Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		4.0

Devotion Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman March 9, 2023

Sandwiched in between World War II and Vietnam is America’s “forgotten war” in Korea, and it is on this war which Devotion focuses. There is also another war at play in the film, and that is the war over the human soul. The story is centered around a black aviator who finds himself unexpectedly befriended and expectedly looked down upon. It follows his own moments of soul-searching as he faces doubt and discrimination head-on while also standing up for himself and his abilities, not only in the cockpit, but as a father, husband, friend, and man. In many ways, then, the movie is familiar with a different framework to tell it, but it is so genuinely acted, smartly written, and beautifully photographed in such ways that any residual sense of familiarity gives way to the film's own heartbeat.

Ensign Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) is the first black U.S. Naval aviator. Devotion tells the story of his experiences in the cockpit, on the flight deck, and in the home as he maneuvers through not only the dangers of his profession but the racial blocks that aim to prevent him from fully flourishing in his role. He's immediately befriended by his wingman, Lieutenant Tom Hudner (Glen Powell), who harbors no racial bigotry, actively cheers for Brown's success, and seeks friendship beyond the cockpit. With war in Korea looming, the aviators must not only hone their skills but come to rely on one another -- regardless of skin color -- to stand a chance in a new and deadly conflict.

The film is certainly propelled, first, by the prospects of war and, later, by the destructive realities of war, but at the film's center is a story of extreme friendship that crosses not only racial divides but also enemy lines. The film is based on a true story, centered on real characters and, for its time, a singularly unique friendship formed beyond social boundaries but ultimately forged into history by the forces of war. The film has its focus rightly on camaraderie rather than combat, but it certainly does not shy away from combat as both spectacle and dramatic propellant. Everything in Devotion plays to near perfect balance for characterization, narrative, and entertainment, and even well over two hours in length the film breezes by through its dual excellences of pacing and purpose.

The film is a standout in terms of acting and production design, too. The actors are well versed in their character qualities, putting on a significant feel for authenticity beyond simply working angles and looking good in flight suits. There's a genuine desire to build the characters from the inside out, and the relationship from the outside in, and the sense of complete control over how the characters function and interact is one of the film's best assets. Of course, the authentic aerial experiences are also a sight to see, lacking the absolute depth, complexity, and command of the instantly legendary Top Gun: Maverick but certainly coming in a respectable second while still offering pitch action and fully immersive aerial combat and maneuvers. Audiences will feel as if part of the action, and that the camera can be so intimate with the planes and the people in them only heightens the drama and the amplifies the visual and narrative excellence that combine into a singularly great movie.

Devotion Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Paramount's 1080p Blu-ray release of Devotion looks terrific. The image is crisp and satisfying, presenting complex details with startling ease. The image boasts fine point textural awareness at the most intimate levels of skin and hair while also capturing flight suits and Naval dress unforms with precision material command. The planes look great, whether on the deck or in the air, with every rivet and paint detail plainly visible and razor-sharp. Color output is excellent. The image boasts crisp clothing hues, expert skin tones, and plenty of pop to an assortment of primaries seen throughout the film. Whites are beautifully rendered, too. The film shows no significant source defects or encode anomalies. This Blu-ray is ace!

Devotion Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Paramount has curiously chosen to forego a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, not only for Devotion's Blu-ray release, but also for its companion UHD. Instead, both discs feature identical DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtracks. Despite the absence of that desirable overhead and surround-back extension, the track is plenty wonderful and practically perfect within its 5.1 parameters. The track offers superb engagement through all channels with fluid movement and hearty depth, especially zipping and rumbling plane engines which power through the stage with expert placement and very satisfying depth. Action scenes are alive with splendid movement and seamless directionality, accompanied, again, by the powerful low-end support. Gunfire rings out with striking accuracy and alarming depth; it's very real. The aerial action scenes are simply spectacular for movement, clarity, and subwoofer support, especially as the fighters first engage at the 75-minte mark as anti-aircraft fire rips through with a real sense of upward-and-through movement amongst the planes. A ground battle at the 86-mnute mark is equally impressive for similar dynamics. Musical clarity, spacing, and depth are all first-class, too. Ambient supports are nicely detailed and enveloping in various locales, especially on board the carriers where little hums and PA announcements and other odds and ends help fill in the sonic space. Dialogue is clear, center-focused, and well prioritized for the duration.

Devotion Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Blu-ray release of Devotion includes two featurettes. No DVD copy is included, but Paramount has bundled in a digital copy voucher. This release ship with a non-embossed slipcover.

• The Aviation of a Forgotten War (1080p, 11:17): Cast and crew discuss project origins, JD Dillard's direction, the real Corsair planes in the film, additional aircraft seen in the film, photography, shooting the actors in the cockpits, and actor training.
• The Legacy of Jesse Brown (1080p, 12:03): This piece focuses on the real life of Jesse Brown, both in history and as he is depicted in this film.

Devotion Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Devotion is a very well-structured film that builds around a historically accurate and contemporarily engaging narrative, combined with excellent acting and world-class visuals and action. The film certainly exists in Top Gun: Maverick's shadow, but this is nevertheless a film that is not to be missed. Paramount's Blu-ray offers spectacular video and audio. Supplements are thin, but the limited content is very good. Highly recommended.