Red Hook Summer Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Red Hook Summer" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive 1080p AVC-encoded transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, demonstrating a remarkable balance of color, contrast, and detail. Shot primarily on a Sony F-3 digital camera, with certain scenes captured on Super 8 film, the cinematography by Kerwin DeVonish showcases vibrant and saturated hues akin to Spike Lee's signature visual style. The transition to Super 8 inserts is seamlessly managed, maintaining intense colors despite a softer, more diffused texture. The picture quality remains top-tier with no observed aliasing or banding issues.

The impeccable color reproduction captures the essence of Brooklyn's eclectic palette, from the flamboyant red accents worn by Box and his crew to the purple robes of Bishop Enoch. Blacks are deep and uncrushed, providing excellent shadow detail that enhances the gritty environment of Bishop's housing project and his Lil' Heaven church. Furthermore, skin tones appear natural and well-rendered across different scenes.

A substantial portion of the film's runtime is complemented by over half an hour of HD extras on the BD-50 disc, ensuring ample space for this high-fidelity presentation. The combination of meticulous digital acquisition, conscientious post-production work, and generous disc allocation results in a video presentation that is as engaging as it is technically proficient, making this Blu-ray a visually compelling experience for viewers.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "Red Hook Summer" features a notable DTS-HD MA 5.1 track that plays a critical role in augmenting the impact of key scenes. The surround mix prioritizes deepening the emotional resonance of pivotal moments, particularly during the sermons of Bishop Enoch. These sequences immerse the viewer, creating a powerful sense of call and response, effectively making one feel part of the congregation. For instance, Bishop Enoch's appeals toward heaven reverberate through the surrounds, giving his voice a divine echo. This creative use of audio extends to other contexts as well, such as in scenes where characters like Flix and Chazz engage in secretive activities, adding layers to their actions.

The disc excels in delivering a naturalistic audio environment, notably capturing the city's ambient sounds and church congregation with impressive realism. The sermons, in particular, benefit from this enhanced audio clarity, with the sound enveloping the listener and amplifying the Bishop's potent voice across all surrounds. Additionally, Spike Lee's distinctive musical score, featuring piano-dominated compositions by Bruce Hornsby and original songs by Judith Hill, integrates seamlessly into the mix. This balance ensures that the instrumental undertones serve as an unspoken narrator without overshadowing the dialogue. The result is an audio experience free from hissing or cracking, allowing the score and ambient noises to shine while maintaining dialogue clarity.

Overall, "Red Hook Summer" achieves an exemplary audio presentation that both supports and elevates the film's narrative and thematic elements.

"The Blu-ray extras for 'Red Hook Summer' provide an enriching and engaging experience for fans and cinephiles, offering a deep dive into the creative process. Spike Lee's commentary is particularly noteworthy, as he passionately shares insights into the project's history, filming locations, and contributions from cast and crew, often interrupting himself to highlight key details in performance, cinematography, and editing. The 'Behind the Scenes' featurette presents a substantial 28 minutes of production footage set to Bruce Hornsby's instrumental accompaniment, serving as a visual diary of the film's making. Judith Hill's music video 'Desperation' includes a mix of behind-the-scenes and film footage, adding a musical dimension to the extras. The teaser trailer gives a brief but enticing glimpse into the film."

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Spike Lee: Informative insights on the project and filming process.
• Behind the Scenes: Extensive production footage set to instrumental music.
• Music Video: 'Desperation' by Judith Hill combined with film clips and production footage.
• Teaser: A short preview announcing the movie.

Spike Lee's "Red Hook Summer" serves as a poignant continuation of his Chronicles of Brooklyn series, revisiting familiar characters from his past works while introducing a new generation navigating a changing neighborhood. The narrative opens with twelve-year-old Curtis "Flik" Royale, played by Jules Brown, arriving from Atlanta to spend the summer with his estranged grandfather, Bishop Enoch (Clarke Peters). This introduction instantly raises questions about the family's troubled history, setting the stage for a rich exploration of community and identity. Flik's reluctance to engage with his grandfather's world is depicted through his constant use of an iPad, providing an outsider's view of a neighborhood wrestling with issues like poverty and gentrification.

The film notably integrates cameos from characters like Mother Darling (formerly Nola Darling) from "She's Gotta Have It" and Mookie from "Do the Right Thing," connecting past and present narratives seamlessly. Lee's direction juxtaposes these brief appearances with the broader thematic scope of the film, highlighting the challenges faced by the current generation. The character dynamics deepen as Flik gets to know the community, guided by Chazz (Toni Lysaith) who introduces him to the intricacies of navigating Red Hook's streets and social circles.

Bishop Enoch remains the central figure through whom much of the community's struggles and redemptions are reflected. Clarke Peters delivers a compelling performance, especially during the three pivotal sermons that are both authentic and stirring, resonating with the desperate need for salvation within the Baptist faith. Co-writer James McBride's background lends an authenticity to these scenes, enriching the film's exploration of faith and redemption. "Red Hook Summer" captures the essence of a transitioning Brooklyn, emphasizing the weight of the past while placing hope in future generations, compellingly portrayed through Lee's distinguished cinematic lens.

Spike Lee's "Red Hook Summer" stands as a testament to his dynamic filmmaking prowess, presenting a narrative that is both refreshingly down-to-earth and thematically profound. This Blu-ray edition showcases excellent video quality, boasting vibrant colors and crisp detail that brings the film’s Brooklyn setting to life. The audio presentation is similarly impressive, providing clear dialogue and an immersive soundscape that aptly complements the film’s atmosphere.

Performance-wise, "Red Hook Summer" shines with stellar acting, particularly from its young lead as he navigates the intricate social landscape of Red Hook. The storytelling is uniquely Spike Lee, characterized by his trademark visual style and thought-provoking dialogue. While the film addresses significant social issues, it does so through the lens of personal experience rather than heavy-handed commentary, making its reflections on adolescence and societal pressures deeply resonant.

The Blu-ray also includes a solid collection of extras that enrich the viewing experience. These features delve into the making of the film, providing valuable insights into Lee’s creative process and the thematic underpinnings of the narrative.

Spike Lee isn't the first filmmaker to be typecast due to a single film's success, yet his body of work defies such limitations. In "Red Hook Summer," Lee offers a story that is as captivating as it is challenging, proving once again his versatility and depth as a filmmaker. Highly recommended for both Spike Lee aficionados and those new to his oeuvre.