Judy Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of Judy on Blu-ray, courtesy of Lionsgate Films, delivers an impressive visual experience. Boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the film’s original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, it maintains a professional, high-definition quality that is both vibrant and engaging. Shot on digital using the Arri Alexa Studio and finished at a 2K DI, the transfer features bold primaries, nicely muted pastels, and deep blacks. The colors are exceptionally bright and deeply saturated, enhancing both the on-stage razzle-dazzle and off-stage wardrobes. The excellent contrast rendering provides a crystal clear and inviting picture, ensuring that the detailed fabrics, textures, and patterns of costumes and upholstery are meticulously presented without any video-related artifacts.

The transfer successfully captures fine nuances with plenty of high-level detail and sharpness, contributing to an overall slick and pristine image. The visual perspective in low-lighting and darkened areas is well-executed, with rich and punchy blacks giving dark scenes appreciable depth and dimensionality. Shadow delineation is notably good, allowing close-ups to render facial features and costume textures vividly. Despite some subtle banding observed on the Lionsgate masthead during disc startup, this artifact does not mar the actual film presentation. However, some may find that the lack of grain minimizes the nostalgic 1960s period feel of the movie, especially in flashback sequences where a touch of texture could have added essential atmospheric quality. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer successfully captures the vividness and tonal depth intended for the film while maintaining technical excellence.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Judy" delivers an exceptional auditory experience, characterized by impressive fidelity, tonal depth, and a solid surround sound presence. Dialogue reproduction is unwavering, crystal clear, and tonally balanced throughout the film. Zellweger’s live vocal performances are masterfully integrated with the instrumental backing, ensuring high-quality depth in musical recreations without any distortion. The soundtrack handles dynamic ranges excellently, lending subtlety and gravity to varying sound levels. Sonic details, such as popping flashbulbs and shattering glass, are pinpoint crisp and distinct.

The audio mix is well-crafted, striking a perfect balance between instrumental music, vocals, and sound effects. The front channels effectively convey dialogue, atmospheric ambience, and musical enhancements, while several sequences utilize rear channels to create an immersive auditory environment. Notable moments include the resonant spaciousness of a rehearsal hall scene and a climactic performance where audience silence enhances emotional engagement. Sonic accents are consistent and well-modulated, making the track problem-free and ensuring an enveloping listening experience that complements the visual presentation elegantly.

Overall, the soundtrack’s use of a wide dynamic range and natural surround presence during nightclub sequences provides a gratifying listening experience. The attention to differing ambient environments adds depth to intimate moments as well as grand performances, maintaining a professional auditory sheen throughout. This audio presentation not only enhances the cinematic experience but also pays homage to Judy Garland's legendary performative nuances.

The Blu-ray extras for "Judy" offer a concise but insightful look behind the scenes. The main feature, From the Heart: The Making of Judy, is a brief but informative EPK that includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with key cast members and director Rupert Goold, providing a glimpse into the creative process. Complementing this featurette are an Image Gallery, comprising thirteen color scenes and production stills set to music, and a Theatrical Trailer, offering a succinct preview of the film. Despite the limited quantity, these extras provide valuable context and enhance the viewer’s appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

From the Heart: The Making of Judy: Brief EPK featuring cast and crew interviews.

Judy Image Gallery: Video montage of stills.

Theatrical Trailer: Short preview of the film.

"Judy," a biographical drama directed by Rupert Goold and starring Renée Zellweger, presents a poignant, if melodramatic, portrayal of the legendary Judy Garland. Set during Garland's final months in 1968, as she prepares for a series of concerts at London's Talk of the Town, the film juxtaposes these later years with flashbacks to her MGM days. Zellweger’s committed performance captures both Garland's fragile psyche and her extraordinary resilience, making a strong case for major accolades. The film delves into Judy's struggles with physical and emotional turmoil stemming from a lifetime of exploitation and abuse by the entertainment industry. Emotional highs and lows are chronicled with a blend of Hollywood gloss and tangible rawness, though occasionally veering towards sensationalism.

The screenplay, based on the play "End of the Rainbow" by Tom Edge, expands beyond the stage to capture Judy's time in England and California. While it effectively documents her self-destructive tendencies and her capability to deliver spectacular performances despite personal chaos, the narrative sometimes feels uneven. Key relationships, particularly with Rosalyn Wilder (Jessie Buckley) and Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock), highlight her dependency on those around her. However, historical inaccuracies and character oversights, such as misrepresented ages of Lorna and Joe Luft and scant background information on Wilder, somewhat undermine the storyline's authenticity.

Technically, "Judy" maintains high production values, with notable recreations of Garland's London performances. Zellweger’s singing attempts to honor Garland's legendary voice but falls short in capturing its unique depth and emotive power. The film’s portrayal of Garland's fraught final chapter is both compelling and tragic, yet fails to encompass the full breadth of her illustrious career. Consequently, it elicits a mix of admiration and pity—a dichotomy that perhaps unintentionally reflects the complex legacy of Judy Garland herself.

Rupert Goold's "Judy" offers a poignant look into the tumultuous final years of the beloved Judy Garland, focusing on her last nightclub engagement. Renée Zellweger delivers an exceptional performance, capturing Garland's resilient spirit and vulnerability, though her vocal performance may not match Garland’s unique singing prowess. The Blu-ray from Lionsgate boasts strong technical merits, with remarkable video and audio transfers that enhance the viewing experience. However, the film's narrative is somewhat scattered, providing a glimpse into Garland's life that might leave devoted fans yearning for a more comprehensive portrayal.

The supplementary feature "From the Heart: The Making of Judy" falls short of providing substantial insight into the film's production, instead presenting itself more as a promotional piece. Featuring brief sound bites from Zellweger and director Robert Goold, it lacks depth and offers limited behind-the-scenes content. This contributes to an overall sense of missed opportunity within the extras, failing to deliver a richer contextual understanding of both Garland and the film's creation.

In conclusion, "Judy" comes recommended largely on the strength of Zellweger’s performance and the high-quality Blu-ray presentation. While it may not fully encapsulate Judy Garland's unadorned brilliance or provide a definitive biography, it remains a poignant look at a troubled yet indomitable star. For those unfamiliar with Garland, exploring her authentic work elsewhere is advisable. Nonetheless, fans of Zellweger or Garland will find much to appreciate in this compelling yet imperfect film.