The Fitzgerald Family Christmas Blu-ray Review

"The Fitzgerald Family Christmas," shot on the Red Epic by cinematographer William Rexer, achieves a noteworthy 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation courtesy of Magnolia Home Entertainment. This low-budget film, captured in a run-and-gun style, effectively showcases the Red's ability to produce clear, detailed images under various conditions. The digital intermediate ensures that the image remains consistently detailed and clean, with no visible noise. The color palette is versatile, ranging from naturalistic everyday scenes to richly poetic settings like Fitzgerald’s bar. The depth of field is exceptional, effectively juxtaposing the festive holiday decorations against New York's early winter landscape.

Despite the Blu-ray featuring two versions of the film, leading to a relatively lower average bitrate of around 24.00 Mbps, compression artifacts are non-existent. The Red footage compresses remarkably well, maintaining a high level of fidelity that is evident in the crisp detailing of facial features and textures. High contrast levels contribute to deep black levels and stable whites without hot spots, even in darker interior scenes. Such quality contrast ensures the picture remains pristine with no graininess or banding issues, sustaining its detailed and layered appearance throughout.

In terms of visual aesthetic, Burns has skillfully leveraged digital filming to create an image that closely mimics the rich texture traditionally associated with higher-budget film productions. His adept use of digital technology allows the film to present a look that, while different from his earlier 16 mm endeavors like "The Brother's McMullen," retains a polished feel. The resulting visuals offer an engaging and immersive experience, aligning with contemporary standards while still preserving a distinct character reflective of the film’s modest production scale.

The audio presentation of "The Fitzgerald Family Christmas" on Blu-ray is centered around its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, which effectively captures the film's dialogue-heavy focus while accentuating P.T. Walkley's holiday-themed score. Walkley's piano-dominated arrangements of public domain carols provide an unexpected yet fitting soundtrack, blending seamlessly with the film’s thematic elements. The score, along with dialogue, forms the foundation of the audio experience and underscores the narrative's holiday ambiance.

Despite its primary focus on dialogue, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix incorporates light atmospheric elements, utilizing nuanced imaging to enhance the sense of immersion. Subtle ambient sounds, such as New York City traffic and the murmur of a restaurant, are rendered with clarity, offering a nuanced backdrop that makes the setting feel authentic and engaging. Moments when the Fitzgerald family members talk over each other are handled exceptionally well, with layered audio creating a compelling representation of complex familial interactions.

Overall, even though the mix does not have many opportunities to flex its sonic prowess beyond dialogue, occasional car doors slamming or background chatter, it does an admirable job of making a smaller film feel more vivid and dynamic. The audio presentation enriches the viewing experience by effectively bringing out the intricate details and ambiance, elevating the overall impact of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Fitzgerald Family Christmas" provide viewers with a deep dive into the intricacies of low-budget filmmaking through Edward Burns' commentary, which is rich with practical insights and anecdotes. Burns discusses the tight production schedules, his recurring ensemble cast, and the creative journey of overcoming various challenges. The commentary is perfect for those interested in DIY filmmaking or fans of Burns’ work, offering valuable behind-the-scenes knowledge and vivid storytelling. Additionally, the disc includes trailers for various films and a BD-Live feature that, at the time of review, remained inactive.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Writer/Director Edward Burns: In-depth analysis of low-budget filmmaking, cast assembly, scriptwriting, and production challenges.
• Trailers: Previews for Drinking Buddies, Good Ol' Freda, I Give It a Year, and Prince Avalanche.
• BD-Live: Check back later for updates.

Ed Burns returns to familiar territory with "The Fitzgerald Family Christmas," his thirteenth feature film, capturing the intricate dynamics of an Irish-American family. The film revolves around Gerry Fitzgerald (Burns), the would-be patriarch, who attempts to reconcile his estranged father, Big Jim (Ed Lauter), with his mother and siblings after a 20-year abandonment. Shot in Burns's own neighborhood, the setting adds authenticity and intimacy to the family conflicts that reignite as Christmas approaches. The narrative deftly navigates the complexities of familial bonds, sincere yet flawed characters, and Burns's tried-and-true theme of redemption amidst heartache.

The Blu-ray by Magnolia Home Entertainment features two cuts: a PG-13 version and an unrated one running five minutes longer, preferred by the director. Key differences include more explicit language and slightly more graphic sexual content in the unrated cut. The additional material strengthens the emotional depth and realism of the film without overstepping into gratuitousness, maintaining a dramatized but grounded portrayal of real-life crises.

The film's primary strength is its strong ensemble cast comprising both seasoned actors like Marsha Dietlein and newcomers such as Kerry Bishé. Each portrayer adds layers to their roles – from midlife crises to struggles with addiction – contributing to a rich tapestry of interconnected subplots. Burns's skilled cross-cutting and narrative devices weave these stories together seamlessly, fostering viewer engagement despite the film's relatively short runtime. Despite some characters feeling underdeveloped due to the ensemble structure, the film strikes a powerful, sentimental chord, reflective of the season's themes of forgiveness and hope, while avoiding excessive nostalgia. This blend offers an insightful and emotionally resonant experience for viewers familiar with such intricate familial drama.

"The Fitzgerald Family Christmas" Blu-ray release offers an appealing package for fans of independent cinema and Ed Burns' unique style. The film features a compelling story, touching performances, and an earnest message of hope and forgiveness that elevates it above many seasonal movies. The picture quality is commendable, with both the visuals and sound meeting high standards, enhancing the viewing experience.

Even though the disc is somewhat sparse on special features, it includes valuable commentary from Ed Burns himself, a delightful addition for those who enjoy insights directly from the filmmaker. This commentary extends beyond Burns' typical social media engagements, providing substantial content for viewers looking to delve deeper into the film’s creation and themes.

Frank Capra may not be outclassed, but "The Fitzgerald Family Christmas" stands as a solid Christmas movie option. Magnolia's usual dependable package and the inclusion of a PG-13 version make it suitable for younger audiences as well. While additional extras might have enhanced the offering, the two-in-one approach broadens its appeal. Overall, this Blu-ray is highly recommended for its heartfelt story and meaningful themes.