A Few Good Men Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "A Few Good Men" sets a high benchmark for the transfer of familiar films into high definition, bringing forth a remarkable level of detail that significantly enhances the viewing experience. From the very beginning, viewers will notice an extraordinary level of clarity, from the vivid depiction of leaves being kicked up by a marching band to the individual blades of grass, showcasing the outstanding quality of the source print. The print itself is pristine, with no visible grain, dirt, or blemishes, and boasts perfect black levels and a superb depth of field. Particularly noteworthy is the scene inside Kaffee's apartment, where the depth and clarity allow viewers to observe distant objects and even individual leaves on trees through the bay windows, a testament to the transfer's superior quality over its DVD counterpart.

Despite the mostly flawless transfer, some discrepancies in color rendering have been noted, particularly in skin tones, which at times appear overly plastic and lack naturalism. This issue seems to be a result of the encoding process, as it was not present in standard definition releases. Additionally, there are minor instances of shakiness and brightness fluctuations in certain scenes, such as the opening rifle drills and when Demi Moore's character visits the military base. These slight defects, although not pervasive, are noticeable enough to warrant slight deductions in the video's overall rating.

Presented in 1080p/MPEG-2 video on a 50GB Blu-ray disc, the film enjoys a transfer that does justice to its original 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The color reproduction is excellent with natural hues, inky blacks, and consistent contrast that highlights the film's golden-hued visuals and classy cinematography without succumbing to crushing or artifacts. Despite minor nitpicks like slight source waving and occasional color issues in facial details, this Blu-ray presentation offers a substantial upgrade from standard definition and deserves high praise for its significant improvements in depth, detail, and overall viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "A Few Good Men" on Blu-ray, featuring both PCM 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes, excels in delivering the film's dialogue with crystal clarity and precision, which is essential for a movie heavily reliant on its narrative and courtroom drama. While the mix adheres faithfully to the original sound design, prioritizing dialogue and ensuring it remains well-balanced and detailed throughout, there is an acknowledgment that the surround channels are underutilized. This is particularly noticeable in scenes that could have benefited from a more dynamic auditory experience, such as environmental sounds outside the courtroom or the memorable thunderstorm scene. The front soundstage is competently mixed, with effective use of the left and right channels creating a convincing and immersive environment for the film's key interactions.

Despite these strengths, the soundtrack’s fidelity to the original mix means it inherits limitations that prevent it from being as enveloping as it potentially could be. The rears are sparingly used, missing opportunities to enhance the film’s atmosphere with more subtle ambient sounds or to make more creative use of Marc Shaiman's score, which itself is well-incorporated into the mix, providing a tonal balance between classical and contemporary arrangements without overwhelming the dialogue.

In summary, while the audio presentation of "A Few Good Men" on Blu-ray boasts high technical specs and succeeds in presenting the film's dialogue and score with utmost clarity and fidelity, it ultimately feels confined by its adherence to an original sound design that underplays the possibilities of a more immersive audio experience. The result is an audio track that, while commendably accurate and clean, leaves listeners wishing for a fuller use of the sonic space offered by a home theater setup.

The extra features on the Blu-ray release of "A Few Good Men" provide a mixed bag of insights and disappointments. The audio commentary by Rob Reiner is notably lackluster, marked by long periods of silence and a lack of engaging insight, making it a skippable component for both enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. In stark contrast, the two documentaries included offer valuable perspectives. "From Stage to Screen" presents a tantalizing, albeit brief, look into Aaron Sorkin's adaptation process from play to screenplay, showcasing Sorkin's captivating thought process in a rush of information that leaves the viewer wanting more. "Code of Conduct" extends the behind-the-scenes coverage with interviews from a wider cast, though the notable absence of stars like Cruise, Moore, and Nicholson detracts from its potential richness. The absence of any high-definition exclusives, coupled with the archival quality of the supplementary materials, positions this collection as interesting for die-hard fans but leaving a feeling of missed opportunities for a more comprehensive exploration.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Rob Reiner: Director Rob Reiner's commentary, which many may find lackluster.
• Code of Conduct: A 35-minute documentary featuring interviews with the cast and crew.
• From Stage to Screen: A 14-minute dive into Aaron Sorkin's adaptation process from the stage play to the screenplay.

"A Few Good Men" shines as a standout courtroom drama that merges the brilliant direction of Rob Reiner with Aaron Sorkin's riveting script, making its debut on Blu-ray a must-see for cinephiles and newcomers alike. This film is heralded not just for its compelling narrative and sharp dialogue, but also for the powerhouse performances delivered by its stellar cast, including Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Jack Nicholson. Set against the backdrop of a tense military trial, the film delves into themes of honor, duty, and the often murky waters of moral ambiguity, capturing audiences with its mix of high-stakes drama and captivating character arcs. Whether it's your first viewing or you're revisiting this classic, the movie's enduring quality and the mesmerizing showdown between Cruise and Nicholson ensure it remains a critical and commercial success worthy of any Blu-ray collection.

The film’s essence is captured in the journey of Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Cruise), an initially complacent Navy lawyer who finds himself thrust into a complex murder case alongside Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Moore). Their quest for truth unravels a tangled web of military codes and ethical quandaries, propelled by Sorkin’s adept storytelling and Reiner’s nuanced direction. The Blu-ray presentation highlights the film's timeless relevance, illustrating a blend of personal growth and systemic critique that resonates as much today as it did at the time of its release. Notably, Jack Nicholson's formidable portrayal of Col. Nathan R. Jessep stands out, encapsulating the film's critical examination of military arrogance and the challenging path to justice.

Moreover, "A Few Good Men" asserts itself not just as an exemplary piece of cinema but as a thought-provoking commentary on the intersection of military policy and personal integrity. Its success lies in its ability to be both a gripping courtroom drama and a reflection on broader societal issues, all while maintaining a level of entertainment that engages from start to finish. Through its impeccable casting, tight scripting, and compelling thematic depth, the film transcends the limitations of its genre, cementing its status as an indispensable addition to the realm of significant Hollywood filmmaking on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "A Few Good Men" proves to be a compelling upgrade from its SD counterpart, especially for aficionados of superior picture quality. While the sound enhancements might not rival the leaps made in visual fidelity, they present a fine-tuned balance that does justice to the film’s iconic dialogue and tension-filled courtroom scenes. The inclusion of the same special features as the SD Special Edition may leave some wanting, but the core upgrade lies in the elevated viewing experience provided by the high-definition transfer.

Aaron Sorkin's engaging script is brought to life through stellar performances, with Jack Nicholson's offering standing out as particularly memorable. The film itself elevates the courtroom drama genre, blending intelligent storytelling with a remarkable cast. This Blu-ray version underscores the film’s impact by delivering a viewing experience that is as close to reference quality as possible. The combination of pristine picture quality and well-balanced audio serves to enhance what is already considered one of the most compelling films of its era.

In conclusion, "A Few Good Men" on Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for both longtime fans and newcomers to the film. Its superior picture quality alone makes it a worthwhile upgrade, while its faithful audio presentation ensures that Aaron Sorkin's razor-sharp dialogue loses none of its potency. Despite a desire for more expansive supplementary content, this release stands out for its exceptional delivery of a classic film. It comes highly recommended, seamlessly melding technical excellence with gripping narrative and performances.