The Nativity Story Blu-ray Review

"The Nativity Story" on Blu-ray offers an impressively detailed and texturally rich 1080p, AVC-encoded presentation. Hardwicke and her cinematographer, Elliot Davis, bring ancient Jerusalem to life with a distinct visual style. Utilizing a digital intermediate from a film source, the movie's visuals are highlighted by solid, well-differentiated blacks that effectively separate the various planes within the monochromatic landscape. A special note is the unusually fine grain pattern, likely a product of the DI process, which adds depth without appearing filtered or smoothed. Despite an average bitrate of just under 21 Mbps, the disc exhibits no evident compression artifacts. The 101-minute film fits seamlessly on a BD-25, ensuring fans a visually stunning experience without any compromise in quality.

The visual tone of the film leans towards desaturation, aligning with the period's harsh and arid setting in Morocco. Mary and Joseph's scenes intentionally utilize a bleak, dreary palette, reflecting their challenging lives, while moments featuring the Magi are enriched with more vivid colors to underscore their wealth. The exactness of this color manipulation is deliberate and accentuates both the narrative and director's vision. Landscapes, including fields, palm trees, and sand dunes, render beautifully with almost tactile clarity. Elements like the woven textures of garments and the coarse hides of camels come alive with fine detail, making it a visually immersive experience. Blue skies retain a grayish tint, lending a unique atmospheric effect that enhances the overall viewing experience. Fans of "The Nativity Story" will find this Blu-ray release an exceptional representation of both technical prowess and creative vision.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "The Nativity Story" is professionally engineered, offering a pleasant and balanced audio experience. Mychael Danna's elegant score, which adeptly combines the feel of an adventure and devotional tale, is presented with great dynamic range and a palpable sense of presence. The dialogue is always clear, although mixed slightly lower than the music and sound effects, making whispered or hushed dialogue occasionally difficult to hear. The track emphasizes subtlety over spectacle, opting for a restrained approach even during significant moments like appearances of the Angel Gabriel.

Surround sound activity in this film is minimal but effective when used. Isolated scenes, such as Herod's palace inspection or Mary and Joseph's hazardous river crossing, activate the surrounds modestly to enhance the atmosphere. Additionally, Jerusalem's bustling streets are brought to life with ambient sounds, contributing to the immersive experience without overwhelming the viewer. Overall, this audio presentation remains front-heavy but maintains a clear and focused mix that complements the film's tone and narrative style.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "The Nativity Story" provide a compact yet informative look behind the scenes of the film's production. While not exhaustive, the included documentary offers valuable insights through interviews with director Catherine Hardwicke and key cast members including Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac. It covers various aspects such as rehearsals, location scouting, and set construction, making it a worthwhile addition for fans interested in the filmmaking process. The HD trailers complement this by giving a glimpse of the promotional strategy employed for the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Nativity Story: A Director's Journey: Informative documentary featuring interviews with director Hardwicke, cast members, and production staff.
• Trailer #1: Traditional film trailer.
• Teaser Trailer: Promotional teaser for the film.

"The Nativity Story" stands out as a richly crafted retelling of the Biblical account, designed to appeal both to devout Christians and general audiences looking for a well-executed historical drama. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke and scripted by Mike Rich, the film begins with a visceral portrayal of King Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents, seamlessly setting the stage for the ensuing narrative. Rich deftly explores the human side of this divine story, imagining the emotions and uncertainties faced by Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes), a young girl thrust into an extraordinary role, and Joseph (Oscar Isaac), who grapples with the weight of their situation. This focus on character depth adds a compelling layer to what might have otherwise been a straightforward recounting of well-known events.

Hardwicke’s background in working with young actors pays off as she brings out nuanced performances from Castle-Hughes and Isaac. The film beautifully captures their journey, highlighting their developing relationship amid the broader socio-political turmoil of the era. Her restrained approach to scenes such as the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus lends these pivotal moments a quiet dignity and authenticity that resonate strongly with audiences. Equally impressive is the vivid depiction of Judea’s harsh realities under Roman rule, providing a stark backdrop that accentuates the film’s themes of faith and resilience.

However, the film isn't without its minor shortcomings. The subplot involving the three Magi introduces unnecessary comic relief, diluting the otherwise intense and earnest atmosphere. While intended to provide levity, these moments feel out of place in an otherwise serious narrative. Despite this misstep, "The Nativity Story" benefits from its high production values and thoughtful storytelling. It's a commendable effort that breathes fresh life into a timeless story, making it accessible and emotionally engaging for a wide audience.

The Nativity Story" on Blu-ray delivers a visually compelling and emotionally resonant recount of Christ's birth. The direction by Catherine Hardwicke brings a distinctly human perspective to a sacred narrative, making it both an intimate and insightful experience. This personal approach is effectively captured through the meticulous recreation of ancient Judea, powered by sharp and vivid cinematography. The Blu-ray presentation by Warner Bros. ensures that this attention to detail translates seamlessly to home viewing, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the depth and texture of the film's imagery.

The audio quality on the Blu-ray disc complements the visual excellence, with a satisfying and immersive soundscape that underscores the film’s poignant moments without overshadowing them. While the special features included on the disc are sparse and somewhat underwhelming, the primary feature itself is sufficiently robust to stand on its own as recommended viewing, particularly for those interested in a more personal take on a timeless story. Both Rich’s screenplay and Hardwicke’s direction expertly navigate the challenging balance between reverence and relatability, ensuring that this adaptation remains accessible and engaging.

In conclusion, "The Nativity Story" did modest but not impressive box office and was widely criticized for being insufficiently grand. In its personal and intimate approach to the story of Christ's birth, it is perhaps better suited to the home viewing experience. Still, one cannot hope to immerse oneself in Hardwicke's meticulous recreation of ancient Judea without a superior reproduction of the film's detailed imagery. Warner's Blu-ray provides just that and, for those wishing to enter into the experience, is highly recommended.