Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Blaze Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 9, 2019

Ethan Hawke wanted to make a movie about a country singer who isn’t widely known. The subject’s name is Blaze Foley, and a portion of his life and times is recreated for “Blaze,” which is co-written by his ex-wife, Sybil, giving the production a potential level of authenticity as it explores a deeply flawed man with special musical gift. Hawke takes the blessing and runs with it, delivering a picture that’s not precisely a bio-pic, but a tone poem to a man who lived a very insular and problematic life.

“Blaze” ambles along, hitting some of the highlights of Foley’s existence, including his time with Sybil (played by Alia Shawkat) and their bohemian days living in a treehouse. Foley’s career is examined as well, with the singer often sabotaging success, unable to exorcize his demons, often preferring a wayward life. Performances are alive, with Dickey delivering ideal mimicry and Shawkat radiating warmth, while appearances from Charlie Sexton (as Townes Van Zandt), Josh Hamilton, Sam Rockwell, and Steve Zahn keep the movie eventful when Hawke isn’t paying attention to pace, asking quite a bit from his audience with an unnecessary 129-minute-long run time.

Blaze Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Favoring an intense digital look to the feature, Hawke goes moody for "Blaze," with the AVC encoded image (2.38:1 aspect ratio) presentation favoring a very yellow look to represent the time period and tone of country music. More direct hues are found with bar lighting and costuming, while greenery is satisfactory. Skintones remain natural. Delineation is sometime challenging, as cinematography favors darkness (one scene is merely lit with cigarette lighter), but frame information remains. Detail is good, with a fresh study of facial surfaces and bar inhabitants. Small towns and interior decorations are also textured. Some mild banding is periodically detected.

Blaze Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track stays in a musical mood, with soundtrack selections and live performances sharply defined, with warm instrumentation. Dialogue exchanges aren't problematic, supporting rambling dialogue and hushed offerings of tenderness. Surrounds are primarily employed to push out music, but some separation is enjoyed during recording sessions and stage prep. Low-end maintains percussive presence.

Blaze Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features co-writer/director Ethan Hawke.

• Behind the Scenes (7:28, HD) is a short but informative look at the creation of "Blaze," which began with a simple idea to make a movie about Blaze Foley shared between Hawke and Ben Dickey. Inspirations are noted, with Hawke unsure how to make a film about Foley, finding help from Sybil Rosen and her book. The co-writer's perspective is analyzed, with Rosen on-set for what became a recreation of her own life, while Dickey is celebrated for his interpretation of Foley's unusual presence. Supporting performances are lauded as well.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:11, HD) is included.

Blaze Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Blaze" remains close to Hawke's obsession with poetry, often carrying without direction to simply experience days inside Foley's burning mind. The production aims to capture complexity of spirit and psychological turbulence, and it succeeds. However, for those without an appreciation for country music or Texas barroom living, "Blaze" can be an extremely difficult sit.