About Time

About Time" graces Blu-ray with a stunning 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, showcasing the film's 2.40:1 aspect ratio with vivid clarity and immersive detail that does ample justice to Richard Curtis's directorial vision and John Guleserian's cinematography. The video presentation is meticulously faithful, highlighting a palette of warm, attractive colors that remain inviting and upbeat, even as they navigate the story's deeper, emotional currents. The contrast is finely balanced, creating an atmosphere that’s both light and airy, with understated hues, natural skintones, and delicately handled blacks that contribute to a presentation free from flash yet rich in aesthetic value. Fine details are remarkably captured, from the individual strands of Rachel McAdams' hair to the nuanced textures of clothing, all without succumbing to the pitfalls of oversharpening or similar digital artifacts.

This Blu-ray excels in delivering a visual experience where every frame is imbued with clarity and purpose. Scenes, such as the pitch-black restaurant setting, benefit from impeccable black levels, enhancing the storytelling by focusing purely on tactile and auditory senses. The light reflections off glasses and silverware in this nearly dark setting underscore the encode’s ability to handle subtleties effectively. Despite the film's focus on romantic and comedic elements, there’s no compromise on sharpness or detail, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the carefully designed sets and intimate cinematography.

Noise, banding, and aliasing are conspicuously absent, ensuring a pristine viewing experience that matches the film's tender, thoughtful narrative. Although occasional spikes in noise might be noticed, they are negligible and do not detract from an otherwise flawless video presentation. This Blu-ray’s ability to maintain lively colors without excessive saturation or loss of detail during heightened moments of vibrancy is commendable, reflecting a balanced and beautifully executed visual treatment that fans and newcomers alike will find thoroughly appealing.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track of "About Time" on Blu-ray significantly surpasses expectations, delivering an audio experience that is as delicate as it is immersive. With a holistic approach to sound design, the film's audio track avoids bombastic rear speaker aggression, favoring instead a nuanced ambience and sophisticated directionality that envelop the viewer gently into each scene. This subtlety extends to the low-end frequencies which, while present, serve more to enhance than to overpower, adding depth and presence to moments without overtly drawing attention themselves. The precision in handling dialogue is commendable, ensuring it remains crystal clear and well-integrated into the soundscape, thus maintaining the emotional and narrative integrity of the film.

Incorporation of environmental sounds and effects, such as crashing waves, light rainfall, and the unique sonic representation of time travel, showcases an extraordinary attention to detail, making the audio track of "About Time" stand out in its genre. The use of bassy rumbles and ticking clocks adds layers to the time-travel sequences, enhancing the auditory experience without overshadowing the story. Notably, the spatial positioning of voices—in scenes such as the pitch-black restaurant—elevates the storytelling, allowing audiences to "see" through sound. This nuanced mix extends to music as well, a key element in Richard Curtis' films. Songs and score are given room to breathe and resonate within the mix, echoing with a palpable realism during scenes like the New Year's Eve party, further enriching the emotional landscape of the film.

Overall, "About Time" benefits from a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is meticulously crafted with love and care. The blend of subtle ambient sounds, directional effects, and balanced musical components creates an audibly rich environment that complements the film’s narrative beautifully. This approach not only enhances key moments but does so in a way that's intrinsically tied to the emotional heartbeat of the story, setting a benchmark for how romantic comedies can leverage sound design to amplify their impact.

The "About Time" Blu-ray extras offer a rich, engaging complement to the main feature, perfectly capturing the film's heart and depth through behind-the-scenes content and cast contributions. The audio commentary led by director Richard Curtis, alongside key cast members, is notably conversational and enlightening, revealing the intricate process of bringing the film to life with humor and professional insights. The selection of deleted scenes, introduced by Curtis himself, showcases what could have been, providing a glimpse into the thoughtful editing process. Supplementary features like "The Look, Style and Locations" delve into the meticulous detail of film production, while "The Luckiest Music" and Ellie Goulding's music video eloquently highlight the movie's emotive soundtrack. Despite wanting more from some of the shorter extras, they collectively enhance the viewing experience, making this Blu-ray a must-have for fans of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With director Richard Curtis and cast members Domhnall Gleeson (Tim), Bill Nighy (James), Vanessa Kirby (Joanna), Lydia Wilson (Kit Kat), and Tom Hollander (Harry).
• About Tim and Time Travel: A featurette discussing the film's concepts.
• The Look, Style and Locations: Insight into the film’s production design.
• The World of Richard Curtis: Explores the director’s creative process.
• Deleted Scenes with Intros by Curtis: Four scenes not included in the final cut.
• The Luckiest Music: Details on Ben Folds’ contribution to the soundtrack.
• Blooper Reel: A compilation of outtakes from filming.
• Music Video: "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding.
• Previews: Trailers for various films including 'Couples Retreat' and 'Love Actually'.

About Time," released in 2013, is an exceptional film that transcends typical genre labels, crafting an immersive narrative that interweaves the complexities of life, love, and the human condition through the unique lens of time travel. Directed by Richard Curtis, known for "Love Actually," this film introduces us to Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), a young man endowed with the familial secret of time travel. Deciding to use this power to find love, Tim moves to London, meets Mary (Rachel McAdams), and begins a journey that explores far more than romantic love. The movie meticulously avoids clichés found in conventional rom-coms, opting instead for a more profound reflection on life's moments and the choices we make. Every scene between Gleeson and his co-stars, particularly Bill Nighy and McAdams, resonates with authenticity and depth, highlighting Curtis’s mastery in telling stories that connect on a deeply personal level.

Despite stiff competition from powerhouse films like "Gravity" and "12 Years a Slave" in 2013, "About Time" stands out due to its innovative approach to storytelling and its seamless blend of humor and heartbreak. This film pushes boundaries, defying expectations through its clever narrative structure and insightful exploration into the nuances of everyday life. The movie’s portrayal of time travel is refreshingly minimalistic, serving not as a mere plot device but as a profound metaphor for the introspective journey into the essence of human relationships, happiness, and the irrevocable passage of time.

"About Time" elicits a rare response from viewers, urging introspection and a reconsideration of one’s outlook on life. Critics and audiences alike have found themselves unexpectedly moved, contemplating the film's moral lessons long after the credits roll. This ability to inspire and resonate on multiple viewing occasions sets "About Time" apart as not only one of the most overlooked gems of its year but as an enduring piece of cinema that challenges and delights in equal measure. The juxtaposition of lighthearted comedic elements with themes of love, loss, and the importance of living in the present makes "About Time" a modern classic that deserves acclaim beyond its initial reception.

About Time," with its blend of romantic comedy and sci-fi elements, stands as a poignant exploration of life, love, and the universality of human connections, distinguished by its sincerity and emotional depth. This film charmingly transcends conventional storytelling with its unique plot and heartfelt moments, offering viewers more than just entertainment but a reflective journey through time. Its success lies not only in its quality as a film but in its ability to genuinely move its audience, encouraging a deep connection with the characters' experiences and the universal themes of love and loss. The Blu-ray release by Universal enhances this experience with an impressive audiovisual (AV) presentation, ensuring that the film's emotional and aesthetic appeal is preserved and even elevated.

Critics and audiences alike have praised "About Time" for its intelligent narrative and the warmth it brings to the screen, making it an underappreciated gem worthy of a wider audience. Its ability to resonate on a deeply personal level speaks volumes, bridging the gap between film and viewer by touching on the shared experiences and desires that define the human condition. The Blu-ray disc not only delivers on cinematic quality, with great video and audio, but also enriches the viewing experience with a collection of special features that further delve into the film's creation and thematic richness. This makes the disc not just a movie to own but a piece of art to cherish and share with loved ones, underscoring the film's message about the importance of time, relationships, and appreciating life's fleeting moments.

In conclusion, "About Time" on Blu-ray is a must-own for both its storytelling prowess and technical merits. The film itself is a heartfelt reminder of the potency and importance of familial bonds and personal connections, elevated by Universal's excellent AV presentation and thoughtful special features. It serves not just as a piece of entertainment, but as a treasure trove of life's lessons wrapped in the guise of a film, making it an essential addition to any collection. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting it, "About Time" offers a timeless experience that resonates more deeply with each watch.