Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and become pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized. Janis tries to encourage her while they move like sleepwalkers along hospital corridors. The few words they exchange in these hours will create a very close link between the two, which by chance develops and complicates, and changes their lives in a decisive way.
For in-depth thoughts on Parallel Mothers, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
Parallel Mothers comes to Blu-Ray in a 1080p presentation in the original 1.85:1 that is quite fetching. This is a beautifully composed film with many nuanced shots where you can see an incredible amount of detail. There are numerous interior sequences featuring intricate production design which provide a nice reference to showcase the depth at play in the image. The film plays very well with the bright colors on display from the greens of the foliage to the striking hues from the outfits. This is a film with a natural color palette that is reproduced perfectly here with a pleasing radiance. The white levels are handled beautifully, along with deep blacks that do not appear to suffer from any compression artifacts. There are no obvious signs of any noise or other such digital nuisances. The skin tones look very detailed and natural all around. This presentation is definitely top-tier work.
Audio Quality
The film comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track in the original Spanish that has quite a bit of depth and is well balanced, which is appreciated in a film that has a surprisingly complex sound design. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being overwhelmed by any of the other sounds. The track is most active when the Oscar-nominated score is permeating the room in a really wonderful way. Environmental effects play a substantial role in the film, and this track brings these elements to life quite capably. The use of the rear channels to create a fully enveloping world works quite well. The directionality is quite precise so sounds always present as natural when coming from their respective points. Activity in the low end is not the most substantial but what is there adds texture to the proceedings. Sony has delivered a superb track for the film.
Special Features
- Theatrical Trailer: The minute-and-a-half trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
Parallel Mothers is another impeccably crafted drama from the great Pedro Almodóvar which finds the auteur collaborating with one of his most vital inspirations. Penélope Cruz delivers one of the best performances of her career, one that almost won her another Academy Award, and she is matched quite brilliantly by Milena Smith. The core story between these two mothers is heart wrenching and bold, but Almodóvar adds another layer of poignancy with historical details that illuminate atrocities that are not spoken about at length in modern times. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray with a strong A/V presentation but next to no special features. If you are a fan of superbly crafted and engrossing international dramas, there is no reason to pass this one up. Recommended
Parallel Mothers is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
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Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
