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Watermark
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray B - United Kingdom - Soda Pictures Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (23rd October 2014). |
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The Film
 ***This is a technical review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** Shot in stunning 5K ultra high-definition video and full of soaring aerial perspectives, this film shows water as a terraforming element and the scale of its reach, as well as the magnitude of our need and use. This is balanced by forays into the particular: a haunting memory of a stolen river, a mysterious figure roaming ancient rice terraces, the crucial data hidden in a million year old piece of ice, a pilgrim’s private ritual among thousands of others at the water’s edge. Watermark is directed by multiple award-winning filmmaker Jennifer Baichwal and renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky. Filmed and produced by Nicholas de Pencier and three years in the making, it is a logical extension of the trio’s previous collaboration, Manufactured Landscapes. In Watermark, the viewer is immersed in a world defined by a magnificent force of nature that we all too often take for granted - until it’s gone.
Video
British/Canadian independent distributor Soda Pictures have released the documentary "Watermark" in a dual format Blu-ray/DVD edition on British shores. The transfer is in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1, and uses an AVC MPEG-4 encode. Even by the high standards I have come to expect from Soda, it looks sensational. The feature was shot on 5K ultra high-definition video, and features a large array of mid-range and long distance aerial sequences. Although a little aliasing creeps in every now and again, I believe this is the most detailed transfer I have seen in a documentary on the format. The first interviewee, is an old Indian lady whose skin is as dried out and rough as the land on which she is standing. Every little blemish and contour in her skin looks exceptional, and is possibly the highlight of the close-up shots. The aerial sequences are surprisingly detailed, with minute details in irrigation systems perfectly noticeable. The scene which starts at 23:16, features reference quality shots of various water-based landscapes, with the colours of the water, and the surrounding environments, very immersive. A couple of the shots feature strong whites in the snow, which don't bloom, a problem I have found with other documentaries with similar shots. There are no problems with print damage or compression. An excellent presentation. The feature is uncut and runs (90:40).
Audio
There are two audio tracks available here: - English/Bengali/Hindi/Mandarin/Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 - English/Bengali/Hindi/Mandarin/Spanish LPCM 2.0 Stereo For my viewing, I opted for the DTS-HD 5.1 track, which was very good indeed. From the opening scenes, we get a taste of what is to come, with some good subtle surround effects of trickling and crashing water, with the LFE providing strong instances of punch when required. I can't say I was a huge fan of the score, but the music does suit the tone of the documentary well, even if it can feel a little lacking at times. However, when you have instances such as that found at 33:28, with water spray shooting up into the air with the camera in the 'eye' of the spray, the score takes a back seat to the excellent channel separation and use of the sound stage. There are no problematic moments with the track such as drop outs or hiss. Optional English subtitles are available, but for non-English dialogue only.
Extras
First up, we have a "Behind the Scenes" featurette running 15:22. This is a decent little featurette, which explores some of the background behind the people focused on during the main feature, and also more thoughts from our directors Jennifer Baichwal and Edward Burtynsky. There's some behind-the-scenes footage included including the directors looking at maps with Wade Davis, and rigging up a remote control helicopter to take an aerial shot. Next, we have a series of deleted scenes, clocking in at 15:50. There is no chapter selection, and only a play all option. The first scene takes a closer look at the Sacramento Delta, a man made development to give people waterfront properties, a bit like Discovery Bay in California. The second scene is Salton Sea, in California, which is a diminishing water formed from the Colorado River, which has become so toxic you cannot swim in it. Scene three is from Vancouver Aquarium, with light discussion against a backdrop of stunning visuals of sea-life. The final scene is from the Yamuna River in Delhi. The rest of the on-disc extras are self-explanatory: Bonus Trailers: - "Piercing Brightness" (0:46) - "Lebanese Rocket Society" (1:48) - "A Spell to Ward Off Madness" (1:43) Theatrical Trailer (1:26) In the case, there is a booklet featuring: - Extensive director's statement by Edward Burtynsky - Essay on Hydropoetic Cinema by Sukhdev Sandhu - Photograph artwork
Overall
Visually stunning, but occasionally lacking in narrative, "Watermark" is worth checking out for the reference quality transfer of the fantastic cinematography alone.
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