The Hate U Give Blu-ray Review

"The Hate U Give" is presented on Blu-ray by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment with an exceptional AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Captured using Panavision Millennium DXL cameras at a source resolution of 8K, the transfer is finished at a 2K DI, resulting in a top-tier visual presentation. The film deftly balances various lighting conditions, maintaining consistently excellent detail levels. Notable scenes include the purple and red suffused party sequence and nighttime or dimly lit interiors, where shadow detail remains surprisingly robust. The palette predominantly features neutral or burnished earth tones, yet bursts of vibrant color punctuate scenes such as blue-tinged school sequences, providing an appealing contrast.

The clarity and definition are remarkable, with the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode showcasing razor-sharp background details even in sequences shot with shallow focus. The aesthetics of Garden Heights are brought to life, allowing viewers to see every crack, pebble, and piece of debris with lifelike accuracy. Facially, complexions appear natural and highly detailed, accentuated by Mihai Mălaimare Jr.'s photography which favors warm amber hues and earth tones. Primaries are richly saturated, particularly the vibrant reds of clothing and verdant greens of foliage. Secondary hues are cleanly rendered, maintaining color fidelity throughout numerous environments.

Additionally, the video retains impressive depth and dimensionality, with spot-on contrast rendering crisp whites and rich, inky blacks. Though black levels can slightly falter during some poorly-lit interiors, the shadows remain strong and penetrating, offering outstanding detailing in the darkest areas. The intentional cinematographic choices underscore themes such as code-switching by differentiating home scenes with earthy tones from school scenes with cooler blues. Moreover, the transfer is remarkably clean, free from noise or artifacts, ensuring a pristine viewing experience that aligns seamlessly with the film's powerful narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "The Hate U Give" delivers a masterful DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track that heightens the film's immersive experience with precise execution of surround activity. This is evidenced in key scenarios such as the bustling school environments and the intense party scene, where the sound design offers excellent immersion and depth. The emotionally charged and horrifying shooting sequence stands out with its ambient environmental sounds and clear sonics that enhance the overall impact. Throughout the film, dialogue remains crystal clear and clean, ensuring an effective audio presentation that is free of issues.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track on the Blu-ray mirrors the quality found on its Ultra HD counterpart, providing a controlled yet refined audio experience. The dynamic range of this lossless track allows the film's vibrant audio activity to shine, balancing various elements effectively. Notably, the low-frequency extension is well-utilized during rally scenes and music sequences, giving the LFE channel a substantial presence. The balanced audio track ensures a high level of immersion, with rear channels maintaining ambient sounds that complement the dominant front and center focus of the film's soundscape.

With support for multiple formats, including English Descriptive Audio 5.1 and both French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, "The Hate U Give" offers versatile options for a wide audience. Subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French further enhance accessibility. The general sound presentation excels in dynamic environments, deepening the viewer's engagement with vivid and controlled auditory elements. Overall, the audio performance ensures that every message is conveyed with clarity and potency, making it a compelling and technically accomplished component of the Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray release of "The Hate U Give" features a comprehensive suite of extras that delve deeply into the film's themes, production, and cultural impact. The audio commentary alone, including director George Tillman, Jr., cast members like Amandla Stenberg and Russell Hornsby, as well as screenwriter Angie Thomas, provides an insightful exploration of the storyline and characters. Extended scenes offer alternative perspectives on key moments. The supplemental featurettes, such as "Code Switching" and "The Talk," extend the narrative's reach into real-world discussions about race and identity. There are also behind-the-scenes looks at the Georgia-based location filming, along with appreciative nods to the state itself. While there's a lot to appreciate, some may find the behind-the-scenes content could be expanded. Nonetheless, the extras add significant value for viewers interested in both the movie and its broader social themes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging discussion with the director, cast, and screenwriter.
• Extended Scenes: Three alternate sequences.
• Starting a Conversation: Cast and crew on the film's intent.
• The Talk: Insight into familial dialogues in black communities.
• Code Switching: Interviews on cultural adaptation.
• Starr: Shine Your Light: Discussion on the novel's themes.
• The Heart of Georgia: Featurette on Atlanta filming locations.
• Thank U Georgia: Additional insights on filming in Georgia.
• Gallery: Photo slideshow with interactive options.
• Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the film.

"The Hate U Give," directed by George Tillman Jr., presents an incisive exploration of racial tensions and social justice through the lens of 16-year-old Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg). The film adeptly balances its narrative between Starr's life in her predominantly black neighborhood, Garden Heights, and the predominantly white prep school she attends. The story pivots around a harrowing police shooting of Starr’s childhood friend, Khalil (Algee Smith), which throws her into a maelstrom of public scrutiny and personal dilemmas. What sets this film apart is its unflinching portrayal of the complexities of navigating two contrasting worlds and the inherent challenges of code-switching—a skill Starr has mastered to navigate her dual existence. This duality of experience lends the film a deeply personal touch, making it resonate on multiple levels.

Beyond the central tragedy, the film intensifies its narrative by delving into rich character interactions, notably within Starr's family. Russell Hornsby's portrayal of Maverick Carter, Starr's ex-con father who is determined to educate his children on surviving police encounters, provides a bedrock of resilience and love that is rarely showcased in similar genre films. The tension between Starr's internal struggles and external pressures is epitomized by her conflicting advice from her father and her Uncle Carlos (Common), who is a police officer. This familial dynamic is handled with nuance, shedding light on the multifaceted experiences of African American families.

The film doesn’t shy away from social commentary but balances it with an engaging coming-of-age story. While there are moments where the narrative risks being bogged down by its various subplots—including Starr’s relationships with friends and her boyfriend—Tillman’s direction ensures these elements coalesce into a cohesive exploration of identity and activism. The visual shift between warm and cold tones to differentiate Garden Heights from Starr’s prep school further exemplifies the director's commitment to highlighting the protagonist's struggle for assimilation. The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, particularly Stenberg and Hornsby, grounding the film’s message in palpable humanity. "The Hate U Give" succeeds in being both an urgent social critique and a touching story of personal growth.

"The Hate U Give," adapted from Angie Thomas's novel, is an emotionally powerful and gripping crime drama that addresses critical social issues. Amandla Stenberg delivers a spellbinding and intensely moving performance that serves as the emotional anchor of the film. While the film has minor stumbles, these do not significantly detract from its important narrative, offering a story that resonates deeply within the Black community.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Hate U Give" is technically first-rate, featuring a beautiful and often gorgeous video transfer that captures the film's striking cinematography with clarity and vibrancy. The DTS-HD MA soundtrack provides a largely satisfying audio experience, ensuring that both dialogue and the evocative score are rendered with precision and depth. Although the set of bonus features may seem somewhat sparse, they remain informative and contribute valuable context to the viewing experience.

This year's Academy Award nominations were announced just as this review was being written, and I was really curious to see if perhaps Amandla Stenberg's extremely impressive work in "The Hate U Give" might have gained recognition (probably in the Supporting Actress category, though she is for all intents and purposes the lead actress in this film). Alas, that honor was not meant to be evidently, but Stenberg really gives this film its emotional anchor, and she's ultimately devastating in this role. The film has a few stumbles along the way, but even those can't seriously distract from a story that is sadly all too common in the Black community. Technical merits are first rate and "The Hate U Give" comes Highly recommended.