Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Mo' Better Blues Blu-ray Movie Review

A classic Spike Lee joint that must be seen

From acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, Mo' Better Blues is a drama with music at center stage. With a knockout lead performance from the great Denzel Washington (Fences, Malcolm X), Mo' Better Blues is an absorbing masterpiece which is bristling with life. Films as special as this one remind us why the cinematic arts even exist in the first place.

Bleek Gilliam (Denzel Washington) is a truly great trumpet player and his passion for music is at the forefront of his life's journey. Exploring his life through the creation of his music, Gilliam forms his own jazz band and finds success doing what he loves: playing music. With the band taking on the formidable title of The Bleek Quartet, the group plays music from the heart and soul.

The Bleek Quartet band members include an eccentric cast of characters including Shadow Henderson (Wesley Snipes) on Sax and Left Hand Lacey (Giancarlo Esposito) on Piano. The raw energy of their jazz confections is in a world of its own making. Hip band manager Giant (Spike Lee) helps lead the team and is a constant at the side of Bleek Gilliam during his journey. As the story continues to unfold, Bleek encounters difficulties with his personal romantic life getting in the way as he must confront his romantic feelings for two (very) different women: Indigo Downes (Joie Lee) and Clarke Bentancourt (Cynda Williams). Can Bleek find a balance between romantic love and his love of music?

Music. Rhythm. Life.

The performances in Mo' Better Blues help to carry the storytelling and give added weight to these roles. One of the best actors of his generation, Denzel Washington is enormously impressive in his complex role as musician Bleek Gilliam. Both the romantic undercurrents of the screenplay and the passion Bleek has for music are explored with an equal ferocity. Washington deftly balances the two sides to his character and the results are electrifying. Director Spike Lee is also a scene-stealer in his supporting part and adds a lot of energy to every scene he is in. The entire cast prove to excel in their respective parts and the film is all the more enticing because of the stellar performances.

Another exceptional element of the filmmaking is the music score composed by Bill Lee (She's Gotta Have It, School Daze). The jazz music featured in the film is outstanding and gives a cool energy that carries throughout each and every sequence. While the music is always one of the crowning highlights of a Spike Lee joint, the score for Mo' Better Blues is an example of perfect synchronicity. Outstanding.

One of the most talented American filmmakers, Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever) wrote and directed Mo' Better Blues with the filmmakers trademark sensibilities on full display: the beautiful framing of each scene (with eloquent cinematography by frequent collaborator Ernest R. Dickerson), the bursting-with-life storytelling, the outstanding music, and the unique energy that one comes to expect from a Spike Lee production are all an integral part of the experience. One of Lee's most underrated films, Mo' Better Blues is a delicious slice of cinema magic that must be consumed. Essential.

Mo' Better Blues Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Mo' Better Blues has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. This is a gorgeous transfer which preserves the amazing cinematography in all of its radiance. The print is extremely clean and free from distracting instances of dirt, scratches, and other examples of damage to the footage. The vivid use of color in the film's aesthetic is well articulated with great depth and pop to the image. I found the stylistic flourishes of the film to be romantic, hypnotic, and serene and the transfer does a solid job of presenting the visuals at their best.

Mo' Better Blues Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release has a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless audio track. The audio is sublime and is a good match to the excellent transfer. The film has wonderful music (both in regards to song selections and score). There is real oomph to the music and the rhythm of the filmmaking. There are no issues with hiss, crackle, and other potential problems. The track sounds crisp, clear, and dynamic. Dialogue is consistently easy to understand throughout the entire presentation. The music simply soars on the lossless track with its added resolution boost and as the film is such a musical statement its a joy to experience it. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Mo' Better Blues Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Critic Kameron Austin Collins

Mo' Better Blues Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:42)

The release also includes trailers for other Spike Lee releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Jungle Fever (SD, 2:37), Crooklyn (SD, 1:19), Clockers (SD, 2:28), and Summer of Sam (SD, 2:35).

Mo' Better Blues Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Mo' Better Blues is a truly fantastic film that showcases Spike Lee's abilities as a master filmmaker with a complete understanding of the craft of cinema. The storytelling is deeply involving and musical. Denzel Washington gives an outstanding performance that stands as one of his best turns throughout his impressive career. This is a gem that is downright stunning in both its execution and its creativity. Lee never strikes a wrong note in this underrated masterpiece. This is a Spike Lee Joint well worth taking.

The presentation on the release is equally excellent. The Blu-ray has a superb video-audio presentation and is well worth owning for fans of Lee. Whether it be the evocative visuals or the absorbing music, Mo' Better Blues is the type of film that takes audiences on a journey. A unique one unlike any other. Simply put: Mo' Better Blues can't be missed. Highly recommended.