Schultze Gets the Blues
Studio: Paramount Classics
Year: 2005
Rated: PG
Length: 107 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: Dolby Digital German 5.1
Subtitles: English
Special Features: Director Commentary, 3 Trailers
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 USD |
Release Date: August 30, 2005
Schultze Gets the Blues is an unusual film. It is a quirky character study / road picture unlike any you’ve seen before.
The film is German, and was a smash hit in Germany. It won several accolades at notable European film festivals. The film is in German and English, with English subtitles.
The film is a funny film - but it is the type of humor that elicits many small chuckles, rather than loud gaffaws. It is poignant, touching, and at times, sad.
Schultze is a miner. Or, actually, he was a miner. Forced into retirement along with a couple of other coworkers, the men seem to have no idea what to do with their lives. Schultze is mostly a loner, and so we see him try to adjust to life after career, watching him prepare unappetizing meals at home, sleeping on the couch, etc.
But Schultze is also a music lover, and budding musician. He plays the accordion. Playing polka music to entertain crowds does little to quench his thirst for more adventurous music, however. Then, one day, he hears Zydeco music on his radio - and it changes his life.
He tries playing Zydeco in front of a live audience, but they just don’t get it.
Schultze’s music group sends him to Texas to attend a music festival - as much to rid themselves of the new music as to broaden Schultze’s music horizons. So Schultze goes to America, sees the mass of polka-playing accordion players, and makes a sudden and permanent change in his life.
He buys a boat and motors his way on a life-changing, liberating journey to the Louisiana delta - in search of Zydeco.
Horst Krause is entirely believable as Schultze, delivering a wonderful performance. Unusually quirky camera work by Alex Schneppat is almost like another character in the film - it really adds to the fish-out-of-water experience of the main character. Writer / Director Michael Schorr truly delivered a wonderful piece for his first major film.
Those looking for a fast-paced film with a plot should definitely look elsewhere. Those who enjoy cultural exploration and strong character-driven exposition will want to check this one out. I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
The video is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and it is anamorphically enhanced. Contrast is good, with good black levels and acceptable shadow detail. Colors are muted in saturation, but accurate in hue.
The print used for the source is free of serious defects, as it should be given its age.
The image is presented with average detail at best, generally appearing rather soft. There is quite noticeable ringing throughout. This ringing is more noticeable on the horizontal. I know that this was a low budget film, and not knowing the source format, I’m willing to be a bit forgiving on these issues.
The audio is presented in German Dolby Digital 5.1. It represents the film well, without calling attention to itself. Frequency response is nice, and there is a nicely separated front soundstage. Rear channels are used for ambient noise. This isn’t an action film, so you don’t expect your sound system to get a workout.
Special Features
There is a commentary by writer/director Michael Schorr. The commentary is in German with English subtitles. I sampled only small bits of the commentary, and director Schorr seems to cover the usual territory. I usually enjoy DVD commentaries while watching the film with its English subtitles, which obviously isn’t possible, here.
There are also three theatrical trailers for your perusal.
Final Thoughts
Schultze Gets the Blues is an unusual and quirky film, down to the performances, camera work and music. It’s a wonderful little film - most definitely not for all tastes. If you’re looking for something a little different, and you’re feeling adventurous, check this one out. The film comes highly recommended. Due to the softness and ringing in the transfer, the DVD is downgraded to:
Recommended.
