Truth Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer of "Truth" is executed with a high level of precision and quality, showcasing the strengths of modern Blu-ray capabilities. The digital photography translates seamlessly to 1080p, offering consistently sharp, crisp imagery that captures fine details in both clothing textures and facial nuances. The color palette is handled carefully, reflecting the film’s period settings with natural, lifelike hues that transition to darker tones as the story grows more intense. This intentional shift in color saturation enhances the film's atmosphere without compromising image quality. Black levels are deep and stable, adding considerable depth to shadowy scenes without any signs of digital noise or banding, while contrast remains steady and reliable throughout.

This high-bitrate encoding ensures pristine presentation with no visible compression artifacts or deleterious effects on the image quality. The close-ups are particularly noteworthy, rendering intricate details such as tears, facial stubble, and subtle emotions with impressive clarity. Flesh tones are generally accurate, though there are minor variations due to specific lighting contexts within different scenes. The sterile interiors of the film are captured with a slick and vibrant look, further immersing viewers into the director's vision. Overall, this transfer succeeds in faithfully reproducing the theatrical experience, maintaining a smooth, immersive visual storytelling that aligns perfectly with the director’s artistic intentions.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Truth" offers a competent and articulate audio experience that aligns well with its dialogue-driven narrative. This lossless encoding ensures that vocal definition remains firm and clear throughout, providing a front-loaded perspective with defined and clearly articulated dialogue that permeates into the room. Sounds and music are reproduced with refining clarity and dynamism, offering stage immersion and maintaining appropriate fidelity throughout the film.

The soundtrack's surround activity, while limited, provides effective spatial cues and occasional directional sounds that enhance the listening experience. Rear channel usage is sparse but well-executed, particularly noticeable in scenes involving airplane takeoffs and city streets. Background elements like microphone reverberations, basic office din, and party atmospheres contribute effectively to creating a palpable sense of space. Despite its lack of sonic diversity, the track handles each element professionally and accurately, ensuring that all conversations, whether hushed or heated, are easy to comprehend. Weighty bass frequencies punctuate key moments, such as thunder cracks, without introducing distortion or surface noise.

Overall, the audio presentation of "Truth" is supportive rather than showy, aligning seamlessly with the film’s settings in offices, hotel rooms, and suburban homes. While it may not offer groundbreaking sonic variety or intensity, it serves the movie well by providing clear, serviceable sound that complements the action appropriately. The soundtrack's competency in prioritizing dialogue and creating ambient immersion underscores its professional execution, delivering a precise and engaging auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Truth" provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the making of the film and the real events that inspired it. The audio commentary with Writer/Director James Vanderbilt and Producers Brad Fischer and William Sherak is particularly noteworthy, offering in-depth insights into the development process, from casting decisions to the intricate storytelling techniques. The inclusion of detailed deleted scenes adds another layer of appreciation for the film's narrative depth. The featurettes, particularly "The Reason for Being," enrich the viewer’s understanding by featuring commentary from real-life figures Dan Rather and Mary Mapes, adding authenticity and gravitas. The Q&A session with Cate Blanchett, Elisabeth Moss, and James Vanderbilt offers candid reflections on their experiences and the film’s thematic elements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Audio Commentary: Detailed insights from James Vanderbilt, Brad Fischer, and William Sherak.
• Deleted Scenes: Six scenes providing additional character context.
• The Reason for Being: Discussion with Dan Rather and Mary Mapes.
• The Team: Overview of the main cast and characters.
• Q&A with Cate Blanchett, Elisabeth Moss, and James Vanderbilt: In-depth look into the project origins and cast experiences.
• Theatrical Trailer

"Truth" is a meticulously crafted depiction of the scandal that rocked CBS News in the early 2000s. The film, directed by James Vanderbilt, stars Robert Redford as Dan Rather and Cate Blanchett as CBS producer Mary Mapes. It delves into their investigative report on President George W. Bush’s military service, a story that questions the integrity and truthfulness of political figures and the journalists who cover them. Despite having an enthralling premise, the film falls short in maintaining engagement in its first half. It’s bogged down by the initial lackluster portrayal of journalistic procedures, portraying Mapes and her team’s enthusiasm as overzealous rather than focused.

The second half of "Truth" takes on a darker, more engaging tone, exploring the fallout from CBS's report with increased tension and dramatic fervor. However, even then, the investigation feels superficial, failing to deeply probe the ethical dilemmas and corporate pressures that influence modern journalism. One poignant moment stands out: Rather’s reflection on the modern news cycle, which critiques the priority of rapidly breaking news over its authenticity. Though it captures the essence of the conflict between journalistic integrity and corporate interests, much of the narrative remains emotionally detached.

Cate Blanchett delivers a compelling performance as Mary Mapes, showcasing her versatility and depth. Redford’s portrayal of Rather is similarly understated yet effective. While the film addresses significant issues such as journalistic ethics, media frenzy, and corporate influence, it often prioritizes a polished surface over profound insight. "Truth" tells an important story and brings to light critical questions about the nature of news reporting, but ultimately, it lacks the gripping depth needed to wholly absorb its audience. Despite mixed reviews and debates about its accuracy and biases, "Truth" is a noteworthy production that both media enthusiasts and casual viewers may find thought-provoking.

"Truth" effectively delves into the complexities of journalism, covering the controversial 2004 CBS scandal involving Dan Rather and the scrutiny of President George W. Bush's military service. The film excels in portraying the intricacies of modern newsrooms and political controversies. However, the narrative suffers from tonal inconsistencies, with the first half appearing overly animated and the second half lacking dramatic depth. Despite these shortcomings, Cate Blanchett stands out with a compelling performance as Mary Mapes, providing emotional authenticity amidst uneven acting, particularly from Robert Redford.

The Blu-ray release from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment showcases strong technical merits. The video and audio quality are impressive, preserving the film's visual and auditory nuances. The addition of insightful supplementary content, including a remarkable audio commentary, enriches the viewing experience. These supplements offer valuable perspectives from both the filmmakers and real-life individuals involved, making the home release a comprehensive package for enthusiasts of journalistic dramas.

Final Thoughts:

Based on Mary Mapes' book Truth and Duty: The Press, The President, and the Privilege of Power, "Truth" raises thought-provoking questions about contemporary journalism, ethics, and power. The Blu-ray edition from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment not only delivers solid technical quality but also features a decent array of supplemental content that provides deeper insights. Despite its narrative flaws and uneven performances, "Truth" is engaging and well worth experiencing on Blu-ray.

Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews