Directors: Lars Von Trier
Actors: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Alexander Skarsgard, Brady Corbet
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Running Time: 135 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
If you are not already familiar with Danish director Lars von Trier, this may not be the best film for you to watch. Especially after von Trier’s last film “Antichrist”, I approach his film’s gently. This one isn’t even half as disturbing as his last but it is extremely deep, a little bit confusing, a bit long and also mega depressing. So if you get over that then I say got give “Melancholia” a shot. I mean if not just for Kirsten Dunst amazing performance (and she is also nude, so that’s a plus obviously guys!). Fans of von Trier, this will be a must see if you haven’t seen it already don’t get ready for a very filling movie.
The film follows Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Michael (Alexander Skarsgård) who are getting ready to attend their recent marriage at a party thrown by Justine’s sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and brother-in-law John (Kiefer Sutherland). Of course like any family gathering there is drama and issues arrise that put a damper on the night. Of course to add to all that there is a planet a planet called Melancholia that is heading on a collision course with Earth and is possible to destroy all of humankind.
The 1080p transfer is what I loved most about this film. The video is so absolutely beautiful to 
look at, the CG effect shots are absolutely breathtaking. I wish they had an isolated score track because I would just leave on all day. Even though the film is based on the end of the world it is not an action packed more and is quite the opposite. The audio is still very impressive with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and perfectly accompanies the films score. This is a must to watch on HD Blu-ray for sure, if you have the choice.
The special features are good but missing some of the extras from the British release including the commentary track. “About Melancholia” features Lars von Trier, Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg and a psychologist Irene Oestrich as they discuss the film’s themes. Since the film is very “Special Effects” heavy, this is a great feature to see how it was done during post production. “The Visual Style” is another important feature because director Von Trier definitely has one of the most unique vision of any directors I know. “The Universe” is another visual effects feature, short but worth checking out. There is the typical HDNet promo included “HDNet: A Look at Melancholia”, only feature not in HD. Lastly there are two theatrical trailers wrapping up this disc.
