6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
A drama inspired by the life of heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner.
Starring: Liev Schreiber, Elisabeth Moss, Ron Perlman, Naomi Watts, Jim GaffiganSport | 100% |
Biography | 77% |
Drama | 55% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English, English SDH, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 0.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Consider of all the sports legends who haven't had a movie made about them, all of the amazing stories that have yet to be told and incredible accomplishments yet to be immortalized on film, and then consider Chuck Wepner, a cult icon in the boxing industry who took Muhammad Ali 15 rounds but, perhaps more interestingly, fought a personal life wrought with addiction and womanizing. Not only is he the subject of the entertainingly biographical Chuck, he was also the model for Sylvester Stallone's breakout film, the multi-Oscar winning Rocky. Chuck is an unusual film in that much of the story centers around his own story as it was immortalized in Rocky. He meets Stallone, tries out for a part in the sequel, and cheers on the film during Oscar night. But it's also the story of a broken man, a man who couldn't handle the success, who allowed his vices to drown out his success and remove his opportunities. The film essentially bookends with him fighting a bear in the ring. A literal bear. This is a man who took Ali to the brink. It's the story of a legend's rise and fall and, the audience hopes, redemption in some form or fashion for a man who wants to be remembered for who he is, not the fictional character he influenced.
Real and Fake Rocky.
Chuck's 1080p transfer reflects the director-intended period grit, which is reflective of a 16mm source. A web search didn't conclusively reveal that the film was shot on 16mm or whether it was simply processed to appear that way, but the result is nevertheless a handsomely gritty film that not only reinforces a period texture but reinforces the man's texture, too. That said, some shots do appear more noisy than they do naturally grainy. Details are firm and sharp. Complexities and richness abound throughout the film, whether out on the street, in bar rooms, in Chuck's home, or in the ring. Colors are well saturated and accurate, notably during the Ali boxing match, and they otherwise don't push too hard to favor a period bronzed appearance. Black levels (particularly during the Rocky theatrical screening scene) are deep and flesh tones are fine. Compression issues are minor. This is a very good looking movie and Blu-ray.
Chuck's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack doesn't stand tall amongst its peers, but it does hold firm. Everything is well balanced and in good working order. Its period music can be a little scratchy by its nature, but stage width along the front side comes naturally. Musical surround use is more cursory and supportive than equal participant. The stage does stretch to fully envelop the listener at boxing matches, where cheering crowds and din are fuller and more naturally presented. Narration is firm and accurate and dialogue is clear and detailed with natural front-center positioning and seamless prioritization.
Chuck contains one extra. All About Chuck (1080i, 3:28) briefly explores the story and characters, Liev Schreiber's love of boxing and participating in "real" fights to train and for the film, and more. No DVD or digital copies are included with purchase.
Chuck is a solid human interest film in which boxing is but a backdrop and a propellant to fame that one man could not handle. A compelling narrative, a wonderful classic movie connection, and an exceptional lead performance make Chuck a prize-fighting winner. Paramount's Blu-ray is disappointingly short on extra goodies, but video and audio are fine. Recommended.
Unrated Extended Edition
2005
1999
2016
2005
2010
2016
Commemorative Edition
2001
1997
2017
2023
2011
2021
1993
2005
1980
2015
2023
2009
2016
Target Exclusive 30 mins of Bonus Content
2013