Holy Man Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Holy Man" offers a solid, though unremarkable, high-definition experience. The presentation is stable and clear, managing a fair balance of detail and sharpness. The transfer does exhibit some typical issues like soft corners, occasional out-of-focus shots, light banding, and a slightly smoothed-over appearance in some scenes. However, these elements do not significantly distract from the overall viewing experience. Skin textures are well-defined, particularly noticeable on Eddie Murphy's shaved head and the detailed seams and fabric textures in Jeff Goldblum's suits. Colors maintain stability across various scenes, from bright outfits to muted office settings, and flesh tones are steady, contributing to a balanced visual experience.

The underlying gauziness common in late '90s transfers is present, lending the presentation a somewhat nostalgic feel reminiscent of catalog titles from that era. Close-up shots provide decent skin texture detail, making features like Goldblum's five o'clock shadow and freckles appreciable, though not as sharply defined as in recent high-definition releases. Mid-range shots expectedly show some softness, consistent with cinematographic standards of the time. Additionally, while minor crushing and banding are observable, they are not overly intrusive unless one is specifically looking for them. Blacks are stable but stop short of the deep inky quality seen in more contemporary transfers. Overall, while "Holy Man" may not boast a cutting-edge visual presentation, the Blu-ray transfer is competent enough to satisfy viewers, especially given its budget-friendly pricing.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray release of "Holy Man" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which provides a generally solid and immersive listening experience. The mix excels in creating a spacious and airy environment, particularly noticeable in the expansive scenes set within the home shopping channel studio. Ambient background noise comes through clearly, enhancing the realism of the setting. The musical numbers, especially in chapters seven and eight, are delivered with crispness and energy, enveloping the listener in a well-defined soundstage.

Dialogue clarity, while primarily centered, can occasionally be too hushed, with whispered lines feeling underemphasized. The balance between dialogue and ambient sounds is generally accurate, although some might find the center channel slightly subdued compared to the rest. Specific immersive moments, like the busy home shopping set or the highway scene where G navigates traffic, leverage rear speakers effectively to create a fuller experience. However, while directionality is satisfactory, the mix lacks standout elements that significantly heighten engagement.

Overall, Mill Creek's DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is competent, handling various audio challenges with ease and precision. It delivers most of the auditory thrills expected in high-quality releases, though it remains somewhat conservative, focusing more on dialogue-driven immersion rather than dynamic sound effects. This approach ensures clear and intelligible dialogue, but it leaves a minor desire for greater audio excitement.

The extras on the "Holy Man" Blu-ray are minimal, providing only the film's trailer as the sole component. Both the high-definition and standard-definition versions lack supplementary content beyond this. This sparse offering is notable, especially considering the potential for deeper archival footage, interviews, or commentary tracks that could enrich the viewing experience for enthusiasts and critics alike. The absence of additional materials may leave some viewers wanting more in terms of behind-the-scenes insights or promotional features. The presented trailer does offer a concise glimpse into the film's marketing but falls short of delivering comprehensive insights expected from a Blu-ray package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The theatrical promotional clip in high definition.

Stephen Herek's "Holy Man" is an ambitious film that strives to blend philosophy, humor, and the home shopping industry, fronted by the magnetic Eddie Murphy as "G." The narrative centers around Ricky Hayman (Jeff Goldblum), a struggling sales executive at Good Buy Shopping Network, and his attempt to turn sales around with the help of the enigmatic G. Kelly Preston stars as Kate Newell, a character whose romantic subplot with Ricky appears forced and underdeveloped. Despite the impressive cast, the movie falters under the weight of its many themes and directions, failing to provide the necessary cohesion and depth.

Murphy delivers a charismatic performance as G, a spiritually enlightened wanderer whose mysterious aura and philosophical musings breathe life into an otherwise stale screenplay. His character is reminiscent of a modern-day sage, dispensing wisdom that often feels as superficial as motivational quotes on a calendar. While Murphy's comedic and dramatic prowess shines, it cannot completely salvage a script that lacks the originality and nuance needed to elevate G from intriguing to memorable.

The movie meanders through various tropes and archetypes— from the ruthless boss fixated on profits (Robert Loggia) to the cliched man-versus-money dilemma faced by Ricky. Although "Holy Man" contains poignant moments and clever scenes, such as G's seamless integration into the home shopping network, the film ultimately suffers from sluggish pacing and an overextended runtime. The scattered subplots, including the lackluster romance between Ricky and Kate, dilute the narrative’s potential impact.

" Holy Man" showcases brilliant performances from its ensemble cast and offers flashes of philosophical insight, but its fragmented structure and underdeveloped themes hinder its overall effectiveness.

The Blu-ray release of "Holy Man" is a mixed bag, reflecting both the potential of its premise and the shortcomings in its execution. Eddie Murphy, undoubtedly a powerhouse of comedic talent, delivers a performance that is both charming and engaging where he can. Unfortunately, the film's narrative relies heavily on dramatic clichés and character stereotypes, limiting the scope within which Murphy and his co-stars can truly shine. The ensemble cast appears strong on paper, yet their performances often come across as stale, constrained by a script that lacks the necessary dynamism to elevate their roles.

Technically, the Blu-ray from Mill Creek is solid. The video quality delivers a crisp and clear viewing experience, maintaining high fidelity in both colors and details. The audio presentation is equally competent, ensuring dialogue and soundtrack come through clearly. However, the release is scant on additional features, including only a standard-definition trailer. For collectors and fans of Eddie Murphy, this might still be an attractive buy given the budget-friendly price point.

In conclusion, "Holy Man" showcases glimpses of promise through its good moments and Eddie Murphy’s effort, but ultimately succumbs to uninspired storytelling. Mill Creek's release does justice technically with solid video and audio but lacks substantive extras to enhance its appeal. It’s worth a watch for collectors and die-hard Murphy fans, albeit with tempered expectations regarding the overall cinematic experience.