42 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "42" showcases a remarkable blend of digital precision and film-like warmth, an epitome of digital cinematography's potential to replicate the nostalgic texture and aura of film. Shot on the RED Epic camera, the video quality benefits immensely from its direct digital source transfer, resulting in an image that not only sparkles with clarity but also encapsulates the historical essence of its subject matter with film-quality textures and colors. The care taken in rendering every detail, from the heavier textures of old baseball uniforms to the fine grains of sand on the diamond, demonstrates an exceptional level of definition and sharpness at any given distance. This clarity is complemented by a balanced color palette - albeit with a slight warm sepia influence - which brilliantly captures the era through a mix of earth tones and subdued hues, alongside vibrant splashes of color where appropriate.

Don Burgess's cinematography, coupled with this stellar transfer from Warner Brothers, achieves a delicate balance between ensuring '42' retains its old-fashioned look while benefiting from the sharp, noise-free image quality inherent to modern digital filmmaking. The intentional draining of bright colors in favor of grays, greens, and browns not only affirms the film's historical setting but does so without sacrificing the vividness and dynamic range modern audiences expect. Details are painstakingly preserved, from the texture of fabrics to the lushness of grass on the playing field.

Black levels and skin tones receive particular attention, ensuring that shadows are distinguishable without the loss of detail and that flesh tones remain natural under the film's slightly warm filter. With no detectable video noise or artifacts, this Blu-ray release sets a high standard for visual presentation, combining technological precision with artistic sensibility to offer a viewing experience that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally engaging. It's a testament to the capabilities of current digital cinema when executed with meticulous care and a profound respect for the source material.

The audio presentation of "42" on Blu-ray boasts an exceptional DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that delivers a compelling and immersive auditory experience. The sound design masterfully handles a range of scenarios, from the intensity of a packed baseball stadium to the subtleties of a quiet, heartfelt dialogue. The audio track exhibits an impressive balance, seamlessly integrating the soundstage with perfectly timed bass that enriches without overwhelming. Technical excellence is evident in the handling of dynamic contrasts, allowing for both the raw power of a speeding train and the nuanced ambiance of background airport chatter to be conveyed with striking clarity and authenticity. Musical scores are rendered with an arresting clarity, their placements across the channels enhancing the narrative's emotional depth, while ensuring a coherent surround support that envelops the listener.

During the quieter, dialogue-driven scenes, the quality of the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track might seem underplayed, yet its true prowess emerges with the on-field baseball sequences. Here, the sound design truly shines, bringing to life the crack of the bat and the collective roar of the crowd with a vividness that borders on tangible. This is augmented by innovative camera angles that offer an unconventional view of the game, further enhanced by an audio experience that boasts precise directionality and active rear channels, creating a holistic and engaging viewer experience. The overall audio balance is meticulously maintained, ensuring dialogues, sound effects, and the soundtrack coalesce harmoniously without any instances of glitches or dropouts, making "42" an auditory marvel.

Subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, French, and Portuguese complement the versatile audio offering, extending its accessibility. The combination of technical precision in capturing both grandiose moments and minute sonic details, alongside a well-calibrated mix that respects both dialogue and ambient sounds, confirms Warner Brothers' commitment to delivering a superior audiovisual experience. "42" stands out not just as a visual spectacle but as an auditory benchmark for baseball cinema, immersing viewers and listeners alike into the very heart of America's favorite pastime.

The Blu-ray extras for "42" offer an intriguing yet limited glimpse into the making of a film that pays homage to Jackie Robinson and the breaking of baseball's color barrier. The featurettes, “Stepping Into History,” “Full-Contact Baseball,” and “The Legacy of Number 42,” collectively provide insights into the historical accuracy of the film, the physical demands of portraying 1940s baseball, and the societal impact of Robinson’s journey. However, the lack of a director’s commentary from Brian Helgeland, despite his significant contributions to the project and the tradition of including such tracks in home video releases, is a notable omission. This absence is felt alongside the exclusion of promotional interviews and events that could have enriched the understanding and appreciation of the film’s context and significance. Despite these shortcomings, the included extras do offer valuable perspectives on the film's production and Robinson's enduring legacy, albeit leaving audiences wanting more comprehensive behind-the-scenes content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Stepping Into History: A closer look at Ford's portrayal of Rickey and Boseman's portrait of Robinson.
• Full-Contact Baseball: Explores 1940s baseball's physicality, special effects, and cast training.
• The Legacy of Number 42: Discusses Robinson's major league trials and historical significance with former athletes.
• DVD Copy: Standard DVD version of the film.
• UV Digital Copy: Ultraviolet digital version for online streaming/download.

The movie "42," chronicling Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking entry into Major League Baseball, stands as a poignant and carefully crafted film that effortlessly blends sports drama and significant historical context. This portrayal not only highlights Robinson's incredible journey as the first African American to play in the MLB but also delves into the intertwined narratives of courage, racism, and the fight for equality on and off the baseball field. Directed by Brian Helgeland, "42" moves beyond the confines of a traditional biopic, presenting a story that resonates deeply with its audience through its direct and professional depiction of significant societal issues. With Chadwick Boseman's compelling performance as Jackie Robinson and Harrison Ford's portrayal of Branch Rickey, the Dodgers' general manager, the film brings to life the unyielding spirit of its characters amidst the harsh realities of their time.

"42" excels in its attention to historical accuracy, from the authentic recreation of period-specific settings to the detailed representation of the challenges faced by Robinson and his peers. The film does not shy away from the ugliness of racism, instead choosing to confront it head-on in scenes that are as uncomfortable as they are necessary, thereby ensuring a genuine portrayal of the era. Despite its moments of intensity, the movie maintains a balance, avoiding sensationalism and instead focusing on the human story at its core. The relationship dynamics, especially between Robinson and Rickey, alongside the portrayal of Jackie's resilience and dignity in the face of adversity, add layers to the narrative that go beyond baseball.

Through a combination of meticulous period design, stellar performances, and a storyline that captures both the essence of Jackie Robinson's struggle and his monumental achievements, "42" stands out not just as a sports movie, but as an important reflection on American history. The film, while touching upon the broader theme of breaking racial barriers, remains intimately focused on Robinson's personal journey, thereby providing a nuanced exploration of character under extreme pressure. This approach ensures that "42" resonates with viewers as a powerful and inspiring tale of perseverance, bravery, and change, marking it as more than a mere recounting of historical events but a timeless story of triumph over discrimination.

The film '42' offers a compelling and meticulously crafted portrayal of Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking journey in breaking baseball's color barrier, an event that marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. Thanks to its strong narrative focus and avoidance of unnecessary cinematic flourishes, the movie excels in highlighting the emotional and historical significance of its subject matter. Its appeal extends far beyond mere sports enthusiasts, touching anyone interested in a sincere exploration of a crucial chapter in American history. Despite these strengths, the Warner Brothers’ Blu-ray release of '42' leaves something to be desired when it comes to additional content, which is sparse. However, the release more than compensates with exceptional picture and sound quality, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

Contributing to the movie's success are its commendable cinematography and a series of impactful performances that bring the story of Jackie Robinson and his monumental achievements to life with authenticity and depth. These elements combine to establish '42' not only as a standout among baseball movies but also as one of the noteworthy cinematic offerings of 2013. Nonetheless, viewers might find the paucity of bonus features on the Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet combo release a bit disheartening, although this shortcoming hardly diminishes the overall merit and recommendability of '42'.

In conclusion, '42' stands out as an exemplary film that not only entertains but also educates its audience about a seminal event in sports and American history. While it could benefit from a richer array of supplementary materials on its physical release, the outstanding quality of both its visual and audio presentation coupled with its powerful storytelling ensures that it remains highly recommended. This Blu-ray release, despite its flaws in extras, undoubtedly serves as an essential addition to the collections of both film aficionados and those keen on understanding the profound impacts of Jackie Robinson's career.