Center of My World Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		4.0

Center of My World Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 24, 2017

“Center of My World” is an adaptation of a novel by Andreas Steinhofel, and it preserves the structure of a page-turner, winding through the lives of dysfunctional characters trying to keep themselves together during troubling times. It’s a melodramatic effort from writer/director Jakob M. Erwa, but he strives to preserve the heartfelt aspects of the story, beguiling through the guidance of passionate performances and attention to nuanced behavior, offering depth to what could easily become a shallow viewing experience.

“Center of My World” follows Phil (Louis Hofmann), a teenager marching into another school year, joined by pal Kat (Svenja Jung). While entering into a relationship with classmate Nicholas (Jannik Schumann), delighted with his newfound love, Phil grows concerned about his twin sister, Dianne (Ada Philine Stappenback), who’s at odds with their eccentric, possibly destructive mother, Glass (Sabine Timoteo). It’s the stuff of a classic novel, and “Center of My World” doesn’t deny itself a few broad turns of plot, but Erwa largely controls the developing illness, tracking Phil’s time of discovery, learning more about himself and the horrors visited upon his fractured family.

Center of My World Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation presents a clear look at cinematographic achievements in "Center of My World," providing a bright viewing experience that's rich with texture, including defined facial particulars. Costuming and locations also come through nicely. Colors are vivid, with hearty primaries emerging from set decoration and outfits, and ice cream treats add some appealing hues as well. Skintones are natural. Delineation is adequate. Some artifacting is detected periodically, but nothing's distracting.

Center of My World Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers a heavier presence for "Center of My World," with music a stand-out, preserving instrumentation and authority with soundtrack cuts, which handle with impressively boomy low-end. Dialogue exchanges are sharp and true, protecting emotional outbursts and hushed acts of confession. Surrounds aren't commanding, but they add depth to the track, and atmospherics are satisfactory.

Center of My World Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Fold-Out Poster is offered.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:05, HD) is included.

Center of My World Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Center of My World" is pleasantly crafted, with special attention paid to tight editing that permits the viewer access to Phil's spinning mind as he puts together clues to his sister's pain. The story does a good job of escalation as well, with revelations landing with their intended impact. Erwa does well with warmth and tenderness to help combat abrasive dramatics, making sure to provide a sense of humanity to go with all the potential contrivances.