Bonus Features: ‘Reminiscence’ adds a handful of extras to a dull film

After bombing at the box office and on HBO Max, the sci-fi noir thriller”Reminiscence” is poised to make its home release on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on November 9.
The film follows private mind investigator Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) in a near future ravaged by climate change and rising sea levels. With extreme temperatures and weather limiting the possibilities of the future, most people opt to live in the past with Bannister’s help, submerging them into the memories of their subconscious. But when a new client, Mae (Rebecca Ferguson), complicates things Bannister fights to uncover the truth behind her and her disappearance.
The premise here is bold, ambitious and innovative – something you should expect from the creator of “Westworld” – but just like writer-director Lisa Joy’s TV projects, the end result is underwhelming. Rather than diving into what seems so promising, “Reminiscence” stretches itself too thin trying to be a sci-fi film, a noir thriller, a mob movie and a romance all in one. Unfortunately none of the genre attempts ever catch on, which makes a movie all about remembering utterly forgettable.
The home release can’t change anything about the film’s plot or character issues, but it does add a handful of thin bonus features. Unless “Reminiscence” is holding down the top spot on your Best of 2021 list, there’s nothing new here to make this home release worth a purchase.
Special Features on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital
- You’re Going on a Journey – It’s Jackman’s character’s signature line to induce the descent into your subconscious, and this featurette examines our own look at memories.
- The Sunken Coast – In the dystopian future of the film, Miami is nearly completely below sea-level. This featurette explores how the filmmakers created the look and feel of the flooded city.
- Crafting a Memory – Go behind the scenes of the film to check out cast and crew interviews on set of “Reminiscence.”
- Reminiscence: A Family Reunion – “Reminiscence” brings the “Westworld” family back together, with Joy in the director’s chair, writer Jonathan Nolan producing, and actors Thandie Newton and Angela Sarafyan on screen.
- Save My Love – Music video of the song by Lonr. & Amber Mark from the “Reminiscence” soundtrack.
“Reminiscence” releases on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital on November 9, 2021.
Categories
Zach Goins View All
Zach Goins is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association based in Raleigh, N.C. Zach co-founded Inside The Film Room in 2018 and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the website and co-host of the podcast. Zach also serves as a film critic for CLTure.org.