Gloria Bell Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Gloria Bell Blu-ray Movie Review

A charming gem with a first-rate performance by Julianne Moore

A remarkable cinematic dream, Gloria Bell is an inspiring story about living life to its fullest (no matter one's age). Based on the story by Gonzalo Maza, the film explores a journey from divorce to newfound sexual awakening. Co-written and directed by Sebastián Lelio (A Fantastic Woman, Disobedience), the film features a fantastic performance by lead actress Julianne Moore.

Gloria (Julianne Moore) is a free-spirit with an affection for excitement and the aroma of discovery. A woman approaching 60 (a mere technicality in the grand scheme of things) but with a remarkably youthful spirit, Gloria radiates with her beauty inside and out. Hitting the dance floors in California, Gloria meets the gaze of Arnold (John Turturro) and the two quickly hit it off. Romantic sparks fly and the two are quickly enamored with one another. As the story progresses, Gloria and Arnold connect and a new chapter in Gloria's life starts to unfold.

The filmmaking of Gloria Bell is exceptional and features a number of fantastic production merits: from the stellar music score composed by Matthew Herbert (Life in a Day, Disobedience) to the gorgeous cinematography by Natasha Braier (The Neon Demon, The Rover). Gloria Bell is an undeniably charming and entertaining gem. Absolutely essential: don't miss it.

For more information on Gloria Bell, please refer to the full length review by my colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.

Gloria Bell Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The video presentation on the Artificial Eye release of Gloria Bell appears to be sourced from the same encode used on the U.S. edition by Lionsgate. For more information and a full breakdown of the presentation please refer to the review by my colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.

Gloria Bell Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio presentation on the Artificial Eye release of Gloria Bell appears to be sourced from the same encode used on the U.S. edition by Lionsgate. For more information and a full breakdown of the presentation please refer to the review by my colleague Jeffrey Kauffman.

Gloria Bell Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Artifical Eye Blu-ray release does not include the same supplemental features included on the U.S. Lionsgate release (as reviewed by my colleague Jeffrey Kauffman). However, the U.K. edition of the film does include the following exclusive extras:

Interviews:

Julianne Moore (HD, 5:59) discusses her role as Gloria Bell and what it was like to portray such an unusual character who is full of life and energy despite her age (and audience expectations). The beloved actress answers each question of this highly engaging and charming interview with her trademark sense of grace. A worthwhile watch for fans of the actress.

Sebastien Lelio (HD, 24:48) discusses his role as writer-director of Gloria Bell. Delving into the subject matter of the film and what he hoped audiences would take away from the experience, Sebastien Lelio provides some interesting context into his creative process. Viewers will be interested to learn more about the filmmaker's unique vision and his approach to telling this unique story about a aging woman who looked life in the eye and continued on.

Gloria Bell Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:11)

Gloria Bell Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

An entertaining and thought-provoking film which wears it vibrant heart on its sleeve, Gloria Bell is a unique work of cinematic wonderment which delivers audiences another fantastic performance by the radiant Julianne Moore. The filmmaking is inspired and the story is one that hits at the heart no matter the age or gender of the viewer.

Stylistically rewarding and surprisingly complex, Gloria Bell is a superb film that deserves discovery. The Blu-ray release from Artificial Eye features a superb presentation (with both amazing video and audio) as well as a nice selection of interviews that are absorbing. Worth a pickup.