustive, notably lacking in-depth directorial commentary or a behind-the-scenes documentary that could have offered a deeper dive into the creative process behind this polarizing work. Despite this, the inclusion of deleted scenes provides an extended glimpse into character development and thematic elements that did not make the final cut, appealing particularly to enthusiasts of filmmaking and cinematic history.

Extras included in this disc:

• 'There Will Be Blood': Pics, Research, Etc.: Intercuts historical documents with movie clips, exploring the film’s authenticity.
• Fishing and Haircut/Interrupted Hymn: Deleted scenes offering further character insights.
• Dailies Gone Wild: An alternate take showcasing Daniel Day Lewis's acting prowess.
• Film's Teaser and Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material in 1080p resolution.
• The Story of Petroleum: A silent film from the 1920s detailing the early U.S. oil industry with a new score.

Paul Thomas Anderson's "There Will Be Blood" is an indisputable cinematic achievement, masterfully translated onto Blu-ray. The film, loosely inspired by Upton Sinclair's 1927 novel "Oil!", explores the insatiable drive for wealth and power through the tale of Daniel Plainview, a ruthlessly ambitious oilman portrayed with unparalleled skill by Daniel Day-Lewis. From the eerie quiet of the opening scenes to the explosive dynamics of Plainview's confrontations, every element contributes to a slow-burning epic that delves deeply into themes of greed, manipulation, and the dark recesses of human nature. Day-Lewis's performance, backed by Paul Dano's equally formidable portrayal of Eli Sunday, elevates this narrative into a riveting study of antagonism and moral decline, making it a timeless piece that challenges as much as it captivates.

The Blu-ray presentation brings out the exceptional qualities of the film with striking clarity. Robert Elswit’s Academy Award-winning cinematography dazzles, accentuating the barren yet imposing landscapes that stand as silent witnesses to Plainview’s tumultuous journey. Furthermore, Jonny Greenwood’s unsettling score perfectly complements the film's intense atmosphere, augmenting the tension and unease that permeate Plainview's quest for dominion over both land and people. Such technical mastery provides a viewer with an immersive experience, highlighting the film’s intricate details and the nuanced performances that drive its compelling narrative.

While comparisons with contemporary films such as "No Country For Old Men" are inevitable, "There Will Be Blood" distinguishes itself with its unique exploration of its protagonists' psyche and the catastrophic effects of their unbridled ambitions. Anderson's film not only provides a captivating visual and auditory experience on Blu-ray but also offers a thought-provoking commentary on the corrupting influence of power—a thematic concern that renders the film a profound cinematic exploration. The beauty encapsulated in its desolation, combined with its rigorous scrutiny of human vices, ensures that "There Will Be Blood" remains not just a product of its time but a perennial touchstone in the landscape of American cinema.

There Will Be Blood" stands as a cinematic marvel, a testament to film-making that caters to the intellect rather than the mass-market appeal of blockbusters. The Blu-ray transfer courtesy of Paramount enriches this masterpiece's viewing experience, presenting the movie with an exquisite video quality that retains a film-like essence and an audio presentation that, while not revolutionary, engrosses the viewer into the narrative's intensity. Despite its modest box office performance, the film's depth in exploring themes of greed, power, and manipulation marks it as a distinguished piece over the past several decades. However, this Blu-ray edition's bonus content leaves room for desire, showcasing a scanty array of supplements that belies the film's significant impact and pedigree.

Paramount's Blu-ray release delivers commendably on the technical front, boasting an excellent video transfer that captures the movie's visual nuances with precision and a TrueHD audio track that complements the film’s atmospheric tension. These technical achievements ensure that the essence and detail of the film are vividly brought to life in a home theater setting, providing an immersive viewing experience. Nevertheless, the sparse supplemental material provided is a noticeable deficit that might leave enthusiasts longing for a more comprehensive exploration of the film's creation and underlying themes.

In conclusion, while "There Will Be Blood" on Blu-ray does not dazzle with extraneous features or a blockbuster audio setup, its strength lies in its faithful rendition of the film’s visual and auditory landscapes, making it an essential addition for cinephiles. The release may benefit from a future special edition with enhanced extras but, as it stands, this edition is a worthy homage to a film that captivates through its intricate storytelling and profound performances. This Blu-ray release is highly recommended for those seeking to delve into a thought-provoking narrative presented with technical grace.