My Week with Marilyn Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "My Week with Marilyn" offers an exceptional 1080p High Definition video experience presented in the original 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The film, shot on 35mm, exhibits remarkable visual clarity, maintaining an excellent detail level across both establishing shots and intimate close-ups. Fine object details, such as individual strands of hair and textures of period-specific suits, are crisply rendered, complemented by a light layer of film grain that enhances the cinematic feel. The color palette is vivid and well-suited to the setting; lush greens and rich mahogany hues are visually striking. Skin tones appear healthy and authentic, while black levels offer impressive depth and solid shadow delineation, though there are instances of slight softness and muted contrast that reflect the period ambiance.

Overall image quality is technically strong, boasting great clarity and maintaining a natural, film-like texture with a consistent grain structure. Notable elements include the distinct textures observed on aging characters' faces and the detailed complexities of brick façades. Consequently, fine detail ranges from very good to superb, exuding a warm and rich glow consistent with the historical 1950s setting. The white of Monroe's iconic 'Prince and the Showgirl' gown is crisp, as is her vibrant red lipstick, highlighting the solid execution of the color palette. Although minor banding is visible in a select few scenes, the video remains free of significant digital artifacts, preserving the integrity of its visual storytelling.

In conclusion, while "My Week with Marilyn" does occasionally exhibit a softness that might be viewed as intentional to suit its period-specific charm, the Blu-ray transfer overall stands as a quality presentation. It balances fine details, accurate colors, solid black levels, and a consistent filmic appearance to deliver a visually compelling viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "My Week with Marilyn" offers a commendable effort, delivering clear and coherent dialogue throughout various scenes—from intimate bedroom conversations to bustling film sets. Dialogue is consistently given precedence over other elements in the mix, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding. The soundtrack’s sound effects primarily contribute to creating an authentic 1950s atmosphere, with accurate and crisp accents such as flashbulb pops, prop planes, vintage cars, and film projectors. The score, a lively blend of classic jazz with a clear and superb bass line, enriches the film while fitting seamlessly with Marilyn’s moments of being photographed by the press. However, the track lacks in demonstrating the full dynamic array potential of a lossless format, but still provides a satisfying auditory accompaniment to the feature.

Predominantly centered and front-focused, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track employs rear speakers minimally, reserved mainly for subtle atmospheric effects. Although some mild stereo separation adds a touch of spatial interest, the sound field primarily broadens for musical interludes that exhibit fine clarity and warm tones. Dialogues remain precise and well-integrated into the sound-field, even capturing Marilyn’s signature breathy style distinctively. Sound effects, whether the ringing of a bell or light city noises, maintain an effective and crisp presence. The soundtrack maintains stability throughout the film, demonstrating grace and clarity despite its limited surround use and lack of robust sound effects.

Overall, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track does not push the boundaries of dynamic range or immersive surround sound, it successfully provides well-balanced, clean, and engaging audio that complements this dialogue-driven film. The natural limitations of its design are apparent, yet the track fulfills its role with poise and finesse, making it an adequate auditory experience for viewers.

The extras in the Blu-ray release of "My Week with Marilyn" are limited but offer insightful content for enthusiasts of the film. The Audio Commentary by Director Simon Curtis provides a deep dive into the production process, despite occasional pauses and subjective reflections. Curtis discusses challenges such as the cultural clashes between Britain and America, casting choices, and emotional hurdles Michelle Williams faced while embodying Marilyn Monroe. Another notable extra is The Untold Story of an American Icon, a nearly 20-minute featurette that delves into the film's development, covering performances, set design, and on-location shoots, enriched by commentary from the cast and crew. Though the extras miss out on direct insights into Marilyn Monroe herself, they offer worthwhile behind-the-scenes perspectives.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary With Director Simon Curtis: Detailed insights into production and performance.
• The Untold Story of an American Icon: Making-of featurette focusing on cast and crew reflections on the film.
• Previews: Trailers for W.E., Coriolanus, The Iron Lady, The Descendants.
• DVD Copy: Standard definition format of the film.

"My Week with Marilyn," directed by Simon Curtis, masterfully strikes a chord as a charming and insightful biopic centered around a brief yet impactful period in the life of iconic star Marilyn Monroe. Based on the writings of Colin Clark, the film interweaves various cinematic elements—coming-of-age, romantic drama, and historical biopic seamlessly. Michelle Williams delivers an exceptional performance as Marilyn Monroe, embodying both her public persona and the fragile individual hidden behind the glamour. Kenneth Branagh equally excels as Sir Laurence Olivier, portrayal marked with ego and frustration. The film vividly captures the era's atmosphere and presents an engaging backstage glimpse into the world of 1950s British filmmaking.

The story revolves around the young Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), who finds himself entranced by Monroe while working as a third assistant director on "The Prince and the Showgirl." His fresh-faced innocence contrasts starkly with Monroe's turbulent inner life, offering her brief solace from her emotional upheavals during production. The period details are impeccably rendered, immersing viewers in a world where the pressures of celebrity life clash with personal vulnerabilities. The chemistry between Williams and Redmayne is palpably authentic, enhancing scenes whether tender or turbulent. Supporting roles, particularly Judi Dench as Sybil Thorndike, augment the film's depth with nuanced performances that illuminate Monroe’s multifaceted personality.

Technically, the Blu-ray edition commands attention. The video transfer in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 is meticulously crafted, capturing the film’s lush period details and nuanced expressions essential to its character-driven narrative. The audio, encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, provides a rich soundscape that complements the visual storytelling effectively, ensuring an immersive viewer experience. Supplemental extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes and interviews that add valuable context to both historical and cinematic perspectives. For aficionados of biographical dramas and classic Hollywood narratives, "My Week with Marilyn" stands as a notable recommendation—an engaging exploration into the complexities of stardom and personal identity anchored by formidable performances.

“My Week with Marilyn” is an exceptional film that offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Marilyn Monroe, portraying her with tenderness, humor, and sincerity. The movie paints an authentic and often bittersweet picture of her stardom and personal vulnerability. Michelle Williams shines in her role, delivering a nuanced performance that captures Monroe's complexities. The supporting cast is equally brilliant, enhancing a story that is as heartfelt as it is engaging. The direction encapsulates a warm nostalgia while maintaining a respectful focus on Monroe's multidimensional character.

The Blu-ray release from Anchor Bay boasts impressive video and audio quality, ensuring a cinematic experience that closely matches the theater viewing. The imagery is crisp and vibrant, with a high level of detail preserving the period-specific aesthetics effectively. The audio is equally compelling, complementing the striking visuals with clear and immersive sound that enhances the overall emotional impact of the film. Additionally, the disc includes two substantial extras which add value for any viewer interested in delving deeper into the making of the movie and its historical context.

In conclusion, “My Week with Marilyn” comes highly recommended for its remarkable portrayal of an iconic figure and its outstanding technical presentation on Blu-ray. While the movie will undoubtedly appeal to Monroe enthusiasts and fans of Michelle Williams, it also holds broad appeal for anyone interested in Hollywood history or poignant biographical dramas. Given its thoughtful narrative and excellent production values, this Blu-ray makes a worthy addition to any film lover's collection. However, potential viewers might consider renting it first to ensure it aligns with their tastes.