Their Finest Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate Films presents "Their Finest" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The film, shot predominantly on the Arri Alexa with possible contributions from Panavision, manifests an overall glossy and meticulously detailed visual presentation. The cinematography, employing honey yellow, amber, and slight sepia tones, adeptly evokes its historical period. The film's lighting and grading, especially in scenes with the British countryside, are particularly captivating. However, there's a noticeable digital murkiness in some darker scenes, which slightly detracts from the overall quality. Additionally, the black and white segments, albeit intended to represent older film stock, appear decently sharp though not traditionally filmic.

The technical specifications of the Blu-ray include an MPEG-4 AVC encoding, ensuring a resolution of 1080p with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio that conveys a good sense of depth and spatial relationship throughout the film. Black levels are generally deep but sometimes appear soft due to the intentional aging effects of faked old footage. Color reproduction largely stands out well, though some nuances feel somewhat inconsistent in retaining true colors across different scenes. Despite these minor setbacks, the visual integrity remains high with facial textures and costume details demonstrating strong clarity and precision. Noise and artifacts are universally minimal, contributing to a clean and immersive viewing experience. This Blu-ray release offers a robust representation of "Their Finest," despite a few limitations that might have been refined in a higher-tier release.

The audio presentation of "Their Finest" on Blu-Ray features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that excels in both immersive environments and dynamics. Particularly noteworthy is its handling of low-end frequencies during intense scenes such as airborne bombings, producing a palpable sense of urgency. The track effectively immerses the viewer with continuous surround activity, showcasing locations like the cramped tube quarters and the serene English seaside. Dialogue, effects, and the musical score are rendered with impeccable clarity and cleanliness, ensuring a seamless auditory experience.

This DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track demonstrates a refined balance across channels. Dialogue is primarily centered, providing an anchoring clarity to the exchanges between characters, while environmental sounds and effects leverage both front and rear channels to create a rich auditory landscape. Surround sound elements are deployed effectively, enhancing scenes with vibrant atmospheric details. Low-frequency extensions play a crucial role during action-packed sequences of air raids, further anchoring the film’s dramatic moments. Overall, the audio track delivers excellent fidelity and immersion, elevating the sensory enjoyment of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Their Finest" are modest but provide essential insights into the film's production and creative vision. Director Lone Scherfig's commentary is a highlight, offering an in-depth exploration of the film's themes and directorial choices. The featurette "Flickers of Hope: The Making of Their Finest" delivers a brief behind-the-scenes look through interviews with cast and crew, alongside clips from the movie. While the offering is limited, these supplementary materials enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Lone Scherfig: In-depth exploration by the director.
• Flickers of Hope: The Making of Their Finest: A quick EPK with interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and film snippets.
• Trailers: Promotional previews.
• Digital HD Copy of the Film: Digital version included.

"Their Finest" deftly explores the role of British film propaganda during World War II through the appealing narrative of Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton), a screenwriter thrust into the Ministry of Information. The story is a rich tapestry that combines historical gravity with humor and a personal journey, situating Catrin initially as an unassuming candidate for a secretarial post. However, thanks to Tom Buckley (Sam Claflin), she soon finds herself scripting PSA infomercials and later, pivotal dialogue in a larger production aimed at boosting morale during the Blitz. The screenplay shrewdly highlights the pervasive sexism of the era, as Catrin navigates professional discriminations while grappling with her contentious relationships—both professional with the fussy actor Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy) and personal with her husband Ellis (Jack Huston).

The narrative's compelling aspect lies in its blending of Catrin’s professional evolution with historical intricacies, all manifested through her work on a film about two sisters involved in the Dunkirk evacuation, albeit based on a greatly embellished account. This plot adds layers of complexity, enriched by convincing performances from the lead cast. Gemma Arterton's portrayal stands out, reflecting a respectable woman whose writing talents bring both challenges and triumphs. Bill Nighy's presence enlivens the film with his nuanced depiction of a seasoned yet insecure actor, providing a balance of comedic and dramatic weight that elevates every scene he's in.

Directed by Lone Scherfig and adapted from Lissa Evans' book by Gaby Chiappe, "Their Finest" successfully melds comedy, drama, and romance without losing sight of its wartime setting. The film's production design accurately recreates Blitz-stricken London and serene countryside backdrops, contributing to its authentic feel. Although sometimes fragmented into vignette-style scenes, the overall composition remains charming and insightful. The film does a commendable job of illustrating the 'keep calm and carry on' ethos of the era, punctuated by strong performances and an engrossing script that engage viewers while delivering an earnest tribute to the resilience and creativity of wartime Britain.

"Their Finest" Blu-ray presents an engaging and charming cinematic experience, despite some occasional tonal inconsistencies. The film masterfully interweaves comedy and drama, offering a delightful look at the lives of its characters amidst the backdrop of WWII-era filmmaking. While it occasionally wobbles between satirical humor targeting show business eccentricities and more serious, emotional moments, the strong ensemble cast and intriguing narrative ultimately prevail. For film aficionados, the tangential connection to Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" adds an additional layer of interest, enriching the context of the story's setting.

The Blu-ray edition showcases solid technical merits. Visually, the presentation is sharp, with well-balanced colors that enhance the period setting and capture the essence of 1940s London. The audio is equally commendable, delivering dialogue and musical scores with clarity and depth that significantly enhance the viewing experience. While the supplementary materials are somewhat limited in number, they provide meaningful insights into the filmmaking process and help round out the package comprehensively.

In conclusion, "Their Finest" is a worthwhile addition to any film lover’s collection. Despite its few missteps in narrative focus, the film’s charm, bolstered by a stellar cast and strong technical presentation on Blu-ray, makes it an easy recommendation. Film enthusiasts in particular will appreciate its nuanced take on a fascinating historical period and its connections to broader cinematic narratives. Overall, "Their Finest" shines through with a winning combination of heart and craftsmanship.