Denial Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Denial captures the film’s digital photography but falls short of delivering an exacting and pristine image quality. The 2.40:1 aspect ratio is preserved and encoded using AVC in 1080p, but the image tends to be relatively bland. Despite sharp details in faces and hair textures, there's notable spike in source noise, especially visible in lower light backgrounds. Scenes shot in America have a different, more saturated look compared to the more subdued visuals of European settings, but overall colors remain stable yet unremarkable. Occasional vibrant details, such as a red double-decker bus and an orange scarf at the 47-minute mark, do provide brief splashes of contrast. Unfortunately, light aliasing—noticeable around various areas such as a railing inside a lecture hall—is another downside.

While clean edges and good contrast are maintained consistently, the lack of appreciable depth in both skin textures and background details becomes evident. Clothes and faces often appear rather plain, lacking lifelike tactile depth, causing scenes to feel somewhat flat. Black levels also suffer with slight murkiness and flesh tones occasionally appear excessively rosy. On the positive side, the bleak and foggy scenes of Auschwitz are handled competently, capturing the intended atmosphere despite these issues. Ultimately, though the Blu-ray offers a stable, accurate transfer with balanced color and contrast variations, it lacks the vibrant dynamics and detailed depth expected from top-tier 1080p clarity.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack of "Denial" is expertly tailored to suit the film's modest sonic requirements and sound design. Dialogue delivery is consistently clear, firmly centered, and occasionally enjoys a slight but welcome expansion and reverberation, particularly notable during courtroom scenes. While the music largely remains confined to the front speakers, extending modestly to the sides, it showcases remarkable instrumental clarity. Howard Shore’s background score does receive a full surround spread through both front and rear speakers, although atmospheric effects are subtly blended into the overall acoustic presentation.

The audio track impressively handles finer details with subtlety and precision. For instance, light ambient sounds such as rainfall around the 18:30 mark and sporadic city noises, including passing traffic, enrich the soundstage without overwhelming it. There are a few strategic placements of minor effects that stand out, such as an off-camera door closing quietly to the side, contributing to the immersive experience. Technically proficient, the track never strives for overambitious soundscapes but rather fulfills its purpose through understated yet effective aural elements.

The Blu-ray release of "Denial" features a minimalist but insightful supplemental section. Exclusive content includes the film's theatrical trailer and a concise making-of featurette. The latter offers engaging sound bites from key contributors, including director Mick Jackson, the real Deborah Lipstadt, screenwriter David Hare, and actors Rachel Weisz, Timothy Spall, and Tom Wilkinson. Each provides a brief but valuable perspective on the film's narrative and character development. In addition to the on-disc extras, the purchase also includes a DVD copy of the film and a UV/iTunes digital copy code.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The official trailer of "Denial".
• The Making of 'Denial': Brief insights into the plot and characters via interviews with cast and crew.

"Denial," directed by Mick Jackson, delves into the intricacies and moral complexities of a libel trial centering around one of history's greatest tragedies. The film features Rachel Weisz as Deborah Lipstadt, an Emory Holocaust Studies professor, who finds herself targeted by British historian and Holocaust denier David Irving (Timothy Spall). The narrative revolves around the burden of proof as Lipstadt and her steadfast legal team, including Anthony Julius (Andrew Scott) and Richard Rampton (Tom Wilkinson), strive to demonstrate the irrefutable truth of the Holocaust in a courtroom drama amplified by its historical significance and contemporary resonances.

Weisz embodies the passionate yet often frustrated Lipstadt, conveying her inner turmoil and the weight of representing historical truth with both quiet reflection and spirited determination. Conversely, Spall delivers a showy performance that captures Irving's bombastic nature, deftly navigating his character's flamboyant denialism. A poignant sequence set in Auschwitz delivers a sobering reality to the proceedings, accentuated by Haris Zambarloukos' evocative cinematography which contrasts the haunting remains of the camp with the courtroom's stark debates. This visit is not merely a cinematic device but a powerful reminder of the visceral impact of historical atrocities, grounding the philosophical and legal arguments in palpable evidence.

Tom Wilkinson's portrayal of Richard Rampton stands out for its subtle strength, offering a measured counterbalance to the more theatrical elements presented by Spall. The film, while briskly paced, manages to weave a compelling narrative that underscores the broader implications of disinformation in an age where discerning fact from manufactured 'facts' is increasingly challenging. Jackson adeptly brings coherence to David Hare’s screenplay, derived from Lipstadt's own account in "History on Trial," blending courtroom mechanics with deeper psychological explorations, making "Denial" a thoughtful and timely examination of truth under siege.

Denial is a meticulously crafted courtroom drama that tackles weighty themes with nuance and precision. The film shines in its powerful storytelling, avoiding oversimplification of its antagonist and presenting a well-rounded narrative. Notably, Timothy Spall delivers an exceptional performance as the Holocaust denier, while Rachel Weisz and Tom Wilkinson impressively portray the primary figures opposing him. The movie's cinematography is visually captivating, and its pacing ensures the audience remains engaged from beginning to end.

However, the Blu-ray release of "Denial" presents a mixed bag. While the primary selling point remains the strength of the movie itself, the video quality, though competent, lacks dynamism. The picture is clear and consistent but does not reach standout levels in terms of vividness or sharpness. On the audio front, the presentation is straightforward without any particular enhancements that audiophiles might expect from a high-definition format.

In conclusion, "Denial" is an essential viewing for its compelling narrative and stellar performances despite some shortcomings in its Blu-ray extras and technical presentation. While the additional content may fall short and the technical aspects might not fully utilize the Blu-ray format's potential, the film's intrinsic value makes it worth adding to any collection. Universal's release is recommended primarily for the movie's enriching experience.