Harriet Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Harriet Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman January 25, 2020

Harriet Tubman's name holds a place of honor and prominence in the history texts and her story is now the subject of the major motion picture Harriet, written and directed by Kasi Lemmons (Black Nativity, Talk to Me). Tubman's story as a key cog in the "Underground Railroad" -- a secretive operation tasked with transporting owned slaves into free states -- has elevated her to legend status in American history. In the film, she is portrayed by Cynthia Erivo (Widows, Bad Times at the El Royale), a performance which earned the actress her first Academy Award nomination. The film is smartly crafted and beautifully lensed, but its core beyond Erivo's performance lacks spirit, pushing through the narrative rather than exploring it with finesse across two very disparate campaigns, on one side the fight to maintain the slavery status quo through any means necessary and on the other to bring the enslaved to freedom, again by any means necessary.

"Minty" Ross (Erivo) marries freedman John Tubman (Zackary Momoh) but her owners, the Brodess family, deny her freedom despite a legally binding contract promising to set her family free, agreed to by her slave master's ancestors. The Brodess patriarch dies following Minty's plea to God for his demise. Brodess' son Gideon (Joe Alwyn) plans to sell Minty but she escapes, inspired by her visions of freedom to find refuge further north. She's believed dead but finds her way to Philadelphia and to the Anti-Slavery Society where she meets William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.) and Marie Buchanon (Janelle Monáe) who help her settle into her new surroundings and life as a free woman. But Minty, who has taken the freed woman's name Harriet Tubman, chooses to clandestinely return home with forged documents in an attempt to free her family. Her trip is successful, spurring her to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad, infiltrating slave states to free enslaved men, women, and children. Her success sees her dubbed as "Moses" but also puts a target on her back; Gideon continues to track her down and his pursuit is only bolstered when the Fugitive Slave Act, allowing slave holders to reclaim their property even in free states, passes into law.

In the film, Harriet becomes something of a legendary figure, a hero fighting for the right of people to live freely, battling for both their physical well being and for their souls. She undertakes her missions and fights for her cause with purpose and tenacity. She’s relentless, never reluctant, even in the face of overwhelming odds. She ignores the letter of the law and stares down danger, in full understanding of the severe punishment she would face should she ever be returned against her will to her masters.

But Tubman never relies fully on self. She integrates herself into a support network but she also does not ignore the spiritual calling guiding and protecting her along her perilous journeys. She calls on God in the film to see her through, physically and emotionally. That she is dubbed “Moses” is not coincidental. Just as Moses was commanded by God to free Hebrew slaves being held in Egypt, so too does Tubman answer to a higher calling in her fight. She does not part the waters and the numbers she saves are microscopic compared to the people Moses led from bondage in Egypt, but Tubman’s comparatively contemporary heroics certainly recalls one of the Bible’s most widely known stories.

Harriet sticks to its central theme with little flair or deviation. Gorgeous cinematography and location shooting, as well as Erivo’s inspired performance, give it life, but the movie is otherwise very linear and matter-of-fact. It’s historical recreation, so of course it’s sticking to a collection of immutable story details and basic ebbs and flows, but there’s little beyond the meat-and-potatoes, the basic ups and downs and the obligatory stand-up-and-cheer moments. It’s a straightforward story with enough of an emotional center formed through its well-known history and the basic humanity that pulses through it, but the filmmakers accomplish little more than translating, albeit resplendently, a history book to the screen. Essentially, the movie is not particularly gripping, but there’s enough of a crude emotional draw that, combined with the first-rate acting and cinematography, proves enough to carry the movie to relative success.

Harriet Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The digitally photographed Harriet dazzles on Blu-ray. The period textures appear with resplendent clarity. Sharpness is off the charts for the 1080p format; intimate facial details are clear and tangible, period attire is tactile across a spectrum ranging from high class suits and dresses to tattered and worn slave garments, and environmental details are regularly sharp and bring the viewer fully into the world, whether considering grasses, woods, or brick structures around Philadelphia. It's razor sharp from end to end and a pleasure to watch. Colors are likewise a strength. Tonal accuracy appears precise across flesh tones, natural greens, colorful attire, and varied city landscapes. Nighttime black levels are rich and carry several critical scenes without flaw or drowned-out detail. The image is a little, and sometimes a lot, noisy in low light scenes -- nighttime exteriors, candlelit interiors -- but only rarely does it rise to the level of distraction. Overall, Harriet couldn't look any better on Blu-ray.

Harriet Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Harriet's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack is perfect in every way. The film's outdoor open in Bucktown, Maryland is a symphony of soul, spirit, and natural ambience. The 7.1 track encircles the listener in all three categories, with the world atmosphere -- rustling leaves, buzzing insects, chirping birds -- of particular sonic delight. Such intricate and precisely placed listening elements are a constant through the film, each a vital atmospheric draw that enjoys perfect placement and clarity as the listener is purposefully and permanently immersed in the film's locations. Additionally interesting and immersive effects continue on Philadelphia streets, seaside piers, and other places. Sound shaping through the film is its best asset, but listeners will note steady, reliable music that enjoys fruitful fidelity, perfectly seamless front spacing, and balanced rear integration. A few action-type effects -- galloping horses, physical blows, a couple of gunshots -- present with appropriate depth, clarity, and stage placement. Dialogue is true to life, flowing from a front-center locale. Every word is well prioritized.

Harriet Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Harriet Blu-ray includes an audio commentary, two featurettes, and deleted scenes. A DVD copy of the film and a Movies Anywhere digital copy code are included with purchase. This release ships with an embossed slipcover.

• Deleted Scenes (1080p, 15:35 total runtime): Included are You An Angel?; My Top Eye; John's Wife; Hiding Fugitives, Reverend?; Meet the Committee; Harriet and William; and Banned Abolitionist Material.
• Her Story (1080p, 5:57): A look at the real history behind the story and bringing it to the screen.
• Becoming Harriet (1080p, 3:37): A closer look at Cynthia Erivo's casting and performance.
• Audio Commentary: Director/Co-Writer Kasi Lemmons explores the real history behind the film, the picture's production history, characters, cast and performances, story details, shooting locations, anecdotes from the set, and plenty more. This is a worthwhile companion to the movie. It's well spoken and relaxing; Lemmons comes across as conversing with rather than talking down to her audience.

Harriet Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Harriet doesn't aim for the heart because the story goes straight to the soul. It's powerful and very well performed but at the same time it's not wholly gripping, either. It's a fairly straightforward historical drama that works because of the emotional draw to its story, fantastic production design, a wonderful lead performance, and several fine efforts in support. Universal's Blu-ray delivers first-rate video and audio presentations. Several supplements are included, headlined by an audio commentary track. Recommended.