Jobs

The Blu-ray presentation of "Jobs" showcases a mostly impressive high-definition video quality with the film being offered in a VC-1 encoded 1080p transfer and an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The image clarity ranges from sharp and vivid to slightly subdued in its portrayal of different time periods, from the 1960s to more contemporary settings. Despite a generally muted color palette that might not always capture the eye, the video manages to portray the period-specific aesthetics effectively, providing a clear and refined image. The Arri Alexa shot feature delivers a sleek and high-definition image expected of the format, although it occasionally lacks visual pop due to somewhat monochromatic set designs and an odd orange-amber tint applied to several scenes via post-production tweaks.

While the film's visual presentation benefits from strong contrast and black levels, ensuring no significant compression artifacts, it exhibits fluctuating black levels alongside some artificial grain introduced to add texture to specific scenes. This approach contributes to the film's overall visual style, complementing the low-level lighting used throughout. Despite these fluctuations, the detail resolution is commendable, revealing fine textures in various scenes with a good depth of field noted in exterior shots. These elements combined assure that the video quality is largely admirable and technically competent.

However, the visual style of "Jobs" might not fully resonate with expectations considering its high-tech subject matter and Steve Jobs' famed emphasis on aesthetic beauty. Some design choices, such as the intentionally bland looking sets and color grading decisions leading to a slightly basic television look in parts, might detract from the immersive experience. Nonetheless, when the presentation breaks away from its restrained color scheme in outdoor sequences or certain key moments, it offers richer, more varied visuals that hint at what could have been. Overall, this Blu-ray video presentation stands as a solid effort that effectively captures the essence of the narrative periods, despite some stylistic choices that might raise debates about its visual impact.

The audio presentation of "Jobs" on Blu Ray is served with a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that delivers a sound experience that is both robust and nuanced. Engaging from the start, the audio mix boasts a dynamic range where highs are crisp and dialogue is clear, maintaining fidelity throughout without edginess. The soundstage exhibits excellent separation, creating an immersive atmosphere with well-articulated details. Ambient sounds, including wind and traffic, alongside classic rock tracks and the original score, are spread out with great precision, offering a textured backdrop that enhances the viewing experience significantly.

The audio does a commendable job in preserving the tonal expression and depth, especially through the center channel, ensuring that dialogue cuts through with room-penetrating clarity. Although described as front-heavy, moments of discrete directionality and solid surround activity underline the mix's capability to create a more enveloping environment. From crowded scenes to the tranquility of outdoor settings, the mix manages to capture a good sense of atmosphere without overpowering the film's narrative with its soundtrack, despite occasionally bordering on the overbearing with its musical score.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio track adeptly supports the source elements with an adequately punchy bass response, contributing to a satisfyingly immersive viewing experience. Although not the most immersive track available, it demonstrates considerable effort in creating a sound design that complements the storytelling of "Jobs". With no technical flaws to note and an overall solid performance, it ensures that dialogue is always front and center—full-bodied and free from imbalance—while seamlessly integrating environmental effects and music to bolster the film's character and setting.

The Blu-ray edition of "Jobs" presents an array of extras that offers fans a glimpse behind the scenes, albeit with a blend of substance and promotional fluff. The standout piece is the feature-length audio commentary by director Joshua Michael Stern, who provides an engaging and insightful view into the making of the film, filling the gaps left by the screenplay and offering a deeper understanding of the portrayed events. The various HD featurettes range in quality and depth, from the too-brief "Ashton Kutcher is Steve Jobs," which skates on the surface of Kutcher's portrayal, to the slightly more informative "Jobs: Behind the Score," where composer John Debney discusses his inspirations and methodology. While the deleted scenes add a bit more context to Jobs' personal life, they are ultimately too short to significantly impact viewer understanding of the film. The extras package is a mixed bag, catering more to enthusiasts of the film rather than providing a comprehensive or revelatory exploration of Steve Jobs' legacy or the film's production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Three additional scenes that give more insight into Jobs' relationship challenges.
• Ashton Kutcher is Steve Jobs: A brief look at Kutcher's approach to embodying Steve Jobs, with comments from the cast and crew.
• The Legacy of Steve Jobs: A short featurette focusing on the impact of Jobs' work, featuring film clips and interviews.
• Jobs: Behind the Score: Composer John Debney discusses his work on the film's score.
• Feature Length Audio Commentary: Director Joshua Michael Stern provides detailed commentary on the film, its production, and its depiction of real-life events.
• Bonus DVD: Additional content in DVD format.
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy: A digital version of the film for portable devices.

"Jobs," the biopic focusing on the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, dives into the turbulent journey of an innovator whose vision forever altered the landscape of technology. Through a narrative that begins in the pivotal moment of 2001 with the unveiling of the iPod, the film ambitiously attempts to chart the highs and lows of Jobs' life, from his early days in college to his tumultuous times at Reed and ultimately, his legendary partnership with Steve Wozniak. Herein unfolds the story of a revolution sparked by unwavering determination and creative genius, framing Jobs as a trailblazer who stood at the forefront of technological evolution.

However, despite its grand ambitions and Ashton Kutcher's surprisingly committed portrayal of Jobs, which captures both his pioneering spirit and complex personality, the movie struggles to delve beneath the surface. Its depiction often feels cursory, glossing over pivotal moments and motivations with a simplicity that fails to convey the depth of Jobs' character or the intricacies of his professional and personal challenges. The narrative structure, marked by its chronological leaps and transitions, at times feels disjointed, leaving audiences desiring a more cohesive exploration of how Jobs' early influences, including his time at Reed College, shaped his innovations and leadership at Apple.

The film presents a visually polished account of Jobs' journey, from his hippie days to the zenith of his career, yet it regrettably skirts around the deeper exploration of his inner workings and personal life. While it successfully highlights the technological milestones and entrepreneurial spirit that defined Jobs, it falls short in offering a poignant or comprehensive look at the man behind the legend. Critically, "Jobs" ends up as a reflection of unmet potential—a narrative that captures the outline of its subject's monumental life but leaves much of the emotional and psychological complexity unexplored. This homage to innovation and resilience, much like a first-generation product, provides a foundation but leaves room for a more refined and insightful iteration in future portrayals.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Jobs," a film chronicling the life of Steve Jobs and his journey with Apple, offers a straightforward yet surface-level exploration into the man behind the tech empire. Despite Ashton Kutcher's commendable performance and an inherently compelling subject matter, the film struggles to move beyond a cursory glance at Jobs' achievements and personal trials. Script and direction shortcomings aside, the technical quality of the Blu-ray release stands out. With Universal behind its distribution, viewers are treated to exceptional video clarity and a satisfactory audio experience, enhancing the overall viewing pleasure. The inclusion of a commentary track adds a layer of depth, providing insights that the film itself may lack. However, additional supplements fail to impress, offering little beyond basic information.

On the equipment front, the review utilized an impressive array of technology to assess the Blu-ray's presentation quality. The test setup included a JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector, expertly calibrated and paired with a Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 and a Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System for optimal visual fidelity. Audio reproduction was handled by a high-end Marantz AV8801 Audio/Video Processor and complemented by Sherbourn and B&K amplifiers, ensuring a rich and immersive soundstage. The Oppo BDP-103D Blu-ray player, renowned for its Darbee video processing, ensured exceptional picture quality, further elevating the "Jobs" viewing experience. This meticulous setup underscores the Blu-ray's strengths in video and audio presentation, making it clear that while the film may not delve deeply into its subject matter, its technical delivery is beyond reproach.

In conclusion, while "Jobs" as a film doesn't fully capture the complexity of its titular subject, the Blu-ray release shines in its technical execution. The outstanding video quality and solid audio mix, combined with a notably engaging commentary track, make this release a worthwhile consideration for those seeking an introduction to Steve Jobs' story. However, viewers desiring a more nuanced exploration might find the film's approach too cursory. Despite this, the Blu-ray serves as a testament to the capabilities of home cinema technology, bringing the best possible presentation of the film into viewers' homes.