The DVD

Video:
Closer is presented in an anamorphic 1.85:1 format that excels in almost every way possible. Detail is rich, deep, and always sharp. Everything from extreme close ups to long, wide shots maintain a level of detail that is as spot-on as I've seen in any film in a long time. Blacks are about as deep as they can possibly get, and flesh tones are completely true throughout the film. The wide range of colors - from the stark white interiors of some scenes to the vibrant, neon hues inside the strip club - are showcased beautifully in this transfer. Lighting and shadows are well delineated, and there are no signs of pixelation or even a layer change to be found in the film. The only thing that keeps this transfer from being a perfect visual presentation is the appearance of some very slight edge enhancement at times, and a few barely negligible spots on the print. This is, nonetheless, an absolutely astounding transfer that makes the film look just as beautiful as it did on the big screen.

Sound:
The audio on this disc is presented in both DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 formats, which both do a fine job of handling the demands of the film's soundtrack. Comparing the two choices, there really isn't much difference. Both tracks are excellent, but the track of choice for audiophiles will certainly be the DTS track, as it packs a bit more forceful low-end punch and an overall more enveloping feel. Both tracks, however, provide great spatial separation and crisp, clear dialogue at all times. The front soundstage carries much of the dialogue-driven film, but the surround channels definitely liven up for a few key scenes. They not only give the soundtrack a bit more strength, but also provide some very nice directional effects at times. The strip club scenes, in particular, showcase this track's surround capabilities as well as the power of its LFE channel. Bass kicks in just at the right times, and ambient sounds are mixed in nicely with the rest of the track. This is an excellent audio presentation for a film that doesn't have an incredibly dynamic soundtrack to begin with.

Extras:
First things first: Everyone that was waiting for the DVD release to see all those excised naughty bits of Natalie Portman, don't hold your breath. They're not included on this disc and it's likely that you'll never see them.

As with most Superbit releases, this disc has very few extra features. Included, however, is the music video for Damien Rice's song "The Blower's Daughter," which plays a pivotal role in the film's soundtrack. The video looks great in a non-anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen format, and it sounds just fine as well. An interesting video for a very haunting song, it makes a nice addition to this disc.


Also included are nine trailers, including the theatrical trailer for Closer. The other trailers include Guess Who, Bewitched, Hitch, Spanglish, House of Flying Daggers, The Woodsman, Being Julia, and A Love Song for Bobby Long.

Final Thoughts:
How do you lie to someone you love? How do you tell the truth? And how can you stay with someone when you know you can't do either? Films have been asking these questions and examining the intricacies of relationships for a very long time, but few have had the courage to make a truthful and honest look at how people interact with each other when love, sex, and deceit is involved. Things, as we all know, in life do not always go smoothly, and rarely do we find ourselves in a relationship without conflict. It is this very notion which makes Closer such an interesting film.

Sure, you can be disappointed in the lack of extra material on this disc. It would have been great to have some insight from Nichols, Marber, and the cast. I too would have loved to see a few deleted scenes and maybe a featurette as well. But when I think about what really matters, I will easily accept the lack of extra material on this disc in exchange for the spectacular audio-visual presentation of a film that comes as highly recommended as Closer.