6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 2.8 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
A Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio's stars in line.
Starring: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Jonah HillPeriod | 100% |
Crime | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: DTS 5.1
French: DTS 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
UV digital copy
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Hail, Caesar! looks and sounds an awful lot like a passion project, a self-indulgent work that recreates the best, and some of the not-so-best, aspects of the Golden Age of big budget spectacle with a smattering of behind-the-scenes insight and individual drama in a movie that's not too big for its britches but a little too scattershot for a broad, modern audience. The latest from the acclaimed Coen Brothers (The Big Lebowski, Fargo, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, No Country for Old Men...that's a heck of a resumé) is also, arguably, the most divisive. Largely embraced by critics and largely shunned by mainstream audiences, the movie certainly plays to a niche but, even so, is a richly and attentively crafted piece that should speak to anyone not so much interested in the system or how it worked but rather passionate filmmaking and a love for the movies and cinema's history, qualities evident on both sides of the camera.
The Future.
Hail, Caesar! is one of those rare modern films that was actually shot on film, and Universal's 1080p transfer does the source material proud. The movie favors a very mild warmth and bronzed period tinge, barely there but just enough to give the mind and eyes an added layer of throwback illusion. The result are flesh tones that do indeed carry a little extra push to a reddish-orange tint, but the palette is otherwise precise. Flowing red Roman capes, a yellow business suit, lush natural greens, warmer wooden interiors, and all variety of colors dazzle with plenty of punch but also plenty of natural balance. Details are tremendous. The Roman costumes -- particularly the leathery armor Clooney's character wears through the film -- is impressively defined down to the very finest surface details, particularly the small leathery creases. Period attire, a bit on the heavy fabric side, never struggles to showcase its textural wares. Facial details are wonderfully complex and naturally attentive to the smallest touches. Black levels remain deep and accurate for the duration, never swelling up details or pushing too pale. Light grain lingers, accentuating details and yielding a handsome filmic appearance. Compression issues are a non-factor. Overall, this is a beautiful presentation from Universal.
Hail, Caesar!'s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack isn't particularly noteworthy from a source mix perspective. That said, Universal's presentation suits the rather straightforward material well. The film is largely dialogue intensive. The spoken word dominates and flows with an effortless cadence and front-and-center placement. Prioritization is faultless. Gentle atmospherics are nicely integrated and help accentuate various scenes. Light waves on the water, a soaking rain, mild natural insect ambience, passing traffic, and other small details present with good presence and yield a positive, though not overwhelming, sense of immersion. The low end kicks in on a few occasions, notably, but not substantially, when a Soviet sub emerges from and, subsequently, submerges into the sea. Music is well defined and detailed, particularly the song-and-dance numbers in the film. The track isn't dynamic by its nature, but this presentation is technically sound.
Hail, Caesar! contains four featurettes. A DVD copy of the film and a voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy are included with purchase.
Hail, Caesar! isn't a movie for everyone. It's a movie for moviemakers and committed audiences who aren't so much interested in indulgent moviemaking but a slice of escapism, pure nostalgic Hollywood style. This is the cast and crew having fun, and even if the movie isn't a straight-up Comedy, its sense of humor and relaxed approach -- even to some serious material -- makes this one of the more inspiring and enjoyable "Hollywood on Hollywood" movies out there. Universal's Blu-ray release of Hail, Caesar! boasts terrific video, solid audio, and a few supplements. Recommended.
2012
10th Anniversary
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Remastered
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Extended Director's Cut
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