Foxcatcher Blu-ray Review

Foxcatcher" arrives on Blu-ray with a presentation that respectfully handles its filmic roots while navigating the intricacies of high-definition transition. The Sony 1080p transfer shines not with searing sharpness but with a carefully nurtured clarity and an appreciable attention to detail, both in the intimate closeness of character moments and the broader landscapes that frame this compelling narrative. The blend of modern digital technology and traditional film, particularly through the use of Arriflex equipment for its 35mm original, makes for a visual experience that's sophisticated yet subtly restrained. Details in facial expressions and clothing textures are prominently displayed during close-ups, whereas wider shots don't shy away from showcasing environmental textures and architectural intricacies. This balance ensures a visual depth that is both engaging and authentic.

Color treatment in "Foxcatcher" plays a significant role in conveying the film's tone, with a palette that leans towards the muted yet maintains remarkable accuracy and finesse within its chosen aesthetic. Despite a slight fluctuation in black levels, which occasionally verge on too light or succumb to minor crush, the overall contrast maintains the film's mood without detracting from the viewing experience. The use of natural light and shadow, particularly in outdoor scenes, adds a layer of sharpness and depth that contrasts effectively against the somewhat flatter appearances of indoor or darker sequences. It's clear that cinematographer Greig Fraser's intentions with color muting and lighting were to enhance the story's emotional landscape, an effort that remains transparent throughout the transfer.

The technical prowess of Sony's transfer ensures that any previous concerns regarding softness or grain are adeptly managed. Grain is present yet unobtrusive, pushed into the background to the point where it skillfully mimics a digital sharpness while preserving the texture of 35mm film. This delicate balance mirrors the film's thematic nuances and contributes to an immersive viewing experience free from digital distractions like banding, aliasing, or print damage. In essence, "Foxcatcher’s" Blu-ray video presentation is a commendable achievement that offers viewers a meticulously faithful rendition of its theatrical exhibition, solidifying Sony's reputation for delivering quality home video presentations.

Foxcatcher's audio presentation on Blu-ray, notably its English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, delivers a clear and nuanced listening experience that aligns well with the quiet intensity of the film itself. The soundtrack primarily stands out in its handling of musical detail and dialogue, ensuring both are delivered with clarity and precision. Instances of light piano music and the occasional pop song emanate with sufficient definition and spacing, enhancing the film's emotional tones without overpowering its subtler moments. Dialogue, the heart of the audio experience due to the film's narrative driven nature, remains front and center—clean and well-articulated, benefiting from the natural acoustics of the film's varied settings, from the echoing halls where Mark speaks to crowds to the more intimate environs of the du Pont estate.

Sound design plays a crucial yet understated role in immersing viewers in the story’s environment. The ambient sounds of outdoor scenes and within the wrestling facility add a layer of authenticity, gently pulling the audience into the film's world without distracting from the narrative focus. Key scenes involving wrestling matches gain an additional level of engagement through well-placed crowd noise, and select moments of heightened action—such as gunshots and the thrumming of helicopter rotors—are given appropriate weight and impact through precise sound editing.

While the main English audio track adeptly meets the film's needs with its reserved but effective sound design, additional options including a French 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and an English Audio Descriptive track offer versatility for diverse audiences. Subtitles in multiple languages further enhance accessibility. However, despite these strengths, the Blu-ray's surround sound usage is predominantly subtle, reserving its more dynamic moments for key sequences that benefit most from directional sound, such as wrestling competitions, which suggests a deliberate focus on enhancing story elements over crafting an overwhelmingly immersive audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Foxcatcher" are somewhat lean, yet they provide a concise glimpse into the film's making, its thematic undertones, and the meticulous efforts behind the scenes. The highlight is "The Story of Foxcatcher," a featurette that delves into its inception, casting processes, and Steve Carell’s transformation alongside Bennett Miller’s directorial vision, underscored by comments from the actual Nancy Schultz. Two deleted scenes offer additional context to the narrative, though brief in their offering. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer and previews for other Sony titles rounds out this modest collection. Notably, a UV digital copy is provided, catering to the digital-savvy audience. While not expansive, these extras do enrich the overall viewing experience with meaningful insights into the movie's production and real-life implications.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Story of Foxcatcher: A comprehensive featurette exploring the film's development, casting, Steve Carell's makeup transformation, director Bennett Miller's approach, and real-life perspectives.
• Deleted Scenes: Including "Conference Call" and "Where's Dave?" providing additional depth to the storyline.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.
• Previews: A selection of additional titles from Sony.

'Foxcatcher,' directed by Bennett Miller, emerges as an unexpectedly profound drama, far from the simple outlines its poster or star-studded cast might imply. Channing Tatum, Steve Carell, and Mark Ruffalo defy their known comedic or lighter roles, plunging into the depths of a true-life narrative that delves into dark themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the disintegration of a promising athlete-mentor relationship. The movie meticulously crafts the troubling journey of Olympic Gold Medalist Mark Schultz under the patronage of John du Pont, whose initial benevolence masks a complex and ultimately destructive psyche. This narrative masterfully sidesteps expectations, offering no simple entertainment but a layered exploration of character and consequence.

The technical execution of 'Foxcatcher' complements its intense character study, with Miller’s direction ensuring the film’s storytelling and thematic underpinnings are foregrounded, supported but never overshadowed by its visual and auditory elements. The cinematography and editing are precise, enhancing the emotional landscape of the narrative without drawing attention away from the actors' powerful performances. This subtlety allows the audience to immerse fully in the psychological dynamics at play, appreciating the film as a pure expression of cinematic art where technical choices serve the story first and foremost.

At the heart of 'Foxcatcher,' performances by Tatum, Carell, and Ruffalo transform it into a showcase of acting magnificence. Each actor brings a nuanced understanding to their roles, with Tatum displaying remarkable depth as Schultz and Carell inhabiting the skin of du Pont in an almost unrecognizable transformation. Ruffalo ties these performances together, embodying both the grounding and driving force of the narrative. Together, they elevate 'Foxcatcher' beyond its potentially clichéd plot to a compelling examination of ambition, pride, and the profoundly personal cost of seeking greatness.

Foxcatcher," upon first glance, may not capture the eye as an immediately gripping cinematic experience, yet its understated brilliance emerges from the depths of its meticulously crafted narrative and exceptional acting. The film masterfully depicts a slow-burning descent into madness, veiled by an opulent façade and a fervent pursuit of greatness. This simplicity in storytelling, combined with a keen directorial eye, precise editing, and profoundly nuanced performances by Channing Tatum, Steve Carell, and Mark Ruffalo—each immersing themselves wholly into their roles—culminates in a poignant exploration of ambition, delusion, and tragedy. Its detail-oriented approach to the unfolding of its somber narrative places "Foxcatcher" among the most memorable films of its year.

While the narrative itself steers away from the inspirational, opting instead for a riveting journey through the complexities of its characters and their doomed relationships, it is this choice that lends the film its magnetic allure. These performances are underscored by a high-quality Blu-ray release from Sony, which, despite its somewhat lacking array of special features, offers an excellent audio and video presentation that faithfully conveys the movie's atmospheric and aesthetic ambitions. This Blu-ray edition allows audiences to appreciate the nuanced details of the visual and auditory storytelling, albeit leaving enthusiasts longing for a more comprehensive insight into the film's creation.

In conclusion, "Foxcatcher" emerges as a compelling study of flawed ambition and human fragility, marked by powerhouse performances and a distinguished presentation on Blu-ray. Although the extras leave something to be desired, the quality of the film itself—supported by superb video and audio quality—underscores the release's value. For aficionados of cinema that delves deep into the complexities of its characters' psyches, supported by stellar acting and a strong technical foundation, this release comes very highly recommended.