Small Axe Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Small Axe" delivers a notable enhancement in video quality, leveraging new 2K masters for a superior viewing experience. Sourced from new masters, the conversion from 25fps to 24fps showcases Shabier Kirchner's BAFTA-winning cinematography with an impressive boost in detail and clarity over the streaming versions. The dual-layered discs offer a higher bitrate, minimizing encoding issues like posterization and macroblocking, although these artifacts are still present sporadically. Each film, varying in aspect ratios—1.78:1 to 2.35:1—capitalizes on its unique visual style, reflecting different eras through diverse film stocks: 35mm, 4K digital video, and Super 16mm.

Notably, "Mangrove" and "Red, White and Blue," scanned from 35mm negatives, benefit significantly from improved shadow detailing and black levels, although occasional blockiness persists. The richer color palette particularly enhances the warmth of Mangrove’s brown tones. The modestly assigned bitrates across the two BD50 discs present some constraints but generally maintain strong image quality. Despite minor compression issues, primarily macroblocking, the visual fidelity surpasses Amazon's streaming compression limitations.

Overall, the Blu-ray release sets a high watermark for the series' visual display. While casual viewers might not detect a drastic difference from streaming versions, trained eyes will appreciate the discernible upgrade in shadow definition, color depth, and overall image stability in 1080p MPEG-4 encodes. This release stands as the definitive method for immersing in the visual narrative of "Small Axe."

The Blu-ray release of "Small Axe" presents an audio experience that is both richly textured and well-suited to each film's distinct atmosphere. Utilizing a uniform DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix across all five films, the set masterfully captures the nuances required for each distinctive narrative. Despite varying visual and thematic styles, the audio consistently supports each film's emotional depth through dynamic range management, from the intimate to the chaotic. "Lovers Rock," in particular, stands out with its music-driven soundscape, creating a truly immersive experience where demure dialogue and expansive bass levels resonate with remarkable clarity and detail.

Each film benefits from an active 5.1 surround sound mix that exercises the full potential of surround speakers, bringing a cinematic vibrancy that surpasses that of streaming versions. The depth of Mica Levi’s scores in "Mangrove" and "Lovers Rock" is notably enhanced in this format, allowing audiences to appreciate the subtle layers and emotive undertones these compositions provide. This distinction is particularly evident in musical segments, where reggae hits in "Lovers Rock" reverberate with a satisfying presence, reinforcing the soundtrack's emotive potency and offering an unparalleled audio encounter.

Furthermore, dialogue clarity is consistently excellent across all films, supported by optional English (SDH) subtitles during main features (excluding bonus content), ensuring accessibility without compromising audio quality. This attention to auditory detail sets a high standard, maintaining a strong fidelity that elevates the overall viewing experience beyond typical home formats.

The Blu-ray set for "Small Axe" offers an extensive collection of extras, highlighting Steve McQueen's meticulous attention to historical detail and his inspirations for the series. The conversation between McQueen and Paul Gilroy is particularly insightful, covering a wide range of themes across five films and underscoring the cultural significance of the source stories. The role of music is deeply explored in a discussion with music producer Dennis Bovell, moderated by Mike D. Additionally, the inclusion of the documentary "Uprising" provides a comprehensive view of the 1981 New Cross fire and its socio-political implications. While some may find the supplement package lacking in number, the quality and depth of content delivered in these features are undeniably enriching and offer a deeper understanding of the Small Axe series.

Extras included in this disc:

• Steve McQueen and Paul Gilroy: An engaging conversation about the films' inspirations.
• Interviews: Cast and crew discuss the inception and production of several films.
• The Music of Small Axe: A discussion on music's critical role in the series.
• Trailers: Promotional pieces for all five main films.
• Uprising: A detailed documentary on the 1981 New Cross fire.

"Small Axe," a collection of five films by acclaimed director Steve McQueen, offers an evocative exploration of West Indian immigrant life in London spanning the 1960s to 1980s. Each film—Mangrove, Lovers Rock, Red, White and Blue, Alex Wheatle, and Education—serves as a standalone narrative with its own depth and impact. Originally intended as a traditional TV series, this anthology benefits from its flexible runtimes, allowing for intricate storytelling that can be viewed in any sequence. "Mangrove" sets the stage with its gripping depiction of racial injustice and passionate community resistance, using vivid sensory details to deliver a striking courtroom drama. In contrast, "Lovers Rock" immerses viewers in the warmth of a house party, showcasing an exhilarating expression of Black joy through its lush cinematography and entrancing soundtrack.

The films are presented with a technically adept Blu-ray transfer under the Criterion Collection, offering a comprehensive package that includes additional features like the three-part documentary "Uprising." This transition from streaming to home video highlights not only the films' narrative strength but also the aesthetic achievement of the series. Contributions from esteemed cinematographer Shabier Kirchner bring visual mastery to each installment, as seen in the distinct shooting styles that complement each film's unique mood and themes. Through both grand narratives and intimate moments, "Small Axe" paints a vivid portrait that resonates on both personal and societal levels.

McQueen's selection of stories reflects on significant historical events while maintaining emotional intimacy, achieved with thoughtful collaboration in the writers' room. Notably, the portrayal of The Mangrove Nine's clash with authorities adds depth to Britain's historical landscape of racial violence. As a richly crafted anthology, "Small Axe" remains an essential viewing experience that delivers an immersive tapestry of Black struggles and triumphs in Britain.

Steve McQueen's Small Axe is a powerful anthology series capturing the nuanced experiences of Black communities in Britain, artfully blending five distinct stories while presenting them as standalone cinematic experiences. The Blu-ray collection, thoughtfully curated by Criterion, delivers all five films with new 2K masters that enhance their visual impact and support the diverse aesthetics of each narrative. This comprehensive release also includes a compelling array of supplemental materials, most notably the three-part documentary Uprising, co-directed by McQueen and James Rogan, which enriches the context of the series.

The audio-visual quality throughout the Blu-ray set is consistently strong, maintaining a cohesive atmosphere that underscores McQueen's vision across varied stylistic elements. Criterion’s choice to present the films together ensures that viewers can appreciate the interconnected themes and storytelling styles as a cohesive journey. This approach is both engaging and essential, helping to further illuminate the broader societal narratives explored in each film without losing their individual significance.

In conclusion, the Small Axe series on Blu-ray is a comprehensive and immersive package that offers both technical excellence and profound storytelling. The Criterion Collection’s inclusive release positions it as a must-have for cinephiles and those interested in socially impactful cinema. Given its rich content and superior presentation, this Blu-ray set is highly recommended and stands as a definitive edition worth its price for any collection.