The Best of Enemies Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Best of Enemies" excels in delivering a visually appealing and technically proficient 1080p transfer. Utilizing a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the digital shoot results in an image that is remarkably glossy and clean, with an abundance of fine detail and minimal grain. The colors predominantly maintain a natural look, with slight teal grading and amber highlights that contribute to a warm hue. Green and blue tones are particularly vibrant, while reds and browns add dynamic splashes that attract attention. The settings and costumes from the early 70s are accurately depicted, with scenes ranging from Durham streets to assembly halls looking sharp and naturally defined.

Contrast is effectively handled, highlighting the natural lighting of outdoor scenes while maintaining strong black levels that preserve shadow detail. The depth and dimension remain commendable throughout the film, ensuring that both long shots and close-ups retain their clarity. Despite a slightly soft feel due to the color grading, the overall image quality is impressive, fulfilling expectations for a modern Blu-ray release.

The transfer remains free from compression-related anomalies or visual artifacts, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. Minor inconsistencies in resolution and occasional light noise in darker scenes do not detract from the overall quality. Skin tones can appear subtly varied, sometimes pushing pasty under certain lighting conditions, yet this does not significantly impact the overall presentation. Universal’s AVC-encoded transfer skillfully captures the essence of the period with excellent clarity and fine detail, making this Blu-ray a visually rich experience for audiences.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "The Best of Enemies" delivers a proficient audio experience appropriate for a dialogue-driven drama. The mix is front-centric, ensuring dialogue is prominently clear and well-articulated, projecting effortlessly into the listening space. This presentation encompasses delicate nuances and low-level details, demonstrating discerning clarity and delineation. Surround activity is conservatively employed, focusing on subtle rear-channel spatial cues and occasional directional sounds that enhance environmental immersion.

While the audio track is not particularly dynamic, it adeptly matches the source material, maintaining a demure and laid-back character. Ambient soundscapes like the light din of a barroom, the verbal chaos of city council meetings, and the natural atmospheres around town are accurately rendered. Musical elements are finely intertwined within the front channels, with light surround support and modest LFE contributions primarily enhancing the film’s musical score and applause.

The most discernible aural peaks occur during scenes like the shooting range or an auditorium vote where surround sound kicks up with chirping birds or reverberating crowd roars. Despite these moments, the overall track lacks substantial aural excitement, reflecting the film's narrative focus rather than high-impact audio design. The inclusion of shotgun, rifle, and pistol blasts may seem underwhelming; however, the lossless presentation remains solid and perfectly suitable for the genre, ensuring an immersive yet unobtrusive audio experience.

The Blu-ray release of The Best of Enemies includes a well-rounded selection of extras that enrich the viewing experience significantly. Notable among them is "An Unlikely Friendship," a detailed 34-minute vintage documentary exploring the real-life narrative behind the film's main characters, Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis. This documentary stands out for its historical depth and insightful interviews. Additionally, there are brief but engaging featurettes such as "Make a Connection" and "Ann Atwater," which offer behind-the-scenes glimpses featuring cast insights and story recaps. The theatrical trailer is also included for those interested in a cinematic preview. Alongside these extras, the Blu-ray package includes a DVD copy of the film and a digital copy code for iTunes, neatly packaged with a non-embossed slipcover.

Extras included in this disc:

• Make a Connection: Briefly recounts the story and message of love prevailing.
• Ann Atwater: Focuses on the character portrayed by Taraji P. Henson.
• An Unlikely Friendship: In-depth documentary on the Durham charrette and historical civil rights struggles.
• Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the film.

"The Best of Enemies" is a compelling drama set against the turbulent backdrop of 1971 Durham, North Carolina, where racial tensions are at a boiling point. The narrative pivots around C.P. Ellis, a Ku Klux Klan leader, and Ann Atwater, a staunch civil rights activist, as they are compelled to co-chair a community charrette convened to discuss the desegregation of schools after a fire heavily damages a local black school. Sam Rockwell delivers an outstanding performance as Ellis, transitioning from vehement segregationist to reluctant ally. Taraji P. Henson skillfully portrays Atwater, balancing ferocity and compassion. The film manages to avoid becoming overtly preachy by focusing on the human experiences and burgeoning empathy between two seemingly irreconcilable foes.

While historically impactful events unfold, the director Robin Bissell ensures the film strikes an emotional chord, albeit it sometimes treads familiar territory with its depiction of civil rights struggles. The nuanced performances by Rockwell and Henson are the beating heart of this story, effectively showcasing their characters' evolving dynamics from hostility to mutual respect. Supporting roles from actors like Bruce McGill and Anne Heche further enrich the story, albeit sometimes playing second fiddle to the powerful leading duo.

Overall, "The Best of Enemies" makes for an emotionally resonant watch, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding and friendship amidst deep-seated racial divides. It creatively depicts how Ellis' realization that segregation harms both black and white communities drives his transformation, albeit at times it feels Atwater’s narrative is somewhat overshadowed. The film's honest depiction of societal flaws and personal growth is enhanced by the strong performances that bring depth to this significant yet intimate story.

Robin Bissell makes a commendable directorial debut with "The Best of Enemies," demonstrating a robust ability to navigate complex narratives. This film, starring Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell, delivers their roles with exceptional prowess, especially during the pivotal and emotional concluding scenes. The Blu-ray presentation by Universal is technically sound, showcasing a crisp 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and solid DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio. Subtitles are available in English SDH and Spanish, enhancing accessibility. Complementing the main feature are well-produced extras, including an insightful 35-minute documentary on the real-life figures of Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis.

The movie, while predictable for those familiar with its historical backdrop, remains engaging due to its spirited performances. The narrative is straightforward, at times teetering towards sentimentality, yet it maintains a compelling edge throughout its 133-minute runtime. Universal's high-definition transfer ensures a superior visual and auditory experience. The additional documentary offers valuable context and depth, adding significant value to the Blu-ray package.

In summary, "The Best of Enemies" is a thought-provoking and powerful tribute to an important historical moment. Despite its slight predictability, the film is bolstered by strong performances and excellent technical presentation on Blu-ray. The inclusion of relevant extras further enriches the viewing experience. This release comes highly recommended as a worthy addition to any collection and as a visually and narratively enriching watch.