The Man Who Knew Infinity Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Man Who Knew Infinity" features a solid 1080p HD transfer presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The video quality is commendable, though marred by some minor flaws. Detail reproduction excels in close-ups, showcasing individual hairs, facial wrinkles, and intricate wardrobe stitching, providing a tactile sense of the period attire and settings. The larger sequences, while slightly softer, maintain an adequate level of sharpness, but can sometimes present a glossy and somewhat flat appearance. The film does an excellent job with colors, sharply contrasting the vibrant greens of Cambridge fields with the warmer, more neutral interiors of the academic environment.

Color accuracy is notable, from the saturation and vibrance of bright attire in earlier scenes to the balanced hues depicting the Cambridge setting. Black levels are generally deep and inky, though occasional instances reveal a tendency towards brightness. Source noise is present but relatively unobtrusive, manifesting without significant disruption or compression artifacts like banding. Flesh tones and close-ups of warm wooden furniture within Cambridge interiors highlight textures and scratches clearly, lending an immersive depth to these scenes. Despite minor inconsistencies, the video presentation overall is positive, delivering a pleasurable visual experience.

"The Man Who Knew Infinity" delivers a competent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, tailored to the film's modest sonic requirements. The mix predominantly favors the front channels, ensuring that dialogue is foregrounded and crystal clear, with natural center placement and perfect prioritization. Ambient soundscapes, such as nighttime insects and seaside atmospherics, are subtly immersive and gently defined. Thunderstorms and driving rain achieve a dynamic presence without overwhelming the experience, keeping the most substantial sound activity towards the front channels.

Notable moments of sonic impact include an explosion which is captured with impressive weight and realistic debris distribution throughout the soundstage. Another high-impact scene is the rapping of knuckles on wooden tables during a pivotal Cambridge faculty moment, which is portrayed with striking realism and potency. While the rear channels remain fairly inactive, they do come alive during these few select moments. Overall, the music score enriches without overshadowing other audio elements, exhibiting impressive detail and agreeable spacing primarily across the front speaker array. The track earns praise for its well-balanced presentation, breathing life into the subtle sound elements which define much of the experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Man Who Knew Infinity" offers no supplemental content, nor does it include a DVD or digital version. Regrettably, there are no additional bonuses or behind-the-scenes features that would provide further insight into the making of this film. Enthusiasts looking for extra materials such as director commentaries, deleted scenes, and interviews with cast or crew will be disappointed by the absence of any such content. Despite the effectiveness of the movie itself, this release is notably deficient in enriching material that could enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• None

Matthew Brown's "The Man Who Knew Infinity" seamlessly joins the ranks of cinematic portrayals of mathematical prodigies, featuring the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, who is played by Dev Patel. The narrative, although not groundbreaking in its approach, provides an earnest and sincere look into Ramanujan’s journey from a self-taught mathematical genius in India to a revered figure in Cambridge. While the math-based scenes, often visually captivating and articulated with elegance, serve as a fascinating backdrop, the film’s core is deeply rooted in the human experiences and relationships forged within the realms of academia and beyond. Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons, portraying G.H. Hardy, deliver performances that lend significant depth to the story, masterfully conveying the bond and mutual respect that forms between the two characters.

The movie's technical execution supports its historical setting effectively, reflecting the period’s essence without overshadowing the character-driven narrative. Brown's direction is notably understated yet competent, allowing the strong performances to guide the film's emotional and thematic progression. Although the film treads familiar paths regarding prejudice and adversity faced by Ramanujan due to his heritage and skin color, it does so with a genuine touch that resonates despite its predictability. The supporting cast, especially Toby Jones as Hardy's colleague, further anchors the film within its academic milieu.

Ultimately, "The Man Who Knew Infinity" stands out not for its novel storytelling or innovative techniques but for its heartfelt execution of a timeless tale. The performances by Patel and Irons are pivotal, transforming what could have been a standard biographical drama into a compelling narrative about friendship, intellectual pursuit, and triumph over societal prejudices. While not revolutionary within its genre, it remains a commendable addition that offers a touching portrayal of one of mathematics' most exceptional minds and the world that both embraced and challenged him.

'The Man Who Knew Infinity' Blu-ray offers viewers a competently made biopic featuring impressive performances from Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons. The narrative centers on the life of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and his groundbreaking work at Cambridge University, capturing the personal and professional challenges he faced. While the film engages in the usual biopic conventions, it manages to present a sincere and thoughtful portrayal of human connection and intellectual perseverance. The script is intelligently crafted, making complex mathematical concepts accessible to a broad audience.

The Blu-ray presentation, though lacking in supplementary features, delivers high-quality video and audio that meet contemporary format standards. The visual transfer is clean, showcasing the period's detailed production design with clarity and fidelity. Audio is clear and balanced, enhancing the overall viewing experience with well-mixed dialogue and an atmospheric score.

In conclusion, 'The Man Who Knew Infinity' doesn't bring anything new to its genre or, really, the larger world of stories centered on exceptional people who face hardships for qualities beyond their control and overcome artificial adversities, but it's very well done, smart, and sincere. The story beyond the math is easy to grasp, and a smart script makes it easy to appreciate the film as a human bonding and interest story. Performances are excellent and production values impress. Paramount's Blu-ray is unfortunately featureless, but video and audio are up to format standards. Recommended.