Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a visually stunning experience. Boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the film, shot on multiple formats including 8 mm and 16 mm and finished at a 4K DI, provides exceptional clarity and detail. The picture quality showcases remarkable sharpness, with precise renderings of intricate details such as screen doors and textured sweaters. Despite some curious color grading choices, including a surplus of yellow toning in several sequences, the film maintains a warm and inviting palette, especially in sun-drenched outdoor scenes. Grain is resolved naturally without any compression anomalies, ensuring a faithful representation of the film’s original quality.

The transfer's exceptional clarity highlights the intricate set designs and costumes with near-hyperrealism, underscoring Tarantino's meticulous attention to detail. The dimensionality is particularly notable during sequences like the Spahn Ranch scene, where depth and distance play crucial roles in building tension. The black levels are well-managed, providing strong shadow detail without any signs of crushing, enhancing both nighttime and interior scenes. Color reproduction is vibrant, befitting the era's aesthetic, and allows the period-specific costumes and settings to shine. The portrayal of flesh tones is precise, rendering facial textures with admirable accuracy. Overall, this Blu-ray presentation of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" offers an immersive visual treat that is clean, free of noise or artifacts, and true to Tarantino's cinematic vision.

The Blu-ray release of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" boasts a masterful DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track that immerses listeners through a splendid array of juke box hits and ambient sounds. The surround sound performance especially shines in outdoor scenes, where environmental noises are intricately placed to envelop the listener. Notably, sequences featuring crowds, such as the party at the Playboy Mansion, leverage the side and rear channels to deliver a lifelike and immersive audio experience. Dialogue is rendered with exceptional clarity and precision, ensuring that every spoken word is easily discernible amidst the rich soundscape.

Dynamic elements of the audio track truly come alive in various scenes, particularly those involving Cliff Booth driving, where the engine roars and soundtrack seamlessly blend to create an exhilarating auditory experience. The low-frequency extension is effectively utilized during action sequences within Rick's movies and TV shows, adding a tangible depth to the proceedings. Cars and music further enhance the LFE channel, offering substantial impact that enhances the overall viewing experience. With its robust 7.1 surround track, the audio mix maintains a meticulous balance between dialogue, music, and ambient sounds, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging auditory journey.

Ultimately, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" on Blu-ray offers a technically proficient and richly detailed audio presentation. Each element—from dynamic musical tracks and environmental sounds to crystal-clear dialogue—coalesces to create an immersive soundscape that captures the viewer's full attention. The expert use of surround channels and careful balance in audio mixing underscore the high-quality sound design of this release.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" offer insightful and engaging behind-the-scenes content that dive deeply into the significant aspects of the film's production. While the individual featurettes are somewhat brief, they collectively paint a comprehensive picture of Quentin Tarantino's vision and the meticulous detail put into the making of the movie. Technical aficionados will relish the discussions with key crew members, such as cinematographer Bob Richardson and production designer Barbara Ling, who elucidate their contributions to the cineaste’s latest magnum opus. Despite their short durations, these extras provide substantial information and enhance the overall viewing experience by offering context and depth to the on-screen spectacle.

Extras included in this disc:

Additional Scenes: A compilation of seven extra scenes, including promos, an extended musical number, and a scene with Charlie Manson.

Quentin Tarantino's Love Letter to Hollywood: Interviews and fun behind-the-scenes footage detailing what the film means to Tarantino.

Bob Richardson - For the Love of Film: Focuses on the efforts of the film's cinematographer.

Shop Talk - The Cars of 1969: An engaging look at the vintage vehicles used in the film.

Restoring Hollywood -- The Production Design of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: Features Barbara Ling's work on restoring authentic designs for the film.

The Fashion of 1969: Arianne Phillips discusses costume design, with focus on Sharon Tate and authentic accessories.

Quentin Tarantino’s "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" is an intricate, interwoven narrative of late 1960s Los Angeles, capturing both the zeitgeist and darker undercurrents of the era. The film prominently revolves around the fictional tale of fading Western star Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his steadfast stunt double, Cliff Booth, portrayed by Brad Pitt. Set against the backdrop of real historical events like the Manson Family murders, Tarantino crafts a reimagined alternate reality. The film’s attention to period detail, ranging from muscle cars to the mod outfits and pop culture references, is meticulously rendered, offering a rich tapestry that’s both visually captivating and nostalgically evocative.

Tarantino's decision to shift historical realities, as he previously attempted in "Inglourious Basterds," meshes seamlessly with his penchant for narrative digressions and multi-dimensional character arcs. Margot Robbie’s depiction of Sharon Tate illustrates the juxtaposition of budding stardom with impending tragic fate. However, it's the chemistry between DiCaprio and Pitt that serves as the film's beating heart. Their interplay delivers humor, pathos, and a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of Hollywood fame. Critics note that while the film meanders at points, indulging in extended dialogues and nuanced asides, this structured disorder aligns with Tarantino's thematic intentions.

Technically, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" demonstrates masterful craftsmanship. Cinematographer Robert Richardson’s lens captures the essence of 60s LA with authenticity and vibrancy, aided by an equally nostalgic soundtrack. The ensemble cast, featuring the likes of Al Pacino, Kurt Russell, and Dakota Fanning in smaller but impactful roles, delivers uniformly strong performances. Even contentious elements, such as the playful depiction of Bruce Lee, underscore Tarantino’s unique directorial style—one that balances homage with revisionism. The film ultimately stands as a love letter to a bygone era of Hollywood, conflicted yet dreamlike, ambitious yet intimately reflective of Tarantino's own cinematic ideals and legacy.

Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood masterfully blends past and present by exploring the 1969 Hollywood landscape, delivering a deeply engaging film. Tarantino's direction, accompanied by stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, elevates this homage to a bygone era. Sony’s Blu-ray release enhances this experience, offering top-tier visuals and exceptional sound quality that faithfully preserve the director's vision. The 4K transfer demonstrates incredible detail and vibrant colors, while the audio mix balances dialogue, ambient sounds, and Tarantino's quintessential music selection superbly.

The film’s immersive production design impeccably recreates 1960s Hollywood, making it a visual feast for cinephiles. Supplementary materials included in the Blu-ray release add considerable value, giving viewers an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes creativity. Special features encompass insightful commentaries and featurettes that expand on the film's conception and execution, providing both fans and students of film ample material to dissect.

Although Tarantino's revisionist take on historical events has sparked debate, particularly concerning the portrayal of the Manson Family murders and Bruce Lee, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood remains a vastly entertaining piece with extraordinary production values. If you can navigate those contentious points, the film stands as an impressive tribute to cinema’s golden age. This Blu-ray edition is technically superb and paired with compelling extras, making it a must-have for any movie enthusiast and a testament to Tarantino’s craft.

In conclusion, while some may find Tarantino's approach to historical accuracy provocative, the sheer entertainment value, expert production design, and strong performances make Once Upon a Time in Hollywood a noteworthy addition to any collection. The technical excellence of the Blu-ray and its enriching supplementary content further elevate its status. Recommended without reservation.