The Lincoln Lawyer Blu-ray Review

"The Lincoln Lawyer" is presented on Blu-ray with a stellar AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, capturing the gritty essence of Los Angeles with remarkable precision. Director Brad Furman leverages the smog-laden atmosphere to his advantage, and the presentation reflects this with excellent detail clarity. Interior scenes and close-ups reveal extraordinary fine detail, from the textures of tailored suits to the facial intricacies of actors, ensuring a visually compelling experience. The exterior shots offer splendid depth of field, presenting expansive views over Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

Colors are robust and well-modulated, occasionally skewed toward the blue end of the spectrum. While many scenes are bathed in shadows, black levels remain solid with minimal crushing. There is a masterful interplay of light and shadow, beautifully mirroring the dual nature of characters Mickey and Louis. The film's lifelike color palette accurately reflects LA's drab look, contrasting the more commonly depicted bright and sunny visuals of Rodeo Drive. Flashbacks are given a deliberate gauzy softness, enhancing their dreamlike quality without sacrificing clarity. Overall, "The Lincoln Lawyer" boasts a near-immaculate visual presentation that will thoroughly impress viewers.

"The Lincoln Lawyer" boasts an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix that exceeds expectations for a courtroom drama. The surround sound is meticulously employed throughout the film, enhancing immersion in both subtle and significant ways. Ambient sounds, whether from Mickey's travels around LA or courtroom dialogues, create a sense of atmospheric richness. Notable bursts of audio activity occur during particular scenes, such as flashbacks featuring bass-heavy hip-hop music and exhilarating sequences with roaring motorcycles. These moments provide impressive LFE, ensuring that the soundtrack remains dynamic and engaging.

Dialogues are crisp and always intelligible, maintaining clarity even in scenes with low-volume whispers or multi-character discussions. Directionality is expertly managed, bringing offscreen interactions to life and utilizing the entire sound field for effects, such as rumbling engines encircling the protagonist’s car. The additional side speakers in the 7.1 setup contribute to a more encompassing auditory experience, allowing environmental sounds to fluidly fill the soundstage.

Despite initial perceptions, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix richly enhances the film’s narrative, providing a more immersive and textured audio landscape for viewers. The audio design’s ability to blend subtle ambient noises with moments of robust activity amplifies the overall cinematic experience in a sophisticated and nuanced manner.

The Blu-ray release of "The Lincoln Lawyer" features a robust set of extras that offer considerable insight into the film's creation and development. Anchored by the involvement of author Michael Connelly and leading actor Matthew McConaughey, the supplemental material provides a noteworthy look into the adaptation process from novel to screen. Featurettes range from behind-the-scenes peeks to more personalized content such as Connelly's guided tour of Los Angeles locations relevant to the story. The high-definition presentation of these extras ensures a polished viewing experience, enhancing the overall value of the disc.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making the Case: Creating 'The Lincoln Lawyer': Author Michael Connelly and cast discuss adapting the novel.
• Michael Connelly: At Home on the Road: Connelly guides a tour around relevant Los Angeles locales.
• One on One with McConaughey and Connelly: An interview where Connelly talks with McConaughey.
• Deleted Scenes: Four brief additional scenes featuring McConaughey and Marisa Tomei.

"The Lincoln Lawyer" is a captivating legal drama that revitalizes Matthew McConaughey's acting repertoire, showcasing his nuanced performance as Mickey Haller, a morally ambiguous yet ultimately redemptive lawyer. The film opens with Haller engaging in dubious negotiations and demonstrates his two-faced, shrewd defense tactics. However, the narrative arc deftly evolves to challenge Haller’s ethics just as he takes on Louis Roulet's (Ryan Phillippe) case, a wealthy client accused of assault and battery. Director Brad Furman effectively captures the gritty, backstreet world Mickey navigates, though his overuse of handheld camera techniques can sometimes be jolting.

The film navigates a familiar terrain of courtroom drama tropes but manages to stay engaging due to its tightly woven plot and strong performances. The movie's structure, influenced by Michael Connelly's novel, adeptly incorporates suspenseful twists and turns while McConaughey's portrayal brings a fresh vibrancy often missing from his previous roles. The intricacies of Haller’s investigation offer snapshots into the ethical dilemmas faced by defense attorneys—questioning the very fabric of their professional integrity. Despite occasional predictability, the plot maintains intrigue as it oscillates between thriller and procedural drama.

Not without its faults, the final act of "The Lincoln Lawyer" does suffer from hurried resolutions that stretch believability. Yet, the thrilling sequences and unforeseen twists ensure viewers remain hooked until the closing scenes. The supporting cast, including William H. Macy, Frances Fisher, and Marisa Tomei, deliver commendable performances that bolster the film's tension and emotional stakes. Ultimately, McConaughey's role as Haller is the cornerstone of the film's success, reminding audiences of his capability to deliver a commanding screen presence in more serious, layered roles.

"The Lincoln Lawyer" Blu-ray provides an immersive viewing experience, both visually and audibly, capturing the intricacies of the film's setting and plot with impressive clarity. The transfer to Blu-ray delivers top-notch picture quality with sharp detail and vibrant colors, which enhance the legal drama’s moody atmosphere. The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack excels, providing distinct dialogue alongside a balanced sonic landscape that enriches the overall intensity of the courtroom scenes and plot twists.

Matthew McConaughey’s performance firmly stands as the highlight of this film. Portraying the character Mickey Haller, McConaughey departs from his typical 'pretty boy' image and demonstrates considerable depth in his portrayal, marking it as one of his finest works in recent years. Despite the predictability of some of the plot elements and the film leaning into familiar courtroom drama tropes, McConaughey's compelling portrayal brings a fresh dynamic to a well-worn genre, showcasing the intricate layers of Connelly’s character.

In conclusion, "The Lincoln Lawyer" may not be groundbreaking in its genre, often treading well-worn paths of courtroom dramas. However, it is elevated by McConaughey’s standout performance and a high-quality Blu-ray presentation that enhances the viewing experience. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it certainly offers a gripping ride filled with nuanced performances that redeem any of its conventional flaws. Recommended.