Becoming Jane

Disney's release of 'Becoming Jane' on Blu-ray offers an exceptional 1080p high definition presentation that strikingly enhances the visual style of the period drama. The image quality is impeccable, boasting an impressive level of detail that immediately captures the viewer's attention. From the textures of Jane Austen's writing paper to the nuanced appearances of everyday objects, the clarity and authenticity in these visuals are truly remarkable. The color palette, while not overly vivid, is beautifully presented with refined and pleasant hues, particularly in scenes illuminated by natural sunlight, which showcase a mesmerizing clarity and life-like quality. Flesh tones are rendered with exceptional accuracy, devoid of any unnatural shades, contributing to the overall naturalistic and warm texture of the film.

However, the transfer is not without its flaws. Despite the generally splendid visual quality, there are occasional issues with inconsistent black levels and contrast. Some scenes exhibit blacks that appear overly bright rather than achieving the depth of true inky blackness found in the best transfers. This inconsistency can detract from the viewing experience, as it leads to fluctuating brightness and contrast levels that seem to have a mind of their own. Additionally, a slight amount of noise can be detected in wide solid areas, along with instances where shadow delineation flattens due to over-brightness, though these defects are minor and infrequent.

Overall, Disney's Blu-ray presentation of 'Becoming Jane' is visually stunning for the most part, offering a high-definition experience that complements the film's aesthetic beautifully. The excellent detail, accurate flesh tones, and refined color palette contribute to a transfer that is largely effective in bringing the naturalistic and gentle visual style of the film to life. Despite minor setbacks with black levels and occasional noise, this Blu-ray remains a noteworthy achievement in home cinema presentation.

The audio presentation of "Becoming Jane" on Blu Ray is served with an unblemished PCM 5.1 uncompressed audio track, which, while not plunging into the bombastic or audaciously dynamic territories of some contemporary cinema, delivers a notably refined, realistic, and engaging auditory experience. This soundtrack marvelously captures the essence and setting of the film, enveloping listeners in a rich tapestry of ambient sounds—from the rustling of leaves and distant cow moos to the crisp clang of a bell or the definitive slam of a gavel. These elements of sound design, often overlooked in other productions, are rendered with exceptional clarity and naturalism here. Moreover, Adrian Johnston's musical score is reproduced with both pleasantness and potency, lending a substantial emotive layer to the narrative without overshadowing the equally excellent dialogue, which remains clear and centered throughout.

Accompanying the main audio track is an uncompressed PCM 5.1 Surround mix (48kHz/24-bit), augmented by French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround dubs, and supported by English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles. This setup might suggest a front-heavy mix focused primarily on dialogue—typical for a literary drama—yet it surprises with its warm and spacious dynamic range. The mix skillfully utilizes ambient sounds and music cues to build a lush, immersive environment, especially effective in the film’s many outdoor scenes. The score subtly enhances the low-end frequencies, offering more depth than one might anticipate from such a genteel film, while maintaining crispness and sparkle in the treble registers. Dialogue clarity is pristine, ensuring that every word is conveyed as intended. While the audio presentation of "Becoming Jane" may not overwhelm with spectacle, it impeccably complements the film's tone and aesthetic, making for a highly satisfying listening experience.

The "Becoming Jane" Blu-ray edition caters to Austen enthusiasts and film fans alike, offering a decent suite of extras despite lacking in thoroughness. The highlight comes from the audio commentary featuring director Julian Jarrold, writer Kevin Hood, and producer Robert Bernstein, offering mixed insights from engaging storytelling to mundane scene narrations. Thirteen deleted scenes provide interesting albeit non-essential additions to the narrative, suitable for those curious about what didn't make the final cut. The "Discovering the Real Jane Austen" featurette, while presenting itself as an exploration into Austen's life, ends up being more of a standard behind-the-scenes look, supplemented with interviews and film snippets. The inclusion of 'Becoming Jane' Pop-Up Facts enhances the viewing experience with fascinating historical and cinematic trivia. Despite some content falling short of expectations, these extras collectively enrich the Blu-ray release, notably for those fascinated by the film's creative process and historical context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful, yet inconsistent commentary with director, writer, and producer.
• Deleted Scenes: Thirteen scenes shedding light on the Austen family and comedic elements.
• Discovering the Real Jane Austen: A behind-the-scenes featurette focusing on the film's genesis rather than Austen's biography.
• 'Becoming Jane' Pop-Up Facts and Footnotes: Trivia track providing interesting historical and film-related facts.
• Theatrical Trailers: Trailers for ‘Enchanted,’ ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ and ‘Wall•E.’

"Becoming Jane," a cinematic exploration into the life of the iconic author Jane Austen, delivers a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience on Blu-ray. Centering on the budding novelist Jane Austen, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, the film delves into her encounters with societal expectations and romantic entanglements that echo the themes of her future literary works. While the movie weaves a narrative that might seem familiar—set against the picturesque backdrop of 18th century England—it stands out for its exploration of Austen's early defiance against conventional norms. Her journey from a young woman pressured by familial obligations to marry for wealth into a passionate writer determined to marry for love encapsulates a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates well beyond its period setting.

The film benefits greatly from its lead performances, with Hathaway bringing a spirited and nuanced portrayal of Austen, and James McAvoy as Tom Lefroy providing the right mix of charm and complexity. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, elevating the romantic storyline above its predictable arc. Supporting performances, notably from Julie Walters and James Cromwell as Austen's parents, enrich the narrative with depth and authenticity. The production values are equally commendable; the costume design, set decorations, and especially Adrian Johnston's evocative score, all contribute to an immersive period atmosphere that is both beautiful and thoughtfully rendered.

However, "Becoming Jane" does not evade criticism for its somewhat simplified portrayal of Austen's life and complexities. While it succeeds in crafting a visually appealing and entertaining narrative, some might argue it lacks the ambition to fully explore the intricacies of Austen's character and the societal critiques prevalent in her works. Despite this, the film stands as a lovingly crafted homage to Austen’s legacy, offering enough wit, romance, and aesthetic beauty to engage both enthusiasts of her novels and newcomers to her story. Overall, "Becoming Jane" on Blu-ray presents a compelling watch that, though it may not delve deep into the author's profound observations of her era, provides a captivating glimpse into what might have shaped one of literature's most enduring voices.

"Becoming Jane" on Blu-ray emerges as a compelling choice for viewers captivated by the life and times of Jane Austen, albeit with a romantic spin somewhat detached from historical rigor. This portrayal manages to enchant, primarily due to the lush representation of turn-of-the-century England, offering a visually stunning background that might just outshine the narrative itself for those with a keen eye for historical detail. The Blu-ray edition enhances this experience, boasting near-perfect video quality that brings the rich textures and colors of the period to life with an exceptional clarity that likely surpasses standard viewing formats. Moreover, the audio quality complements the visual splendor with a very satisfying auditory experience, enveloping viewers in the world of Austen with both finesse and authenticity.

The supplemental package included with this Blu-ray disc adds another layer of appeal, extending the value beyond the film's runtime. For enthusiasts of the period, or for those seeking to dive deeper into Austen's world beyond her written words, these extras provide a substantial bonus. Yet, despite its strengths, "Becoming Jane" might not captivate every viewer in the same manner. While it stands out as a must-see for aficionados of period films and admirers of Jane Austen's work, looking for a less stuffy and more accessible entry into her life and inspirations, it may not hold universal appeal.

In conclusion, "Becoming Jane" on Blu-ray is a noteworthy addition to the collection of anyone who cherishes Jane Austen's legacy or has an affection for beautifully crafted period pieces. Its exceptional video and audio presentation, coupled with a satisfactory array of supplemental content, makes it an engaging way to explore the romantic fantasies that could have influenced one of English literature's most beloved authors. While it may not convert skeptics into Austenites, for those already inclined towards her genre, it represents an enjoyable and visually striking viewing experience.