Jersey Boys Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers presents "Jersey Boys" on Blu-ray with a strong 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation that admirably showcases Clint Eastwood's first foray into digital filmmaking. Utilizing the Arri Alexa equipment, the video transfer on this release is nothing short of stunning, displaying remarkable detail and clarity that could be considered reference-quality. Despite a deliberate desaturation to evoke the era, which might not be to everyone's liking, it achieves its intended effect without detracting from the overall quality of the transfer. Black levels are notably excellent, contributing to a visual experience where shadows and dark scenes are rendered with remarkable depth, avoiding the common pitfall of crush. The film's visual style, characterized by its desaturated colors and slightly aged look, aligns with Eastwood's vision for this early to mid-20th-century period piece.

The video presentation does face minor issues, with occasional slight ringing and moments where skintones appear somewhat washed out. However, these do not significantly mar the viewing experience. The finely tuned contrast, coupled with the absence of macroblocking, banding, and other anomalies, ensures a smooth and immersive viewing. Details are crisp, edges refined, and textures are well delineated, making for a visually pleasing experience. Despite a few scenes set against predominantly white backgrounds that pose a challenge, the transfer handles these potentially problematic situations without succumbing to video noise or other distracting artifacts.

As a testament to Warner's commitment to quality and Eastwood's pioneering use of digital cinematography with the Arri Alexa, "Jersey Boys" stands out for its technical achievements in video presentation. While some may object to the aesthetic choices made regarding color and production design, these decisions are thoughtful and intentional, contributing to the film's unique visual narrative. This Blu-ray edition ensures that viewers receive a top-tier visual experience, indicative of Eastwood's potential future endeavors in digital filmmaking.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Jersey Boys" presents itself as a robust audio experience, particularly shining during the film’s musical numbers. The Four Seasons' iconic hits are given new life with this mix, providing a vivid and engaging sound that fully utilizes the capabilities of the surround setup. With the songs and performances taking center stage, the audio track meticulously employs each channel, thereby creating a rich, enveloping soundscape. The LFE channel adds depth with its bold output, enhancing the overall listening experience, while dialogue—though a tad flat outside of musical performances—remains clear and well-prioritized throughout the movie.

On the other hand, during scenes of dialogue or those lacking musical performances, the audio presentation takes a noticeable step back. The immersive use of rear speakers and dynamic range seen in the musical segments doesn't consistently carry over into the quieter moments of the film, making some parts feel less dimensional by comparison. Despite this, environmental sounds and ambient noise still find ways to broaden the sound field, capturing the essence of various settings from bustling streets to intimate recording sessions. The additional language tracks and subtitles offer an inclusive viewing option for a broader audience.

However, it's unmistakable that "Jersey Boys" was engineered with a focus on its musical components, where it unequivocally excels. The attention to detail in these sequences demonstrates a dedicated effort to reproduce the band's iconic sound with precision and clarity. While it might not reach reference quality due to its performance in non-musical segments, there's no denying that when it counts—specifically during its rousing musical numbers—the track impresses. Whether it’s leveraging the full woof of the subwoofer or the discreet channels to envelop the listener, fans of the film and music will find plenty to appreciate in this Blu-ray’s audio presentation.

The extra presentation of the "Jersey Boys" Blu-ray offers an insightful glimpse into the transition from stage to screen, marked by a meticulously crafted documentary and featurettes that showcase the efforts of Clint Eastwood and his cast and crew. Highlighting the documentary, "From Broadway to the Big Screen," viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes exploration that reveals the challenges and triumphs encountered during the adaptation process, featuring commentary from key figures including Clint Eastwood, cast members, and producers. Additionally, the extras shine a light on individual journeys, such as Donnie Kehr’s transition from stage to film, and conclude with an in-depth look at the choreography of the film’s climactic musical number, demonstrating the meticulous preparation and skill involved. This blend of technical detail and personal insight provides a comprehensive understanding of the film's production nuances.

Extras included in this disc:

• From Broadway to the Big Screen: A behind-the-scenes production documentary with director Clint Eastwood and key cast and crew members discussing the adaptation process.

• Too Good to Be True: Focuses on actor Donnie Kehr's journey from the stage version of "Jersey Boys" to the movie set.

• Oh What a Night to Remember: An exploration of the film's closing musical number, including its choreography and preparatory work.

Clint Eastwood’s adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical "Jersey Boys" into a movie canalizes the vibrant story of The Four Seasons, yet puzzles the audience with its indecisive nature, wavering between a biopic and a musical without truly embracing either. The film follows the iconic rock group's journey from the dusky lanes of New Jersey to stardom, focusing on their trials, tribulations, and the timeless tunes that became their legacy. Despite John Lloyd Young’s reprise of his Tony Award-winning role as Frankie Valli and notable performances by Erich Bergen, Michael Lomenda, Vincent Piazza, and Christopher Walken, the narrative's execution falters, trapped within a conventional framework that dilutes the essence of the band’s story. A palpable disconnect between the energy of The Four Seasons’ hits and the movie's rhythm leaves one craving a more cohesive integration of music and storyline.

Eastwood’s venture demonstrates moments of potential with the captivating sound of The Four Seasons piercing through the film's inconsistencies to remind us of the band’s profound impact on the '60s pop scene. However, these instances are fleeting, overshadowed by a tedious exposition and a lackluster engagement with the music that made Valli and his bandmates icons. The film's attempt to traverse from a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s formation and personal struggles towards their musical breakthroughs feels lethargic, sacrificing the dynamic allure of their songs at the altar of biographical storytelling. The approach undeniably renders "Jersey Boys" a shadow of what could have been a vibrant and engaging homage to one of music's legendary acts.

Despite these misgivings, "Jersey Boys" somewhat redeems itself in the latter half, where the narrative finally gains momentum, emboldened by the group's beloved hits and the tumultuous drama that enveloped their careers and personal lives. This shift towards a more engaging portrayal highlights what might have been had Eastwood infused earlier segments with similar vitality and commitment to the music itself. Yet, production design choices further alienate the authenticity of the tale, presenting a glossed-over version of reality that conflicts with the gritty authenticity one might expect from The Four Seasons' story. Ultimately, while “Jersey Boys” shines sporadically, capturing glimmers of the group’s essence, it remains a testament to missed opportunities in marrying biographical depth with musical exuberance.

Jersey Boys" emerges as a Clint Eastwood project that struggles to find its footing amidst conflicting narrative and stylistic elements. The film, attempting to blend drama with musical exhilaration, ultimately meanders through its identity, culminating in a presentation that neither excels as a poignant drama nor as an enthralling musical experience. Despite its challenges in storytelling and pacing, particularly noted in its laborious first hour, the film somewhat redeems itself in its latter half. Here, the emotional stakes heighten, and the iconic music of the Four Seasons begins to play a more central and rewarding role for those viewers patient enough to endure its slow initial pacing.

From a technical standpoint, Warner's Blu-ray release offers a commendable reprieve with its high-quality video presentation and an impeccable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which admirably serves the film's notable musical sequences. However, the Blu-ray package falls short in providing an immersive or informative experience beyond the film itself, offering a scant half-hour of extras that barely scratches the surface of the rich true story behind the musical sensation. This lack of substantial supplementary material may leave viewers wanting more from a film rooted in such a compelling real-life narrative.

In conclusion, while "Jersey Boys" on Blu-ray delivers audibly and visually, it falters in presenting a cohesive and engaging narrative, hindered further by an underwhelming array of special features. As such, it might best be approached with moderated expectations, appreciated more for its technical merits and moments of musical brilliance rather than its overall execution as a biographical drama. This release, recommended primarily for those with a vested interest in the musical or Eastwood's broader directorial oeuvre, is perhaps better suited for a rental rather than a permanent addition to one's collection.