One Night in Miami... Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a stellar 1080p transfer, "One Night in Miami..." is delivered to audiences via Blu-ray with the Criterion seal of technical excellence. Captured through the sophisticated lenses of ARRI ALEXA 65 and Alexa Mini LF cameras, the film benefits from a fully digital workflow from shooting to post-production. The meticulous remastering of its 5.1 surround soundtrack from original digital audio masters, in addition to the color grading expertise of Ian Vertovec at Light Iron, Hollywood, ensures an auditory experience that complements the visual feast.

The Blu-ray excels in showcasing the film’s visually stunning moments with remarkable clarity, delineation, and sharpness that rivals many 4K Blu-ray presentations. Particularly notable are the outdoor Georgia scenes in the early parts of the film, which display an impressive level of detail and color depth. The transfer exhibits fluid motion and a broad range of striking highlights, bringing to life the rich but natural palette of colors with subtleties that can be fully appreciated in screencaptures #4 and 10. This high-quality presentation is free from any digital anomalies, boasting image stability that contributes to an immersive viewing experience.

However, viewers must note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating either a native Region-A or a Region-Free player for access. Despite this limitation, the Blu-ray triumphs as a technical marvel that nearly mirrors the quality one might expect from a leading 4K release. The culmination of advanced filming technology, expert color grading, and meticulous attention to audio fidelity results in an exemplary home cinema presentation of "One Night in Miami...".

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release for "One Night in Miami..." boasts an original soundtrack meticulously prepared and finalized by industry veterans including producer Nick Baxter, alongside Andy Hay and Paul Ledford. This composition sets a robust foundation for the film's immersive experience, ensuring that the dialogue, music, and ambient sounds capture the essence of this historical drama without distortion or imbalance. The clarity and depth of the audio are particularly noted, enhancing the viewer's engagement with the film's compelling narrative and the powerful performances of its cast.

In addition to the film's core audio, the Blu-ray offers a rich selection of supplements that allow viewers to explore the creative process behind "One Night in Miami..." Discussions between director Regina King and various collaborators including screenwriter Kemp Powers, and filmmakers such as Barry Jenkins, contribute to an appreciable enhancement of the main feature's audio pedigree. These programs, recorded in clear, high-quality audio without subtitles, provide insightful discourse on aspects ranging from character development, to King's transition from acting to directing, and the cinematic technicalities that influenced this transition. The absence of subtitles across these features underscores the emphasis placed on quality audio production.

Furthermore, the inclusion of original trailers, conversations on character crafting with cast members Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., and discussions on the broader aspects of making the film offer a comprehensive auditory journey behind-the-scenes. Each program, preserved in its rich auditory detail, complements the main feature by providing a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process. The audio across these features remains consistent in clarity and fidelity, ensuring that nothing detracts from the content's educational value. Through these thoughtful audio presentations, viewers gain a nuanced appreciation of the effort invested into bringing "One Night in Miami..." to life, both on and off-screen.

The Blu-ray release of "One Night in Miami..." excels with its English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, delivering exceptional clarity, depth, and dynamic contrasts that bring the film's contemporary soundscape to life. Particularly noteworthy are Leslie Odom Jr.'s performances, which stand out as reference material due to the track's sharpness and stability. An audio descriptive track enhances accessibility, complemented by well-placed optional English SDH subtitles. No technical issues mar this otherwise stellar auditory presentation, ensuring a pristine viewing and listening experience for audiences seeking to immerse themselves fully in the historical drama's atmosphere.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from cast and crew.
• Making of One Night in Miami...: Behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production.
• A Historical Perspective: Experts discuss the real-life event.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of stills from the film and production.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes not included in the final cut.

Regina King's "One Night in Miami..." delivers a compelling and thought-provoking narrative, captured brilliantly on its Blu-ray release by Criterion. This fascinating film explores a fictional yet deeply profound meeting between four of the 20th century's most iconic figures: Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.), and Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir). Set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami, the film initially promises an exhilarating night out but quickly evolves into a riveting dialogue-driven exploration of beliefs, ambitions, and responsibilities at a pivotal moment in time, akin to other speculative narratives like "Insignificance" and "Fatherland."

The technical aspects of the Criterion Blu-ray presentation do justice to the film's cinematic quality. The English SDH subtitles ensure accessibility, while regional locking underscores Criterion's distribution strategy. Supplemental features enrich the viewing experience, offering insights from the director, screenwriter, and actors, which serve to deepen the audience's understanding of the film's creative process and thematic depth. However, while the promise of an electrifying gathering gives way to a more introspective discourse within a nondescript hotel room, some may find this shift from excitement to ideological debate slightly underwhelming.

The performances are undeniably powerful, spearheaded by Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., who bring depth and nuance to their roles. Leslie Odom Jr.'s rendition of classic tunes alongside Terence Blanchard’s original score is a highlight, deserving of its critical acclaim. Despite moments where the dialogue might seem unfocused or overly rehearsed to some viewers, "One Night in Miami..." stands out for its exploration of racial, political, and personal themes through the lens of these historical figures. While it may not fully capitalize on its initial premise's potential for a wilder narrative, it succeeds in sparking important conversations about success, purpose, and activism.

The Criterion Blu-ray of "One Night in Miami..." provides an intriguing lens through which to view Regina King's directorial venture, bringing this significant historical moment to life with palpable tension and remarkable performances. While the expectations surrounding the film are high, due to its profound premise and the talents involved, there is a sense of underwhelm in the screenplay's execution, which doesn't seem to capitalize fully on the potential of its historical context. Despite this, Leslie Odom Jr.'s portrayal, punctuated by his stunning vocal performances, stands out as a deserving highlight, justly earning his Oscar nomination.

On a technical level, Criterion has once again proven its dedication to quality with this release. The Blu-ray presents the film with admirable clarity and audio fidelity, ensuring that every visual and auditory aspect is conveyed with precision. This exceptional technical presentation complements Odom Jr.'s performances and the film's more visually striking moments, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and fans of cinematically historic moments. Furthermore, the addition of thoughtfully curated bonus features adds depth to the viewing experience, offering insights into the film's creation and the real-life figures it portrays.

Conclusively, while "One Night in Miami..." might not fully meet the lofty expectations set by its historical significance and star-studded cast, Criterion's Blu-ray release elevates the experience, making it a commendable addition to one’s collection. The combination of a stellar technical presentation and enriching bonus content provides a valuable perspective on both the film's strengths and its unmet potentials. It's a release that warrants attention, not just for its cinematic value but also for its contribution to cultural dialogue, meriting more than just a rental decision.