Saving Grace Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation of "Saving Grace" boasts a commendable 1080p AVC-encoded transfer that respects the film's theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1. It delivers a clean and stable visual experience, largely free of noticeable damage. The encoding is executed with precision, avoiding common compression issues even in more complex scenes like the pot cloud climax. Despite the occasional presence of processing in select scenes, which seems inherent to the source material rather than any fault of Warner Archive, the overall image quality remains impressive.

While the film's color timing and black levels occasionally appear inconsistent—shifting from darker, blue-hued nighttime sequences to cooler exterior shots—the visual presentation overall is engaging and vivid. Color saturation levels are particularly noteworthy, successfully rendering inviting flesh tones throughout. Though certain scenes might not achieve the finest sharpness due to environmental effects like seaside fog and smoke, these elements do not significantly diminish the viewing pleasure. Thus, this Blu-ray release stands as a significant improvement over older DVD versions.

Despite lacking the "wow factor" found in some of Warner Archive's other releases, this transfer is still a solid enhancement of the film. The visual quality across its 20-chapter structure guarantees a satisfying viewing experience, warranting a rating of 4/5, recognizing minor technical reservations.

The audio presentation of the "Saving Grace" Blu Ray predominantly features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix that is both clean and crisp. Despite being modest in its use of surround channels, the mix directs most of its focus to a front-forward soundstage with commendable separation. There are limited rear-channel activities, primarily consisting of location-based echoes and weather-related effects, maintaining a cohesive auditory environment.

Musically, the soundtrack punctuates scenes effectively with era-specific tunes from artists such as The Pretenders, Robert Palmer, and more. These tracks receive robust presence, contributing significantly to the film's atmospheric immersion. Mark Russell’s background score also plays an important role in enveloping viewers, while dialogue is consistently clear, anchored solidly in the center channel. The effective balance ensures that the dialogue remains prominent without overshadowing background music and effects.

In terms of technical integrity, the audio mix displays no noticeable damage or synchronization issues, supporting a seamless hearing experience. The inclusion of Optional English (SDH) subtitles aids viewers needing assistance with dialogue comprehension during the main feature. However, these subtitles are not extended to bonus content, a point to consider for viewers requiring accessibility features throughout. Overall, this Blu Ray offers a satisfactory auditory experience with its clean and immersive soundscape, despite some underutilization of full surround capabilities.

The Blu-ray extras for "Saving Grace" offer a mix of commentary and nostalgic insights into the film's creation process, although limited compared to previous special editions. The release presents two audio commentaries, providing an engaging glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings and collaborative spirit of the filmmakers and cast. The first commentary with Craig Ferguson, Mark Crowdy, and director Nigel Cole offers a reflective tone on the writing and casting, despite Ferguson's separate recording. In contrast, the second commentary, featuring Blethyn's enthusiastic input alongside Cole and Ferguson, presents a lively discourse on the movie's production and its varied international reception. Additionally, the inclusion of the theatrical trailer provides an amusing nod to the film's promotional history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary #1: Co-writers Craig Ferguson and Mark Crowdy with director Nigel Cole discuss writing and casting.
• Audio Commentary #2: Director Nigel Cole, actors Brenda Blethyn and Craig Ferguson reflect on production and release.
• Theatrical Trailer: Vintage promotional clip.

"Saving Grace" is a charming British comedy directed by Nigel Cole, which has garnered appreciation for its dry humor and quaint storytelling. The film stars Brenda Blethyn as Grace Trevethyn, a recently widowed woman facing substantial debt and the potential loss of her home. Craig Ferguson plays Matthew, her gardener, who proposes a bold plan to grow and sell cannabis using Grace's horticultural expertise. This setup introduces a steady stream of mild absurdities as the duo ventures into the clandestine cannabis business. While not every joke lands, the humor is rooted in the eccentricities of small-town life, with characters like affable Reverend Gerald Percy (Leslie Phillips) and Dr. Martin Bamford (Martin Clunes) enriching the narrative.

Visually, Cole captures the picturesque English seaside village setting beautifully, complementing an engaging storyline that mixes light satire with sincere character portrayals. The screenplay, co-written by Ferguson and Mark Crowdy, succeeds in creating a community populated with lovable characters who navigate their challenges with endearing clumsiness. The film's humor derives from these personalities and their interactions rather than traditional slapstick, echoing the style of classic British comedies from Ealing Studios and Bill Forsyth's era. Although the storyline is predictable and the resolution lacks punch, "Saving Grace" offers joyous moments throughout—a testament to its solid casting and atmospheric charm.

Blethyn and Ferguson form a compelling comedic duo, delivering performances that highlight emotional depth amidst comedic situations. Blethyn excels in portraying Grace's transition from distress to resilience, while Ferguson provides delightful comic relief. Supporting cast members enhance the film's whimsical tone, contributing to its quaint and enjoyable narrative. Despite its conventional plot and a lackluster conclusion, "Saving Grace" remains a delightful entry within its genre, appealing to those who value heartwarming tales and gentle humor over high-stakes drama. This Blu-ray release ensures the film can be appreciated in high definition, delighting both new viewers and longtime fans.

Nigel Cole's "Saving Grace" remains an endearing cult favorite, despite its relatively understated fame beyond the UK since its 2000 release. The film offers a balance of humor, with parts genuinely amusing and others less impactful. However, it compensates through the vibrant performances by Brenda Blethyn and co-writer Craig Ferguson, as well as a delightful array of supporting characters. Fans of the lead actors and the related series "Doc Martin" will find the Warner Archive Blu-ray a worthy addition to their collection, thanks to its solid audiovisual presentation.

The film presents a light-hearted view on marijuana use, portraying it as leading to upbeat experiences for its characters, seemingly without negative consequences. Interestingly, real marijuana — sanctioned and protected by the British government — was used for close-up shots, adding authenticity to these scenes. This aspect complements the film’s overall charm, enhancing its atmosphere without venturing into controversy.

Technically, the Warner Archive Blu-ray showcases "Saving Grace" with admirable fidelity to its original presentation. The high-definition visuals are beautiful, offering a rich pictorial view that captures the film's scenic charm. The audio is equally vivid, encapsulating the film’s ambiance with clarity. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes DVD-era bonus features like two insightful commentaries that enrich the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Saving Grace" is a film characterized by charm, and its Blu-ray release brings justice to its engaging atmosphere. Despite its thin plot, the film resonates with viewers through its warm humor and appealing cast performances. This Blu-ray is not only a testament to the film's enduring appeal but also an excellent opportunity for both long-time admirers and newcomers to enjoy this quaint comedy in enhanced quality.