7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Based on the true life story of a young marine corporal whose unique discipline and bond with her military combat dog saved many lives during their deployment in Iraq. When she is assigned to clean up the K9 unit after a disciplinary hearing, Leavey identifies with a particularly aggressive dog, Rex, and is given the chance to train him. Over the course of their service, Megan and Rex completed more than 100 missions until an IED explosion injures them, putting their fate in jeopardy.
Starring: Kate Mara, Bradley Whitford, Tom Felton, Common, Edie FalcoBiography | 100% |
War | 3% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
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 | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Megan Leavey tells a touching true story of self-discovery, service, and activism. It's the story of a young woman, meandering through life, struggling to make ends meet, and failing to make an impact but finding her calling thousands of miles from home where she and her canine companion save lives and make a difference in the world and in the lives of those who depend on her. It's a classic story of the human spirit, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite (in her debut feature film) with a grace and understanding of the simple bond that forms and the purpose it serves, personally and in a much wider arena, too. In a dangerous world where bullets and bomb blasts physically harm and red tape breaks bonds, the film explores that connective spirit between man and animal and the human will to set things right, whether in war or at home.
Seeking help.
Megan Leavey features a good all-around 1080p transfer, one that presents at the format's baseline for excellence. The digitally photographed motion picture does show some mild banding, the occasional smudgy edge, and some sporadic noise, the latter visible even in some better-lit scenes, but it's otherwise a capable image. Details are fine. Faces are adequately revealing while well-pressed military uniforms look sharp. Humvees, worn down Iraqi city streets, abandoned cars, military gear and webbing, and other details present with appreciable complexity and attention to detail. Colors are pleasantly neutral. Whether at home or among the more earthy colors in Iraq, there's a satisfying balance at play and a nice, stable saturation that's never dull and never overcooked. Black levels hold stable and flesh tones appear fine. This is a good Blu-ray presentation from Universal.
Megan Leavey's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack delivers a pleasant, well-rounded listen. Music is stable and detailed, well spaced along the front and offering a mild surround and subwoofer support element. Back channels and the low end engage more frequently in aiding some of the larger effects and more intensive scenes. A key explosion thumps with plenty of power. Gunfire pops from very speaker with impressive depth and punch. Debris scatters throughout the soundstage with precision. Even distant explosions heard when Leavey first arrives in Iraq play with a satisfying thud. Ambient support captures a number of key environments, whether background din inside a restaurant or the hum heard from inside a cargo plane. Dialogue carries most of the film, and it's presented with the expected quality, excelling in terms of placement, prioritization, and detail.
Universal's Blu-ray release of Megan Leavey contains one supplement. Never Give Up (1080p, 2:35) explores the lead character and story depicted in the film. A DVD copy of the film and a UV/iTunes digital copy code are included with purchase.
Megan Leavey tells an honest, touching true story of love, friendship, and fighting the good fight on the battlefield and off of it. It's also a story of personal transformation, growth in courage, and finding a place in the world. It's well acted and nicely assembled, one of the more agreeable and heartfelt films of the year. Universal's Blu-ray offers good video and audio but only one brief supplement. Recommended.
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