DVD/Blu-ray Release: The Tree of Life

Today, eOne Home Entertainment is releasing Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life on Blu-ray & DVD.  Although we would normally have five formal reviews of a new release, this is a film that is hard to define within the constraints of a traditionally short DVD review.  The Tree of Life is one that all five of us very much admire as a visually breathtaking work of art with a beautifully haunting musical score, and one that we hope more audiences will be able to experience now that it is on Blu-ray.

Loosely following the O’Brien family in the 1950’s, The Tree of Life is a singular achievement, a spiritual and visual symphony of breathtaking images that often feel like memories.  It is a film that begins and ends within itself, as Malick gives the audience a glimpse into the universe that manages to deeply move and even humble us, merely by showing human life as set against the backdrop of created and continuing existence.  Please read my full thoughts on finding meaning in The Tree of Life right here.

The Blu-ray includes a 30-minute ‘behind the scenes’ featurette, which gives us an in-depth look at what went into bringing Terrence Malick’s unique vision to the screen.  Also included is a DVD of the film.

The Tree of Life is 139 minutes and rated PG.

-John C.