On the Basis of Sex

On the Basis of Sex" shines in its Blu-ray video presentation, boasting a clear, vivid picture that enhances the film's period setting and intricate details. Captured originally at 2.8K resolution and transferred onto a 1080p format, the video quality benefits greatly from a meticulous transfer process that preserves the movie’s intended aesthetic. The visuals maintain a film-like appearance, with a detailed crispness that draws attention to the textures of period clothing, the nuanced complexity of facial expressions, and the depth of environments. The color grading employs a slightly warm palette that emphasizes bright reds and blues, particularly in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's attire, creating a striking contrast against the more subdued colors of male characters' suits. Saturation and contrast levels are consistently well-executed throughout the film, ensuring black levels are deep and skin tones remain natural and true. This results in a balanced and visually engaging presentation that does justice to the film’s dynamic set pieces and character-driven moments.

Despite the overall high-quality presentation, the Blu-ray does exhibit minor limitations noted in some sequences. Predominantly, the 2K Digital Intermediate caps the resolution potential, which becomes apparent in certain establishing shots and CGI-augmented backgrounds. Particularly in daylight scenes depicting New York City, there is a noticeable discrepancy where elements can appear unnaturally integrated or distinctly less organic than the majority of the film's live-action content. These moments, while few, slightly detract from an otherwise immersive experience by reminding viewers of the film's constructed nature. However, these aspects are minor when considering the transfer's strengths, such as its adept handling of depth and detail that lend a three-dimensional quality to many scenes.

In sum, Universal's Blu-ray release of "On the Basis of Sex" presents a commendable video quality that largely succeeds in bringing the late '60s and early '70s to vibrant life. With its filmic texture, detailed rendering of costumes and settings, and well-balanced color scheme, this release stands out as a visually pleasing experience. Though not without its small faults in resolution and CGI consistency, these do not significantly mar what is overall an exemplary home viewing presentation.

On the Basis of Sex's Blu Ray audio presentation is graced with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that shines in delivering a meticulously spacious and detailed soundstage, particularly commendable for its musical aspects. The score is given a wide berth, enabling each instrumental to shine through with exceptional clarity and richness, contributing significantly to the overall ambiance. Environmental sounds are rendered with such realism that office scenes at the ACLU become audibly vivid portraits, complete with the nuanced symphony of ringing phones, typing on typewriters, and background chatter, thereby enhancing the film's immersive quality. Dialogue, a central element given the film's narrative density, is consistently clear, precisely prioritized, and effectively anchored from the front-center, ensuring that conversations, which often unfold in acoustically challenging environments like large rooms, maintain their natural tone and intelligibility.

The audio mix deftly utilizes the DTS-HD MA 5.1 capabilities to create a rich, spacious soundscape that excels in subtle ambient effects, thereby achieving an engaging immersive quality even during the most quietly conversational scenes. Surround channels are utilized thoughtfully, adding depth without overpowering the crucial front/center dialogue balance. This ensures that even in scenes bustling with activity - be it a crowded classroom or the streets of New York - the mix remains lively and multidimensional on all sides. The scoring complements the mix well, maintaining fullness across the board. Audio levels are expertly balanced, eliminating the need for any manual adjustments during viewing. This careful attention to auditory detail not only supports but enhances the narrative, drawing viewers deeper into the film's story and emotional landscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "On the Basis of Sex" present a concise but enriching overview of the film's creation, its historical context, and the significant relationship at its core. The provided extras encompass three featurettes that delve into various aspects of the production and thematic undertones of the movie. They are relatively brief, with a direct and succinct approach that echoes promotional materials, yet they manage to encapsulate director Mimi Leder's vision, the actors’ dedication, and a substantive discussion on Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy and groundbreaking work on gender equality. Despite the absence of the much-desired RBG documentary, which could have added profound value, the available content, including A Movies Anywhere digital copy and an embossed slipcover, offers viewers a glimpse behind the scenes and an appreciation for the real-life figures portrayed.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Supreme Team: Making On the Basis of Sex: Director Mimi Leder discusses her approach and the cast's performances.
• Legacy of Justice: Examines Ginsburg's historic contributions.
• Martin and Ruth: A Loving Partnership: Explores the impactful relationship between Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her husband.

On the Basis of Sex" traverses the formative years of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s (Felicity Jones) ascent to becoming a pioneering figure in championing gender equality. Highlighting her time at Harvard Law School, where she was a standout student despite confronting overt sexism, to her struggles finding employment as a lawyer due to her gender, the film encapsulates Ginsburg’s early battles with a system rigged against her. When her husband Martin (Armie Hammer) becomes ill, she takes on his workload in addition to her own, showcasing her resilience and dedication. However, despite graduating top of her class from Columbia, the male-dominated legal profession denies her career opportunities, pushing her towards academia and inadvertently setting the stage for her landmark gender discrimination cases.

Despite its noble intentions and Felicity Jones’s compelling portrayal of Ginsburg, the film suffers from predictability and a lack of dramatic depth that fails to fully capture the significance of Ginsburg's achievements. The narrative is straightforward, often sidelining the potential for more nuanced exploration of its subject's struggles and triumphs. It falls into the trap of biopic conveniences, where challenges are swiftly overcome, diluting the impact of Ginsburg’s real-life adversities and victories. The performances, notably by Jones and Hammer, are strong but are let down by a script that skims the surface of deeper issues.

The film's portrayal of Ginsburg’s early career is commendable for its focus on her groundbreaking work in gender discrimination law, including the notable case advocating for a man denied a tax deduction for caregiving—a clever tact to underscore the universal impact of gender bias. However, it lacks the raw authenticity and complexity that characterizes Ginsburg's legacy. While "On the Basis of Sex" serves as an introductory glance at Ginsburg's trailblazing journey, it barely scratches the surface, opting for a more sanitized and formulaic recounting that ultimately undersells the profound challenges and accomplishments of its remarkable subject.

On the Basis of Sex," aiming to chronicle the early career and struggles of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, presents a meticulously crafted narrative that, while earnest in its depiction of Ginsburg's fight for fairness, occasionally dips into the realms of predictability and lacks a distinctive creative spark. Felicity Jones's dedicated performance as Ginsburg shines brightly, lending credibility and depth to the portrayal, yet the film itself treads along a familiar path without venturing into new cinematic territories. It's competently executed with high production values and solid performances across the board but misses an opportunity to invigorate the biopic genre with a fresh perspective or an imaginative approach.

The technical presentation of the Blu-ray release by Universal is commendable, featuring high-end video and audio quality that enhances the viewing experience. However, the supplemental materials included with the Blu-ray feel underwhelming, limited to just three short featurettes, which seems a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the historical context and making of the film. For aficionados of high-quality home cinema presentations, the Blu-ray offers a satisfactory viewing experience, albeit with a scant offering of extras.

In conclusion, while "On the Basis of Sex" serves as a passable entertainment piece that highlights an important chapter in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life, it ultimately feels like a safe venture that lacks the dramatic intensity and educational depth some viewers may seek. The Blu-ray edition offers superior audio-visual quality, making it worth considering for home theaters but falls short in providing a comprehensive or insightful look into Ginsburg's legacy or the film's creative process. For those seeking to explore Ginsburg's impact, this release might merit a rental, particularly for fans of historical dramas and performances by Felicity Jones.