Bully Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Bully" presents a visually compelling 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The film's primary colors are natural, bold, and richly saturated, blending well with the strong black levels, which exhibit excellent gradational details. This enhances the overall depth of the image and maintains vibrant, lifelike facial complexions. Fine object and textural details are razor-sharp, with elements like tree lines, leaves, grass, and interior textures of homes rendered with stunning clarity. However, a few washed-out shots and minor compression issues are evident, likely stemming from the original cinematography instead of the transfer. Additionally, the image sometimes shows aliasing and false colors, but these inconsistencies are minor and do not detract from the viewing experience.

The visual presentation also benefits from accurate lines and details on faces, school walls, classroom decorations, and other environments. Colors remain fairly vibrant and natural across different scenes, from clothing to school buses. Despite occasional washouts in bright outdoor scenes, the contrast remains consistently bright with brilliant whites that allow for excellent visibility, even in distant backgrounds. Black levels stay true and offer terrific gradational detail in darker segments of the frame. Although the source reveals some jagged edges and false colors occasionally, these problems are not significant enough to disrupt the narrative flow. Overall, despite its minor flaws, "Bully's" video presentation delivers an engaging and satisfactory viewing experience.

The Blu-ray presentation of the documentary "Bully" offers a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that places significant emphasis on dialogue clarity, which is essential given the film's focus on personal stories and interviews. The audio track achieves its primary objective of delivering clear and evenly balanced dialogue from the center channel, ensuring that listeners can fully grasp the emotional weight of the narratives shared by the individuals.

In addition to dialogue clarity, the soundtrack incorporates subtle surround elements to build the documentary's atmosphere. Instances such as the reverberation in a gymnasium, the ambient noise of children playing, and the rattling of a bus add a layer of realism without distracting from the central content. The original score by Michael Furjanic, Justin Rice, and Christian Rudder subtly utilizes the rear channels to widen the soundstage, while maintaining fine clarity in instrumentation with robust mid-range and bass presence.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Bully" might not be groundbreaking but excels in functional execution. It balances the foreground dialogues with supporting musical elements effectively, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray edition of "Bully" offers a substantial array of engaging and informative extras that complement the film excellently. The diverse content ranges from deleted scenes and follow-up stories to insightful commentary from notable figures like Meryl Streep and Kevin Jennings. Highlights include a special version of the documentary edited for younger audiences and several behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of those featured in the film. Each extra provides valuable context and enriches viewers' understanding of both the documentary's impact and the broader issue of bullying. Here's a comprehensive list of the extras included:

Extras included in this disc:

• Special Version of Bully Edited For A Younger Audience: A shorter, modified version suitable for younger viewers.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes six touching sequences not in the final cut.
• The Bully Project at Work: Middle school engagement in anti-bullying efforts.
• Alex After Bully, Alex Raps, Alex's Character Sketch: Updates and personal insights on Alex's life post-film.
• Kelby's Original Sketch: Additional clips featuring Kelby.
• Meryl Streep on Bullying: Meryl Streep's reaction to the documentary.
• Communities in Motion: Anti-bullying initiatives in Sioux City.
• Sioux City After Bully: Community reflections and actions post-documentary.
• Good Morning America: National TV discussion featuring the film’s director and participants.
• Kevin Jennings, An Advocate's Perspective: Insights from a renowned bullying prevention advocate.
• We Are Daniel Cui: An inspiring story about support overcoming bullying.
• Bully, The Book: A static advertisement for the related book.

"Bully" is an evocative and impactful documentary that delves deep into the epidemic of bullying by presenting the harrowing stories of five young victims. Directed by Lee Hirsch, himself a bullying survivor, the film provides no easy solutions but instead elevates the dialogue on this pervasive issue. Viewers are taken inside homes, classrooms, buses, and meeting rooms where bullying affects both the victim's internal and external worlds. The documentary shines a light on the staggering emotional toll bullying exacts on individuals and communities, poignantly illustrating its severe ramifications through the cases of Ty Field-Smalley and Tyler Long—two boys who tragically took their own lives in response to relentless torment.

In addition to these tragedies, the film examines the ongoing struggles of Alex, Kelby, and Ja'Meya, each facing their own unique battles with bullying. Alex's daily torment on his school bus and the inadequate response from school officials make for heart-wrenching viewing. The narrative around Kelby, bullied for her sexual orientation, reveals entrenched bigotry within her community, while Ja'Meya’s story highlights the extreme lengths some children feel compelled to go for self-defense, leading to her severe legal repercussions for bringing a gun onto the bus. Throughout, "Bully" captures an array of reactions from educational authorities—often inept or dismissive—leaving viewers frustrated and incensed.

Through direct footage and intimate interviews, Hirsch’s documentary underscores the alarming ineffectiveness of traditional responses to bullying. Instead of offering clear solutions, it demands viewers confront the realities head-on. It becomes clear that Alex's experience with administrative indifference serves as a microcosm of the broader systemic failure to adequately address bullying. The film leaves an indelible impression and is an essential watch for anyone seeking to understand and combat this pernicious issue.

"Bully," a poignant documentary, delves deeply into the pervasive issue of bullying and its consequential harm on young victims. The film's narrative is meticulously crafted, effectively capturing the heartrending experiences of the children affected. While it stops short of providing concrete solutions, it successfully amplifies the urgent need for dialogue and action, shedding light on the real psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon these vulnerable individuals.

Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of "Bully" is technically sound, offering commendable video and audio quality that enhances the documentary's impact. The visual presentation is clear and immersive, allowing viewers to fully engage with the powerful storytelling and empathetic visuals. The audio quality is equally impressive, ensuring every heartfelt conversation and emotional climax is conveyed with precision. Additionally, the disc includes a notable array of supplemental content; although not extensive, these extras provide meaningful insights and are valuable for furthering understanding of the film’s themes.

In summary, "Bully" is an essential watch that not only documents the troubling reality of bullying but also ignites a necessary conversation around addressing this critical issue. The blend of high-quality production and compelling subject matter makes this Blu-ray a recommended addition for educational purposes and for anyone committed to fostering awareness and change in the fight against bullying.