Finding Fęla Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Finding Fęla Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 26, 2015

Director Alex Gibney has developed a reputation for creative speed, churning out documentaries yearly to share his passions with the world. It’s a commendable pursuit, with much of his output considered and informative. However, “Finding Fela” isn’t his finest hour as a filmmaker. While the subject matter is fascinating, tracing the life and times of Nigerian musician and revolutionary figure Fela Kuti, the picture is too indulgent, spending two hours on a man who doesn’t have the history to fill such an excessive run time. Filled with jubilant music and featuring excitable interviews from Fela’s past, the effort is certainly enlightening, just never as spellbinding as Gibney intends.

Fela Kuti was the conductor of a musical revolution in Nigeria during the 1970s, bringing the Afrobeat movement to the masses. Inspired by soul music and driven by the black power message of the era, Fela, backed by band Africa ’70, became a superstar, using his stage time to dazzle audiences and raise awareness of political issues haunting the country as lust for oil fueled rampant corruption. To create an entry point for the story, Gibney visits the production of “Fela,” a Broadway musical determined to share the singer’s spirit with a new generation. The picture spends so much time with “Fela,” it almost registers as a commercial for the show, not a necessary piece of the documentary puzzle.

Finding Fęla Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation faces a challenge with its mix of film and video sources, finding a smooth blend of interview and performance footage. Detail is as strong as the resolution allows, offering wonderful texture on interviewees, with skin particulars registering clearly. Colors are buoyant and accurate, encouraged by bold stage costumes. Delineation is comfortable.

Finding Fęla Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix does justice to the musical performances, which make up the highlights of the track. Offering full instrumentation, with a firm low-end and comfortable highs, stage skill is displayed with care, blended successfully with the informational flow. Interview audio is stable and clear, picking out distinct accents and passionate memories. Surrounds enjoy an expanse of music and the enveloping sounds of cheering crowds.

Finding Fęla Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Extended Interviews (31:49, HD) continue the "Finding Fela" discussion, learning more about his wardrobe choices, fan appreciation, and musical leadership, offering interviewees a chance to be more articulate with their memories and anecdotes.

• "Femi Kuti Sax Solo at the New Africa Shrine" (3:59, HD) catches up with Fela's son as he shows off his musicianship onstage in front of an adoring crowd.

• Podcast Interview (26:45) features director Alex Gibney.

• Stills present 30 images of Fela, from stage performances to intimate snaps.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:02, HD) is included.

Finding Fęla Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Clips of Fela in action are wonderful to watch, and memories shared about the man from friends, family, and admirers (including Questlove and Paul McCartney) create an understanding of his complex, often abrasive behavior. Yet, as a long as "Finding Fela" is, as informative as it is, rarely does the documentary spark to life as a vital exploration of an important man. Gibney is easily distracted and rarely concise, leaving the effort more exhausting than riveting.