Sparkle Blu-ray Review

'Sparkle' boasts an impressive 1080p high-definition transfer encoded at AVC MPEG-4 and presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The digital source photography is replicated with precision, resulting in superb clarity across various settings. The image maintains excellent stability, offering sharp and consistent details that enhance the viewing experience. Whether showcasing hazy nightclubs, colorful interiors, or bright exteriors, the transfer delivers natural textures and complex details in facial features and clothing. Colors are expertly balanced and accurate, providing a varied and rich palette that shines in both darkened and well-lit locales. Period hues are faithfully reproduced, and black levels are deep and consistent.

Shot digitally in high-definition, the source material is pristine with virtually no artifacts or noise. The transfer reveals fine textures and intricate patterns, particularly in the characters' extravagant costumes. Striking musical numbers are bathed in bold blues and purples, while a golden glaze enhances daytime scenes. Although some indoor sequences appear slightly dim and dull, the vibrant splashes of color in the performers' glittering sequin dresses compensate effectively. White levels are well balanced throughout, contributing to the overall visual appeal.

In summary, 'Sparkle' comes to Blu-ray with a top-notch transfer that offers a striking presentation. Despite minor banding in a few spots and some indoor scenes appearing a bit drab, the film's late 60s production design and beautiful costumes are brought to life through the crisp and clean transfer. The vibrant colors, fine details, and consistent blacks combine to deliver a highly pleasing visual experience that should satisfy all viewers.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack for "Sparkle" provides a listening experience of exceptional quality, perfectly complementing the film's style and musical roots. The audio presentation is rich in detail, delivering superb vocal clarity, faultless musical accompaniment, and quality bass. The track's presence is consistent from the opening musical acts, enveloping the listener with an immersive, theater-like surround experience. The natural spacing and precise surround support ensure that every note and ambient sound is conveyed with impressive fidelity. This is especially notable in musical sequences, where the reproduction makes you feel as though you're part of the audience, complete with impeccably rendered crowd noises. Lighter musical elements, such as organ notes within church scenes, maintain impressive flavor and clarity. Dialogue remains expertly centered and clear, blending seamlessly with the more dynamic segments of the soundtrack.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is accompanied by French and Thai Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks, with a full suite of optional subtitles including English, English SDH, French, Chinese, Korean, and Thai. The full deep soundfield takes advantage of strong musical performances, creating an encompassing auditory experience. Dialogue and vocals come through cleanly with excellent separation, dispersing isolated cues throughout the soundstage to effectively replicate settings like nightclubs. Audience reactions such as cheers and applause are distinctly placed in the rears, enhancing the sense of presence within those scenes. Environmental effects, such as falling rain, are directionally spread with admirable precision. The mix's dynamics are broad, free of distortion, and feature impressive high and mid-range frequencies, supported by deep and precise bass activity. Balance across all audio elements is superb, ensuring smooth transitions between dialogue and musical performances. While not perfect, this soundtrack stands out for its dynamic range and overall auditory richness, marking it as a highlight of the Blu-ray presentation.

The extras for the Blu-ray of "Sparkle" deliver a comprehensive and informative suite of supplements, providing substantial added value for fans. The director/producer Aslim Akil's commentary, while occasionally subdued, offers valuable insights into the film's music, performances, character design, scriptwriting, and costuming, although some pauses may make it feel uneven. The featurettes offer a rich look into various aspects of the film's production, from its lengthy development to the choreography and actor performances, with a particularly poignant tribute to Whitney Houston. Each supplement is presented in high definition with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound and includes English and Thai subtitles.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Director/Producer Aslim Akil covers music, performances, character design, scriptwriting, costuming, and more.

Extended Performance: Hooked on Your Love.

A Tribute to Whitney Houston: Cast and crew discuss Whitney’s role and impact.

A Dream Come True: Explores the film’s development and major production challenges.

A Sparkling Performance: Examines dance choreography and actress' growth.

Sparkle & Shine: Delves into actor performances and character shaping.

Music Video: Celebrate by Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks.

Previews: Additional Sony titles.

UV Digital Copy.

"Sparkle" is a heartfelt exploration of aspirations, family, and the consequences of fame set against the rich backdrop of Vietnam-era Detroit. Director Salim Akil expertly crafts a narrative that intertwines the dreams of three sisters—Sparkle (Jordin Sparks), Sister (Carmen Ejogo), and Dee (Tika Sumpter)—as they navigate the complexities of pursuing a music career. The film adeptly balances themes of encouragement, familial bonds, and the harsh realities of life outside the comforting walls of home. It resonates deeply with audiences through compelling performances and a well-orchestrated storyline that engages both emotionally and dramatically. Despite its familiar plot elements, Akil's direction ensures the narrative flow remains seamless and riveting.

The film's strongest asset is its cast, delivering standout performances that elevate the drama and musical segments alike. Sparks, Ejogo, and Sumpter not only captivate with their vocal talent but bring genuine depth to their characters, making each emotional high and low resonate profoundly. Whitney Houston's role as the matriarch adds gravitas, offering a poignant portrayal that is both commanding and heartfelt. Derek Luke and Omari Hardwick provide solid support, though it is Houston’s nuanced performance that lingers. However, despite the film’s emotional pull, some aspects fall into predictability with archetypal characters and conventional plot turns, occasionally rendering the drama formulaic and over-the-top.

The musical sequences are exceptional, driven by top-notch vocal performances and period-evocative songs written by Curtis Mayfield and R. Kelly. The choreography and costuming further enhance these moments, rooting them firmly in the era’s cultural milieu. Yet, while the musical elements dazzle, the underlying plot sometimes feels contrived and unevenly paced. Certain subplots seem underdeveloped, and the film occasionally veers into melodramatic territory. Despite these flaws, "Sparkle" maintains an engaging narrative with a spirited message about resilience and following one’s dreams, ensuring it remains a heartfelt tribute to familial unity and individual ambition.

"Sparkle" is a film that manages to deliver visually stunning and audibly pleasing content, thanks to Salim Akil's meticulous direction. The movie showcases complex drama intertwined with emotional performances, rendering it one of the more impressive remakes in recent years. The video and audio presentation on the Blu-ray release is top-notch, further enhancing the viewer's experience through high-quality picture and sound. The inclusion of engaging extras provides additional depth and context to the film, making this a commendable Blu-ray package.

However, "Sparkle" does have its shortcomings. The movie occasionally succumbs to clichéd storytelling and lacks subtlety, with a basic and familiar script that sometimes feels pedestrian. Despite these narrative weaknesses, the musical numbers are well-executed and stand out as one of the film's stronger elements. The insightful supplements on the Blu-ray, particularly those detailing the film’s development and honoring Whitney Houston's final performance, add meaningful value to the overall package.

In conclusion, "Sparkle" is as dramatically satisfying as it is audibly pleasing and visually stunning. The film is home to complex drama, plenty of heart, and strong performances, all brought together under Salim Akil's eye for detail and smooth direction. One of the finer remakes of recent years, "Sparkle" satisfies in every area and is a fitting final film for the late Whitney Houston. Sony's Blu-ray release of "Sparkle" contains dazzling video and audio along with a nice array of extra content in support. Highly recommended.