Made in Dagenham Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Made in Dagenham" boasts an impressive 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer presented in a widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The film benefits immensely from John De Borman’s meticulous lighting and cinematography, creating an authentic 1960s ambiance. The intentional filtration and subdued color scheme aptly convey the period feel, with pale pink skin tones adding a stark contrast to the typical Hollywood tan. The slightly lowered contrast successfully aligns with the director's intended vision, while maintaining deep black levels. Film grain is present but subtle, adding to the overall filmic quality without detracting from the sharpness of the image.

Stylistically, the high-definition presentation employs a muted chroma approach to accentuate the historical context and thematic elements. Primary colors, particularly red and blue, are vividly reproduced against sepia and darker tones, ensuring a visually appealing experience. Close-up shots are exceptionally detailed, revealing intricate details like pores, stubble, and texture variations. Black levels and contrast are expertly handled, providing discernible detail in dark backgrounds and shadows. The overall clean and stable quality of the video is commendable, with no observable banding, blockiness, or edge halos. Grain remains minimal and non-intrusive throughout.

Sony's Blu-ray release delivers a highly stable and problem-free presentation, capturing even the most minute details of skin textures, clothing, and environmental elements. Despite some occasional flatness in darker scenes, the depth and dimensionality remain noteworthy for a 2D image. The slightly faded bronze coloration further enhances the period feel without compromising clarity or causing coloration issues. This transfer stands out as a technically solid achievement, reinforcing Sony's reputation for producing exceptional Blu-ray presentations.

The audio presentation of "Made in Dagenham" is delivered in DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound, and it proves to be pleasantly surprising for a film that is heavily dialogue-driven. The sound design utilizes the surround channels effectively, making for an immersive experience. In scenes within the machine shop, the soundscape places you in the heart of the activity, with sewing machines whirring around you. This enveloping effect extends to scenes like Sally Hawkins taking refuge from the rain in a car, where the sound of rain battering the windscreen and roof is convincingly immersive. The re-recording for this scene ensures clarity without losing the atmospheric touch of the rainfall. While not on the level of a blockbuster in terms of bombastic effects, its nuanced use of the audio landscape makes it worthwhile.

Dialogues are clean and crisp, primarily emanating from the center channel, though occasionally there seems to be a slight clash with the musical score, requiring some auditory adjustment to focus on the speech. The front stereo channels provide a vibrant backdrop for the 1960s music that punctuates the film's timeline, with notable presence from the subwoofer during these moments. Sound effects such as rattling chains and crowd noises at strike scenes are handled with precision, bringing life to the factory floor and strike scenes alike. The attention to detail ensures that even the most reserved sounds contribute to placing the audience squarely within each scene's environment.

Overall, "Made in Dagenham"'s audio mix exceeds expectations for a dialogue-intensive film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix has a few surprises, leveraging its elements to create a dynamic and engaging listening experience that enhances the narrative depth and atmospheric setting of the movie. This track handles every element asked of it with finesse, making for a superb audio presentation.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Made in Dagenham" provide a substantive and engaging look behind the scenes of the film. Director Nigel Cole's commentary is particularly commendable, blending technical details about the filming process with historical context and personal anecdotes, maintaining a keen balance of interest and information. The making-of featurette includes insightful interviews with the cast and crew, bringing depth to the real-life stories that inspired the movie. Deleted scenes offer glimpses of additional character moments and narrative threads, though they primarily underscore the film’s editing decisions. Outtakes provide brief but enjoyable bloopers, and the theatrical trailer is a crisp, well-edited preview that showcases the film’s thematic essence and appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director’s Commentary: Nigel Cole provides insights and behind-the-scenes context.
• The Making of Made in Dagenham: Cast and crew discuss the real story and filmmaking process.
• Deleted Scenes: Eight scenes that were cut for pacing and narrative reasons.
• Outtakes: A short collection of filming bloopers.
• Theatrical Trailer: Edited preview showcasing the film.

"Made in Dagenham," a drama based on the 1968 strike for equal pay by female workers at Ford's Dagenham plant, is presented on Blu-ray with an impressive 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer in a widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The visual presentation effectively conveys the era through a slightly muted color palette and authentic lighting that enhances the gritty yet inspiring atmosphere of the factory setting. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track captures the lively workroom ambiance and period music tracks, ensuring a fully immersive viewing experience. The extras, including a director's commentary by Nigel Cole and behind-the-scenes features, provide insightful context to the film's production.

The narrative is bolstered by standout performances from Sally Hawkins as the unassuming but passionate leader Rita O'Grady, and Bob Hoskins, who delivers a heartfelt performance as Albert Passingham, the supportive union man. The cast adeptly brings to life this historical moment, making the film more than just a predictable story of triumph. Rita’s transformation from a timid worker to a vocal advocate is both authentic and captivating, offering viewers a nuanced portrayal of personal and collective empowerment. The film navigates the tension between personal sacrifices and broader social impacts with finesse, avoiding melodrama while maintaining an engaging, feel-good tone.

"Made in Dagenham" excels not just because of its compelling storyline but owing to its ability to balance humor and pathos. The film deftly portrays the social dynamics and struggles of the time while ensuring character-driven narratives remain at the forefront. Scenes depicting Rita's domestic challenges juxtaposed with her public battles are particularly poignant, illustrating the broader implications of her activism. Despite its predictability, the film's strength lies in the journey, offering audiences an uplifting experience replete with historical significance and personal triumphs, led by a formidable cast and solid direction.

"Made in Dagenham" is an engaging and uplifting film that effectively navigates its audience toward rooting for the protagonist's side, even without delving deeply into the opposition's perspective. The film masterfully illustrates the theme of standing up for what is right, focusing on the vital issue of equal pay. Although it follows a predictable feel-good formula, its heartwarming overtones and universal life lessons make it a memorable experience. The skilled direction and stellar performances, particularly by the film's leading lady Rita O'Grady, are instrumental in delivering its impactful message.

The Blu-ray release from Sony is of exceptional quality, boasting a flawless 1080p transfer that enhances the visual appeal of the movie. The audio is equally impressive, with a robust lossless soundtrack that complements the visual experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray package includes several valuable extras that further enrich the viewing experience.

In summary, "Made in Dagenham" successfully balances its narrative and thematic elements to create a poignant film that's worth watching. The professional handling of both video and audio by Sony only adds to its charm, making this Blu-ray release highly recommended for any collection.