Each time we revisit the cult the story grows clearer but foggier at the same time.  Eventually we learn of Martha’s reason for leaving the cult.  However, where many films use the turn as point in which the lead character, in this case Martha snaps back to reality, “MMMM” leaves us with a broken character that can’t grasp what is real and what is normal.  At point we watch as Martha walks into her sister’s bedroom at night and curls up on the end of the bed while her sister and husband are making love.  This was the norm for two years in the cult.  Come the end of the film we are left with uncertainty and a lack of our own grasp on reality.

The video quality of this Blu-ray release is as good as it is supposed to be.  For reference quality viewers this is going to be terrible.  However, you must know that this film was heavily tinkered in post-production.  Most notable, the black levels are beyond weak.  They have been lightened to the point of murky grays.  This is bothersome if you can’t put yourself in the minds of the filmmakers.  Nevertheless, the contrast is still a bit weaker than should be.  The colors have been washed in the post, but they are still nicely saturated.  The sharpness of the video has been washed in post as well.  Regardless, I doubt that this film was very sharp to begin with.  All in all, this is an accurate Blu-ray release but hardly pleasing compared to major blockbusters.

The audio quality is fairly lackluster.  Again, the audio follows the tone of the film.  There is essentially no LFE channel.  The surround channels are generally passive, delivering tonal music to provide envelopment.  The dialogue is strong when necessary.  There are some interesting sound design choices.  Or perhaps it is just a way of cutting back on the budget.  In any event, the audio suits the film just fine.

The Blu-ray comes with a fairly light supplemental features package.  “Mary Last Seen” is a short film introducing us to what might have happened before the film starts.  “The Story” provides a short synopsis of the film.  “Spotlight On Elizabeth Olsen” is a brief interview with the actress.  “A Conversation With The Filmmakers” is another less than five-minute featurette discussing the production.  “The Making of ‘MMMM’” is a typical piece.  “The Psyche Of A Cult” is a look at a cult’s structure.  “Marcy’s Song” is a music video of Hawkes performing the song in a studio.  The package also includes a trailer.  Overall, fairly empty.

“Martha Marcy May Marlene” is definitely an artist’s film.  However, I believe that it will find an audience with movie lovers.  The audio and video qualities are accurate for the film but hardly “Blu-ray” impressive.  I recommend this to those that have any interest in non-blockbuster features.