7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.1 |
A teenager in Memphis, whose father was murdered and whose mother was a crack addict, is shuffled through the public school system, despite his low grade point average and absenteeism. But his tremendous size and quickness attracts the interest of a wealthy couple who take him in and groom him both athletically and academically to become one of the top high-school football prospects in the country.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Lily CollinsComedy | 100% |
Sport | 33% |
Biography | 22% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy (on disc)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Never mind whether Sandra Bullock deserved to take home a Best Actress statue at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, somehow besting Carey Mulligan's spectacular turn in An Education and newcomer Gabourey Sidibe's raw, gut-punch performance in Precious. Her memorable portrayal of tough-as-nails Memphis belle Leigh Anne Tuohy, NFL lineman Michael Oher's blond-locked savior, is more nuanced than filmfans might expect. That being said, The Blind Side is exactly what I expected: an overtly sentimental, manipulative tearjerker that buffs and polishes Oher's moving story so much that it fails to ring as true as its most ardent cheerleaders would have genre cynics believe. Don't get me wrong, it preaches a valuable sermon and works well within its established parameters, but I found myself rolling my eyes far more often than wiping them. Bullock's work, though impressive, only highlights her castmates' ungainly wooden performances; writer/director John Lee Hancock's by-the-numbers script, though derived from pure intentions, often panders to the lowest common denominator; and Quinton Aaron's breakout role, though affecting, presents a character that's a bit more John Coffey than... well, Michael Oher.
"The left tackle's job is to protect the quarterback from what he can't see coming."
Twice-baked in the heat of a sweltering Tennessee summer, The Blind Side's 1080p/VC-1 transfer is an able-bodied beaut, even if Alar Kivilo's matter-of-fact cinematography is burdened with oversaturated skintones and overcooked contrast. Bold primaries demand attention, striking greens breathe life into the Briarcrest grounds, and exceedingly rich black levels grant the picture punch. Whether Bullock is staring down a weary offensive line during a tough practice or visiting the impoverished areas of her community, Warner's presentation remains strong and stable, ever faithful to Hancock's intentions. Detail is a bit inconsistent on occasion -- a series of comparatively soft shots prove to be distractions, and poorly lit scenes are hindered by weak delineation -- but the majority of the film looks great. Textures, particularly in tight closeups, are sharp and refined, definition is clean and crisp, and overall clarity is impressive throughout. Moreover, anomalies like artifacting and source noise don't invade the proceedings, and crush, though a persistent issue, only becomes a notable problem during a handful of sequences. The Blind Side's transfer isn't going to draw a crowd or snap any necks, but it will satisfy the film's fans... if they can actually see what it has to offer through those teary eyes.
While Warner's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track isn't going to win any awards either, it's still a technically proficient mix that handles the film's overeager sound design and Carter Burwell's heartstring score with ease. Be it a quiet exchange or an impassioned debate, dialogue is warm and intelligible (albeit a tad bright at times), and prioritization is measured and precise. Likewise, LFE output lends welcome oomph to every tackle, weight to every first-down tussle, and presence to every stadium crowd. The rear speakers hold their own as well, enveloping the listener in Oher's on-field and off-field drama with convincing interior acoustics and immersive ambient effects. Take note of the background chatter that frequents the Briarcrest campus, and the sideline chaos that erupts after a successful play. Notice the tonal differences between the spacious Tuohy abode and the confines of a troubled woman's dilapidated apartment; the tenor of a voice in the brisk night air and during a sweaty midday practice. You won't be fooled into believing a mammoth offensive lineman has stumbled into your home theater, but you will feel much, much closer to the football field than anyone who picks up the disc's DVD counterpart. All things considered, The Blind Side almost escapes the pull of its somewhat pedestrian sound design, and delivers a dependable lossless experience worthy of its subject matter.
The Blu-ray edition of The Blind Side arrives with an hour of special features, the majority of which do little more than skim the surface of Oher's life and Hancock's adaptation. Don't get me wrong, the material on hand is certainly appreciated, but I was hoping for a more candid and extensive supplemental package.
Even though The Blind Side drew a few tears, I had a hard time investing in its one-dimensional portrayal of the Tuohys and their Briarcrest boyscouts, connecting with Aaron's gentle giant, and allowing Hancock to have a ham-fisted go at my heartstrings. A high-dollar Hallmark film through and through, I remain decidedly unimpressed. The Blu-ray edition is a bit better -- it offers an excellent video transfer and an upright DTS-HD Master Audio track -- but its succinct, hour-long supplemental package leaves a lot to be desired. Ultimately, anyone who enjoys The Blind Side will be more than happy to part with their hard-earned cash. But newcomers should stick with a rental until they determine whether Hancock's sappy adaptation is worthy of their affection.
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Mastered in 4K
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35th Anniversary Edition
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