Mulholland Drive DVD Review:


The Movie

Along Mulholland Drive nothing is what it seems. In this complex tale of suspense, set in the unreal universe of Los Angeles, writer/director David Lynch explores the city's schizophrenic nature, an uneasy blend of innocence and corruption, love and loneliness, beauty and depravity. Lynch skillfully constructs a mesmerizing puzzle, propelling us through a mysterious labyrinth of sensual experiences until we arrive at the intersection where dreams and nightmares meet.

The best way to really summarize this film would be to describe it as an intersection where dreams and nightmares meet. Writer/director David Lynch tells the story of two beautiful woman Rita (Laura Haring) and Betty (Naomi Watts) who explore the nature of innocence, corruption, love, loneliness and beauty. The film interprets itself, like the Sega Dreamcast - “it’s thinking”, Mulholland Drive does just that, Lynch allows you to understand the film, only at the subconscious level while the film begins to “think” on it’s own level. The images you see on the tube are nothing but a hoax and the meaning behind “nothing but lights and magic” underline David Lynch’s way of thinking for this film.

I was trying to put this whole thing together and I found that once I let myself go and allowed the film to just do it’s thing, I enjoyed the film to the fullest. You need to understand one thing, the characters and plotlines are completely pointless and you will not understand why, but the movie holds your attention, and it keeps you guessing at how certain characters and scenes are pertinent to the rest of the film. (I can see Lynch laughing behind the film projector right now)

Lynch leaves us guessing. I find it fascinating that a director like Lynch can make this movie about nothing and still hold the audience's attention, while making them question the nature of the world he has created for them.

"Mulholland Drive Confusion Hotline, how can we help you?"

The Video

Mulholland Drive is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio on this single-sided, double-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. The picture quality is flawless. The image consistently appeared crisp and detailed. I saw virtually no examples of softness or fuzziness. Jagged edges raised no issues, and no signs of edge enhancement.

I found no signs of specks. Colors were clear and distinct. Black levels were deep and dark, while shadow detail seemed heavy but not excessively thick. Overall, Mulholland Drive is presented a picture that generally lived up to a great transfer from Universal Studios.

The Audio

The film's Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS soundtrack seemed equally strong, so I will not differentiate from the two. The sound field favored some powerful directional effects, especially for a non-action type film presentation - I did not expect such a presence in sound on this film, I was very impressed.

No problem with dialogue, the surround mix was active and appropriate, with background conversations and activities swirling around you from your rear channels. No signs of edginess. Low-end response appeared excellent, as the film pumped out a loud and tight bass. Overall, the audio of Mulholland Drive offered an exciting presentation.

The Extras

This DVD release does not have any big extras. Maybe a better edition will come out at a later time, but for now we'll have to deal with only this:

The coolest are the "David Lynch's 10 Clues to Unlocking this Thriller" notes. We also get the theatrical trailer, filmographies, and InterActual DVD-Rom.

Seconds away from all the sexual glorification.

Overall

Should you buy it or rent it? I’m not going to deny it - The movie confused the hell out of me, but it kept me consistently intrigued, it managed to be provocative and deep the second time I watched it. This film will make you think, it’s not for everyone, so a rental is definitely in order here and I’m only saying this because it’s a Lynch film. The DVD offers good picture with surprisingly strong sound and some positive extras. Mulholland Drive is definitely one of those; love it or leave it on the shelf type of films, it’s an intelligent film and it definitely deserves your attention.

Please note there are two different covers for this DVD. One features Naomi Watts and the other Laura Harring. They're identical in content.

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