Precious Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Precious" is a technically nuanced affair that masterfully captures the film's raw and gritty visual aesthetic. The 1080p AVC encoded transfer showcases an exquisite detail level, striking a balance between naturalistic lighting and dramatic contrasts. Black levels are deep and stable, preserving shadow details that impart noticeable depth during dimly lit interior scenes. While the variable grain structure occasionally becomes more prominent, it remains natural and unobtrusive. Outdoor scenes and well-lit environments are rendered with razor-sharp precision, bringing forth the texture of fabrics and the subtleties in facial expressions, particularly those of Gabourey Sidibe. However, some darker indoor scenes, especially in Precious' apartment and high school, struggle with contrast, leading to occasional face obfuscation against similar background tones.

The color palette is consciously restrained to reflect the film's somber mood but bursts into vivid hues during brief fantasy sequences or in specific elements like Precious' red scarf. These colors, vibrant yet not overpowering, provide relief from the overall muted tones. Despite the intentionally drab aesthetic, the transfer excels in reproducing the varied complexions of the largely African American cast, delivering lifelike fleshtones with appreciable tonal variation. Occasional moments of shimmer on detailed textures such as brickwork are minor distractions in an otherwise remarkably precise image quality.

In summary, "Precious" Blu-ray maintains fidelity to its theatrical release without artificial enhancements. Its fine grain structure, notable especially in low-lit Harlem tenement scenes, enhances the film's stark atmosphere and visual narrative. This meticulous preservation of both intentional artistic choices and technical integrity ensures an authentic viewing experience, staying true to the film’s original look and feel.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Precious" is embodied in a thoughtful DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that emphasizes clarity and subtlety over bombast. Dialogue is given top priority, positioned front and center with impressive tonal accuracy and articulation. Gabourey Sidibe’s frequent narrative voiceover also benefits from this careful sound mixing, ensuring that her introspective moments are always intelligible and emotionally engaging. The front channels carry most of the workload, delivering clear and crisp speech with excellent imaging.

The surround channels are used sparingly yet effectively, coming alive particularly during the film’s glitzy fantasy sequences filled with vibrant soul music, which stand in stark contrast to the otherwise muted and claustrophobic soundscape. Ambient effects such as city noises subtly bleed into the rear channels during exterior shots, enhancing the environmental authenticity without drawing undue attention. The bass response is similarly restrained, surfacing only when required by the film’s elements.

Although the overall mix is far from explosive, it serves the narrative commendably, adding layers of ambient detail that reconstruct the atmosphere Precious finds herself in. This subtle yet impactful sound engineering creates a deeply immersive experience, maintaining high fidelity without overshadowing the film’s poignant story.

The Blu-ray of "Precious" offers a robust suite of HD supplements that effectively honor the film's gravity and provide insightful context. Director Lee Daniels' audio commentary is both illuminating and emotionally resonant, detailing the adaptation process, casting choices, literacy issues, and coping mechanisms during intense scenes. Featurettes like "From Push to Precious" and "A Precious Ensemble" deliver rich background on the novel’s transition to film and casting intricacies, respectively. Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry's involvement is explored in "A Project of Passion," revealing their dedication to widespread film distribution. Gabourey Sidibe’s audition, a revealing deleted scene, and brief, yet meaningful reflections from the cast and crew round out the offerings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary by director Lee Daniels: Insightful reflections on the film’s production.
• From Push to Precious: Explores the novel's adaptation.
• A Precious Ensemble: Focuses on casting and actor insights.
• Oprah & Tyler: A Project of Passion: Discusses executive producers' dedication.
• A Conversation with Author Sapphire and Director Lee Daniels: Dialogues on creative processes.
• Audition: Gabourey Sidibe: Initial screen test.
• Deleted Scene: The incest survivor meeting: Unaired emotional sequence.
• Reflections on Precious: Brief cast and crew thoughts.
• Theatrical trailer: Official movie preview.

"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" is a visceral and harrowing exploration of abuse, perseverance, and self-discovery. At its core, the film follows the grim life of 16-year-old Claireece "Precious" Jones, whose reality is marred by repeated sexual abuse from her father, leading to two pregnancies, and relentless physical and emotional abuse from her mother, portrayed with disturbing intensity by Mo'Nique. Despite the heavy subject matter, Gabourey Sidibe's debut performance as Precious is noteworthy, encapsulating a range of emotions with an understated yet powerful delivery. The narrative bravely depicts Precious's journey from a squalid existence to one where glimpses of hope and resilience become visible through the nurturing environment of the alternative school Each One/Teach One, guided by the empathetic Ms. Rain (Paula Patton).

Director Lee Daniels ensures the film remains an unflinchingly raw portrayal of urban life, often employing handheld zooms and pans that enhance its gritty realism but occasionally disrupt its visual consistency. Despite remarkable individual scenes and performances, particularly by Mo'Nique and Sidibe, the movie suffers from certain structural weaknesses. Its attempt to blend grim realism with aspirational fantasy sequences slightly muddles its narrative impact. Additionally, some elements, such as Precious's abrupt leaps in literacy or the jarring climax scenes, present continuity issues that could potentially detract viewers from fully engaging with Precious's growth.

The film also includes notable cameos by stars like Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz, whose surprisingly effective performances add to the ensemble's strength. Yet, "Precious" sometimes struggles under the weight of its own ambitions, occasionally drifting into melodrama. Nonetheless, it stands as a poignant and necessary film, critical for its unfiltered depiction of systemic abuse and personal resilience. The nuanced performances elevate this emotionally charged story, ensuring that while "Precious" may not tie every thematic thread neatly, it leaves an indelible mark on its audience.

"Precious" on Blu-ray offers viewers a captivating and intense exploration of abuse and resilience, delivered through exceptional performances. Gabourey Sidibe's portrayal of Precious is a marvel, providing depth and authenticity to her character's harrowing journey. Mo'Nique's performance as her abusive mother is revelatory and stands as one of the most powerful acting displays in recent memory. These remarkable performances anchor the film, though some may find the subject matter intense and discomforting. While the film does have some narrative flaws, particularly in its climax, the sheer force of Sidibe and Mo'Nique's performances elevate the viewing experience.

Technically, the Blu-ray release shines with solid video and audio quality that capture the gritty realism of the film's setting. The transfer maintains excellent clarity and color accuracy, crucial for a film that relies heavily on visual storytelling. Audio is robust and detailed, ensuring that the harrowing atmosphere is preserved in every scene. Additionally, the supplemental package offers valuable insights, particularly in showcasing Sidibe's stark contrast between her natural persona and her on-screen character. However, the profoundly disturbing storyline may limit the film's replay value for some viewers.

In conclusion, "Precious" is a compelling drama that is both disturbing and hopeful. Its strength lies in its outstanding acting, which overshadows any narrative shortcomings. The Blu-ray edition enhances this with excellent technical specifications, making it a strong recommendation for initial viewing. For potential buyers uncertain about its intense content, a rental might be advisable to gauge personal comfort levels with the difficult themes depicted.