Hearts Beat Loud Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Hearts Beat Loud Blu-ray Movie Review

No matter what type of business “Hearts Beat Loud” does with Blu-ray sales, the film is guaranteed to find its audience one way or another. It’s a sensitive endeavor about the communicative aspects of musicianship and songwriting, and it’s similar to smaller movies like “Once” and “Sing Street,” which also mixed troubled souls with the power of performance. The bonus here is that while constructed out of familiar working parts, “Hearts Beat Loud” is a lovely picture unafraid to touch on real emotions, using music to explore the fears of people on the precipice of enormous life changes. Co- writer/director Brett Haley has a terrific cast to help him achieve such tricky vulnerabilities, and for those who crave the musical arts, the feature delivers a rich sense of craftsmanship and passion behind the creation of songs.

Hearts Beat Loud Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Originally presented on Blu-ray in 2018, Gunpowder & Sky return to "Hearts Beat Loud" with another release, this time going the pressed disc route, avoiding BD-R issues for some consumers. Image quality was there four years ago, and it returns for this AVC encoded image (1.99:1 aspect ratio) presentation, which delivers a bright and appealing look at frame particulars. Colors are vivid, working with varied decorative elements around the record store and living spaces, and exterior events highlight store signage. Costuming secures rich primaries. Skin tones are natural. Detail is sharp, exploring textured facial surfaces and hair. Clothing is fibrous. Interiors are open for inspection, showcasing record store displays with band art, and exteriors retain ideal dimension. Delineation is satisfactory.

Hearts Beat Loud Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Music is the big draw of "Hearts Beat Loud," and the 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix is incredibly respectful of the band experience Haley is hoping to convey. Musicianship is sharp, with defined guitar strumming and keyboards, while percussive efforts deliver just enough snap and bottom to give the low-end something to do. Vocals are tight and communicative. Scoring efforts are full, with surrounds deployed to create a circular space of dramatic emphasis. But the We're Not a Band performance scenes, along with assorted creative tinkering, keep the emotional flow of the picture with respectful volume. Dialogue exchanges are appealing, working with subtle emotionality that's never lost. Atmospherics are compelling, finding bar interiors lively with customer bustle, and outdoor interactions retain the feel of their surroundings.

Hearts Beat Loud Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (six pages) features an essay by B.J. Colangelo.

• Commentary #1 features co-writer/director Brett Haley.

• Commentary #2 features co-writer/director Brett Haley, co-writer Marc Basch, and composer Keegan Dewitt.

• "The Stuff of Life" (14:48, HD) is an interview with co-writer/director Brett Haley, who explores the themes of "Hearts Beat Loud," and the development of the screenplay, which was created alongside the soundtrack for a more organic sense of musical storytelling. Haley examines his quest to define a different kind of triumph for the climax, and his time in Red Hook, soaking up the vibe of the city. Managing an 18-day shoot for "Hearts Beat Loud," Haley was often overwhelmed, but the chance to generate a feel-good movie drove the professionals, and the helmer provides an overview of casting choices, including a chance to get Ted Danson back behind a bar.

• "The One That Would Have Me" (30:20, HD) is an interview with actor Nick Offerman, who was introduced to Brett Haley though Sam Elliott, joining the actor on the film "The Hero." Offerman discusses the teamwork nature of indie moviemaking, enjoying the "family" feeling despite pressure to keep the production moving along. Assessments and anecdotes are offered for co-stars Kiersey Clemmons, Ted Danson, Blythe Danner, and Toni Collette, with the interviewee remaining in awe around the talents, getting to know them in special ways and learn from them. Red Hook locations are recalled, with Offerman familiar with the area, and his work on the feature's soundtrack is detailed. A celebration of the picture's commitment to representation is provided, and Offerman shares his silly side, playing a game of "spot the banana" during the shoot to entertain himself.

• "Composing the Songs" (7:25, HD) highlights work from Keegan Dewitt and Jeremy Bullock in a small recording space.

• "Band Rehearsal" (5:48, HD) observes Kiersey Clemmons and Nick Offerman as they work out musical chemistry while putting together We're Not a Band performances.

• "Guitar Practice" (6:47, HD) returns to Nick Offerman as he works on his musical skills.

• 2018 Junket Interview (10:44, HD) features co-writer/director Brett Haley.

• 2018 Junket Interview (10:03, HD) features co-stars Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemmons.

• 2018 Junket Interview (8:51, HD) features co-stars Nick Offerman and Toni Collette.

• 2018 Junket Interview (6:21, HD) features actress Sasha Lane.

• Sundance Performance (3:47, SD) brings We're Not a Band to the famous film festival, with Offerman (on bass) and Clemons teaming with musicians Keegan Dewitt and Jeremy Bullock to perform a song for the celebrity-laden crowd.

• Commercials (4:53, HD) collect various T.V. spots for "Hearts Beat Loud."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:22, HD) is included.

Hearts Beat Loud Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There are a few hiccups in "Hearts Beat Loud," finding Marianne too disposable of a character, with Haley ultimately doing little with the grandmother. And Leslie makes for fine support, but her sexual interest in Frank feels clichéd, intended to create a barrier to help with third act decisions. However, the movie has a big heart and a real dedication to musical performance, arranging an entire show for Frank and Sam to help them settle their differences and bond together as a group. It's a gentle picture that veers into predictability, but Haley keeps the effort on track, trying to extract as much emotional texture as possible, giving the endeavor a lived-in sense of time, love, and harmony.