6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
A talented but emotionally troubled dancer runs away to New York City and quickly finds herself immersed in the cutthroat world of professional ballet.
Starring: Sarah Hay, Ben Daniels, Emily Tyra, Irina Dvorovenko, Damon HerrimanDrama | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital Mono
English SDH, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Of the many great, and a few not-so-great, concepts for gritty adult-centric TV shows -- amongst them everything from worldwide apocalypse to random historical figures, from chemistry teacher turned drug dealer to tales of 18th century piracy -- one might not immediately consider the ballet world to be the source of compelling drama. Yet Flesh and Bone, a Starz miniseries that premiered on November 8, 2015 and, at time of this review's publication, has yet to air its final episode, is just that, and more. This is easily the surprise TV hit and event of the year. It's a wonderfully detailed and organic picture of grit, determination, raw emotion, and high drama that make for a legitimately compelling program. Engaging from its opening minutes froward and never straying from its established world of cutthroat competition and take-no-prisoners approach to authentic storytelling, Flesh and Bone satisfies as one of the most gripping shows of 2015.
"Impress me."
IMDB reports that Flesh and Bone was photographed digitally, but the picture practically passes for film. There's a fine filmic quality to the image evident in virtually every shot. Much of the series takes place in the cold, densely gray studio where bold colors are hard to come by, but balance and exacting representation of the cooler shades impresses. Cityscapes are likewise dominated by a myriad of urban shades, but there's a more natural selection of standout colors to be found. Warmer interiors are handled nicely. Minor black crush is of little concern, and flesh tones are healthy and full, influenced only by surrounding lighting conditions. Details are terrific. Facial features reveal every intimate pore, mole, and wrinkle with magnificent attention to the finest details. Clarity is generally superb. A few darker shots go a little soupy and details falter slightly, but such examples are infrequent. No serious compression issues or other anomalies are present in quantities worth mentioning. This is a terrific image from Anchor Bay.
Flesh and Bone features an all-around excellent Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Music is detailed and well spaced, which includes a good surround support element when necessary. Whether score, in-studio piano strokes, or heavier Dance and Rock beats, the track spills music into the listening area with a lifelike, natural precision. City ambience is terrific, well balanced and expertly placed. Listeners will believe they're in New York, scuffling along with passing automobile and pedestrian traffic and other assorted sonic treats that flow from every speaker. Ambient effects are just as effective when heard as lesser background noise inside Claire's and Mia's apartment. Dialogue echoes nicely in a few places, and general dialogue delivery plays with positive center positioning and excellent lifelike clarity.
Flesh and Bone contains one supplement on disc two. Creating the World of 'Flesh and Bone' (1080p, 6:37) looks at the real world of ballet, including its darker underbelly; character details; shooting in New York; auditioning and casting real dancers; and choreography.
Flesh and Bone is brilliant television, a gripping, gritty, and dark character drama set against the cutthroat world of professional ballet. It doesn't sound like much of a premise, but it works, and works extraordinarily well, thanks to a steadfastness to stick with it, a strong character roster, and several fantastic performances, particularly from leads Sarah Hay and Ben Daniels. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of Flesh and Bone delivers striking video and excellent audio. Unfortunately, supplements are limited to a single featurette. This is a must-own release, even without the supplemental content it deserves. Very highly recommended.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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