Terrence Malick is certainly an enigmatic director. But, in this reviewer’s opinion, he’s enigmatic for all the wrong reasons! His films while often well praised, are frustrating, not because they’re so deep, but rather because they’re ridiculously slow and self-indulgent, and occasionally, as with “TREE OF LIFE,” pointless!

Sure, there are certainly those making the same arguments about Kubrick. But, even while admitting to being frustrated with some of Kubrick’s films, they were unquestionably brilliant, and the scripts meticulously crafted. Malick’s “THE TREE OF LIFE,” as with “THE THIN RED LINE,” makes one cry for the sanity of the over-bloated, self-indulgence of vastly superior, pointless epics like Cimino’s “HEAVEN’S GATE.” 

The story at its center, revolves around a family in the ‘50s, wherein their stern, overly serious father(Brad Pitt)is complimented by a more extroverted, warm, caring mother(Jessica Chastain). The dad is tough, believing it’s the best way to raise his sons to be successful, and when the film jumps to the future, we find Jack(one of the boys now grown up, played by Sean Penn)to be successful and caring. As Jack waxes poetic with the annoying voice-over Malick can’t ever do without, we are supposed to be peering into his soul. ENOUGH!!! ARGH! The sight of a tree, just planted within the less natural setting of an office park, sets Jack’s memory into motion, and the viewer is catapulted back, back, back, still back, and, back more, ok,…we land at the beginning of the Universe!(and then proceed right up to the ‘50s for more overly-indulgent ponderings. Brilliant? No, just smug crap from Malick! UGH!  

Brad Pitt is a terrific actor! He’s proved that time and time again. His performance in “Seven,” ranks up there with anything achieved by the other greats of the past, and he still continues to provide stunning performances. But, as great as he is, let’s dare him to sit through “THE TREE OF LIFE” in its entirety without yawning(a lot), and “that” would be an Oscar worthy performance!

FOX has provided the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray.  The original film was culminated via a blend of 35mm and 65mm(for Imax), film. There’s a lot of technical prowess behind the imagery, steadicam movement, sweeping imagery, and the beauty of naturally lit scenes. Colors are beautiful, detail is magnificent, and in fact, …flawless! One can freeze virtually any frame of the film and it will look spectacular. This is one of the best looking blu-ray transfers anyone could hope for. Unfortunately, this great looking image is for “THE TREE OF LIFE,” and it’s hard to imagine wanting to show off this irritating film for anyone that matters.

FOX has provided a DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix.  While its’ maddening to find Malick didn’t provide care for the script, this can’t be said about the sound! From the very beginning(of the Cosmos)to the end(of our planet), a wonderful presentation of all the sounds of nature, are showcased in a really magnificent manner. The subtle nuances of wind and elements belonging to the evening air, collide with the fury of volcanoes and more. Bass is prominently featured throughout the film, so sub-woofers will need to be attended to! The dialogue, (argh, even that horrible voice-over)sounds perfectly rendered, and the film’s score is actually quite moving, as well as perfectly balanced through all speakers. The dynamic range of this mix and its design, ensures one of the most immersive experiences ever, for those viewers who’ve somehow not fallen into a coma while trying to watch “THE TREE OF LIFE.” 

The extras are far better and shorter than the film, itself. The film’s trailer is beautiful and compelling, while presented in 1080p. A featurette exploring the film, is really great, and reminds one what a shame it is, that the film it’s focused on is nothing like what everyone featured speaks of!