Dancing on the Edge Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.0

Dancing on the Edge Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 8, 2015

I don’t have concrete proof that the Golden Globes are a rigged awards ceremony, but when Jacqueline Bisset took home a statue in 2014 for her supporting performance in “Dancing on the Edge” (where the actress was subjected to an obstacle course on her way to the stage), it was clear that something had to move the needle on a program that barely received attention during its original broadcast in 2013. Bisset doesn’t deliver subpar work in the series, but she’s barely memorable, blending in with the rest of this bland and overlong show, which wheezes through six episodes. Created by playwright and screenwriter Stephen Poliakoff, “Dancing on the Edge” aims to combine murder mystery suspense with period restraint, yet the writing is more consumed with stretching simple ideas, employing flimsy characterization and a leaden pace to pass for regality.

“Dancing on the Edge” takes place in the 1930s, exploring racial tensions in Europe when a jazz band, led by Louis (Chiwetel Ejiofor), begins to attract attention in London, with help from journalist Stanley (Matthew Goode). Dramatics ensue, including the booking of venues and immigration complications for one particular member, but Poliakoff wants to do something more with the story. He covers romance, typically the forbidden kind, and abuses of power, but when a dead body shows up in the third episode, “Dancing on the Edge” nearly becomes a procedural thriller, with cops and newspapermen vying for a chance to crack the case. The death is an addition meant to increase tension that was never there to begin with, with Poliakoff trying to work the show into a lather through accusations, secret histories, and escape attempts, artificially fattening the show to support six episodes. Characters are lifeless, with muted passions and unremarkable banter, unsuccessful in their attempts to communicate outside pressures in the jazz-loving community. Performances are functional, but hardly significant.

There’s nothing here that demands a seven hour examination, and even Poliakoff can’t make it all the way to the finish line, using the last episode to recap and reassess the show’s concept of threat, using interviews between Stanley and Louis to beef up the narrative. Admittedly, this is an unusual approach, but there’s nothing rewarding about the extension, which feels more like a contractual obligation instead of dramatic demand. The events of “Dancing with the Edge” could easily fit into a tight two-hour movie. Instead, the show stretches awkwardly to meet the requirements of a weekly narrative, resulting in multiple dead spots and indulgent atmosphere. There’s plenty of music as well, which is more enticing to watch than anything tied to the ridiculous murder plot provided here.

Episodes

Disc 1

“Episode 1” (94:36)

The year is 1932, and Louis (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is the leader of a jazz group, The Louis Lester Band, that’s just beginning to claim a reputation in London. Music journalist Stanley (Matthew Goode) is an admirer, taking the time to help Louis with the group’s booking in a post hotel. Creating a fan base and acquiring singers Carla (Wunmi Mosaku) and Jesse (Angel Coulby), The Louis Lester Band finds popularity with the public and wealthy eccentric Masterson (John Goodman), who welcomes the members into his strange, agoraphobic life. Wesley (Ariyon Bakare) struggles to remain the manager of the group, growing to resent attention paid to Louis as he indulges the power and sexual opportunities that come with fame. When immigration issues threaten the group’s future bookings, Louis and Stanley scramble to solve the problem before a critical performance for the Prince of Wales (Sam Troughton).

“Episode 2” (63:57)

Masterson’s employee, Julian (Tom Hughes), works to impress Jessie, with hopes to romance her. Louis develops a passion for photographer Sarah (Janet Montgomery), commencing an affair that’s conducted in secret. Stanley grows frustrated with the confines of his job at the Musical Express, unable to deal with his editor, Mr. Wax (Allan Corduner), who looks to suppress his genius. A meeting with worldly tastemaker Lady Cremone (Jacqueline Bisset) creates an unusual opportunity, putting The Louis Lester Band on the radio, increasing their fame throughout the city. And an evening performing for the Prince of Wales creates dissention in the group when Jessie decides to play sick and spend time with Julian.

Disc 2

“Episode 3” (63:20)

Jesse has been assaulted by unknown assailant, creating panic through the band and its admirers. As the cops begin their investigation, Louis halts all performances, threatening the stability of the group. Stanley receives a rude awakening when Mr. Wax decides to hire another deputy editor, Eric (Sam Hoare), triggering tension in the newsroom. Julian returns from France with hopes to start his own cheese exporting business, unaware that he’s the prime suspect in Jesse’s attack. And a performance opportunity for German officials is turned upside down when Stanley masterminds a plan to have Louis play for the judgmental foreigners.

“Episode 4” (63:29)

When tragedy strikes, Louis has difficulty keeping himself together, burying himself in his affair with Sarah. The police, attempting to locate Jesse’s attacker, put pressure on Louis, testing his vision and memory as they hunt for a suspect. Masterson in interested in expanding his empire, looking to purchase the Musical Express and make Stanley editor in chief. And news from America arrives, detailing a presidential assassination attempt, which unsettles the community.

Disc 3

“Episode 5” (94:07)

Louis finds himself the prime suspect in Jesse’s case, putting the jazz pianist on the run, relying on his friends to help maintain secrecy as he figures out a way to leave the country. Stanley watches Masterson take over the Musical Express, developing fears that the tycoon is merely relieving boredom, not concerned with journalistic integrity. And Julian loses his grip on sanity, leaving Masterson powerless to rein him in.

“Episode 6” (62:33)

Stanley, setting out to create a story about this jazz-age melodrama, sits down with Louis, Carla, and Jesse to develop their biographies and reflect on their musical experiences. And Louis receives grim phone calls from a fan who shares information concerning the musician’s dalliances with the Masons.

Dancing on the Edge Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is best when fully illuminated, finding bright light bringing out the best in detail, capturing character quirks, pained faces, and the show's impressive design achievements. Textures are also welcome on costuming, which carry touchable fabrics. Evening excursions for the HD-shot show explore slightly muddier contrast, while delineation struggles during select scenes. Colors are bold and secure, offering pleasant primaries, with dresses a main source of hue exploration, while interior lighting also carries characters. Some banding is detected.

Dancing on the Edge Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Music is the driving force of "Dancing on the Edge," and the 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles the rhythm just fine, bringing out distinct instrumentation during performance sequences, with a crisp push of vocals. Dialogue exchanges are basic but satisfactory, isolating dramatic surges without distortion, handling group activity without confusion, and interiors retain natural echo. Atmospherics for parties and street life are defined adequately.

Dancing on the Edge Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Behind the Scenes (20:27, SD) interviews Stephen Poliakoff about the creative inspirations and historical accuracies of "Dancing on the Edge." Cast members are also permitted time to share character motivations and platitudes, with these conversations conducted on-set, leaving the featurette more promotional than informational. For reasons unknown, audio on show clips is terrible.

Dancing on the Edge Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Instead of bringing viewers to the edge of their couches, "Dancing on the Edge" welcomes an extended shrug after it concludes. Production design efforts and costuming are terrific, delivering a sense of the era and English opulence, but that's hardly a reason to endure the show's feeble thrills. Poliakoff may have a firm grip on period details and hostilities, but his way with pace leaves much to be desired.