Miles Ahead Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Miles Ahead" offers a visually engaging but varied experience, leveraging its 16mm film origins to create a gritty and authentic texture. The filmic grain structure is consistently present, enhancing the sense of realism, though the levels of detail fluctuate from scene to scene. Close-ups are particularly striking, revealing every facial pore and strand of hair with extraordinary intimacy. Likewise, clothing textures and the rough details of city landscapes and interiors are robustly conveyed. This gritty aesthetic does complement the 1970s setting and adds a raw, almost unfiltered feel to the film.

Colors are well-rendered and true to life, displaying vibrant 1970s fashion tones without veering into over-saturation. Reds, blues, and browns in clothing and set designs stand out distinctly, while skin tones remain natural and consistent throughout. Some scenes utilize yellowish filters which add a period-authentic touch but contribute to the inconsistency in image sharpness. Black levels are deep and accurate across nighttime exteriors, lending an impressive depth to shadowy scenes. No noticeable compression artifacts or wear detract from the overall presentation.

Despite these strengths, the transfer is inconsistent in terms of sharpness and grain levels. Some scenes exhibit a soft, hazy quality, which contrasts sharply with the crystal-clear detail seen in other parts of the film, including the opening scene featuring Don Cheadle as Miles Davis. While this fluctuation might be an intentional artistic choice to reflect the era's raw aesthetic, it leads to an uneven viewing experience. Overall, this Blu-ray release by Sony captures the essence and atmosphere of "Miles Ahead" exceptionally well, despite its minor inconsistencies in video clarity.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "Miles Ahead" is nothing short of exceptional, highlighted by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The opening sequence immediately immerses the audience with a thrilling car chase and powerful musical support, characterized by wide spacing and aggressive yet precise detailing. Key moments, such as gunshots and the realistic clatter of brass on pavement, are expertly placed and command attention. Although the overall mix remains front-heavy with minor atmospherics, the instrumental clarity is superb, with the front end's width and depth of bass enhancing the rich music. Dialogue, which is central to the film outside the musical interludes, is consistently crisp and naturally front-centered.

The jazz soundtrack further elevates the audio experience, fully immersing listeners in the genius of Miles Davis. Every note and musical cue is delivered with clarity and precision, making the music a compelling focal point throughout the film. Sound effects like trumpet keys being pressed down, gunshots, and car chase sequences are robust and lively, enriching the auditory landscape. Particularly notable is the concert scene towards the film's end, where every instrument’s brilliance creates an impeccable live jazz show ambiance right in your viewing room. Dialogue clarity is maintained seamlessly, even with the unique raspy timbre of Miles Davis' voice, ensuring no disruptions such as pops, cracks, hiss, or shrill highs interfere with the listening experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Miles Ahead" offers an impressive array of supplemental materials that provide deep insights into the making of the film and the life of Miles Davis. The Audio Commentary by Don Cheadle and Steven Baigelman is both enlightening and engaging, covering the film’s unconventional structure, shooting locations, musical scenes, and editing, with intermittent gaps that do not detract from its overall value. The Truth: Becoming Miles Davis features candid discussions by on- and off-screen talent, including Davis' son, about the challenge and triumph of bringing Miles Davis’ story to the big screen, presented through a mix of color and black-and-white footage. The Sundance Film Festival Q&A captures a revealing session with Cheadle and key cast members as they delve into the film’s intricacies post-screening. Additionally, the disc contains the theatrical trailer and previews of other Sony titles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion by Don Cheadle and Steven Baigelman.
• The Truth: Becoming Miles Davis: Behind-the-scenes on bringing Davis' story to life.
• Sundance Film Festival Q&A: Post-screening discussion with cast members.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for "Miles Ahead."
• Previews: Additional titles from Sony.

"Miles Ahead" is an unconventional biopic, reflecting the intricate and dynamic life of jazz legend Miles Davis. Don Cheadle, who takes on the dual roles of director and lead actor, delivers a film that breaks from the traditional biographical structure, favoring a nonlinear narrative that oscillates between two significant periods in Davis's life. The film delves into the late 1970s, a time when Davis had withdrawn from the music scene, engaging in substance abuse, and living reclusively. Concurrently, it explores his younger years, capturing his brilliance in music and tumultuous relationship with his wife Frances (Emayatzy Corinealdi). Cheadle’s immersive portrayal of Davis is complemented by the kinetic energy and passionate authenticity of the narrative.

Cheadle’s performance as Davis is transformative, skillfully embodying both the younger, vibrant musician, and the older, troubled recluse. His interpretation goes beyond physical mimicry, deeply exploring Davis’s psyche during these respective periods. The film's plot centers around a fictionalized adventure with Rolling Stone journalist Dave Braden (Ewan McGregor), who unintentionally becomes embroiled in Davis's chaotic attempts to reclaim a stolen tape of unreleased music. The interplay between Cheadle and McGregor provides a mixture of dramatic intensity and moments of levity, adding depth to the story's portrayal of Davis's struggles and his combative nature.

Technically, "Miles Ahead" shines with high-caliber craftsmanship. The film’s score, featuring Davis's music, serves as an essential narrative element, enhancing the storytelling with its rich, emotionally resonant tones. Whether it’s depicting high-stakes confrontations with record producers or tender moments from Davis’s past, the score complements every scene perfectly. The editing seamlessly weaves through different timelines without disorienting the viewer, offering a layered perspective on the musician's life. This artistic approach, coupled with Cheadle's dedication both behind and in front of the camera, consolidates "Miles Ahead" as a biopic that honors Miles Davis not just as a musician but as an extraordinary individual navigating personal and professional complexities.

'Miles Ahead' delivers a refreshingly unconventional look at the life of jazz legend Miles Davis, opting for a focused exploration of a specific, tumultuous period rather than a straightforward biopic narrative. Don Cheadle both directs and stars, crafting an intricate portrayal that seamlessly melds grittiness with moments of levity and intense drama. The film’s non-linear storytelling and playful, yet poignant approach stand out, while the soundtrack—integral to the film, provides a vibrant backdrop that echoes Davis's groundbreaking contributions to music.

The Blu-ray presentation boasts impeccable video clarity and robust audio quality, making the viewing experience thoroughly immersive. While the video presentation isn't flawless, it remains highly satisfactory, allowing the intricacies of each scene to shine through. The audio track, however, truly excels, capturing the essence of Davis’s music with impressive fidelity. Additionally, the included bonus features provide further insight into the making of the film and its subject, adding significant value.

'Miles Ahead' is a masterfully crafted biopic that transcends conventional storytelling. With Cheadle’s commanding performance and a compelling musical score, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the complex world of Miles Davis. The Blu-ray release does justice to this cinematic achievement with superior video and audio quality and thoughtfully curated supplemental materials. Highly recommended.