Erin Brockovich Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Erin Brockovich" features a new 1080p, VC-1-encoded transfer approved by director Steven Soderbergh, continuing Universal's commitment to high-quality home video releases. Cinematographer Ed Lachman, known for his stylized work, opted for a more realistic approach in this film to match its true-story narrative, punctuated by a deliberate sickly yellow tint in the Hinkley scenes to signify environmental contamination. Overall, the color palette is robust, with warm yellow and orange hues blending seamlessly into the film's tone. Facial complexions are realistically textured, and black levels are consistently deep, maintaining detailed shadows throughout. However, the transfer's clarity is marred by noticeable artificial sharpening, giving the image a slightly digital and processed look.

Detail retention is commendable, and there is no significant loss due to noise reduction or high-frequency filtering. Fine details remain intact, but the artificial sharpening can detract from the film-like atmosphere that one anticipates from premier Blu-ray transfers. Notably, this sharpening does not result in visible edge halos but does contribute to a less natural presentation. Despite these drawbacks, the Blu-ray represents a substantial improvement over the DVD version, offering superior definition and an overall impressive visual experience. While minor artifacts such as edge enhancement may distract discerning viewers, the presentation generally remains true to the director's vision.

Overall, "Erin Brockovich" on Blu-ray delivers an appealing visual fidelity that captures Ed Lachman's realistic cinematography effectively. Though the application of artificial sharpening is apparent and somewhat diminishes the film's aesthetic, it is not sufficient to detract significantly from the viewing experience. This release stands as a notable upgrade, reflecting both technical prowess and fidelity to the film's original photographic intentions.

The audio presentation of "Erin Brockovich" on Blu-ray delivers a finely-tuned DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track mixed by Larry Blake, renowned for his work with Steven Soderbergh. The soundtrack emphasizes dialogue clarity and front-channel prominence, crucial for this character-driven narrative. Thomas Newman's atmospheric score, which incorporates synthesized sounds that blend seamlessly as both music and sound effects, is well-presented with remarkable presence and depth, enveloping the listener completely.

While rear channel effects are sparingly used, ambient sounds appropriate to various settings, such as Masry's office and local bars, are subtly integrated, enhancing the film's immersive quality without overwhelming the listener. The mid-range fidelity and acoustics are excellent, and the bass provides noticeable depth in select scenes, particularly in conjunction with Newman's score. Imaging occasionally broadens the soundfield with convincing off-screen effects, contributing to an overall warm and inviting audio experience. This results in a highly engaging soundtrack that, though not necessarily demo material, perfectly complements the film's storytelling.

The Blu-ray extras for "Erin Brockovich" offer a comprehensive and engaging array of content that delves into both the behind-the-scenes process and the real-life inspirations for the film. The collection includes insightful interviews with the real Erin Brockovich and Ed Masry, offering compelling first-hand perspectives. Particularly noteworthy is the optional commentary on the deleted scenes by Director Steven Soderbergh, which provides valuable insights into the editorial choices made during production. The inclusion of Universal's 100 Years features in HD adds historical context and depth, while retaining legacy content from previous releases ensures a well-rounded viewing experience. Each feature is thoughtfully crafted to enhance appreciation for the film's development.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Eighteen scenes with optional commentary by Director Steven Soderbergh.
• Erin Brockovich: A Look at a Real Life Experience: Interviews with Erin Brockovich and Ed Masry.
• Spotlight on Location: The Making of Erin Brockovich: Documentary featuring cast and crew insights.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original marketing trailer.
• 100 Years of Universal: Academy Award Winners: Survey of Oscar-winning roles and films.
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot: Studio backlot tour with industry insights.
• pocketBLU
• My Scenes
• BD-Live

"Erin Brockovich," released in 2000 and directed by Steven Soderbergh, tells the gripping real-life story of Erin Brockovich-Ellis, a bold and relentless investigator who, alongside lawyer Ed Masry, takes on Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) in one of the largest toxic tort settlements in US history. The film compellingly paints Brockovich's transition from a struggling single mother to a respected legal clerk determined to fight for the residents of Hinkley, California. The narrative portrays the challenges of proving causation in toxic tort cases, ultimately highlighting the significant impact of Brockovich's relentless efforts.

The core of the film centers on the dynamic and often volatile partnership between Brockovich (Julia Roberts) and Masry (Albert Finney). Their interactions provide not only humor but also depth to the story, showing how their vastly different personalities complement each other in their shared pursuit of justice. Roberts' performance extends beyond her usual charm, earning her an Oscar for Best Actress; she skillfully balances Brockovich's foul-mouthed tenacity with moments of vulnerability. Finney delivers a standout performance, his reactions providing layered insight into Masry’s character amid their confrontations.

Soderbergh's direction, in partnership with cinematographer Ed Lachman, utilizes a distinctive aesthetic that toggles between warm, sun-drenched hues and cooler tones to emphasize thematic contrasts. The script by Susannah Grant adeptly distills complex legal proceedings into an accessible and engaging storyline focused on Brockovich's unwavering determination. Combined with Roberts' and Finney's powerhouse performances, the film transforms a seemingly conventional David-and-Goliath courtroom drama into an emotionally resonant and compelling tale of justice, perseverance, and community strength.

Steven Soderbergh’s "Erin Brockovich" is a compelling courtroom drama that stands out for its masterful direction and stellar performances. Based on the true story of Erin Brockovich’s battle against a multi-billion dollar corporation, the film transforms a standard David-and-Goliath tale into an absorbing motion picture. Julia Roberts delivers one of her most memorable performances, embodying the tenacity and spirit of the real-life heroine.

The Blu-ray release offers a generally solid audio and video presentation. The picture quality remains sharp with vivid colors, although viewers might notice minor inconsistencies in some scenes. The audio mix captures the dialogue and environmental sounds clearly, ensuring an immersive experience throughout. Supplementary materials add value, providing behind-the-scenes insights and enriching the viewer's understanding of the film’s production process.

Soderbergh was nominated for the best director Oscar for "Erin Brockovich" but ultimately lost—to himself, for "Traffic." While "Traffic" showcases his control over a multi-stranded narrative, the precise balancing act in "Erin Brockovich" arguably represents a more impressive feat. The film navigates multiple potential pitfalls, portraying townspeople, corporate villains, and supporting characters with nuanced sensitivity. It’s a testament to Soderbergh’s assured directorial guidance that the film maintains its tone without veering into caricature or sentimentality.

In conclusion, "Erin Brockovich" is highly recommended, even as a Universal catalog title. The Blu-ray presentation does justice to this well-crafted film, making it a valuable addition to any collection.