The High Note Blu-ray Review

Universal Studios delivers a dazzling video presentation for "The High Note" on Blu-ray, reflecting the film’s capture at 6.5K resolution on Arri Alexa 65 cameras and completion as a 4K digital intermediate. Presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the Blu-ray maintains a slightly warm and intentionally gauzy look, with amber and banana yellow highlights that contribute to an aesthetically pleasing image. Fine details are impressively rendered, from facial features to long shots, and intricate textures such as Grace's luxe outfits. The clarity ensures that no soft shots are present, bringing out vivid detail regardless of the setting, whether indoor studios or opulent mansions.

Color reproduction is notably striking, offering vibrant primary colors, particularly during concert footage and montages. The palette pops with authenticity, rendering elements like Grace's blood-red lipstick beautifully suffused. Black levels are deep and consistent with HDR sources, providing an impressive contrast that highlights both shadow detail and bright whites without clipping. Skin tones offer a natural glow, fitting the film's theme centered around a famous individual. While some interior studio and live performance segments appear slightly murky, the overall presentation excels in depth and clarity, emphasizing beautifully distinguished backgrounds and foregrounds even during fast movements.

Incorporating an MPEG-4 AVC encoding on a BD-50 disc, "The High Note" Blu-ray presents itself as a visual treat despite the absence of a physical 4K UHD release. This impeccable transfer boasts no noise or artifacts, allowing every inch of detail – from album covers to studio interiors – to shine through. While there is some disappointment regarding the lack of a 4K UHD disc despite the availability of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos in digital formats, the Blu-ray remains a top-tier visual presentation that should satisfy discerning viewers.

"The High Note" on Blu-ray offers an audio presentation that truly stands out with its 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. The mix starts off with a powerful and energetic song that fills the room with deep bass and rich vocals, setting a vibrant tone. Throughout the film, this track maintains its energy and excitement, making the listening experience thoroughly immersive. The use of surrounds is particularly noteworthy, as they bring to life the hustle and bustle of a busy L.A. party and the ambient noises of traffic. The music bursts into prominence frequently, with the mix delivering a rippling musical sound that is both present and dynamic.

Although Universal's choice to exclude the Dolby Atmos track typically found in the digital 4K versions might be disappointing for some audiophiles, the provided DTS-HD MA 7.1 track remains impressive. The soundtrack leverages all 7.1 channels to immerse the listener in both concerts and recording sessions. The LFE channel is particularly robust during musical sequences, providing a deep and throbbing bass that enriches the overall audio experience. Dialogue reproduction is clean and clear, ensuring that all spoken lines are easily comprehended amidst the vibrant soundscape.

Overall, this DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix excels in delivering an energetic and engaging audio experience that makes excellent use of its surround capabilities. The quieter moments are also deftly handled, allowing ambient sounds to perfectly balance with background music. Despite missing out on Atmos, "The High Note" still provides an outstanding and impressive auditory journey, immersing viewers fully in its musical landscape.

The Blu-ray edition of "The High Note" impresses with its robust selection of extras. The deleted, alternate, and extended scenes feature a substantial number of twenty-two cuts, adding depth and nuance to the story. The "Dream Team: Inside the Creation of The High Note" provides an insightful behind-the-scenes look with engaging interviews, emphasizing the collaborative effort involved in bringing the film to life. "Making A Legend: The Grace Davis Story" stands out as a mockumentary-style feature, capturing Tracee Ellis Ross's transformation into the iconic character, although it may come across as slightly awkward. Lastly, the "Like I Do" music video visually complements the film's climactic performance. Collectively, these features contribute significantly to a deeper appreciation of the film for fans and casual viewers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted/Alternate/Extended Scenes: A multitude of cuts offering additional context and humor.
• The Dream Team: Inside the Creation of The High Note: Condensed behind-the-scenes insights.
• Making A Legend: The Grace Davis Story: A mockumentary on Grace Davis's career.
• Like I Do Music Video: Visual rendition of the film's featured song.

"The High Note" is a contemporary, feel-good dramedy set against the backdrop of Los Angeles' vibrant music scene. The film primarily revolves around Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), an aging pop icon grappling with the perils of becoming a "legacy" act after not releasing new music for over a decade. Her personal assistant Maggie (Dakota Johnson), harbors dreams of becoming a music producer. Maggie’s life revolves around running errands and providing emotional support for Grace, while secretly remixing tracks for Grace's live album, striving to carve her own path in the industry. Their collaboration eventually encounters a series of challenges when Maggie is left to juggle her assistant duties with her newfound role as an amateur producer for a talented young singer named David (Kelvin Harrison Jr.).

While the film offers a somewhat predictable narrative, its charm lies in its heartfelt performances and engaging musical interludes. Tracee Ellis Ross pulls off a commanding yet empathetic portrayal of Grace, channeling the complexities of her diva character with finesse. Dakota Johnson brings a shy, yet determined quality to Maggie, making her a convincingly relatable underdog. Supporting actors like Ice Cube, playing Grace's pragmatic manager Jack, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as the promising but undiscovered singer, help round out a cast that injects vitality and authenticity into the storyline.

In technical terms, "The High Note" effectively balances its musical and dramatic beats, underscored by competent sound mixing and production scenes that lend credence to Maggie's burgeoning talents. While the plot occasionally treads on cliché territory with easily foreseeable twists, it remains an entertaining watch due to its uplifting message and strong ensemble performances. The film adeptly serves as an inviting escape during trying times, resonating well with audiences looking for light-hearted inspiration and melodic reprieve.

The High Note, directed by Nisha Ganatra and starring Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross, is a heartwarming film that blends comedy, drama, and music seamlessly. Despite its somewhat predictable storyline, it manages to offer a refreshing escape with its compelling character performances and outstanding musical elements. The plot revolves around themes of ambition, relationships, and self-discovery, adhering to the inspirational feel-good niche that resonates deeply in turbulent times.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray edition of The High Note stands out with impressive audiovisual quality. The 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio provides a visually appealing experience, while the DTS-HD MA 7.1 audio track ensures that every musical note and dialogue line is delivered with clarity and depth. The Blu-ray includes English DVS along with English, French, and Spanish subtitles, making it accessible to a broader audience. Although the release is light on extras, the included features are enough to sate fans eager for additional content.

In conclusion, The High Note is an unexpectedly delightful film that entertains and uplifts its audience. Its engaging story, top-notch musical numbers, and solid technical presentation make it a highly recommended watch. While it’s unfortunate that the pandemic kept it from theaters, its home release offers a much-needed touch of cinematic comfort. Definitively worth checking out for fans of feel-good films and music-based dramas.