Requiem for a Dream (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Lionsgate
Release: October 13, 2020
Rating: R
Film: 2/5

Plot
Imaginatively evoking the inner landscape of human beings longing to connect, to love and feel loved, the film is a parable of happiness gloriously found and tragically lost. "Requiem for a Dream" tells parallel stories that are linked by the relationship between the lonely, widowed Sara Goldfarb and her sweet but aimless son, Harry. The plump Sara, galvanized by the prospect of appearing on a TV game show, has started on a dangerous diet regimen to beautify herself for a national audience.

My Thoughts
I vaguely remember trying to watch this film 20 years ago, but I thought maybe my memory was playing a trick on me. Sure enough, after popping the film in I remember that I had tried watching it but ultimately shut it off and never finished it. This is an extremely depressing film. I%u2019ve never been attracted to drugs in my life (thankfully), so I couldn%u2019t relate to any of the characters one bit. Frankly, it%u2019s a subject matter that turns me off completely and while I appreciate the cinematography, I just can%u2019t stomach the subject matter.

Video 9/10

Audio 9.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)

Special Features:

• NEW: %u201COn Set: 1999%u201D Featurette
• NEW: %u201CTranscendent Moments: The Score of Requiem for a Dream%u201D Featurette
• NEW: %u201CEllen Burstyn on Requiem for a Dream%u201D Featurette
• NEW: %u201CThrough Their Eyes: Revisiting Requiem for a Dream%u201D Featurette
• Audio Commentary by director Darren Aronofsky
• Audio Commentary by director of photography Matthew Libatique

Conclusion
There are a lot of people who like this film, but I%u2019m not one of them. Too depressing for my tastes. For those of you who like it, the 4K looks and sounds great so you should be happy seeing it come to 4K.


Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110%u201D 2.35:1 Fixed Screen
Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
JL Audio Fathom F110 Subwoofers x 2 (stacked)
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (stacked)
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

You’re not the first I’ve heard it’s hard to watch. So for that I’ll be skipping it 

Thanks for the review though

[claw]

There are a lot of people who like this film, but I%u2019m not one of them. Too depressing for my tastes. For those of you who like it, the 4K looks and sounds great so you should be happy seeing it come to 4K.

I am one of those who like it.   I have the UHD disc on order.

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Thanks for the review Dave. As I told you when we spoke on the phone, this one is not for everyone. Dark and troubling but, that's the point, as I stated in my review.


Regards,

[AVSCraig]

I love the cast, but have never seen this. However, I will probably relate to this film since my entire high school experience was drugs. Already ordered this. 

[claw]

I love the cast, but have never seen this. However, I will probably relate to this film since my entire high school experience was drugs. Already ordered this.

Amazon sent me a notice today that my order would be delayed until sometime between Nov 14 and Dec 16.    Amazon shows Out of Stock.   So either they didn't get stock or the title is in demand.

I canceled the Amazon order, purchased it on Best Buy for store curbside pickup and picked it up in less than an hour.   Plus Best Buy lowered the price by $1 for choosing curbside pickup to $15.99.

[AVSCraig]

Amazon sent me a notice today that my order would be delayed until sometime between Nov 14 and Dec 16.    Amazon shows Out of Stock.  So either they didn't get stock or the title is in demand.

I canceled the Amazon order, purchased it on Best Buy for store curbside pickup and picked it up in less than an hour.  Plus Best Buy lowered the price by $1 for choosing curbside pickup to $15.99.

Ya, Amazon says Arriving Nov 19 - Dec 24, but I have so many movies right now I haven't watched yet, it doesn't matter ! 

[AVSCraig]

I finally had a chance to sit down and watch this. This movie was hard core and wild. Interesting to see the actors in it so young - 20 years ago ! The soundtrack blows you out of your seat at times. Powerful film, and another reminder why you shouldn't do opioids.
 

[claw]

And Best Buy has the disc on sale today for $7.99

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/requiem-for-a-dream-includes-digital-copy-4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-blu-ray-2-discs-2000/6406574.p?skuId=6406574

[bmoney]

even at 7.99 i cant bring myself to try this film out.  too many reviews its hard core

[AVSCraig]

even at 7.99 i cant bring myself to try this film out.  too many reviews its hard core

It's good like The Joker is good. Performances are great. You want real hard core - get " Come And See ". 

[bmoney]

Well that changed things. I thought JOKER was great!

[AVSCraig]

Well that changed things. I thought JOKER was great!

A lot of movies that are great aren't " pretty ". Fight Club - really about mental illness, and a gritty as hell film. A shocking film that grabs you by the collar and shakes you is good between the fun feel good films ! I've got a pile of them - Black Swan, The Machinist, Memento, a ton of war movies. Same thing ! 

[bmoney]

A lot of movies that are great aren't " pretty ". Fight Club - really about mental illness, and a gritty as hell film. A shocking film that grabs you by the collar and shakes you is good between the fun feel good films ! I've got a pile of them - Black Swan, The Machinist, Memento, a ton of war movies. Same thing !

good point.

Momento was awesome  i need to watch that AGAIN!

[AVSCraig]

good point.

Momento was awesome  i need to watch that AGAIN!

Same here. I have a couple that love movies but have not seen almost any films - including this. I get to watch all my favorites like Memento with them, and watch their reactions. It's fun !