Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

W. Blu-ray Movie Review

This controversial portrait of a polarizing President comes to Blu-ray.

Reviewed by Ben Williams February 2, 2009

Throughout the history of the United States of America, there have only been a handful of Presidents who have managed to achieve the dual levels of both vilification and adoration experienced by George W. Bush, while still in office. Perhaps it’s fitting that such a polarizing figure would end up as the latest in a series of politically-charged films from often controversial Director, Oliver Stone. When word leaked out about his new film, W., right-wingers cried foul while left-wingers were left in anticipation of a scathing film that would finally present the world with their case against the still-sitting President. It’s safe to say at this point that both groups couldn’t have been more wrong. Instead, Stone delivered a film that was an even-handed and remarkably sympathetic look into possible and probable events in the President's past that potentially shaped him into the controversial figure he is today. For better or for worse, W. is a film that forces its audience to take a step back and reconsider, for a moment, the possibility that George W. Bush might not be exactly who they think he is - - regardless of any pre-conceived politics or, more specifically, opinions of the man.

It's state of the union time...

W. tells the story of George W. Bush’s (Josh Brolin) difficult and unlikely ascent into American politics. As the child of a prominent political and business-oriented family, Bush’s early life was one of privilege and disappointment as he attended the finest schools, ran in the highest of social circles, yet seemed to lack the desire for the level of achievement that had been a hallmark of his father’s life. Bush was the dark horse of his family and had taken to the rough and tumble antics of his adopted home of Midland, Texas. He coasted through life until experiencing a startling transformation that placed his sights on the family business: politics. The film flashes between Bush’s early life and his first term in office; oftentimes offering keen insight into his motivations and desires. W. is a film that allows the audience to judge for themselves.

I have to admit to being surprised by W.. It’s a compelling and expertly acted film that doesn’t try to hit viewers over the head with assumptions and judgment calls. Josh Brolin embodies the President so completely that he simply becomes the man after only a few minutes of screen time. That’s a lofty achievement considering that the nuances of Bush’s speech and demeanor are as familiar to most people as are their own. The film offers an amazing cast, some more effective in their roles than others, but still remarkably convincing. Special notice must be given to Elizabeth Banks for her uncanny portrayal of Laura Bush and Thandie Newton for being an absolute dead-ringer for Condoleeza Rice. Both performances are astounding. Ultimately, though, this is Brolin’s film and he carries it with a sense of purpose and authority while never stooping to caricature.

I think the biggest issue most viewers will experience with W. is that it makes a point of not making a statement. For those dreaming of a film where Bush is crucified on the world stage and made to look like a bumbling fool, this isn’t that film. Those wishful thinkers out there who longed for Oliver Stone to craft a glowing portrait of a perfect man with an inspiring origin story will also be disappointed. W. simply presents the supposed facts of Bush’s life preceding his presidency, in a matter of fact way; never making a point to point a finger or emphasize a characteristic, be it positive or negative. All the film’s information is there for the viewer to digest in whatever manner they choose to.

W. made an impact on me as a showcase of restraint. I heartily recommend the film to Bush bashers, Bush supporters and even those who really don’t care. Perhaps none of its content is factual; maybe every bit is absolutely true. Either way, we’ll never know for sure, but W. will stand the test of time as a film that attempted, as fairly as possible, to figure George W. Bush out.

W. Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

W. was filmed on a fairly low budget; a fact that is noticeable in its video quality. While the film doesn't look cheap by any means, it doesn't even begin to approach the glossier and more stylized look of Mr. Stone's previous Presidential films, Nixon and JFK. Rather, W. has the look and feel of a grittier indie film with ample grain and a more naturalistic approach to cinematography. Director of Photography Phedon Papmichael's quasi-documentary-like photography has been transferred to Blu-ray in full 1080p; utilizing the AVC Mpeg-4 compression codec while retaining the film's theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1.

Having seen W. theatrically, I can confirm that this Blu-ray disc accurately reproduces the film's overall appearance. Colors are generally muted, though splashes of more vivid color are featured as the film switches between Bush's early life and his days in the White House. Contrast is about average and black levels are mostly stable with the occasional crushed scene. Detail is also about average and never quite achieves the levels that are reached on the best Blu-ray transfers. Of course, W. looks precisely as it should and any attempt at increasing detail or altering the color palette would simply render the film in a manner inconsistent with what was intended while adding unwanted picture anomalies. As it stands, W. is what it is on Blu-ray. Recommended.

W. Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There's not much to work with on the audio side of W.. It's a completely dialogue- driven affair with little surround activity or dimensionality. Fortunately, Lionsgate has still given the film the full lossless DTS HD-Master Audio treatment and has therefore guaranteed that this Blu-ray edition is as true to the source as possible. As one would hope, dialogue is expertly rendered while never shrill or incomprehensible. Paul Cantelon's original score anchors the audio presentation in the front three channels by providing a nice stereo soundstage that frames the film's center channel dialogue. There were occasional rear-fill elements to the mix that opened the soundstage up just a hair, but nothing terribly noticeable. W. sounds as it should on Blu-ray; just don't expect much excitement from this track.

W. Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Here's what's included:

- Audio commentary with Director Oliver Stone
- "Dangerous Dynasty: The Bush Presidency"
- "No Stranger to Controversy: Oliver Stone's George W. Bush"
- Deleted Scenes

W. comes to Blu-ray with a small but effective collection of extras. Oliver Stone provides the best supplement of the set with his feature length commentary track. Stone is a passionate guy and it is clear that he took an even-handed approach on W.. "Dangerous Dynasty: The Bush Presidency" presents interviews with political experts that explore the divisive nature of George W. Bush's administration. It's a very pointed and partisan documentary that will likely delight Bush's detractors while annoying his supporters. Next, "No Stranger to Controversy: Oliver Stone's George W. Bush" presents a behind the scenes look into the production of W.. It's more of a puff piece than anything else, but it does manage to include a few informative interviews with members of the cast and crew. Finally, a number of throwaway deleted scenes are included.

W. Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Oliver Stone's W. is a fascinating portrait into the possible personal history of one of the United States' most controversial Presidents. The film explores George W. Bush's presidency and past without stooping to mockery or grand hyperbole. Perhaps that's why the film didn't perform as well as expected at the box office this past year. Bush haters were probably disappointed that the film didn't skewer the President; his supporters likely felt that the movie was mostly fiction. In spite of any perceived political agenda present within the production, the film is incredibly entertaining and will doubtlessly inspire numerous heated debates between friends and family members. Lionsgate presents W. in a manner true to the film's theatrical exhibition by delivering both the video and audio as faithfully as possible. Supplements are limited while still being interesting. It's not a surprise that as a film, W. was both hailed and blasted by critics and audiences, much like the President himself. Regardless of one's own political affiliations, W. is worth checking out. Recommended.