The Pursuit of Happyness Blu-ray Review
Score: 60
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
'The Pursuit of Happyness' uplifts with timeless values & excellent quality; a must-have, despite script flaws.
Disc Release Date
Video: 63
Sony's Blu-ray transfer of 'The Pursuit of Happyness' impresses with vibrant, lifelike colors, remarkable detail, authentic grain, and excellent clarity, making it a high-quality, cinematic experience.
Audio: 58
The Pursuit of Happyness' Blu-ray boasts a perfect PCM 5.1 soundtrack enhancing the drama with natural, cinematic audio, from clear dialogue to immersive atmospherics, fitting its somber yet detailed style.
Extra: 51
The Pursuit of Happyness Blu-ray enriches with insightful director's commentary, extras on film-making, Chris Gardner, and amusing tidbits incl. Rubik's Cube; marred by repetitive elements.
Movie: 71
Amid struggles, 'The Pursuit of Happyness' portrays Chris Gardner's journey from rags to riches, emphasizing resilience and the power of dreams, despite cinematic clichés and predictability.
Add your review
Let everyone know how you liked The Pursuit of Happyness: Blu-ray
Your review will appear on this page
Video: 63
Sony's release of "The Pursuit of Happyness" on Blu-ray boasts a commendable 1080p video presentation that shines across a variety of technical aspects, ensuring a satisfying viewing experience for enthusiasts. The film is presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, sharing a similarity with the slightly different 2.35:1 specification noted in another assessment. This transfer excels in preserving the film's realistic and gritty aesthetic without succumbing to the overuse of digital noise reduction, thus maintaining a natural grain structure that enhances its cinematic quality. Colors are rendered with exceptional vibrancy and authenticity, from the urban landscape of San Francisco to the intricately detailed clothing of the characters. The image's sharpness and clarity are standout features, with impressive detail that brings the textures within the film to life. Despite a few fleeting imperfections, such as the brief appearance of large white blocks, the visual integrity of the print remains largely impeccable.
Sony's use of the AVC MPEG-4 encoding further elevates 'The Pursuit of Happyness' by delivering an image that rivals, and in some respects surpasses, other high-profile releases treated with the same technology. The transfer showcases excellent sharpness and depth, with well-balanced contrast that avoids obscuring details even in its hotter instances. Blacks are deep and rich, contributing to an image depth that is particularly noticeable in low-light scenes without significant loss to shadow detail. Color saturation strikes a careful balance, offering tones that are vivid yet respectful of the film's realistic palette, especially during outdoor sequences which display crisp blues and lush greens.
In sum, this Blu-ray rendition of 'The Pursuit of Happyness' reflects Sony's commitment to quality transfers. It combines a meticulous preservation of the film's original grainy texture with a color reproduction and clarity that together bolster the authenticity and emotional depth of the narrative. The occasional minor flaw does little to detract from an overall superb visual presentation. Flesh tones and black levels are carefully calibrated, ensuring that each frame conveys the director's vision with fidelity. Shadow delineation demonstrates particular attention to detail, allowing even the subtle nuances of dimly lit scenes to be appreciated fully.
Audio: 58
The audio presentation of "The Pursuit of Happyness" on Blu-ray is a testament to the power of a well-crafted uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track, aligning perfectly with the nuanced and emotional nature of the film. The clarity and purity of the soundtrack are standout features, delivering an auditory experience that is both immersive and refined. Dialogue, a critical element in this dialogue-driven narrative, is rendered with impeccable clarity, ensuring that every word of Chris Gardner’s inspirational journey is captured with precision. The mix's dedication to realism and atmospheric detail, such as the enveloping sound of a rainstorm or the warmth of a choir in a church scene, adds layers to the viewing experience, enhancing key emotional moments with subtle yet effective sound design.
This Blu-ray's audio mix does not rely on overbearing sound effects but instead focuses on creating an authentic cinematic experience that mirrors the film's visual storytelling. The audio track shines in its balance of excellent dynamics, ranging from the smooth low bass to crystal-clear highs, and in its ability to maintain this quality consistently throughout the film. Surround channels, while not constantly active, contribute to the film's atmosphere when employed, offering a delicate sense of space and movement that complements the on-screen action without overwhelming it.
In conclusion, "The Pursuit of Happyness" Blu-ray audio track excels in delivering an auditory experience that is as compelling as the film itself. It strikes the perfect balance between subtle atmospheric details and crisp, clear dialogue delivery, resulting in an immersive soundstage that brings the film’s emotional depth and cinematic beauty into the comfort of one's home. This audio presentation reaffirms the value of uncompressed soundtracks in enhancing the Blu-ray viewing experience, especially for films where the narrative's power lies in its subtlety and emotional resonance.
Extras: 51
The Blu-ray extras for "The Pursuit of Happyness" enrich the viewing experience by offering a comprehensive look behind the scenes. Director Gabriele Muccino, with a captivating Italian accent, spearheads the special features with a feature-length audio commentary that is both insightful and engaging. Muccino discusses his unique perspective as an Italian director tackling an American story and his collaboration with Will Smith and son Jaden, providing a blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes. The supplements further explore this theme with high-definition featurettes including making-of documentaries and a deep dive into the life of Chris Gardner, the real-life inspiration for the film. While some content might feel slightly repetitive, the overall package offers a good mix of technical details, cast and crew interviews, and lighter segments like the one on the Rubik’s Cube. Notably, the inclusion of trailers for a wide array of other Sony titles adds a promotional but interesting touch, rounding out a solid set of extras that significantly enhance the film's context and appeal.
Extras included in this disc:
- Feature-Length Commentary by Director Gabriele Muccino: An engaging commentary that offers deep insights into the making of the film.
- Making Pursuit: An Italian Take on the American Dream: A featurette delving into Muccino's directorial journey and approach to the film.
- Father and Son -- On Screen and Off: A look at the real-life and cinematic relationship between Will Smith and his son, Jaden.
- The Man Behind the Movie: A Conversation With Chris Gardner: An in-depth conversation with the inspiration behind the film.
- Inside the Rubik's Cube: A light-hearted feature on one of the movie's key plot devices.
- I Can Musical Performance: A performance by Bebe Winans and Dave Koz.
- Trailers: A collection of 1080p trailers for various Sony titles, offering previews of upcoming releases.
Movie: 71
The Pursuit of Happyness, presented in Blu-ray, encapsulates a riveting, real-life tale of resilience and determination that is bound to inspire. Starring Will Smith in a compelling, Oscar-nominated performance as Chris Gardner alongside his real-life son Jaden Smith, the film offers a heartfelt narrative grounded in the struggle for survival and success against the odds. The story, set in 1981 San Francisco, delves into the life of Gardner as he grapples with financial destitution while chasing a fleeting dream of a better future for himself and his son. Through sheer perseverance and an unyielding spirit, Gardner’s journey embodies the quintessential American Dream, portraying a life where one's future is not predetermined by their current circumstances but can be transformed through hard work and integrity.
Although criticized for its straightforward narrative and somewhat predictable storyline, the film’s strength lies in its portrayal of Gardner's unwavering commitment to his goals, refusing to succumb to despair despite numerous setbacks. The performances by both Smiths bring an authenticity and emotional depth to their characters, making audiences root for their success. Beneath its surface, the movie is not merely about the pursuit of financial stability but rather the pursuit of happiness, showcasing that real joy stems from overcoming obstacles and realizing one's potential. The Blu-ray presentation enhances this compelling story with vivid visuals and immersive audio, promising a remarkable viewing experience that emphasizes the film's emotional impact.
Directed by Gabriele Muccino, The Pursuit of Happyness transcends its potential pitfalls by steering clear of melodrama and instead focusing on the personal growth of its protagonist. Muccino's direction, coupled with Smith’s nuanced performance, ensures that the film does not diverge into a sappy narrative but remains a powerful and uplifting account of human endurance and success. Despite its moments of cinematic convenience and predictability, the film stands out as an evocative reminder of the power of dreams and the unyielding human spirit that seeks to achieve them, making it a worthy addition to any Blu-ray collection.
Total: 60
The Blu-ray presentation of "The Pursuit of Happyness" stands as a testament to the enduring power of feel-good movies, delivering an audio-visual experience that supplements the emotional and inspirational journey portrayed on screen. This film, akin to classics such as Rocky and Field of Dreams, offers an uplifting narrative that promises to lighten the heaviest of hearts, making it an ideal choice for those seeking solace on a gloomy day. The Blu-ray quality excels in both picture and sound, providing an excellence that ensures the movie's timeless values and appeal are preserved for years to come. Though it might lack the repeated watchability of action-packed blockbusters, its solid extras - despite the notable absence of a commentary track with Chris Gardner - make this release a commendable addition to any collection.
Will Smith's performance is critically lauded as the linchpin that elevates the film above a script considered to be lacking in character development. Sony's Blu-ray release shines through with an outstanding transfer that complements Smith's likeability, paired with a robust soundtrack that further immerses the viewer into the narrative's highs and lows. While the batch of extras provided is satisfactory, they hint at missed opportunities to deepen the viewer's engagement with the story behind the film. Nonetheless, for admirers of the film and newcomers alike, this release merits at least a rental, if not a permanent place on their shelves.
In conclusion, "The Pursuit of Happyness" Blu-ray is highly recommended for its ability to marry a profound and heartwarming story with technical superiority in audio and video presentation. It remains a must-have for those who appreciate cinema that not only entertains but also inspires. While there's room for enhancement in terms of character exploration and special features, this release undeniably adds value to one's collection, standing as a bright beacon of hope and perseverance that resonates well beyond its runtime.
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
The Pursuit of Happyness is another in a long line of excellent transfers from Sony, and while it alone is not worth purchasing the disc for, it sure does make the experience of watching this film on Blu-ray...
Audio: 80
This mix is decidedly front-heavy, but the movie it accompanies is a drama, not a war or action film, so taking into consideration the genre and the subject material, this audio track is a winner, one...
Extras: 70
Making Pursuit: An Italian Take on the American Dream (1080p, 17:36) is a nice compliment to the director's commentary track, taking us further behind-the-scenes into the Italian director earning the privilege...
Movie: 90
Nevertheless, so engaging is Chris' story and so wonderful are the performances from both Smith and his son (the elder nominated for a best actor Oscar for this part, and I am surprised to see the film...
Total: 80
With its excellent picture quality, fine audio presentation, and a handful of solid supplements (although a commentary track with Chris Gardner would have been wonderful), The Pursuit of Happyness is well...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
The results are really very good, and I even place it a slight notch about the more high-profile 'Casino Royale,' which Sony also gave the MPEG-4 treatment....
Audio: 80
Extras: 40
Hand-picked by Will Smith to direct 'Happyness' after the actor saw his Italian films, his track is by far the most interesting when discussing the challenges in tackling a very American story from a foreign...
Movie: 60
Muccino doesn't turn 'The Pursuit of Happyness' into a maudlin fairy tale, and he also avoids any sociopolitical ramifications, leaving the film to ultimately transcend class, race and geographic barriers...
Total: 60
Sony offers a very appealing Blu-ray release for the film, with an excellent transfer and soundtrack, plus a perfectly nice batch of extras....
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Actors: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith
PlotIn early 1980s San Francisco, a man grapples with the challenges of life as he aspires to improve the situation for himself and his young son. Struggling to make ends meet, he invests in expensive medical devices to sell to doctors, but finds little success, and this endeavor strains his finances severely. His wife, unable to cope with the increasing financial pressures and the toll it takes on their marriage, leaves him, entrusting him with full custody of their son. Despite facing homelessness and a series of setbacks, his love for his son and determination to provide a better future for them both keeps him going. He resolves to pursue a highly competitive internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, an opportunity that promises a brighter future but comes without a salary, placing further strain on his already precarious financial situation.
Navigating the competitive environment of the internship while caring for his son, he faces the daunting challenge of balancing his responsibilities as a father with the demands of his potential career. The unrelenting series of financial hardships and personal trials tests his resilience, forcing him to make sacrifices and find inventive solutions to his problems. His perseverance in the face of adversity, driven by his determination and love for his son, anchors his journey. Through this, he exemplifies the relentless pursuit of a dream, underscored by the strength of the human spirit in the quest for happiness and a better life.
Writers: Steve Conrad
Release Date: 15 Dec 2006
Runtime: 117 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English, Cantonese