Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Hail, Caesar! Blu-ray Movie Review

Hail, Coens!

Reviewed by Martin Liebman June 3, 2016

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! follows a studio man named Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) who both oversees projects and takes care of any "problems" that might arise in the process at Capitol Pictures, such as when star DeeAnna Moran (Scarlett Johansson) becomes pregnant out of wedlock. It's a good job, but he's in demand: Lockheed, the aircraft manufacturer, wants him to ditch his job in Hollywood and take a more lucrative and, in their eyes, more meaningful management position with them. Baird Whitlock (George Clooney) is one of the top actors at Capitol. He's currently filming Hail, Caesar!, a story of Christ's crucifixion. On the set, his drink is drugged and he's dragged off and taken "hostage" by a group called "The Future" that hopes to warm him to their Communist cause, all while collecting a healthy ransom for his safety. Western actor Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich) is cast in a part that doesn't particularly play to his strengths, much to the chagrin of Director Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes).

Joel and Ethan Coen didn't think up Hail, Caesar! overnight. The duo has reportedly had the idea in their back pockets for well over a decade, a time in which they've only solidified their legacy and earned the right to make a movie like this, something that's more catering to their own whimsy than something with a broader appeal. The movie certainly plays with no shortage of apparent self-reflection not so much on the filmmakers themselves but rather the good and bad of Hollywood nostalgia, larger ideas and, on the flip side, more tangible angles within the business proper. It's also an homage to the classic stylings of a bygone era, a lovingly recreated period piece with enthusiasm to spare, even when the movie doesn't always finds its way down a more traditional straight-and-narrow narrative path. The script isn't so much aimless as it is wayward. It takes a look at several different characters and situations without much of a uniform, A-to-B-to-C approach. But that's part of the charm. It's a broad stroke overview peppered with peepholes that allow audiences a taste of inside baseball and a glimpse at some of the shenanigans that take place on the set, in the offices, and beyond. It's a fun picture, a little frustrating at times but a satisfying venture considering the sum of its parts.

The enthusiasm for the project extends well beyond the Coens. The cast is uniformly fantastic from the top down. There's an unmistakable commitment and, more impressive, sense of fun in every frame. The cast soaks the material up and proves that acting isn't beholden to the times but rather an art form capable of stretching and exploring beyond comfortable confines. The cast is, essentially, playing different versions of itself, finding not just the broad details of a bygone era but an essence that's all but disappeared, preserved on the screen in a tangible way that no other medium can boast. Even through recognizable faces and cadences, the cast of Hail Caesar! not only absorbs the world -- no doubt helped by the movie's gorgeous production design -- but demonstrates a grasp of the movie's purpose and tone, here more important than finer character or story details. Yes, like the greater movie there's an unmistakable sense of self-indulgence, but it's all in good fun, and clearly so, resulting in a simple pleasure of a movie that will probably only grow in stature and audience appreciation as the years go by.

Hail, Caesar! Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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! Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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! Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Hail, Caesar! contains four featurettes. A DVD copy of the film and a voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy are included with purchase.

• Directing Hollywood (1080p, 4:11): The cast talks up the Coen Brothers and enthusiasm for performing for them in the movie.
• The Stars Align (1080p, 11:34): A quick run through of the characters and the actors who portray them.
• An Era of Glamour (1080p, 6:22): A look at the movie's gorgeous and comprehensive production design.
• Magic of a Bygone Era (1080p, 6:01): A look at the movie's key moments that capture the glamour and spectacle of the era.

Hail, Caesar! Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

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.