The Blu-ray:

Video:

Sony Pictures Classics has presented Gus Van Sant's Restless on Blu-ray in 1080p High Definition with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio preserving the original theatrical exhibition format. Restless has received an impressive High Definition presentation which reproduces the frequently muted and carefully filmed cinematography. The colors never quite "pop" in those typical demo-disc ways and there is some film grain inherent to the image. This doesn't distract from the presentation's fine qualities and it adds to these appropriate cinematic styling's of the film. This was never intended as a film to impress all of the overwhelming visual senses of a modern-blockbuster, but like all Gus Van Sant films, there's an undeniable quality of artistry in the way the film looks that is beautiful and hypnotic. The overall presentation still remains as something quite clean and modern.

Audio:

The audio quality manages to blend well with the superb picture quality. This Blu-ray release contains DTS-HD Master Audio presentations in English, French (PAR), and Portuguese. The original language track is in English. The lossless audio mix hasn't attempted to create the most dynamic aural experience possible - the mix remains unmistakably focused on the front-channels and dialogue, which is well reproduced. Surround effects are occasionally used to great affect and the ambiance of the track improves upon the experience but it simply isn't going to take full advantage of the surround possibilities. Danny Elfman's score works wonders on the film (as do these wonderful musical selections which are sprinkled throughout).

Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital is also provided. Subtitles are included in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and English (SDH) for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Extras:

To my immense surprise, there really isn't a single solitary extra on this release that I would consider inessential. Restless doesn't have the largest supplemental selection in some ways (the featurettes are brief interviews discussing the director, characters, actors, etc.)   yet it does seem as though everything that was compiled was done so with an intent of making it worth checking out and there is one massive inclusion on this release which is more-or-less essential viewing as something alongside the main feature. I am speaking of the Silent Film Version of Restless.

Gus Van Sant's Silent Version of Restless (AVC, 2.0 Audio, 1:16:25) is as it sounds: this is Van Sant playing with his techniques of filmmaking once more. Most fans of the filmmaker should be able to readily acknowledge that he has two sides to his films - the mainstream "made for the people" stories and those efforts which are deeply personal or experimental. These elements usually tend to blend together at times but there is no mistaking these as different filmmaking approaches. Apparently, Van Sant usually asks for his actors (on any film) to perform a scene as presented in the script and also as if there was a silent version. This method of directing is intended to garner greater performances from the actors and to capture the emotional rawness of the performances. Restless actor Henry Hopper thought it sounded like something that could actually work separately and suggested that Gus actually compile the entire silent version from the takes from this film and to craft an alternate film. Consider it supplemental but essential - this is the exact same movie as the one with all of those dialogue-heavy scenes... it just expresses things differently. I'd recommend watching the "normal" (should I use quotes?) version of Restless first but then to dig in and enjoy a silent film experience that is well worth checking out and comparing/contrasting. It does a fine job of demonstrating just how powerful the performances of the actors have been and this ultimately enhanced my appreciation of Restless. This is even complete with title cards.

Deleted Scenes (8:39) are included. There are three omitted scenes in total and the final one (entitled "Enoch and Elizabeth") was a powerful scene. I couldn't quite understand the reason behind it being edited out of the final cut of the film. The script seemed to call for a moment like the one highlighted here and I would have considered it as one of the finest moments in the already excellent movie. I wish that sequence had been left in. The other two scenes are essentially extended moments and they clearly dampened the flow a bit - one has an offensive prank and the other simply feels like an unnecessary extension.

Final Thoughts:

Restless is one of the best and most important films made in 2011. The film struck a deeply personal chord with me and it will be one that I can cherish and remember fondly. There is no question that this is a story that absolutely needed to be told. I only wish more viewers would be interested in seeking out this film. I hope this review has inspired some needed attention towards the already under-seen and under-appreciated Restless. I hope that the right audience discovers this gem and that viewers can take the beautiful message of the story to heart.  This is one of Gus Van Sant's finest directorial achievements and a remarkable debut worth admiring by screenwriter Jason Lew.

Neil Lumbard is a lifelong fan of cinema. He aspires to make movies and has written two screenplays on spec. He loves writing, and currently does in Texas.