Driving Miss Daisy Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros.' 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Driving Miss Daisy" retains the film's original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Australian cinematographer Peter James' work is showcased with a natural grain structure that remains undisturbed by filtering or digital tampering, maintaining a strong filmic appearance. This is consistent with the period look of the film, although the grain may seem heavier compared to contemporary productions. Indoor scenes are meticulously lit with exterior sources, preserving shadow detail, while outdoor scenes are brighter. However, the overall image appears somewhat faded and soft, likely due to the storage condition of the source print.

The color palette remains conservative, aligning with the film’s tonality, yet showcases vibrant moments, particularly in scenes with flowers and other growing elements. While the blacks are well-rendered, preventing any loss of detail in darker scenes, the colors tend to be slightly de-saturated but still within acceptable ranges for 80s film stocks. Minor instability is observed in the form of frame shifts—likely due to gate weave—which might be noticeable to viewers accustomed to digitally stabilized images. Despite these small issues, the Blu-ray represents a clear improvement over previous home video releases, though it leaves room for further refinement.

Overall, the transfer is free of major damage or scratches and benefits from properly calibrated displays to appreciate the subtleties in shadowy areas. While the overall softness and slight color fade cannot be ignored, the presentation faithfully conveys the intended aesthetic of Peter James' sepia-toned cinematography, making it a worthy viewing for fans and newcomers alike.

The audio presentation of "Driving Miss Daisy" on Blu-Ray maintains the film’s original stereo track, delivered in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. While not a surround sound showcase, the mix reflects first-rate sound editing that adds depth to the period-specific environment depicted in the film. Notable scenes, such as Hoke’s job interview amid the cacophony at the Werthan mill, exemplify how the sound design integrates seamlessly with the narrative. This meticulous approach delivers a clear and engaging listening experience, with dialogue coming through distinctly in authentic accents and Hans Zimmer's lively score sounding vibrant and well-balanced throughout.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix effectively handles the largely dialogue-driven soundtrack, presenting a reasonably expansive sound field despite being a stereo track. The balance between dialogue, sound effects, and Zimmer’s score is precisely managed, with all elements maintaining clarity and fidelity. The dynamic range is sufficient to convey the nuances of the film’s audio without overstretching into unnecessary lows. Although imaging and directionality are inherently limited by the 2.0 setup, this is preferable to an artificially up-mixed 5.1 track. Overall, the audio track faithfully preserves the film's original sound design, ensuring an immersive and authentic auditory experience for viewers.

The Blu-ray of "Driving Miss Daisy" provides a comprehensive and engaging suite of extras that delve deeply into the film’s legacy and production intricacies. The featurettes are complemented by substantial contributions from key figures like Alfred Uhry, director Bruce Beresford, and producer Lili Fini Zanuck, creating a layered understanding of both the narrative genesis and technical execution. Virtually all aspects, from personal anecdotes to professional insights, are meticulously covered, making these extras indispensable for both enthusiasts and scholars of the film. Particularly noteworthy is the documentary, which situates the film within broader historical and cultural contexts, adding significant value to the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

Things Are Changing: The Worlds of Hoke and Miss Daisy: A reflective documentary on the legacy of the original play and film.

Commentary with Director Bruce Beresford, Screenwriter Alfred Uhry and Producer Lili Fini Zanuck: In-depth discussions on character inspirations, story development, and production challenges.

Miss Daisy's Journey: From Stage to Screen: Detailed featurette on adapting the play for the screen, including makeup and period recreation.

Jessica Tandy: Theater Legend to Screen Star: Tribute to Tandy’s illustrious career with contributions from notable colleagues.

1989 Vintage Making-Of: Promotional featurette with contemporary interviews.

Theatrical Trailer: Captures the film’s tone effectively.

Digibook: Illustrated companion with biographical sketches and articles about the making of the film.

"Driving Miss Daisy" is a heartwarming exploration of an unlikely friendship that unfolds over a quarter of a century. Adapted from Alfred Uhry's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the movie presents a nuanced portrayal of two characters bound by their outsider status in society. Daisy Werthan, an elderly Jewish woman depicted masterfully by Jessica Tandy, finds herself in need of a chauffeur after a car accident. Reluctantly, she accepts the services of Hoke Colburn, a role embodied with quiet strength and humor by Morgan Freeman. The film delves into their evolving relationship against the backdrop of significant historical events, such as the civil rights movement and the bombing of the Atlanta Temple in 1958.

The narrative reveals a richly textured world, from Daisy's garden outings to intense conversations with her socially ambitious son, Boolie (Dan Aykroyd). This added depth contrasts Uhry's streamlined stage script, effectively transforming an abstract play into a vividly realized cinematic experience. Director Bruce Beresford succeeds in bringing this transformation to life, infusing the setting with authenticity while maintaining the core focus on the relationship between Daisy and Hoke. Yet, certain elements like Hans Zimmer's overly sentimental score and occasional heavy-handedness in plot points slightly mar the experience.

Despite any shortcomings, the film thrives through its central performances. Tandy brings an arc of genuine evolution to Daisy’s character, while Freeman's portrayal of Hoke balances humor and gravitas. The screenplay's authenticity, drawn from Uhry’s memories of his grandmother and her real-life chauffeur, lends a credible atmosphere to their interactions. While "Driving Miss Daisy" may not stand up against contemporaneous cinematic giants in terms of audacity or groundbreaking content, its charm lies in its subtlety and the powerful chemistry between its leads, making it a memorable and touching story for cinematic history.

"Driving Miss Daisy," a revered Best Picture Oscar-winning film, offers a captivating exploration of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy Southern widow, Miss Daisy Werthan, and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke Colburn. Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman deliver masterful performances that lend the film its emotional depth and resonance. The Blu-ray release presents an opportunity to revisit this classic, though it's not without its technical shortcomings. The video transfer, while generally decent, reveals room for improvement in image clarity and color fidelity. The sound design adequately supports the film's dialogue-driven narrative but falls short of being exceptional.

The disc is supplemented with a compact yet informative suite of special features. These include an HD exclusive featurette that provides valuable context to the film, enriching the viewer's understanding of its historical and cultural backdrop. Although the offerings are modest, they enhance the overall viewing experience by shedding light on the production's nuances.

In a famous line near the end of the film (it was used in the trailer, but stop now if you're exceptionally spoiler-allergic), Miss Daisy says to Hoke: “You're my best friend.” When you don't know the context (which I won't describe), the line seems more sentimental than it is, but Tandy's delivery adds unexpected depth, making it clear that the realization surprises Miss Daisy herself. Both the play and the film earn this moment through the rich development of their characters' relationship. Despite their unchangeable circumstances, they share more of life than either anticipated. "Driving Miss Daisy" is highly recommended for its performances and insightful portrayal of human connections.