Black Mass Blu-ray Review
Score: 73
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
Johnny Depp's compelling performance in 'Black Mass' can't rescue the film's lackluster storytelling; however, the Blu-ray's audiovisual quality and documentary extras are top-notch.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 79
Black Mass's Blu-ray presentation combines a sharp, detailed 1080p AVC-encoded image with a muted, sepia-toned palette and deep black levels, reflecting its 1970s Boston setting. Despite some night scenes featuring more saturated colors, the film's reserved aesthetic maintains clarity with minimal compression issues.
Audio: 76
Black Mass's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in delivering crisp, clear dialogue and dynamic tonal accuracy, with robust highs and punchy bass, though its surround sound usage is predominantly ambient rather than immersive. Additional 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks in various languages are also available.
Extra: 70
Engaging featurettes on the 'Black Mass' Blu-ray explore Johnny Depp's transformation into Whitey Bulger through extensive makeup and research, the enthusiastic but convincing reflections of cast and crew on real events, and an in-depth documentary on the relentless manhunt for Bulger.
Movie: 43
Despite Johnny Depp's standout portrayal of James 'Whitey' Bulger, 'Black Mass' falters with insubstantial storytelling, unexplored motivations, and subpar directing by Scott Cooper. The Blu-ray extras, including a gripping documentary, highlight the missed potential of the film.
Video: 79
The video presentation of the "Black Mass" Blu-ray is a remarkable showcase of high-definition sharpness and detail. Utilizing a restrained chromatic palette, the film effectively captures the gritty and somber atmosphere of 1970s and early 1980s Boston. The muted primary colors and sepia tones beautifully reflect the era's worn-out landscape, yet the transfer maintains excellent contrast and brightness for distortion-free image quality. Blacks are deep and punchy, significantly enhancing dimly lit scenes, whether at night or indoors. Video compression is handled well, with minimal artifacts, ensuring a clean and precise viewing experience that remains true to the filmmakers' vision.
The 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray benefits from its origin on 35mm film, blended seamlessly with digital post-production. This graceful merging delivers a refined grain that nearly masquerades as a digitally shot movie while preserving the soft, distinct look characteristic of film. Details in close-ups are striking, with facial textures and make-up rendered in lifelike clarity. Backgrounds maintain solid depth and definition, particularly in wide-angle daytime shots. Sporadic bursts of more saturated colors emerge in scenes set in Florida or nightclubs, heightening the visual experience without detracting from the film's colder, subdued aesthetic.
Mastered at an average bitrate of 23.90 Mbps, "Black Mass" leverages efficient compression to offer a substantial amount of extras in HD without compromising visual integrity. The aspect ratio of 2.40:1 is only marginally altered from its theatrical presentation, preserving the director's intent impeccably. The motion's cinematic feel is bolstered by robust black levels that enhance the dimensionality and cleanliness of shadow details without evidence of crushing. Skin tones are consistently cold but detailed, supporting the film's chilly ambiance. Overall, "Black Mass" on Blu-ray delivers a distinguished and satisfying visual experience well-suited for fans and cinephiles alike.
Audio: 76
The Blu-ray audio presentation of “Black Mass” provides a robust and technically sound experience through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The dynamics of the track are commendable, with highs that are crisp and free from harshness, while dialogue is rendered with clear tonal expression and depth, seamlessly delivered through the center channel. The front soundstage offers excellent separation and detailed articulation, contributing to an engaging auditory experience. Although the rears are primarily used for amplifying the soundtrack and ambient noises instead of immersive directional effects, this suits the film’s largely dialogue-driven nature.
The low-frequency extension is proficient enough to support pivotal sound effects like doors closing, engines humming, and occasional gunfire with a tight, punchy low end. The surround sound presentation, although not encapsulating, adds a satisfying layer of ambiance where necessary, enhancing settings such as bars and clubs when required. Despite not achieving the ‘oomph’ occasionally desired for more dynamic scenes or popular music tracks, the mix remains effective and balanced. Additionally, there are no signs of audio dropouts or muddiness, ensuring distinct clarity for all voices and sounds.
For language options, aside from the primary English 5.1 DTS-HD MA track, the disc also offers 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks in French, Spanish, and Portuguese, along with an English Descriptive Audio track. Subtitles are available in English SDH, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Overall, while "Black Mass" may not be a showcase for immersive audio extravagance, its solid audio presentation ensures a clear and engaging listening experience that supports the film’s narrative without distraction.
Extras: 70
The Blu-ray extras of "Black Mass" offer a captivating and comprehensive exploration of the film's production and the true events behind it. Key features include an in-depth look at Johnny Depp's transformation into Whitey Bulger, showcasing both the physical and acting processes involved, as well as a reflective documentary covering the arduous manhunt for Bulger. These features, along with cast and crew interviews, provide a rich context, making the bonus content both informative and indispensable for true crime enthusiasts. Presented in high definition, the supplementary materials are well-produced and add significant value to the overall viewing experience.
Extras included in this disc:
- Johnny Depp: Becoming Whitey Bulger: Insight into Depp’s preparation and makeup process.
- Black Mass: Deepest Cover, Darkest Crime: Cast and crew discuss the film’s historical accuracy.
- The Manhunt for Whitey Bulger: A detailed documentary on the pursuit and capture of Bulger.
Movie: 43
"Black Mass" endeavors to portray the criminal reign of James "Whitey" Bulger in 1970s South Boston, a narrative rich with potential but ultimately falters. Johnny Depp's performance is exceptionally transformative, immersing himself in the role with the aid of extensive prosthetics. Depp's portrayal oscillates between calculated menace and moments of disarming humanity, creating a magnetic yet ruthless figure. However, the film fails to navigate the complexities of its sprawling historical narrative effectively, opting for a fragmented storytelling approach that sacrifices depth for scope.
The film's shortcomings are exacerbated by the underutilization of its talented cast. Joel Edgerton's portrayal of FBI Agent John Connolly, who recruits Bulger as an informant, lacks sufficient motivation and depth, making his character's actions feel arbitrary. The supporting characters, while performed by notable actors such as Rory Cochrane and Benedict Cumberbatch, suffer from insufficient screen time and development, leading to a series of missed dramatic opportunities.
Director Scott Cooper appears overly influenced by mafia genre staples without capturing their essence. The narrative lacks the immersive exposition necessary to understand Bulger's criminal operations fully, resulting in key plot points feeling unanchored and episodic. The Blu-ray release includes a documentary detailing Bulger's pursuit post-escape, which ironically achieves the tension and coherence the main film misses. Therefore, while Depp's compelling performance makes "Black Mass" watchable, it is ultimately overshadowed by uneven direction and unfulfilled potential.
Total: 73
"Black Mass" features a mesmerizing performance by Johnny Depp, yet the film itself struggles with a lackluster narrative and uneven direction. Depp’s portrayal of Whitey Bulger is compelling, providing flashes of intensity that, unfortunately, cannot overcome the film’s generally inert storytelling. The screenplay and directing suffer from poor choices in narrative focus, leading to a series of scenes that are engaging on their own but fail to coalesce into a memorable or impactful story. It becomes hard to pinpoint if the issue lies solely with the script or director Scott Cooper's handling of the material.
On the technical front, "Black Mass" excels, particularly in its high-definition presentation. The visual and audio quality are outstanding, thanks to excellent video processing and robust audio setups. These elements elevate the home viewing experience significantly. The extras included in the Blu-ray release are noteworthy; while some featurettes may seem generic, the documentary about Whitey Bulger stands out as particularly compelling—ironically more gripping than the film itself.
In conclusion, while "Black Mass" falters in its storytelling, it is worth watching for Johnny Depp’s standout performance. The top-tier audio and video quality enhance the viewing experience, and the supplementary documentary provides added value. Renting it might be the best option for those curious about Depp’s portrayal and the historical context of Bulger’s life.
Blu-ray.com review by Michael ReubenRead review here
Video: 90
The image on Warner's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray is typical of contemporary DI-finished productions, in that the image is sharp and detailed and the grain pattern of the film stock is so refined as to...
Audio: 80
Except for a few short scenes of gunplay, Black Mass's DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack is mostly a quiet affair, with priority given to dialogue and the sound effects necessary to carry a scene....
Extras: 80
One of the most interesting subjects is Josh Bond, the young manager of the apartment complex in Santa Monica, California, where Bulger was ultimately apprehended....
Movie: 30
When Black Mass�was first announced, it promised a gripping portrayal of the actual criminal mastermind, to be played by the chameleon-like Johnny Depp, who specializes in bringing extreme characters to...
Total: 60
Not recommended for the film itself, but the disc is worth acquiring for the documentary about the hunt for Whitey....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
The color of the movie has been saturated in such a way to give the look of a film that may have actually been shot in the 1970s (when much of the storyline takes place), although without the heavy grain...
Audio: 80
The rears aren't used so much for directionality or immersiveness – of which there is virtually none – but rather to amp up the soundtrack as well as some of the ambient noises surrounding the actors when...
Extras: 0
Also included here are comments from Director/Producer Scott Cooper, Make-up Department Head Joel Harlow, Co-Author (of the book 'Black Mass')...
Movie: 40
I guess since not a whole lot is known about those years, the movie doesn't want to speculate – but the film really has a feeling of a story that ends when it really should be reaching its mid-way point...
Total: 60
It's hard to say whether it's the fault of the screenplay or if Director Scott Cooper wasn't up to the task, but the result is a film with a lot of scenes that prove watchable, but none that prove memorable....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 90
Wide angle shots, especially those shot in the natural light of day, have excellent depth, with sharp resolute definition quality that is rarely questionable....
Audio: 86
The front soundstage is diffused with excellent separation and clearly articulated detail....
Extras: 70
...
Movie: 70
The drama tells the story of this unholy alliance, which spiraled out of control, allowing ****** to evade law enforcement, consolidate power and become one of the most ruthless and dangerous gangsters...
Total: 79
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video) System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control Canton "Ergo" and In-Ceiling series speakers Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
Spacing looks quite good in the film, with backgrounds feeling separate and having good definition under appropriate focus....
Audio: 100
While not doing too much in terms of surround (The film doesn’t demand much, its mostly a talking movie), what it has at the forefront is nicely mixed, balanced and well rounded....
Extras: 70
Cast and crew recollect on shooting the film on locations it actually took place and the true history of the events and characters....
Movie: 40
Benedict Cumberbatch being one of them and Jesse Plemons with the accent almost looks and feels like he’s some not as handsome brother or cousin to Matt Damon (or maybe the puppet version).Coming with...
Total: 70
Performances are fine, but its pretty much a pedestrian job in directing and I felt like nothing was happening much of the time....
Director: Scott Cooper
Actors: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson
PlotIn South Boston during the 1970s, small-time criminal James "Whitey" Bulger forms an alliance with his childhood friend John Connolly, now an FBI agent. Bulger's brother, Billy, is a Massachusetts state senator with significant influence. Connolly persuades Bulger to become an FBI informant to help the agency eliminate a mutual rival, the Italian mob. This uneasy alliance allows Bulger to expand his criminal empire with relative impunity, believing the FBI's protection will shield him from law enforcement scrutiny. As Bulger's power grows, he becomes increasingly ruthless, engaging in drugs, extortion, and brutal violence.
Bulger's relationship with Connolly becomes dangerously personal and complex. Connolly, blinded by loyalty and ambition, compromises his principles and FBI duties. The dynamic among these three men—Bulger's unchecked rise in the underworld, Connolly's moral descent, and Billy's political career—sets the stage for an inevitable and dramatic reckoning. The FBI's internal conflicts and mounting suspicions begin to close in on Bulger's operations, threatening to expose the fragile alliance that once kept him untouchable.
Writers: Mark Mallouk, Jez Butterworth, Dick Lehr
Release Date: 18 Sep 2015
Runtime: 123 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, United Kingdom
Language: English