Jackie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Jackie" showcases an array of stylized visual elements that integrate archival footage, black and white segments, and a deliberately subdued contrast. Encoded in MPEG-4 AVC with a resolution of 1080p and an aspect ratio of 1.66:1, the film’s use of Super 16mm film contributes a vintage feel, evoking an old-time or newsreel aesthetic. While this approach conveys the film's historical context effectively, it also introduces increased graininess and fine detail inconsistencies. Despite these variations, the detailed costume and production design are commendable and captured well within the scope of the film’s visual storytelling.

The depth of field during low light scenes is appreciable, and color balance remains robust with cleanly rendered primary and secondary hues. Particularly noteworthy is the use of red, which stands out vividly and plays a significant role in the film’s visual language. Skin tones exhibit warm, delineated highlights with a lifelike variety, although shadow details aren’t always definitive. Black levels are deep and inky, maintaining strong contrast even in colder scenes without noticeable crushing. Additionally, the mix of black & white footage demonstrates meticulous attention to recapturing different moods and settings.

However, the presentation isn’t without its flaws. The inherent limitations of the 16mm source lead to some compression hurdles and occasional yellow chunkiness. This light veneer of grain adds texture but can be inconsistent and distracting at times. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Blu-ray transfer manages to preserve the elaborate costume designs and historical settings. Overall, "Jackie" on Blu-ray offers a mostly appealing viewing experience that aligns closely with the film’s mood and period intent.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "Jackie" provides a compelling and well-balanced auditory experience that is key to the film’s atmospheric qualities. Dialogue reproduction is exceptional, presenting characters' voices with full-bodied clarity and precise tonal definition, while occupying a prominent soundstage position. The Oscar-nominated score by Mica Levi, a hauntingly beautiful string-based composition, is beautifully rendered with superior clarity and depth, adding a crucial layer to the emotional backdrop of the narrative. Although the surround activity is somewhat reserved, the mix effectively employs ambient environmental sounds during outdoor scenes and moments of heightened crowd activity, such as the Kennedys' arrival in Dallas.

The technical specifications include English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English Descriptive Audio 5.1, and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, with subtitles available in English SDH, Spanish, and French. Despite the limited call for deep bass and vigorous surround effects, the audio track utilises atmospherics and punchy dynamics to expand the soundstage whenever required. The low-frequency extension is notably active, drawing from both the potent score and various significant sound moments that add depth to the scenes. Overall, the surround sound presentation is adeptly managed, supporting both the dialogue-driven scenes and the environmental sounds that subtly enrich the viewing experience. This mix ensures that every auditory element—be it dialogue, score, or ambient cues—is presented cleanly and effectively, enhancing the overall impact of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for “Jackie” provide a mixed bag of content, with notable exclusions as well as some engaging features. The absence of the highly anticipated audio commentary by director Pablo Larrain and Natalie Portman on the disc itself is a significant drawback, though it’s available on the Digital HD copy. The primary extra, “From Jackie to Camelot”, offers a substantial 22-minute featurette with insightful interviews from the cast and crew, providing a deeper dive into the film's creation. The Gallery function, allowing both auto and manual advance, offers a visually enriching experience. The inclusion of the Theatrical Trailer completes the set of features available. Unfortunately, there’s no specific focus on the film’s score, which would have been a welcomed addition.

Extras included in this disc:

• From Jackie to Camelot: Above-average EPK with interviews from cast and crew.
• Gallery: Auto and Manual Advance options showcasing photo stills.
• Theatrical Trailer: Standard promotional trailer.
• Bonus DVD: Additional copy of the film.
• Digital HD Copy: Downloadable version with additional commentary track.

In "Jackie," Natalie Portman delivers a remarkable performance as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, capturing the nuances of her unimaginable grief and trauma following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The film primarily focuses on the immediate aftermath of the assassination, using Jackie’s now-famous Life Magazine interview with journalist Theodore H. White (portrayed by Billy Crudup) as a structural foundation. The screenplay, written by Noah Oppenheim, expertly blends structured narrative with non-linear sequences, adding depth to Jackie’s emotional voyage from sorrow to resolve.

Director Pablo Larrain’s cinematic eye complements Oppenheim's script, making his English-language debut memorable. The film not only delves into Jackie's personal loss but also subtly injects subterfuge, juxtaposing Jackie's interactions with the Journalist against historical accuracy. This creates a tart dialectic, where Jackie shifts between moods of defiance, nostalgia, and sadness. With poignant scenes including Jackie's dealings with funeral arrangements and her intimate conversations with Bobby Kennedy (Peter Sarsgaard), the film crafts a visceral tapestry of her mental state. The role of visual storytelling is strong, utilizing effective tracking shots and a powerful score by Mica Levi to maintain an intimate lens on Jackie’s internal struggles.

Performances by supporting actors, such as Peter Sarsgaard's Bobby Kennedy and Greta Gerwig's Nancy Tuckerman, are compelling without overshadowing Portman’s portrayal. While there are some extraneous vignettes that feel less impactful, the film manages to skillfully evoke a melancholic yet dignified aura throughout. It pays homage to iconic moments like the pink suit and the CBS tour of the White House, further cementing the film’s historical context. In doing so, "Jackie" offers a complex character study, reflecting both the glamour and profound grief that marked an era, making it a standout in biographical cinema.

Pablo Larraín's "Jackie" offers an intimate and gripping portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy’s life in the immediate aftermath of JFK’s assassination, masterfully brought to the screen by Natalie Portman. While her physical resemblance to the former First Lady may not be exact, Portman's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. She captures Kennedy’s unique speech patterns and mannerisms, delivering a character that feels both authentic and captivating. Noah Oppenheim’s screenplay disrupts conventional biopic narratives with its emotional depth and complexity, ensuring that viewers remain thoroughly engaged. The film’s aesthetic, derived from its 16mm source format, adds a distinct visual texture that complements Mica Levi’s hauntingly beautiful score.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Jackie" successfully translates the film's atmospheric and moody aesthetic to the home theater environment. The video quality retains the film’s distinct 16mm grain, providing a true-to-the-source visual experience. The audio presentation is robust, with clear dialogue and a pronounced score that enhances the viewing experience. However, the Blu-ray's supplemental content is notably sparse, leaving enthusiasts longing for a more comprehensive collection of behind-the-scenes features or director interviews.

In conclusion, "Jackie" on Blu-ray is a compelling addition to any film enthusiast’s collection. It not only delivers a powerful and nuanced look at a seminal historical figure through an exceptional performance by Natalie Portman but also provides a technically sound viewing experience. Despite the lack of substantial extras, the quality of the film and its presentation make it a highly recommended purchase.