Cast: Brit Marling, William Mapother
Directed by: Mike Cahill
Written by: Mike Cahill and Brit Marling
Genre: Drama, Science Fiction

Rating:
Video: ★★★★★1/2
Audio: ★★★★★
Extras: ★★★★★
Value: ★★★★★

Read more about Another Earth (2011)

Review:

Video: ★★★★★1/2
Often times when a film is shot on certain types of digital formats, a high definition presentation highlights the flaws in compression, lack of fidelity, or a myriad of other plagues. And then there are some digital films that really demonstrate the clarity of high definition more than any other format. Luckily, Another Earth belongs to this latter category as Fox delivers stunning picture quality from a film that by its nature is muted and somber. Aside from a number of instances where director Mike Cahill intentionally uses grainy effects, the picture is as clear and crisp as can be. The digital format lends itself to more verité sensibilities, so the flawless image really helps to immerse us deeper into the story.

Presented in 1080p widescreen 1.85:1 format.

Audio: ★★★★★
This is a really quiet film driven mainly by the haunting score by Fall On Your Sword. Even so, Fox has taken care to present us with a very well mixed audio track that captures every ounce of sullenness. There are a few moments of intensity that, when compared to the rest of the film, demonstrate how wonderfully nuanced the aural experience is. The audio track is bold and full. It’s volume is boisterous without being distorted, the quiet moments are captured without an ounce of hiss. Overall, this is a very strong presentation

English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

(English, French, and Spanish audio tracks can be found on the DVD.)

Extras: ★★★★★
Most of the features here are very short, but even still provide a great amount of perspective. The absence of an audio commentary is a bit disconcerting, but the insight packed into these small featurettes helps curb that fault. The addition of the DVD and digital copy surely increases this release’s value.

“The First Time I Saw Jupiter” by Fall On Your Sword Music Video (HD, 03:19)
Self-explanatory, it’s a little strange that this is a type of song that would receive a music video considering it feels very much like a film score. Even still, it’s an interesting conceptual video that’s worth a watch.

Deleted Scenes (HD, 09:20)
These scenes are quite compelling as they provide a view into how to shape a story and performance. The scenes that were omitted provide additional character story that just isn’t essential, but stands as a great example of different directions the film could have explored.

Fox Movie Channel Presents: Direct Effect Mike Cahill (SD, 04:17)
This short featurette has director Mike Cahill discussing his approach to directing, co-writing, and editing Another Earth.

Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with Brit Marling (SD, 04:22)
Star Brit Marling talks a bit about being a co-writer and approaching her character in the film.

Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with William Mapother (SD, 04:22)
Ethan William Mapother explains what attracted him to the project and how he took on the role of the grieving widower.

The Science Behind Another Earth (HD, 02:39)
A discussion with director Mike Cahill, actress Brit Marling, and Dr. RIchard Berendzen, Astrophysicist as they wax philosophical about the possibility of another Earth in the universe.

Creating Another Earth (HD, 02:29)
A discussion with Mike Cahill and Brit Marling as they talk mainly about getting the film off the ground through a real grassroots style.

Theatrical Trailer (HD)

Digital Copy

DVD Version

Value: ★★★★★
For your money, there’s few other beloved indie films that will get Blu-ray treatment such as this. Not only does it have incredible audio and visual, but it has a decent amount of insight within a small amount of features. The addition of the DVD and digital copy kind of make this the quintessential version of the film and will certainly give you a big bang for your buck. (Get it?)

Will There Be A Double Dip?
Another Earth is certainly a film that is poised to earn a cult following as it already has garnered many endearing fans during its theatrical release. I can’t imagine, however, that there will be a superior version of this film released on any format any time soon. In fact, outside of a theatrical re-release and the addition of an audio commentary track, I can see no reason for Fox to double-dip this title. Buy happily.

Read more about Another Earth (2011)

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