Extraordinary Measures

Sony once again reinforces its reputation for providing exemplary video transfers in its Blu-ray releases with "Extraordinary Measures." The movie's presentation in 1080p with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio showcases an almost impeccable Blu-ray experience. A subtle layer of grain across the transfer enhances the cinematic feel, meticulously preserving the film-like texture without falling prey to common digital issues such as scratches or specks. Moreover, the color palette is vibrant and well-balanced, ensuring that no colors feel out of place or overly processed. The attention to detail in both the high-definition clarity and color accuracy contributes to a visually appealing experience.

The level of detail in "Extraordinary Measures" is notable, with every aspect of the on-screen environment, from the intricate patterns on clothing to the natural surroundings and interior decors of the Crowley family home, being presented with remarkable clarity. This is further complemented by a judicious use of noise reduction techniques, which ensures that the fine texturing of objects and settings is not lost. Blacks are deep and consistent, supporting scenes with profound darkness without losing detail, while flesh tones typically appear natural, albeit with occasional, minor deviations.

Despite a few minor instances of banding and some sporadically soft shots that slightly mar an otherwise pristine transfer, Sony's presentation remains top-tier. It might not dazzle in the same manner as more visually oriented films, particularly animations, yet it offers a clean, authentic replication of the movie theater experience for home audiences. This release stands as a testament to Sony's commitment to high-quality Blu-ray presentations, making it a commendable addition to any Blu-ray aficionado's collection seeking a faithful film-like experience.

The audio presentation for "Extraordinary Measures" on Blu Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is both clear and clean, reflecting a high level of audio fidelity that audiences will certainly appreciate. The dialogue, which is central to this drama, is presented with exceptional clarity, ensuring every word is heard without any distractions or distortions. The treatment of music within the audio mix is tastefully done, with the film's score and selected rock tracks by Stonehill possessing a decent sense of spatial distribution, primarily confined to the front channels. However, it's worth noting that the soundtrack does not extensively utilize the rear channels, limiting the immersive experience mainly to ambient effects in certain scenes and maintaining a front-heavy soundscape.

In specific scenes set outdoors in Nebraska, the soundtrack subtly adds atmospheric sounds that enhance the setting without overpowering the dialogue or music. One of the audio track's standout moments is the realistic and dynamic sound of helicopter rotors cutting through the air, demonstrating the track's capacity to deliver impactful sound effects when required, albeit occasionally. The low-frequency effects are present but not overly aggressive, adhering to the film's primarily dialogue-driven narrative rather than seeking to overwhelm with bass.

While "Extraordinary Measures" may not be an audio showcase in terms of aggressive surround sound or deep bass content, the Blu Ray's DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack succeeds in delivering a satisfying auditory experience that complements the film’s nature. It maintains a professional and direct sound design philosophy, focusing on clarity and naturalness, especially in conveying the critical dialogues. The technical execution ensures the audio serves the story without unnecessary embellishments, making it a commendable aspect of this Blu Ray presentation.

The Blu Ray of "Extraordinary Measures" presents a modest but enriching set of extras that delve deeper into the real-life narrative and behind-the-scenes efforts. Commencing with "Meet John Crowley," viewers are introduced to the profound impact of Pompe's disease and the real individuals who inspired the film. This is complemented by "Extraordinary Measures: The Power to Overcome," a standard yet insightful behind-the-scenes featurette, offering a blend of cast and crew interviews interwoven with cinematic excerpts. Also noteworthy is the assortment of nine deleted scenes, enhancing the narrative's depth. Furthermore, the disc extends its interactivity through BD-Live functionality and MovieIQ connectivity, alongside a selection of trailers for related films, although the presentation quality of these trailers is inconsistent.

Extras included in this disc:

• Meet John Crowley: Introduction to Pompe's disease and the real-life inspiration for the film.
• Extraordinary Measures: The Power to Overcome: Behind-the-scenes look featuring cast and crew.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of nine scenes which didn't make the final cut.
• BD-Live Functionality: Interactive feature allowing access to additional online content.
• MovieIQ Connectivity: Offers real-time information on the film's cast, music, trivia, and more.

"Extraordinary Measures" isn't seeking to break new cinematic ground but rather delivers a stirring narrative set against the backdrop of a desperate search for a cure to Pompe's Disease, affecting the children of John and Aileen Crowley. At its core, the film resonates deeply on an emotional level, tapping effectively into the collective consciousness of its audience with a story built on love, determination, and the relentless pursuit of hope against towering odds. Central to its narrative are the Crowley children, whose battle with a fatal condition brings an urgency and emotional depth that could easily turn maudlin but instead feels earnest and true thanks to careful storytelling and genuine performances.

The film, though predictable in its outcome to those acquainted with the genre, dives into the emotional and procedural intricacies involved in bringing a theoretical drug from the lab to the patients in dire need. This journey is augmented by a commendable ensemble led by Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford, with Fraser giving a grounded portrayal of a father's desperation and Ford returning to form as the gruff yet brilliant scientist. Yet, it is Meredith Droeger who steals the limelight with her heartrending performance as Megan, infusing the narrative with innocence and resilience. The film adeptly juggles scientific dialogue and corporate red tape, portraying them as formidable but not insurmountable obstacles, hence reinforcing the theme of perseverance.

While "Extraordinary Measures" may stumble through its middle act with a focus on scientific jargon and bureaucratic hurdles, it is this very realism that lends the film its credibility. By refusing to gloss over the complexities involved in medical innovation, it achieves a more impactful emotional resonance. Overall, the movie not only entertains but also educates its viewers about Pompe's disease and the real-life challenges in finding cures for rare conditions, making it a potent albeit conventional feel-good motion picture experience that heralds the triumph of human spirit and familial love.

"Extraordinary Measures" stands as a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry into the realm of feel-good cinema. Though it may not redefine the genre, it surely makes its mark through compelling storytelling and remarkable performances, particularly from Brendan Fraser and Meredith Droeger. Their authentic portrayal of desperation and hope brings a remarkable depth to the narrative. Director Tom Vaughan manages to artfully balance the personal struggles with broader political issues, presenting a film that, despite its predictability and somewhat languid middle section, maintains viewer interest and emotional engagement. The film’s exploration of Pompe's Disease adds an educational layer to the emotional journey, making it more than just another addition to the inspirational genre.

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Extraordinary Measures" upholds the studio's reputation for delivering top-tier home entertainment products. The Blu-ray disc showcases an excellent high-definition video quality that enhances the viewing experience, accompanied by a robust lossless audio track that impeccably captures every nuance of the film’s sound design. Though not packed with an extensive array of extras, the inclusion of a few well-chosen bonus features adds value to this release, making it a solid pick for those looking to enjoy a heartfelt story with optimal audiovisual fidelity at home.

In conclusion, while "Extraordinary Measures" may not captivate those seeking groundbreaking cinema, its strengths lie in its sincere storytelling, strong performances, and technical proficiency on Blu-ray. Sony's presentation of the film is commendable, providing viewers with an exceptional visual and auditory experience. This release is indeed a commendable option for anyone interested in a well-crafted drama that both educates and inspires, making it a suitable addition to one’s weekend watch list.