Memorial Day Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Memorial Day" on Blu-ray showcases the capabilities of the Red One digital system, a fact that becomes evident through the work of cinematographer Bo Hakala. The 1080p, VC-1-encoded Blu-ray delivers an image that is consistently rich, detailed, and noise-free. This quality is complemented by a superior depth of field, enhancing the film's visual storytelling and aiding in the seamless simulation of diverse temporal and geographic settings - from 1940s Europe to 2005 Iraq, all recreated within the boundaries of Minnesota. The precise color correction and contrast levels employed in post-production play a pivotal role, offering distinct visual narratives without heavy reliance on intertitles for differentiation.

However, the film's pristine clarity, achieved through its HD Red One camera system, introduces a double-edged sword. While it results in an image quality so sharp and lifelike that it can serve as demo material for display accuracy, some viewers might find the outcome slightly sterile and artificial, potentially detracting from the cinematic experience over its runtime. Regardless, this aspect might boil down to personal preference rather than being a universal flaw.

Despite these nuanced criticisms, the video quality on display is undeniably spectacular. With an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, the transfer showcases razor-sharp clarity that brings every detail to life - from facial textures to the intricate details of uniforms and landscapes. Colors burst with vibrancy and energy, backed by accurate contrasts that forge crisp visuals, albeit with occasional over-bright highlights. The darks achieve a deep richness that enhances the image's dimensionality, despite minor inconsistencies in shadow detailing. Overall, this high-definition presentation of "Memorial Day" on Blu-ray stands as a remarkable example of modern digital filmmaking technology at work.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on the Blu Ray edition of "Memorial Day" delivers an admirable auditory experience, skillfully utilizing its rear channels to create an enveloping atmosphere that mirrors the diverse locales of the film, from the serene fields of Minnesota in 1993 to the tense and harrowing landscapes of Iraq in 2005. The mixing excels in balancing subtle environmental sounds like wind, birds, and insects with the jarring intensity of warfare, where bullets and shrapnel whizz and explode with a terrifying realism. The sound design ensures that each effect, whether the distant rumble of a military transport or the shocking boom of an IED, is presented with clarity and impact, leveraging the lossless DTS track's capabilities to full effect.

However, the film's score, composed by Paul Hartwig, is somewhat pushed to the background, relying heavily on rear speakers, an approach that might occlude dialogue clarity – an issue particularly notable in scenes featuring actor James Cromwell. This choice might challenge audibility at times but is mitigated by the availability of subtitles for clarity. Additionally, while most of the audio presentation impresses with its high-resolution delivery and seamless channel transitioning that enhances immersion—especially in action sequences and quieter, dialogue-driven moments—it occasionally suffers from moments of perceptible artificiality, though these moments are few and do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

The Blu Ray's audio presentation, complemented by a standard DD 5.1 track at 448 kbps for those preferring a different mix, navigates a fine line between extraordinary and practical. It authentically replicates the vigor of combat with a meticulously detailed mid-range and responsive lows that lend gunfire and explosions a formidable sense of depth. Despite these strengths, it doesn't push hardware to the brink; instead, it opts for a balanced workout that enhances viewers' immersion into the film's dramatic and auditory landscape without overwhelming.

The extra feature presentation on the "Memorial Day" Blu-ray leaves much to be desired, showcasing a spartan collection that provides minimal engagement for enthusiasts seeking a deeper dive into the film's creation. The commentary track, featuring Director Sam Fischer, Writer Marc Conklin, and Actor John Cromwell, is sedate and often veers into long pauses, with discussions mainly circling around film locations and the historical accuracy of the props rather than delving into the filmmaking process or exploring the narrative’s deeper themes. The behind-the-scenes content, presented in a peculiarly frenetic edit, offers little in the way of insightful commentary or context, reducing it to a hasty montage that fails to elucidate the craft behind the film. An additional trailer for "The Double" is included at startup but lacks relevance and accessibility beyond its initial play. Overall, this collection does not capitalize on the opportunity to enrich the viewer's understanding or appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Sam Fischer, Writer Marc Conklin and Actor John Cromwell: A dialogue that touches on the production aspects and historical accuracies without much discussion on thematic elements or story origins.

• Behind the Scenes: An accelerated compilation of footage that glosses over the filming process without providing substantial information or commentary.

• Additional Trailer: A trailer for "The Double" which plays at startup but is otherwise inaccessible.

'Memorial Day,' directed by Samuel Fischer and penned by Marc Conklin, ventures into the complex and often turbulent world of wartime experiences, spanning across generations and battlefields. This direct-to-video release from Image Entertainment surpasses expectations, deftly avoiding the pitfalls of becoming a simplistic war story or a piece of military propaganda. With a focus that shifts from the personal to the universal implications of war, the film weaves together narratives set in different time periods, showcasing the enduring and sometimes haunting legacies of combat. Central to its narrative is the poignant relationship between a World War II veteran, Bud (played with a commanding presence by James Cromwell and his younger counterpart John Cromwell), and his grandson Kyle (Jackson Bond and Jonathan Bennett), highlighting the profound impact of shared stories of valor and loss.

The heart of 'Memorial Day' lies in its intimate porch conversations between the young Kyle and his grandfather. These moments, enriched by Cromwell's stellar performance, elevate the film beyond its direct-to-video origins into a genuinely moving exploration of familial bonds, memory, and the cost of war. The narrative cleverly uses flashback sequences to connect past and present conflicts, juxtaposing Bud's harrowing experiences in Europe during the 1940s against Kyle's encounters in Iraq in 2005. Yet, it's in the subtlety of these connections that the film occasionally falters, meandering through themes of patriotism, PTSD, and intergenerational trauma without fully committing to a cohesive statement. The ambitious attempt to link these disparate wars sometimes leads to confusion, detracting from what could have been a more focused meditation on the nature of remembrance and the personal toll of combat.

Despite its aspirations towards grand narrative continuity, 'Memorial Day' shines brightest in its smaller, more personal moments. The detailed depiction of Kyle's wartime souvenirs serves as a tangible link to the past, while simultaneously exploring the emotional isolation felt by veterans. Though not without narrative missteps, particularly in its portrayal of the Iraqi conflict as somewhat parallel to WWII, the film commendably avoids glorifying war. Instead, it offers a reflective and occasionally touching look at the ways in which personal wartime experiences are commemorated and shared across generations. Although it may stumble in fully realizing its broader thematic ambitions, 'Memorial Day' remains a notable entry within the war drama genre, benefiting significantly from strong performances and a sincere respect for its subject matter.

Memorial Day," as seen through the lens of its Blu-ray release, presents a contrasting narrative that leverages the potent stories of war's emotional and psychological impacts against the backdrop of World War II. The decision by filmmakers Fischer and Conklin to anchor their story in the World War II era, as revealed through the commentary, underlines a preference for the clear-cut moral dichotomies of the time, over the more morally complex and less cinematically revered Vietnam War. This choice, while potentially limiting in scope, grants the film a certain narrative clarity that resonates with viewers. Despite this, the film's reliance on cinematic rather than literary sources for its narrative inspiration is a point of contention. It suggests a missed opportunity to explore the deeper interior lives of veterans across eras. Notwithstanding, James Cromwell's standout performance alongside Jackson Bond elevates the film, creating moments of genuine emotional depth amidst a storyline that sometimes struggles to find its footing.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Memorial Day" successfully transcends its direct-to-video expectations with commendable technical quality. The video presentation, though criticized for its somewhat sterilized digital look, delivers clarity and fidelity that enhance the viewing experience. The audio quality is particularly lauded for its excellence, creating an immersive soundscape that complements the film's thematic ambitions. However, the supplementary material provided with the Blu-ray is noted as being underwhelming, a minor detraction from an otherwise robust package.

In conclusion, while "Memorial Day" navigates the challenging waters of war dramatization with a blend of reverence and nostalgia for World War II, it crafts moments of genuine connection and reflection, primarily through Cromwell's compelling portrayal. Despite some narrative and supplemental shortcomings, the Blu-ray release affirms itself as a worthy addition for those interested in war dramas and the nuanced exploration of combat's lasting impacts on individuals and families. The technical presentation enhances these themes, making it a recommended experience for discerning viewers willing to engage with its complex blend of history, memory, and emotion.