Concrete Night

 (2013)

Concrete Night Blu-ray delivers stunning video and audio in this enjoyable Blu-ray release
A 14-year-old boy in a stifling Helsinki slum takes some unwise life lessons from his soon-to-be-incarcerated older brother.


For more about Concrete Night and the Concrete Night Blu-ray release, see Concrete Night Blu-ray Review published by Brian Orndorf on December 31, 2016 where this Blu-ray release scored 3.5 out of 5.

Director: Pirjo Honkasalo
Writers: Pirjo Honkasalo, Pirkko Saisio
Starring: Johannes Brotherus, Jari Virman, Anneli Karppinen, Juhan Ulfsak, Alex Anton, Iida Kuningas
Producers: Erik Hemmendorff, Misha Jaari, Marie Kjellson, Lise Lense-Møller, Mark Lwoff, Cecilia Valsted

» See full cast & crew

Concrete Night Blu-ray Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf, December 31, 2016

Most American productions concerning teenagers and their personal problems tend to turn to comedy to help sort through aches and pain, making it easier to process the blueness of adolescence. The Finnish production "Concrete Night" dives straight into the abyss, approaching juvenile years as a time of doom, with the lead character a sponge soaking up every drop of depression he can find. This isn't an uplifting film, but it's not an unrewarding sit, as "Concrete Night" is exceptionally made, with technical achievements to focus on as the story sets out to depict life as a slow walk into Hell.



I'm sure Finland is more appealing than the world "Concrete Night" submits, offering time with Simo (Johannes Brotherus), a teenager tasked by his mother to spend time with his older brother, Ilkka (Jari Virman), a troubled soul enjoying his last gasp of freedom before entering prison. However, Helsinki through the eyes of writer/director Pirjo Honkasalo is a wasteland of junkies, predators, and emptiness, with such misery robbing Simo of light. He's lost in a haze, and "Concrete Night" is eager to share dark poetry and grim philosophy, creating a portrait of a life lived out of habit, not intention. In lesser hands, the picture would likely become a parody of itself, but Honkasalo believes in the work, and she's careful to maintain characterization along the way, keeping the odyssey significant to the participants, who learn awful things about themselves and participate in violence.

Concrete Night Blu-ray, Video Quality

 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio, BD-R) presentation does a successful job respecting the original cinematography. "Concrete Night" is not an easy film to bring to Blu-ray, as it deals primarily with deep blacks, but delineation isn't problematic during the viewing experience. Frame particulars remain in view, secured by compelling photographic balance. Detail is excellent throughout, isolating facial textures and grubby interiors, while distances are preserved to satisfaction. Minor banding is detected.

Concrete Night Blu-ray, Audio Quality

 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix creates intended atmosphere with reasonable dimension, finding city life and apartment activity slipping into the surrounds. Low-end offers weight during disaster moments. Dialogue exchanges are sharp and true, sounding natural as the characters work out their frustrations. Music is pleasingly pronounced, with crisp instrumentation, supporting sequences without interference.

Concrete Night Blu-ray, Special Features and Extras

 

• Booklet (four pages) contains an essay by Kyle Turner and a director's statement by Pirjo Honkasalo.

• Photo Gallery (1:07) contains publicity images and one BTS full color snap of Honkasalo in action.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:35, HD) is included.

Concrete Night Blu-ray, Overall Score and Recommendation

 

"Concrete Night" is for perceptive viewers, especially those who welcome depressive extremes. However, black and white cinematography by Peter Flinckenberg is exceptional, allowing those who might reject the content of "Concrete Night" a chance to remain with the effort for its amazing visuals. It's a gorgeous picture, but it's specialized drama, and one needs to be comfortable with simmering anguish before sitting down with this challenging but still artistically valuable feature.

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Concrete Night Blu-ray, News and Updates

• Concrete Night Blu-ray Announced - October 20, 2016

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