6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
When a music scholar and the protective widow of an acclaimed singer collaborate on a book, their stormy partnership blossoms into an unexpected connection.
Starring: Rebecca Hall, Jason Sudeikis, Dianna Agron, Blythe Danner, Richard MasurRomance | 100% |
Comedy | 45% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Music | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Director Sean Mewshaw's debut feature film Tumbledown, written by Desiree Van Til, breaks several molds and challenges genre complacency by refusing to give in to manufactured emotion and humor, choosing instead to focus on real life struggles and the human condition that juxtaposes linear forward progression with the difficulty of leaving the past behind. The movie focuses more on heart and spirit than it does light and fluffy humor, weaving the latter into the former as the film naturally develops, as antagonists find a common ground in the past and a way forward for the future. That said, there are no revolutionary ideas, but where the movie finds its success is in its core honesty, its ability to finely paint a picture of what it means to live, a process that treasures the past, exists in the moment, and looks hopefully to the future.
The widow.
Tumbledown's 1080p transfer isn't the most attractive to ever grace a Blu-ray disc, but it's pleasantly serviceable in every regard. The digital source photography is a clear step below the upper echelon of big budget studio productions, favoring a fairly flat and bland canvas that conveys the basics with plenty of horsepower but not a lot of serious, filmic muscle. Raw detailing is generally fine, particularly all sorts of lovely old wooden textures and older vehicle wear and rust. Rustic Maine attire reveals enough intimate detailing to get a sense of the finer textures, and faces showcase a healthy level of raw intimacy on every character. Colors are neither flashy nor dull, favoring a capable middle ground that allows the most impactful objects, like the old red pickup truck, to stand apart from the crowd. Black levels push to crush and noise, usually mild but sometimes moderate that borders on severe, intrudes for the duration. No other serious technical hangups are evident. Overall, this is good, though unassuming, presentation from Anchor Bay.
Tumbledown features a straightforward, practically no-frills Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The movie's sound design is inherently unremarkable. Dialogue dominates the experience, and Anchor Bay's track allows it to flow with a natural command of the front-center portion of the soundstage. Both prioritization and clarity are fine. The track dabbles in very light ambience. Crackling fires and minor traffic around town are the highlights, with the latter offering a few interesting bursts as horns honk around the stage during an early key moment. Music is largely defined by a couple of songs that play in a dance club later in the movie. The presentation doesn't stretch much beyond the front channels, but instrumental and lyrical clarity are good, and a well-rounded low end support element elevates a Hip-Hop song.
Tumbledown contains two bonus features.
Tumbledown gently weaves together human drama and mild RomCom characteristics in a movie that's touching and meaningful. The script is smart, the performances are terrific, and the direction is capably smooth. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray yields adequate video and audio. Two extras are included. Recommended.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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