Greater Blu-ray Review

Well Go USA's Blu-ray transfer of "Greater" offers a proficient and visually appealing 1080p presentation in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, encoded using AVC. Despite its overall achievements, this transfer might not entirely meet the standards of ardent videophiles. Close-ups reveal excellent fine detail, enriching characters’ facial features and textures. However, distant and establishing shots occasionally lack sharpness, where finer facial details can appear slightly out of focus. Notably, sequences involving the "Doubting Thomas" character present a more desaturated look, deviating from the film's generally natural and vivid color palette.

The digitally sourced 2.35:1 1080p transfer shines during action scenes on the field, where details spring to life with vibrant colors. The film's visual appeal is particularly evident when the rich reds of the Razorback uniforms stand out brilliantly. Nevertheless, the transfer exhibits some recurring issues. Dimly lit interior scenes lack adequate shadow detail in some Arri Alexa shot materials, while darker indoor scenes can sometimes be excessively dark without proper shadow separation. Additionally, instances of banding are observed during transitions where light values change abruptly, though these occurrences are relatively minimal and isolated.

Overall, while "Greater" on Blu-ray presents a very good visual quality with vibrant field scenes and strong texture details in close-ups, it does have minor inconsistencies such as soft distant shots and occasional banding. Despite these slight imperfections, it remains an impressive transfer that enhances the cinematic experience of this inspirational sports drama.

The audio presentation of the "Greater" Blu-ray features a reliable and effective DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Despite the inconsistencies on the disc's packaging and menu lists, only this particular mix was available, and it does an excellent job of enhancing the film's environmental sounds. On the football field, the track shines by immersing the viewer with authentic sounds of tackles, crashes, and the distinctive thuds unique to gridiron action. Notably, the numerous renditions of "I'll Fly Away" cascade naturally through the side and rear channels, making good use of the audio spectrum to envelop the viewer. Dialogue remains crisp and clear throughout, free of any detectable issues.

This English DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix provides a robust audio experience that adeptly balances dialogue, sound effects, scoring, and ambient sounds. Particularly during scenes featuring Brandon playing or practicing football, the track delivers remarkable clarity and separation, heightening the realistic feel of game-day intensity. This balance adds a subtle yet impactful feeling of space and atmosphere without being overly aggressive. The overall layering is thoughtfully executed, with sound elements that work cohesively to create an engaging auditory backdrop that enhances the storytelling.

The Blu-ray extras for "Greater" are comprehensive, offering a mix of insightful and entertaining content that supplements the film well. Notably, the Audio Commentary featuring Director David Hunt and Producer Brian Reindl stands out as an engaging and informative track, clarifying several narrative choices and showcasing their dedication to honoring Brandon Burlsworth's legacy. The Finished and Unfinished Deleted Scenes provide viewers with additional context though they don't significantly alter the core narrative. The Blooper Reel, though somewhat hit-or-miss, contains genuinely amusing moments that fans will appreciate. Additional content includes the straightforward Theatrical Trailer, a promotional Buy the Book feature, and a commendable insert booklet highlighting the recipients of the Burlsworth Character Award.

Extras included in this disc:

• Greater Trailer: Promotional clip for the film.
• Blooper Reel: Collection of humorous goofs from filming.
• Deleted Scenes - Finished: Fully edited scenes cut from the film.
• Deleted Scenes - Unfinished: Rough-cut scenes without post-production polish.
• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion by the Director and Producer.
• Buy the Book: Promotional page for purchasing the book version.
• Burlsworth Character Award Booklet: Documentation of award recipients.

Movie Review: "Greater"

Greater, directed by David Hunt and co-written with Brian Reindl, is a biographical sports drama that meticulously traces the inspiring yet tragic life of Brandon Burlsworth, famously dubbed the greatest walk-on in college football history. The narrative juxtaposes Brandon’s unwavering faith, laborious journey, and formidable spirit against the backdrop of his untimely demise at 22, adding layers of poignancy to an already gripping storyline. Christopher Severio embodies Brandon with heartfelt sincerity, while Neal McDonough shines as his grief-stricken older brother Marty, whose emotional turbulence adds depth to the plot. Although the movie’s religious overtones can feel overwhelming and redundant at times, they are contextually integral to depicting the Burlsworth family's devout nature.

The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks experienced by Marty, rightfully placing as much emphasis on Brandon’s undying resolve as on Marty’s psychological journey. Marty's struggle with faith in the wake of his brother's shocking death introduces philosophical inquiries, albeit without offering profound answers. Climactic moments punctuate the screenplay, but the said repetition of faith-driven dialogues tends to slow the narrative’s momentum. The symbolic presence of Nick Searcy as a devilish tempter feels somewhat extraneous, diluting the film's otherwise focused storyline.

Despite structural and thematic bumps, Greater excels in its portrayal of Brandon's indomitable spirit and his significant legacy both on and off the field. From Brandon's initial tagging as an underdog to his monumental achievements with the Arkansas Razorbacks, the film captures every emotional high and low with commendable intensity. The supporting cast supplements the story well, with Leslie Easterbrook playing the ever-supportive mother. While the movie can sometimes appear to be preaching primarily to a specific faith-based target audience, it undeniably remains a stirring and emotionally charged tribute to Brandon Burlsworth’s remarkable life and values.

The Blu-ray release of "Greater" encapsulates the inspirational life of Brandon Burlsworth through a commendable audio-visual presentation. Directed with the intent to inspire and evoke emotion, the film indeed delivers a heartfelt narrative, albeit with a tendency toward heavy-handed sermonizing. This occasionally detracts from the natural flow of Burlsworth's story, making what could have been an extraordinary sports drama merely a very good one. The portrayal of faith and service, while integral to the plot, often feels somewhat forced and might come off as saccharine to viewers who prefer a more subtle approach.

Technically, Well Go USA has ensured that "Greater" shines in its Blu-ray format. The visual fidelity enhances the film's immersive quality, delivering sharp image clarity and vibrant color reproduction. This high-quality transfer maintains consistent detail throughout the film, crucial for capturing the on-field action and emotional close-ups. The audio track is equally impressive, providing clear dialogue and dynamic soundscapes that draw the viewer deeper into the narrative. Moreover, the supplementary features offer valuable insights into the making of the film and the real-life story of Brandon Burlsworth, adding further depth to the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Greater" manages to stir emotions effectively despite its preachy elements, making it a worthy addition for fans of inspirational sports films. While it falls short of achieving greatness due to its overt sermonizing, it succeeds in telling an important story with technical excellence. This Blu-ray release comes recommended, particularly for those who appreciate faith-centered narratives and high-quality A/V experiences. This film is certainly an enjoyable and worthwhile addition to your watch list.