The American President Blu-ray Review

Warner’s Blu-ray release of "The American President" provides a 1080p, AVC-encoded presentation that, while generally satisfactory, falls slightly below the standard expected from Warner’s catalog releases. The image maintains a clean and well-detailed appearance, with deep blacks and rich, saturated colors capturing the majestic atmosphere of Washington D.C. and the White House sets. A notable positive is the retention of the film's grain structure, which is visible but fine, signifying minimal if any detail filtering. Additionally, the use of a BD-25 disc with limited audio options and no supplementary content ensures that the film occupies the available digital space without compression issues.

However, some aspects of the transfer are less than ideal. Slight but noticeable artificial sharpening leads to occasional edge halos, which detracts from the overall film-like quality of the image. This digital enhancement feels reminiscent of older DVD-era techniques and is generally unwelcome in modern high-definition transfers. Furthermore, certain wide shots and even some close-ups lack fine details and appear soft, with an inconsistent clarity that fluctuates between frames. The colors, particularly reds and blues, are well-saturated but lack the desired level of pop and dimension.

Overall, while the source print is in commendable condition free from significant damage, the transfer has a faintly processed look and exhibits signs of digital noise or digital scrubbing in certain spots. This results in an occasionally artificial quality to the image. Despite these shortcomings, fans will appreciate the upgrade insofar as it rejuvenates John Seale’s Panavision cinematography to a more respectable format, though there remains clear room for improvement in any future releases.

The Blu-ray release of "The American President" features a DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track, complemented by a Spanish Dolby Digital 1.0 track. The English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles enhance accessibility for diverse audiences. This audio mix is proficient but lacks the elaborate depth and immersion found in more contemporary offerings. The surround noises are appropriately suited to the film's various environments, such as the state dinner scene where the President and Sydney have their first date. Occasionally, there are attempts at directional effects like the President's helicopter flying by, but these moments are sparse and can feel somewhat disjointed when they occur.

Dialogue reproduction is exceptional; it remains clean, crisp, and well-prioritized, allowing Aaron Sorkin's trademark dialogue to shine with clarity and precision. Marc Shaiman's evocative score is rendered with strong fidelity and envelops the listening space effectively, adding a touch of storybook magic to the film's romantic and dramatic moments. However, beyond these attributes, the track underwhelms in creating a fully immersive soundstage. The front soundstage feels subdued, contributing minimally to the overall atmosphere of the bustling White House setting. The dynamic range appears limited, and bass activity is nearly negligible, lacking the punch needed to elevate certain scenes.

In essence, while technically sound and free from significant issues, the audio mix on this Blu-ray is relatively basic. It sufficiently serves fans of the movie but falls short of being an extraordinary auditory experience. The track represents a safe but unimpressive effort that aligns with the film's age and genre, catering to its audience without pushing any particular boundaries in sound design.

The extras for the Blu-Ray release of "The American President" are limited but provide a nostalgic touch with the inclusion of the film's theatrical trailer. The trailer is presented in standard definition, replicating the aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and comes with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound. Unfortunately, beyond this, there are no additional special features or behind-the-scenes content to explore, which is a missed opportunity for fans and film enthusiasts who appreciate deeper insights into the filmmaking process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Presented in SD with 1.85:1 aspect ratio and Dolby Digital 2.0 sound.

Aaron Sorkin's "The American President," directed by Rob Reiner, offers a charming blend of romance and political drama, expertly crafted with wit and heart. The film follows President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) in the fourth year of his term, who finds his personal life colliding with his political responsibilities when he falls for environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening). This unlikely courtship unfolds against a backdrop of political maneuvering and media scrutiny, offering both lighthearted moments and genuine tension. Sorkin's script, known for its rapid-fire dialogue and idealistic undertones, gives viewers a fairy tale set in the White House, a premise that works due to the strong chemistry between Douglas and Bening.

The romantic elements are balanced by a nuanced portrayal of the presidency, with Shepherd grappling with issues such as gun control and environmental policy, echoing themes that, while slightly dated, still resonate today. The film's depiction of the inner workings of the Oval Office is enriched by a strong supporting cast, including Martin Sheen as Chief of Staff A.J. MacInerney and Michael J. Fox as domestic policy advisor Lewis Rothschild. The ensemble’s performances highlight the dynamic and often humorous interactions among White House staff as they navigate the complexities of Shepherd’s dual roles as president and romantic partner.

While "The American President" is not without its flaws—such as occasional naivete in its political outlook and a liberal slant that may not appeal to all—it remains an engaging watch. Sorkin and Reiner's collaboration turns what could have been a formulaic romance into a film that, despite its dated aspects, retains a timeless quality through its clever writing and compelling performances. The juxtaposition of personal and professional dilemmas is handled adeptly, making the film a precursor to Sorkin's later work on "The West Wing." Overall, "The American President" delivers an entertaining mix of romance and political drama that's both thought-provoking and heartwarming.

"The American President" Blu Ray features an engaging romantic comedy crafted by the talented duo of Rob Reiner and Aaron Sorkin. The film's narrative combines wit, sharp dialogue, and a charming old-fashioned appeal, delivering a smart and funny experience. Michael Douglas and Annette Bening present strong performances that bring the characters to life, while Sorkin’s script subtly critiques the political sphere with its ironic commentary. However, the content feels a bit idealistic at times, contributing to both its charm and occasional storytelling limitations.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu Ray release is a mixed bag. The video transfer, although serviceable, comes across as dated and fails to fully capitalize on the HD format's potential. The audio quality lands similarly: functional but unremarkable. This release’s barebones nature is particularly disappointing given the film’s merits. Without supplemental features or restoration efforts, it falls short of giving "The American President" the treatment that fans might hope for.

In conclusion, "The American President" is a delightful romantic comedy that balances humor and heart effectively. While the technical aspects of this Blu Ray release do not match the film's charm and craftsmanship, it remains a valuable addition for dedicated fans of Reiner, Sorkin, and classic romantic comedies. Recommended for its content albeit with reservations regarding the video and audio quality.