Great Expectations Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray transfer of "Great Expectations," presented by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment with an AVC MPEG-4 encode framed at the theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1, offers a commendable visual experience. Director Mike Newell and DP John Mathieson’s intentional use of a gauzy, diffused appearance throughout the film may initially give the impression of a soft transfer, but closer inspection reveals finely detailed textures such as the intricate carvings on Pip's mother’s gravestone and the nuanced fabric of Joe's clothing. Facial close-ups particularly benefit from this transfer. The color grading sports a slightly green-gray or desaturated palette, preventing a vibrant visual pop; however, Estella’s red hair and purple dress significantly brighten the visuals in the latter half. Notably, the nighttime and low-light sequences exhibit strong contrast and commendable shadow detail, avoiding the pitfalls of dark, incomprehensible scenes often found in lesser transfers.

From fog-swirled English marshes to garish ballrooms, the Blu-ray captures the rich world of "Great Expectations" effectively. Although the muted colors dominate the palette, there are instances where certain elements pop vividly, such as Estella’s purple dresses. Flesh tones remain accurate despite the dominant drab hues, and sequences within Miss Havisham’s mansion are handled with near-perfect contrast and black levels, illustrated by elegantly spilling lights through its decadent interiors. The transfer holds up admirably under complex scenes, devoid of any digital manipulation artifacts and stable during busy sequences like London's bustling meat markets or scenes with flocks of birds. Even the CGI enhancements blend seamlessly. Overall, this Blu-ray edition effectively conveys the deft cinematography and lavish production design of the film, offering a handsome visual spectacle despite some emotional disconnects with the storyline itself.

The audio presentation of "Great Expectations" on Blu-ray is robust and meticulously crafted, highlighted by a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The soundtrack adeptly balances immersive sequences with restrained dialogue moments while maintaining excellent clarity throughout. Richard Hartley's elegiac score is masterfully integrated into the surround channels, contributing significantly to the atmospheric quality of several scenes, including Pip's arrival in London and his encounters at the gentleman's club. Moreover, the countryside sequences are rich in ambient environmental effects, further enhancing the viewing experience. Dialogue remains crisp and clear, although the English accents may occasionally pose a slight challenge for some viewers.

While slightly less captivating than its stunning video counterpart, this 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack excels in delivering a potent and precise auditory experience. The filmmakers ensure that dialogue is consistently clear and prominently placed within the front three-channel soundstage, facilitating an engaging conversational presence. Panning effects across scenes are executed with precision, especially in the bustling streets of London, which come to life yet maintain a focus that avoids overwhelming immersion. Despite minimal LFE presence, there are notable exceptions, such as a climactic river sequence and Pip's horseback ride, which add depth and excitement. Richard Hartley's music permeates the entire soundstage seamlessly, enriching the overall auditory landscape of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Great Expectations" provide succinct yet engaging content that enhances the viewing experience. The premiere footage includes a brief electronic press kit (EPK) combining interviews with cast and crew, along with clips from the movie and coverage of its New York premiere. Furthermore, the trailer offers a concise preview of the film. Although limited in quantity, these features add valuable context and insight for viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Premiere: Includes interviews and scenes from the film's New York premiere.
• Trailer: A brief preview of the movie.

Review of "Great Expectations" (Blu-ray Movie Section):

Mike Newell's 2012 rendition of "Great Expectations" emerges as an evocative yet imperfect adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic. The film showcases Newell’s ability to conjure a moody, grimy portrayal of 19th century England, markedly distinct from the cleaner aesthetic of David Lean's iconic 1946 version. The narrative remains relatively faithful to Dickens’ original plot, compressed to fit a more manageable runtime, though this brevity sometimes results in a reduction of emotional depth and nuance. The performances are primarily laudable, particularly from the Irvine brothers as Pip at different ages and Holliday Grainger as a convincingly icy Estella. However, Helena Bonham Carter's Miss Havisham, while visually striking, appears more akin to a Tim Burton character, lacking the essential deranged melancholy.

Cinematographer John Mathieson presents an array of visually arresting scenes from misty fens and marshes to the congested streets of London. This visual flair captures the essence of Dickensian settings, contrasting the rural simplicity of Pip’s youth with the elaborate urban environment of his transition into gentlemanhood. Nonetheless, some critics note that indoor scenes occasionally suffer from a lack of dynamism, with static staging that diminishes the overall vitality. Contextually, Newell's adaptation fares respectably in delivering key plot points and memorable dichotomies between characters and their intertwined fates. Yet, the accelerated transitions and focused inclusions render the film akin to a high-quality cinematic Cliff's Notes, sometimes missing deeper emotional connections.

While Newell's version of "Great Expectations" boasts considerable technical excellence and fidelity to source material, it's slightly hindered by its condensed narrative framework and occasional lapses in emotional depth. The remarkable production values, strong performances, and faithful storyline integration make it a noteworthy adaptation. Yet, for viewers craving profound emotional resonance and intricate character evolution, this iteration might invoke a sense that something essential has been overlooked amidst its commendable craftsmanship.

Mike Newell's 2012 adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" stands as a solid retelling of the classic tale, balancing emotional depth and mood with a degree of finesse. Screenwriter David Nicholls adeptly translates Dickens' immense narrative to the screen, eschewing modern gimmicks in favor of a straightforward approach that largely respects the original material. Despite the film's truncated storytelling style, the performances by Jeremy Irvine, Holliday Grainger, and Ralph Fiennes are commendable. However, Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal of Miss Havisham falls short of iconic. Visually, the Blu-ray excels with strong technical merits, including vibrant 1080p HD picture quality and robust audio.

The narrative's faithful adherence to the source material, while commendable, may contribute to a pacing issue that leaves less breathing room for character development and audience connection. This loyalty to famous plot points results in a story that occasionally feels rushed. Nonetheless, the film remains a handsome and well-acted rendition of the timeless story of an orphan boy navigating the complexities of love and societal class differences.

In conclusion, while Newell's "Great Expectations" may not fully capture the essence of its richly complex characters, its technical strengths and earnest adaptation make it recommended viewing for Dickens enthusiasts. With strong performances and high-quality presentation on Blu-ray, it merits consideration despite its shortcomings in supplementary content. Although it may not be universally captivating, it remains a worthy take on Dickens' enduring work, particularly for those with an appreciation for classic literary adaptations.