Mr. Church Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate Films' Blu-ray release of "Mr. Church" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, effectively showcasing the film's visual attributes. Captured on Arri Alexa cameras, the transfer exhibits the smooth, sleek, and well-detailed qualities typical of this digital medium. Throughout the film, viewers can appreciate sharp and vivid details, particularly in closeups that reveal intricate visual nuances such as individual hairs, makeup blemishes, and fabric textures. Wide shots maintain clarity, offering extensive detail in various settings, including household items and culinary preparations.

The color palette is warm and inviting, with interior scenes bathed in buttery hues and exterior shots featuring vibrant primary colors that are both balanced and saturated. While the overall visual presentation is compelling, the transfer does encounter some sporadic noise spikes, notably around the 18-minute mark, which briefly disrupt the otherwise smooth experience. These issues are minor but noticeable, slightly detracting from an otherwise excellent video quality.

In summary, "Mr. Church" on Blu-ray provides a generally high-quality video presentation with excellent detail and vibrant color reproduction. Despite occasional noise issues, the transfer remains strong, offering an engaging and visually satisfying experience for viewers.

The audio presentation of "Mr. Church" on Blu-ray is characterized by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, which stands out primarily through its incorporation of jazz music, deeply intertwined with the titular character’s activities. The film benefits substantially from this musical component, delivering a full and robust audio experience that immerses the viewer in rich, vibrant sounds. Music provides the most consistent surround activity, particularly shining with selections of jazz that accompany scenes where Mr. Church is cooking. This creates a delightful listening experience, effectively balancing fidelity and ambiance.

Ambient noises and environmental sounds, whether from outdoor city life or the more intimate settings within homes, are realistically rendered and never feel overdone. The sound mix has been carefully crafted to ensure clarity, making dialogue crystal clear and free from any distortions such as pops, cracks, or hisses. The dynamic range of the audio is relatively limited, leading to a soundscape that leans towards being front-heavy; however, it is still well-balanced and maintains engagement through lifelike environmental representations. Despite the absence of notable low-end impact outside of the musical pieces, the overall audio quality is commendable for its intended atmosphere.

The "Mr. Church" Blu-ray presents an engaging and enlightening set of extras, thoroughly exploring various aspects of the film's production and the distinct contributions of its cast and crew. The featurettes offer informative interviews with key personnel and provide behind-the-scenes glimpses that enrich the viewing experience. Specifically, there's a focus on Britt Robertson's role, Eddie Murphy's transition into dramatic acting, the intricacies of food preparation for film, and the real-life inspiration behind the story. Each segment is concise yet thorough, allowing viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship and personal stories that shaped the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Britt Robertson: Profiles the actress with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Eddie Murphy Doing a Drama: Discusses Eddie Murphy’s casting and performance in a drama.
• Food on Film: Highlights food preparation for the film and addresses the practicalities of prop food.
• Based on a True Friendship: Explores screenwriter Susan McMartin's real-life story that inspired the film.

Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of the mysterious yet endearing Mr. Church in Bruce Beresford’s latest film is a dramatic departure from his usual comedic roles. While Murphy has shown his prowess in diverse roles, his performance here does not fully escape the mawkish overtones of Susan McMartin’s screenplay. The narrative centers around Charlie Brooks, played with earnestness by Natalie Coughlin and later Britt Robertson, grappling with growing pains and familial tragedies. Natasha McElhone adds depth as Marie Brooks, whose battle with cancer introduces Mr. Church into their lives. Murphy, stepping in for Samuel L. Jackson due to scheduling conflicts, plays a man whose culinary brilliance and love for literature win over the initially resistant family. Although the film's sentimentality can feel forced at times, Murphy’s nuanced and layered performance anchors it, making his character relatable and compelling.

Despite Beresford's previous success with films like 'Driving Miss Daisy,' 'Mr. Church' does not achieve the same emotional resonance. The screenplay's tendency to elicit tears through predictable melodramatic beats diminishes its overall impact. Nevertheless, the transition from young Charlie to her teenage years and beyond is handled with a degree of authenticity that resonates with viewers. The interactions between Charlie and Mr. Church are imbued with genuine warmth, despite occasional narrative contrivances designed purely to tug at the audience's heartstrings. Supporting performances, especially from Britt Robertson and Xavier Samuel as Charlie’s troubled teenage love interest, add depth to the storytelling.

Ultimately, "Mr. Church" stands out primarily due to Murphy’s powerful presence and expertly balanced performance between subtlety and expressiveness. His portrayal elevates an otherwise uneven script, showcasing a tenderness that captures the essence of this poignant yet fundamentally flawed narrative. While unlikely to earn significant accolades come award season, Murphy’s work here is undeniably a testament to his enduring talent and versatility.

"Mr. Church" delivers a mixed bag of emotional impact, relying significantly on Eddie Murphy's nuanced portrayal in the titular role. Although Murphy's reserved performance is commendable and garners potential award attention, it might feel overly restrained, placing a significant burden on Britt Robertson, who admirably shoulders much of the film's emotional weight. Despite their efforts, neither McMartin's script nor Beresford's direction manages to generate a profoundly moving narrative.

The film’s technical aspects merit praise. The audio and video presentations are both high-quality, making for a visually and aurally pleasing experience. However, the supplementary materials included with the Blu-Ray are disappointingly sparse and provide little additional value.

Ultimately, while "Mr. Church" has its drawbacks, including an inconsistent flow and occasionally sappy sentiments, Eddie Murphy's stellar performance makes it worth watching. It may not be a film that demands repeat viewings, but it's definitely worth experiencing at least once for Murphy’s compelling characterization.