Miss Sloane Blu-ray Review

"Miss Sloane," presented by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, boasts a solid AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Captured with Arri Alexa XT cameras, the video presentation features a sleek, detailed appearance that varies with lighting conditions. While brightly lit scenes, especially those set in offices, exhibit exceptional detail and sharpness, the minimally lit interiors tend to suffer from minor murkiness, masking finer details. The film's palette remains mostly natural but occasionally dives into popular yellow or blue tones, particularly in hearing sequences and certain location-based scenes.

The black levels are maintained consistently well, ensuring no substantial noise issues, aliasing, or banding. The overall image stability is praiseworthy, and there are no compression anomalies present. Some establishing shots around Washington, D.C., however, lack the sharpness seen in the rest of the presentation, potentially hinting at the utilization of brief stock footage. Variations in brightness and contrast are noticed, particularly during the opening monologue, which can affect detail levels without clear logical lighting sources.

Overall, "Miss Sloane's" video transfer is not reference-quality but remains satisfying for the most part. The detail in facial features, hair textures, and wardrobe is impressive, bolstered by realistic flesh tones and a fierce color rendering of key elements such as the protagonist’s titian hair and bold red lipstick. Despite a few inconsistencies within different scene compositions and the fluctuating contrast during certain moments, the Blu-ray provides a generally robust viewing experience that should please most viewers.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu-ray presentation of "Miss Sloane" offers a solid and competent audio experience well-suited to the film's dialogue-heavy nature. While the movie is largely built around conversations, often centered in the front and center speakers, the audio design ensures these exchanges are clear and well-rendered. Surround activity is effectively employed during Senate hearing scenes, party sequences, and select moments featuring ambient noise, thereby creating an engaging listen. The sparse use of sound effects, including the occasional gunshot, is amplified when necessary, adding a dynamic layer to the otherwise straightforward audio landscape.

Moreover, Max Richter’s score is a standout element within the mix, with its hauntingly poignant themes achieving full resonance across the side and rear channels. The presentation's ability to place music seamlessly within the surround soundscape enhances immersion and emotional impact. Ambient sounds are also well-distributed through the front and rear soundstage, contributing to a more enveloping experience overall. Though not spectacular or groundbreaking, the audio presentation is executed without noticeable glitches, providing a reliable and fitting accompaniment to the film’s narrative. Subtitles are available in English SDH and Spanish, catering to a broader audience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Miss Sloane" are concise yet informative, enhancing the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. The primary featurette, "Lobbying: Winning by Any Means," provides an insightful behind-the-scenes look with contributions from the director, producer, writer, and main cast members, illuminating the narrative and thematic decisions. The directors and stars including Jessica Chastain and John Lithgow deliver above-average interviews that delve into the intricacies of the lobbying world depicted in the movie. Also included are promotional and theatrical trailers which offer a glance at the marketing approach for the film.

Extras included in this disc:

Lobbying: Winning by Any Means: Insightful behind-the-scenes featurette with the director, producer, writer, and main cast. Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "Miss Sloane". Promo Trailers: Promotional trailers for films including "Hidden Figures," "Jackie," and "Rules Don’t Apply." DVD/Digital Copy: Includes a disc and a code sheet for digital access.

"Miss Sloane," directed by John Madden, paints a gripping portrait of the ruthless world of political lobbying. The film kicks off with Jessica Chastain's Elizabeth Sloane delivering a monologue that sets the stage for her character's relentless drive and hints at the impending scrutiny from a Senate committee. The narrative structure oscillates between the intense present-day hearings and flashbacks that trace Sloane's tactical maneuvers at her former lobbying firm and her subsequent transfer to a smaller, scrappy opposition group. Jonathan Perera's verbose screenplay adeptly maintains tension even through its talk-heavy scenes, although the climactic twist may feel overtly contrived.

Visually, "Miss Sloane" is meticulous with its depiction of the high-stakes political arena, though it occasionally leans into a glamorous Hollywood sheen. Key narrative threads include Sloane's ethically dubious strategies, like using a mass shooting survivor (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) for campaign fodder. Despite moments of character inconsistency—particularly in Sloane's abrupt moral stance on gun control—the film effectively conveys the murky moral landscape of lobbying. The film highlights Sloane's volatile relationship with her former boss George Dupont (Sam Waterston), which fuels much of the dramatic conflict, juxtaposing her win-at-all-costs mentality against the moral gray areas of the issues she tackles.

The ensemble cast delivers strong performances with Chastain commanding attention as the formidable title character. Supporting actors like Mark Strong, John Lithgow, and Sam Waterston hold their own amidst the torrents of fast-paced dialogue. Despite occasional predictability in plot developments and a somewhat implausible resolution, "Miss Sloane" remains engaging owing to its brisk pacing and Chastain’s galvanizing performance. The script’s intricate verbal battles and Madden’s deft direction help sustain suspense throughout, presenting a sobering, albeit somewhat dramatized, glimpse into the machinations of Washington power brokers.

"Miss Sloane" on Blu-ray presents a compelling political thriller, enriched by an intricate screenplay and top-tier performances. The film, directed by John Madden, features Jessica Chastain in the titular role, and she delivers a compelling portrayal of a fierce lobbyist. The narrative delves deep into the high-stakes world of political maneuvering, touching on pertinent themes such as gun control. Its meticulous attention to detail and strategic plot twists ensure that viewers are kept on their toes. While some might argue that certain elements are overly slick or manipulative, these components expertly contribute to the movie's tense atmosphere.

Technically, the Blu-ray release is impressive. The film's visuals are crisp with a taut and precise color palette that captures the cold, calculated nature of Washington politics. The audio tracks are equally well-engineered, providing clear dialogue and immersive soundscapes that enhance the overall viewing experience. The supplemental features shed additional light on the filmmaking process, with insightful commentaries and behind-the-scenes footage. However, despite these technical merits, the film's melodramatic conclusion can feel somewhat contrived, potentially detracting from its overall impact.

In conclusion, it’s refreshing to see a thriller with a strong female protagonist who defies traditional archetypes. Nevertheless, some of Sloane's motivations might seem random, and the denouement borders on the implausible. However, with powerful performances and a breathless pace, many viewers will find "Miss Sloane" engaging and entertaining. The strong technical presentation further elevates the experience, making this Blu-ray a solid addition for fans of political drama. Ultimately, "Miss Sloane" comes recommended for its compelling story and high production quality despite its narrative shortcomings.