La La Land Blu-ray Review

"La La Land" is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films with a pristine AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the CinemaScope ratio of 2.55:1. Damien Chazelle, with cinematographer Linus Sandgren, delivers a visually stunning experience, seamlessly blending retro aesthetics with modern high-definition excellence. The film's vibrant palette, marked by bright primary colors and intricate artificial lighting, is beautifully maintained. Significant scene variety—from the naturally lit opening freeway number to the artistically lit nighttime planetarium sequence—ensures a diverse and engaging visual journey. Detail levels are impeccably high in well-lit scenes, revealing subtle textures and intricate details like cardboard set pieces and fine glitter. Even in dimly lit club scenes, shadow detail remains surprisingly sharp and well-defined, contributing to an overall organic presentation without compression issues.

Colors exhibit a dynamic range, from bold and vivid primaries to more subdued, earthy tones, perfectly aligning with the film’s thematic shifts. In-depth close-ups capture individual hairs and the fine textures of the instruments, enhancing the viewing experience with significant detail clarity. Black levels are consistently deep and inky, devoid of any crush, while skin tones appear natural and smooth. Wider shots maintain their sharpness, highlighting background elements such as intricate set designs and Los Angeles palm trees with admirable precision. The transfer exhibits no significant artifacts such as banding, aliasing, or video noise, resulting in a stellar video presentation that merits high praise.

The Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core) audio mix of "La La Land" on Blu-ray is a masterpiece of sound engineering that profoundly enhances the cinematic experience. Right from the onset, the array of traffic noises and radio dials captures the viewer's attention, offering an immersive listening spectacle. The channel separation is exemplary, particularly in sequences with dynamic, multi-directional sounds—most notably, overhead effects in the Atmos mix. The musical numbers showcase superb surround activity, with each instrument, including subtle vibraphone and glockenspiel elements, sounding clear and forceful. Crowd scenes, ranging from clubs to movie backlots, demonstrate impressive discrete channelization, ensuring that ambient noises are immersive without overwhelming the primary audio focus.

The dialogue is consistently clean and intelligible throughout, complementing the track's ability to render emotional nuances effectively, be it through conversations or song lyrics. Concert scenes at grand clubs and intimate lounges alike benefit from authentic-sounding dynamics and environmental acoustics, such as echoes and background chatter. The bass performance is smooth, providing substantial heft without overwhelming other elements or becoming distorted.

In every aspect, from the robust ambient sounds to the balance between dialogue and music, this audio presentation excels. The score, filled with rich jazz-inflected sounds, supports emotional engagement with each scene, seamlessly blending into the overall soundscape. This Blu-ray edition of "La La Land" captures the bustling life of Los Angeles artists beautifully through its sophisticated auditory design, making it a delightfully engaging experience for audiophiles and cinema enthusiasts alike.

The Blu-ray of "La La Land" offers a rich assortment of extras that will fascinate any fan of the film. The comprehensive Audio Commentary with writer/director Damien Chazelle and composer Justin Hurwitz is particularly insightful, diving into both the technical and thematic elements of the movie. The Featurettes series provides an in-depth look at various aspects of the production, including the musical set pieces and Ryan Gosling's piano training. Other notable inclusions are demo performances by Chazelle and Hurwitz, a reflective piece on showcasing Los Angeles, and an examination of the chemistry between Ryan and Emma. The marketing gallery and song selection features add a nice touch to the overall package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Damien Chazelle and Composer Justin Hurwitz: An informative discussion on making the film.
• Damien and Justin Sing: The Demos: Unique demo performances.
• La La Land's Love Letter to Los Angeles: Examines filming locations.
• Ryan and Emma: Third Time's The Charm: Discusses the chemistry between the lead actors.
• Song Selection: Access to the film's musical numbers.
• Marketing Gallery: Includes theatrical trailers and poster gallery.

La La Land effortlessly rekindles the charm and vibrancy of classic Hollywood musicals while firmly rooting itself in contemporary Los Angeles. Directed by Damien Chazelle, the film rides the strength of a sharp script and exquisite direction. Chazelle's ability to blend old-school film musical grandeur with modern narrative techniques is on vivid display, creating a film that is both nostalgic and fresh. The opening sequence, a dazzling "one-take" musical number on a Los Angeles bridge, sets a high bar visually and choreographically, inviting viewers into a world punctuated by vivid colors and intricate dance routines. The narrative centers around the budding romance and individual aspirations of jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and actress Mia (Emma Stone). Both leads deliver outstanding performances, handling their own singing, dancing, and instrumental playing, adding authenticity to their portrayals.

From a technical standpoint, the film shines with meticulously crafted musical numbers, which are both a homage to and an evolution of the genre's tradition. However, some critics note that while the orchestrations by composer Justin Hurwitz are richly textured, the songs themselves may lack the memorable impact found in works by composers like Stephen Sondheim or the Sherman Brothers. Nonetheless, pieces like "Start a Fire" resonate strongly, capturing the intended emotional highs and lows. Chazelle's decision to feature long, unedited takes during dance sequences serves as an appreciated nod to the great musical directors of yesteryears, contrasting sharply with more contemporary styles marked by rapid cuts.

Overall, La La Land’s integration of humor, drama, and music is executed with a masterful touch, presenting an experience that is as enchanting as it is visually stunning. This movie stands as a testament to Chazelle's directorial prowess, embellishing the genre while pushing its boundaries, making it a captivating cinematic journey that can be revisited time and again.

"La La Land" is a dazzling and vibrant musical that captivates from its opening number to the final frame. The film brilliantly showcases the combined talents of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who deliver memorable performances with their charming on-screen chemistry. Director Damien Chazelle's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the superb choreography and vibrant staging, which evoke the grandeur of classic Hollywood musicals while providing a contemporary twist. Technically, the Blu-ray transfer is excellent, with vivid colors and sharp details that beautifully render the film’s rich aesthetics.

The audio quality is just as impressive. The soundtrack, composed by Justin Hurwitz, comes through crisply, ensuring every musical number is a delight to the ears. Dialogue is clear and well-balanced with the musical score, creating an immersive experience. While some may find the songs lack emotional depth, they are undeniably catchy and effectively support the narrative. The supplemental features on the Blu-ray provide further insight into the making of the film, offering fans a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes content, including interviews with the cast and crew, as well as detailed looks at the film’s production design and choreography.

In conclusion, "La La Land" has sparked varied reactions since its debut, with some hailing it as a modern classic and others viewing it as overrated. Regardless of personal sentiment towards its standing in cinematic history, it is clear that the film holds significant entertainment value. Its light-hearted narrative, combined with top-tier performances and stellar technical presentation on Blu-ray, make this release highly recommended for any movie enthusiast.