Posted on: April 5, 2011 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Through the last twelve years, Darren Aronofsky has continually made films that deviate from what is typically sponsored and promoted in Hollywood. 1998’s Pi was simultaneously one of the most tense and introspective films ever made, while 2000’s Requiem For A Dream showcased the potential for addiction in all of humanity. Black Swan, eir 2010 film, represents Aronofsky’s best-grossing movie. Natalie Portman (Nina) and Mila Kunis (Lily) struggle for two roles in a New York City-based production of Swan Lake. In order to receive this role, both are forced to put in everything – including their sanity and health.
Fox’s Blu-Ray edition of Black Swan should be seen as the definitive release of the film. Aronofsky’s use of colors and distinct sets shine as brightly on home entertainment systems as they did on the original theatrical run, while even the most ancillary and ambient noises are picked up from the audio track. Aside from the film itself, Fox has added a number of different featurettes for viewers to bite onto. Key of these featurettes has to be the (nearly) hour-long behind the scenes documentary, but special mention needs to be made of the short breakdown of the role that ballet plays in the film’s tenor.
Brief interviews conducted by the Fox Movie Channel with Winona Ryder, Vincent Cassel, Natalie Portman and Barbara Hershey provide an additional 15-minute look into the film.

Black Swan is one of the few films released in 2010 that will stand up to repeated viewings; the intensity put forth by Portman and Kunis is unmatched in either actress’ repertoire, while viewers will still be shocked at the length an individual will go just to receive fame and adulation. Aronofsky’s film maintains some realism in that viewers will be able to see a little bit of themselves in the motivations of both. A must buy, no matter whether one had already seen Black Swan in a theatrical engagement.

Rating: 9.5/10

Black Swan (Blu-Ray) / 2011 Fox / 108 Minutes / http://www.fox.com

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