Carol

Adapted from Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price Of Salt, Carol follows two women from very different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950’s New York City. As conventional norms of the time challenge their undeniable attraction, an honest story emerges to reveal the resilience of the heart in the face of change. A young woman in her 20s, Therese Belivet (Mara), is a clerk working in a Manhattan department store and dreaming of a more fulfilling life when she meets Carol (Blanchett), an alluring woman trapped in a loveless, convenient marriage. As an immediate connection sparks between them, the innocence of their first encounter dims and their connection deepens. While Carol breaks free from the confines of marriage, her husband (Chandler) begins to question her competence as a mother as her involvement with Therese and close relationship with her best friend Abby (Paulson) comes to light. (Gary Reber)

Special features include a gallery, a Q&A with the cast and filmmakers (HD 29:29), upfront previews, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 1.85:1 1080p AVC picture is stylishly cinematic and quite beautiful. It was photographed on Kodak film stock in the 16mm format. The color palette is rich and warm with strong primaries and dense saturation. Carol often is dressed in deep red garments, which nicely contrast with the settings, both interior and exterior. Fleshtones are perfectly accurate and natural in hue. Contrast is well balanced with deep blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Interior lighting is subdued, while exteriors are bright and realistic. Resolution is generally quite good, though, stylishly camera shots are at times diffused and soft. Overall, this is a pleasing period piece of cinematography that exhibits superb realism. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused, but the atmospherics, sound effects, and orchestral score provide a nice sense of surround envelopment. Bass extension is naturally presented as well. Foley effects are spot on, which enhances the realism of imagery. Dialogue is a bit forward sounding and at times wanting in spatial integration, the result of uneven ADR. This is an effective soundtrack that breaths life into the storytelling. (Gary Reber)