The Hero Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate has presented "The Hero" on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer that maintains the stylistic elements intended by the filmmakers. Shot with Arri Alexa cameras, the film is framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded in AVC MPEG-4. The digital source material is pristine, exhibiting mild artificial grain intended to enhance the film's aesthetic. The color palette is predominantly cool, characterized by blues and greys that reflect the melancholic tone of the narrative, while certain scenes transition to warmer hues, notably in dream sequences that evoke a Western feel. Fine detail is generally impressive but varies across scenes, with some shots displaying a subtle softness that adds a gauzy texture to dreamier moments.

The video presentation is consistent, with excellent clarity overall and well-balanced whites and blacks. Shadow detail is well-maintained even in low-light scenes, although there are minor instances of banding and haziness. Close-ups capture the iconic features of Sam Elliott with stunning precision, though some indoor scenes with minimal lighting slightly reduce detail levels. Digital artifacts such as false contouring are largely absent, enhancing the smooth visual experience. Despite a few minor issues, the Blu-ray transfer of "The Hero" excels at delivering the director's intended visual style, ensuring an engaging viewing experience that mirrors the film's nuanced emotional landscape.

The audio presentation of "The Hero" on Blu-ray delivers a finely crafted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that, while modest, is highly effective in its execution. The dialogue is clear and well-balanced, ensuring Sam Elliott's iconic voice is given the proper resonance it deserves throughout. The mix offers a clean and detailed auditory experience, with speech remaining crisp and full-bodied. Atmospheric elements such as rain, rustling wind, and breaking waves are layered effectively, creating a subtle yet impactful immersive soundscape.

While the majority of the track resides in the front three speakers, occasional moments of surround activity can be appreciated during scenes like the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony or the dreamlike sequences by the beach. These moments demonstrate good placement of ambient effects, adding depth and dimension to the overall audio experience. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are present but not overpowering, providing just enough bass to enhance certain music cues and key moments without overwhelming the listener.

Overall, "The Hero’s" audio track, despite its understated nature, offers a gentle but purposeful extension of the film’s reflective mood. The surround usage is sparse but effectively utilized in key scenes, and the clean dialogue ensures that every word is delivered with clarity. Though not designed as a standout action track, the audio presentation successfully meets the demands of the film, offering a lovingly crafted mix that complements its introspective narrative beautifully.

The extras on the Blu-ray for "The Hero" provide an insightful and engaging experience, enhancing viewers’ appreciation of this remarkable film. The Audio Commentary by Writer/Director Brett Haley and Actor Sam Elliott delivers a thorough and compelling discussion, touching on the writing process, sound design, Elliott’s legendary voice, and his personal connection to the character. The dialogue is both informative and captivating, allowing fans to gain deeper understanding of the filmmakers' creative choices and approach to various scenes. Additionally, the Photo Gallery (HD) offers a selection of 24 high-definition stills from the film, enabling viewers to revisit some of its most visually striking moments.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion on writing, sound design, and character connection by Brett Haley and Sam Elliott.
• Photo Gallery (HD): 24 high-definition stills from the film.

Review:

Sam Elliott shines in The Hero, embracing a role that seems almost tailor-made for his rugged charm and legendary voice. Playing Lee Hayden, an aging Western film star grappling with his fading legacy and a recent cancer diagnosis, Elliott's performance is both understated and profoundly affecting. His portrayal is imbued with a palpable sense of melancholy and authenticity, drawing from his own storied film career. The narrative might tread familiar ground, with themes of regret, second chances, and late-in-life romance, but what it lacks in originality, it compensates for with heartfelt execution and a deeply resonant central performance.

Lenity in direction by Brett Haley allows Elliott to dominate the screen with subtlety and grace. Using intimate camera work that often focuses solely on Lee's expressions, the film beautifully conveys his isolation and introspective journey. Visual motifs, such as dreamlike sequences and metaphoric imagery, underscore Lee's confrontation with mortality, though their potency sometimes wavers into overly stylistic territory. Despite these minor quibbles, Haley’s restrained approach provides a compelling backdrop for Elliott’s nuanced acting.

The supporting cast delivers mixed results. Laura Prepon as Charlotte, a young comedian who forms a tentative romance with Lee, brings charisma but is somewhat undermined by clunky scripting. Krysten Ritter’s role as Lee’s estranged daughter feels underdeveloped, lacking the depth necessary for full emotional investment. Nick Offerman stands out positively with his honest and grounded performance as Lee’s old friend and pot dealer. Overall, while The Hero’s plot may be clichéd and its pacing occasionally meandering, Elliott’s masterful presence elevates the film into a poignant exploration of an actor's swan song and a man's quest for redemption.

"The Hero" Blu-ray Review

"The Hero" aims to be a profound reflection on life's retrospection, driven primarily by Sam Elliott’s compelling performance as Lee Hayden. Although the film occasionally leans too heavily on its quasi-artistic aesthetic and familiar narrative structure, Elliott's rugged portrayal anchors the story with an authentic grit that lends it emotional weight. The effort by director Brett Haley and co-writer Marc Bash shows clear ambition, though it doesn't always break new ground in the dramatic genre. Still, the melancholy tale offers enough poignant moments to engage viewers.

The Blu-ray release, delivered by Lionsgate, boasts a solid technical presentation. The video transfer in a 2.40:1 AVC aspect ratio captures the film’s intended visual mood, with the rich hues of sunsets and scenic landscapes well preserved. Accompanying the visuals, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix provides an immersive sound experience that enhances the introspective tone of the narrative. While the roster of supplements might seem moderate, the inclusion of a commentary track offers valuable insights into the production process, elevating the viewing experience.

Conclusion

"The Hero" was meant to be this larger-than-life dramatic film that analyzes what happens when we look back at our life, but it really just is a decent little drama that doesn’t do much of anything special outside of having Sam Elliott front line it. That’s not a knock against it, but rather an honest observation as I really liked some parts of the melancholy tale, but others were just your run-of-the-mill low-budget dramatic writing. Writer/director Brett Haley had some big ambitions with his ALMOST art-house drama, but those ambitions just weren’t easily realized. Lionsgate gives us another stable-looking/sounding Blu-ray encode, and a mild amount of extras that actually has a pretty solid commentary on board. It’s not a GREAT movie, but it is an interesting watch and I enjoyed a good portion of the film. Definitely worth a solid rental.

Technical Specifications:

• Starring: Sam Elliott, Laura Prepon, Krysten Ritter
• Directed by: Brett Haley
• Written by: Marc Bash, Brett Haley
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 AVC
• Audio: English: DTS-HD MA 5.1
• Studio: Lionsgate
• Rated: R
• Runtime: 93 Minutes
• Blu-ray Release Date: September 19th, 2017

Recommendation: Rental