Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Jimmy's Hall Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman December 10, 2015

"Change" isn't a political catch word that's unique to the past few years. Call it "change," "progress," or anything of the sort, but there's always been an anti-establishment movement around the world, in some form or fashion, since, probably, the establishment of the base political system and certainly through all of its radically different permutations over the years. Sometimes that "change" comes at the end of a gun and sometimes it's a simple act of defiance, like dancing or speaking out against the way things are. Jimmy's Hall is the latest from controversial socialist Director Ken Loach (Kes). It tells the story of a man's return to his roots and his work to upset a staunch, tradition-steeped world with a new way of living and thinking that puts him in the crosshairs of both the local authorities and the church.

Reopening.

It was a time of upheaval for the Irish people. From 1919-1921, the nation fought a terrible war for independence against the British, a war that ultimately failed. It was followed by civil war, pitting those Irish who supported the treaty with the British --backed by the British government -- against those who did not. The pro-treaty forces won, leaving a bitter split amongst the people. Jimmy Gralton (Barry Ward) has just returned home, a decade following the Civil War. He's spent time in America where he's been "radicalized" in the ways of a more open society, including a newfound appreciation for Jazz music. He's welcome home, but some locals are wary of his changed ways. He agrees to re-open a local dance hall he helped build before the war when local youths lament the lack of opportunity for them to congregate and dance away from the strict control of the local church. Jimmy agrees but soon finds himself in conflict with the more traditional, orthodox locals, including a minister named Sheridan (Jim Norton).

Dramatically, Jimmy's Hall isn't unique in its focus on the clash between new and old, the battle of ideas, and the revolution against cultural tradition. What the film does well, however, is simplify it within the general story arc context while constructing a deeper purpose and commentary just below the surface. That's a good, positive blend for a movie with not so much overt political leanings but certainly a message on the importance of individuality and not so much a dismissal of tradition or certain values but rather an espousal of the idea that it's OK to go in another direction, to forge one's own path and find influence, perspective, and joy in other than what a set culture or convention allows. The film hammers that point hard -- it's the movie's main focus -- but not to a point that it's preachy. The film hints at the clash in its technical construction too; a sequence juxtaposing dance at the hall and the church's admonition of it is contrasted with the hall lighted warmly and invitingly and the church presented bleakly and cooly.

Jimmy's Hall is the beneficiary of strong lead performances and gorgeous location photography. The explosion of authentic Irish green is beautiful, and locations are simple but welcoming, lived in, and perfectly period detailed. Costumes are fantastic, too, again detailed and complex and the actors wear them naturally. Performances are standout. Barry Ward is fantastic in the lead, showing a well-rounded and experienced depth in his work, advocacy, and relationships all. There's a fine balance of personal steadfastness, character charisma, and screen presence that help make him something of a reluctant hero who grows into his role of advocate rather than happily carry the burden on his shoulders from minute one. Jim Norton is terrific as the tradition-laden antagonistic foil. He plays the part with a fiery staunchness that sells his belief system and frames both the groundswell of support for Jimmy's actions and the growing revolution it breeds. There's a wonderful antagonistic rapport between them both in scenes they share and that lingers over the movie in their time spent while separated on the screen.

Jimmy's Hall Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Jimmy's Hall features a beautiful 1080p transfer. The green Irish countryside presents with a dazzling array of bright greens that are the unequivocal color highlight. Much of the rest of the palette is a bit dreary and dull, with grays and blues and earthy shades dominating. Various clothing accents, however, are impressively cheery. Detailing is terrific throughout. Light grain hovers and accentuates the entire image. Heavy period clothes reveal intricate seams and stitches. Old wooden crates, carts, and furnishings in the hall are revealed in all their weathered splendor. Facial definition is effortlessly complex. Black levels tend to push a bit too bright, but flesh tones are fine though a bit varied under different lighting conditions. No print damage is evident, and neither is any sort of compression artifacting. This is a brilliant presentation from Sony.

Jimmy's Hall Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Jimmy's Hall features an excellent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. While there's not much aggressive action to report, Sony's audio presentation handles the movie's largely simple requirements very well. Musical definition impresses, whether light score or more robust Jazzy dance music in the hall. The former is a little more timid, lighter, and without much heavy-duty surround information, but the latter plays with impressive, robust presence, terrific instrumental detail, and full-room immersion. Light natural ambient effects help define various exteriors, whether gentle breezes pushing through the soundstage or singing birds off to the sides and rears. A large get-together upon Jimmy's return home at film's start fills the listening area with the pleasing sound of crowded chatter. Dialogue is presented with firm center placement, excellent definition, and only a few brief occurrences of prioritization issues with music that's a touch too loud. Father Sheridan's voice reverberates through the church with impressive natural presence in chapter seven.

Jimmy's Hall Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Jimmy's Hall contains a standard issue set of supplements, including a commentary, deleted scenes, a featurette, and a trailer.

• Audio Commentary: Actors Barry Ward and Simone Kirby deliver a fairly reserved, oftentimes hushed track. They share their thoughts on technical basics, characters and performances, story details and underlying themes, anecdotes from the set, and more.
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Salley Gardens (1:30), There Can Be No Halfway House (1:43), Family In Need (0:47), Please Help Us, Jimmy (0:22), It's Your Soul Or Your Heart (2:26), and He's Gone (0:43).
• Making of Jimmy's Hall (1080p, 34:44): A detailed, catch-all, on-location piece that looks at the real locations, interviews Gralton descendants, examines character qualities, choreography, sets and filming locations, actor rehearsals, casting, costumes, the political themes and histories that course through the movie, and more.
• Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 2:20).
• Previews (1080p): Additional Sony titles.

Jimmy's Hall Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Jimmy's Hall doesn't tell a groundbreaking story of rebellion against the establishment, but it's a well made movie, tonally focused, confident in construction, and sure of its message. Acting and production design are strengths and the beautiful irish countryside is alone worth the price of admission. Sony's Blu-ray release of Jimmy's Hall features standout video and audio. Supplements are the definition of format average. The disc is worth a watch if only for the beautiful film-quality transfer, but the movie is very good, too. Recommended.