The Film
Were The White Ribbon an American film it would probably have to include not only more answers but a real horrific twist that verges on the fantastical. Instead, this German made film from director Michael Haneke, which has been compared to being like an episode of The Twilight Zone, is really more akin to a solid episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. It is a solid psychological thriller with plenty of mystery yet leaves a few unresolved questions at the end so it's up to the viewer to figure out what really happened.
Set in a northern German village just prior to the outbreak of the First World War, the story involves strange happenings in a seemingly peaceful village (in movies is there really any such thing?). Is this a prelude to the horrors that Germany would commit decades later, or has the strict control by town leaders done something to the children?
For another take on The White Ribbon check out David Kempler's review.
The Picture
Shot in black and white, the film clearly shows that there may be many shades of gray in the world, but at the same time defines what is good and bad. Likewise, this film literally strips out the color of the world, which lends it a timeless feel - much more so for American audiences, who are unlikely to recognize most of the cast. The result on Blu-ray is quite good, as all this comes through crystal clear in the 1.85:1 1080p transfer. The picture is free of any notable distractions, so you can focus more closely on every event on screen - while reading subtitles at the same time if you don't happen to speak German.
The audio is also very good, albeit with mostly dialog and little else. Thus the 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio track does its job well by not over emphasizing anything. American films would use shattering musical cues at key moments to remind you that it is time to be unsettled. This film lacks that approach, and makes such moments all the more unsettling as a result.
The Extras
Some questions are better left unanswered. Trying to explain it only takes away the magic, and here less might actually be more. There is a Making of featurette, along with a retrospective of Michael Haneke's career, plus a Cannes Film Festival Premiere segment, and an interview with the director. There is no commentary, and this is probably for the best. The extras may come up a little short, but this should just encourage viewers to give the film itself another viewing.
Final Thoughts
This film clearly isn't for all tastes. Despite the Golden Globe win for best foreign language film, and an Oscar nomination, there will be those who will call this boring. It is a film that doesn't give all the answers, but it offers a perplexing story while looking and sounding good in the process. What more could you really want?
Product Details
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