A Long Way Down Blu-ray Review

The 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "A Long Way Down" showcases the cinematographic craftsmanship of Ben Davis with commendable fidelity. Shot on the Arri Alexa, the film benefits from Davis' experienced hand, blending seamless green screen work with precise character framing. The transfer delivers a clean, detailed, and film-like appearance typical of the Alexa, with robust black levels and effective contrast that highlights detail without overwhelming. The color palette is used adeptly to reflect shifting moods, evident in scenes ranging from the golden sunrise of New Year's Day to the vibrant hues of a holiday in Tenerife and the colder tones marking characters' solitary moments.

However, the video transfer is not without its shortcomings. The reliance on green screen for pivotal scenes, particularly the rooftop sequences, results in disappointing digital cityscapes and stormy backgrounds marred by visible artifacts and banding. These scenes contrast starkly with the otherwise strong visual quality, where fine details like clothing textures and facial features are captured with impressive clarity. The Blu-ray's BD-25 disc size, featuring an average bitrate of 21.00 Mbps, occasionally leads to compression-related issues such as aliasing and noise, especially in CG-heavy scenes. Nonetheless, for moments devoid of heavy CGI, the transfer excels in sharpness and depth, making it visually engaging.

The disc's encoding (AVC MPEG-4) and 2.35:1 aspect ratio ensure a generally high-definition experience, with exceptional contrast and sharpness levels across diverse settings. Black levels are predominantly solid, though some nighttime green screen scenes reveal their soundstage origins due to the clarity of the transfer. Color reproduction remains consistently vibrant and accurate throughout, enhancing the visual appeal significantly. Overall, while the Blu-ray showcases notable technical prowess, its visual quality fluctuates due to budget constraints and disc size limitations.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "A Long Way Down" exhibits a blend of dynamic and meticulous audio engineering, though it reveals some inconsistencies attributable to the film's budget. Dialogue is prioritized and crisply delivered, maintaining clarity even during heated exchanges. Dario Marianelli’s score is seamlessly woven with the film's sound effects, demonstrating an intention to enrich the narrative ambiance. However, certain sound effects, such as rain, lack the immersive depth expected, leading to occasional discrepancies between on-screen actions and audio portrayal.

Low Frequency Effects (LFE) are restrained but used judiciously to enhance key moments, avoiding unnecessary frequency overloads. Surround sound presentation is adeptly handled, especially in scenes depicting bustling London streets, with environmental ambience well-articulated in the rear channels. However, there are notable inconsistencies, particularly in scenes involving music; at times, audio cuts abruptly or fails to match the visual intensity.

Despite these hitches, the audio mix remains largely effective. The front soundstage handles the major audio load proficiently. The 5.1 surround aspect provides a generally robust yet controlled auditory experience, aligning well with the film’s thematic elements. While not flawless, the overall sonic landscape of "A Long Way Down" manages to deliver an engaging auditory experience that complements its visual storytelling.

The extras included with the Blu-ray release of "A Long Way Down" provide varied and engaging insights despite their brief duration. The supplemental content encompasses a variety of features, ranging from outtakes that showcase the cast's lighter moments amid prop malfunctions to behind-the-scenes snippets that highlight the technical aspects of the film's production. Deleted scenes contain significant alternative takes, including the film's original ending. Interviews with key personnel, including author Nick Hornby and the cast, give a comprehensive view of the adaptation process and the story's nuances. Additionally, short featurettes illustrate the meticulous effort put into constructing the green screen set for Toppers Tower, diverging significantly from on-location shooting. Overall, while standard in nature, these extras offer valuable behind-the-scenes context, giving a richer understanding of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes not included in the final film.
• Outtakes: Entertaining bloopers showcasing prop malfunctions and actor errors.
• Making of A Long Way Down: Jumping in with Cast and Crew: Insights from Nick Hornby, the director, writer, and principal cast.
• On Toppers Tower: A Behind the Scenes View: Examination of the green screen work.
• Working with the Director: Cast tributes to the director.
• Adapting the Story: Discussion on differences between the novel and the film.
• AXS TV: A Look at A Long Way Down: Promotional feature with recycled footage and interviews.
• Trailer: Theatrical trailer in high definition.

"A Long Way Down," the latest film adaptation of a Nick Hornby novel, directed by Pascal Chaumeil, presents an intriguing yet flawed comedic drama centered on the theme of suicide. The film opens on New Year's Eve when former TV personality Martin Sharp (Pierce Brosnan) plans to jump from the Toppers Building rooftop, only to find he isn't alone. Maureen Thompson (Toni Collette), Jess Crichton (Imogen Poots), and J.J. Maguire (Aaron Paul) soon join him, leading to a bizarre pact to postpone their suicides until Valentine's Day. The narrative is uniquely structured, with each quarter of the film being told from the perspective of one of the characters.

The film's ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, with Brosnan capturing Martin's disgraced persona and Collette portraying Maureen's quiet desperation. Poots shines as the volatile Jess, while Paul convincingly portrays J.J.'s confusion about his own life. Despite their strong efforts, the script fails to provide a believable journey into the depths of despair that would justify their suicidal inclinations. Instead, the movie often trivializes serious issues, reducing complex emotions to mere narrative devices to move the plot forward.

Ultimately, "A Long Way Down" lacks the emotional depth and connection present in other Hornby adaptations like "High Fidelity" and "About a Boy." While the film attempts to balance dark themes with comedic elements, it settles for a superficial treatment that neither fully explores the characters' despair nor provides a satisfying resolution. The story's potential is undercut by an overly light-hearted approach, leaving viewers with an uneven experience. Nonetheless, fans of Hornby's work and the film's cast may find it worth a single viewing for its moments of charm and wit.

"A Long Way Down" presents an intriguing premise where four suicidal strangers form an unexpected bond. Unfortunately, the film struggles to maintain its initial momentum and fails to cohesively blend its dark comedy elements. While the screenplay showcases some of Nick Hornby's famed dry, pessimistic humor, it falls short in capturing the deeper, more tragic dimensions of the characters. This adaptation feels uneven, with a narrative that seems unfinished, impacting the overall execution.

The Blu-ray release reflects these shortcomings. Although the video quality is occasionally sharp, it suffers from compression flaws and indicates a lack of high production value. Audio delivery is decent but does not reach the potential heights that superior sound design could offer. Special features are plentiful but lack substantive content, though the gag reel stands out as a highlight, providing considerable entertainment.

In conclusion, "A Long Way Down" offers moments of charm and humor thanks to its likable cast and witty dialogues. However, it misses the mark in fully delivering on its promising concept. Fans of British humor might find it worth a watch, but whether it merits a spot in your collection depends on personal taste and expectations.