Solitary Man Blu-ray Review

"Solitary Man" delivers a visually inconsistent 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer. While the image occasionally achieves exceptional clarity with sharp, focused, and crisp visuals—particularly in exterior college scenes where stone walls, grasses, and leaves display remarkable texture and depth—these moments are interspersed with softer and less defined shots. Darker scenes notably suffer from washed-out details and pale blacks, diminishing the overall experience. Flesh tones also tend towards an orange shade in many instances. Although the transfer exhibits slight banding and minor compression artifacts, these issues are infrequent and do not detract significantly from the viewing.

On a positive note, the transfer boasts generally stable colors with brilliantly rich daytime exteriors standing out. The image maintains a very fine layer of grain, contributing to a mildly film-like texture. Black levels, often a problem in lower-budget films, are surprisingly deep and consistent, revealing good detail in shadows without obscuring faces during nighttime scenes. Close-ups merit specific mention; they are impressive, capturing fine facial details and hair strands vividly. The balanced contrast ensures whites never appear too hot, maintaining overall visual harmony. Despite the intermittently soft shots which slightly impact the overall detail, this is a high-def transfer that remains highly watchable and meets a competent standard for its lower budget constraints.

The audio presentation of "Solitary Man" on Blu-ray utilizes a PCM 5.1 uncompressed soundtrack which, while competent in certain areas, reveals room for improvement across multiple facets. The film's dialogue-heavy nature ensures clear and consistently focused dialogue delivery, which is crucial for the viewer's engagement. However, the soundtrack lacks the immersive qualities one might expect from a contemporary multi-channel audio format. Opening with a Johnny Cash song, the track provides solid clarity and proper spacing across the front channels, capturing Cash's signature cadence. Yet, this initial promise isn't sustained consistently throughout the film.

Ambient sounds suffer from a distinct muffling, particularly evident during busy scenes such as a party in chapter four, where there's an evident absence of superior clarity and immersive engagement. The rears are notably underused, contributing to a soundfield that could be mistaken for a 3.0 presentation rather than a full 5.1 experience. Music intermittently finds its way to the rear channels but remains unremarkable. LFE is scarcely engaged, leading to subdued bass even in potentially vibrant scenes like crowded college parties.

In summary, while dialogue clarity is maintained throughout "Solitary Man," the overall sound design lacks dynamism and fails to utilize the full potential of the 5.1 format. While this might be partially attributed to the film’s inherently conversational nature, the audio experience remains markedly reserved, with ambient and background elements leaving much to be desired in terms of immersion and presence.

The Blu-ray extras for "Solitary Man" present a mixed but generally informative experience. The audio commentary with Writer/Director Brian Koppelman, Director David Levien, and Actor Douglas McGrath is a standout, offering a comprehensive discussion on themes, shooting locales, budget constraints, sound design, and working with the ensemble cast, including legends like Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito. However, some may find McGrath's presence less relevant given his limited role in the film. 'Solitary Man: Alone in a Crowd' provides an in-depth look at the story's background, themes, and the quality of production work both on-set and in post-production. Although opinions vary on the absorption level of these features, they are undeniably professional and offer valuable insights.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussions on film themes, production challenges, and cast performances by Koppelman, Levien, and McGrath.
• 'Solitary Man': Alone in a Crowd: Interviews and behind-the-scenes clips exploring the story and production.
• Solitary Man Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.
• Additional Trailers: Previews for After.Life, City Island, Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, and Abandoned.

"Solitary Man" is a nuanced exploration of the psychological complexity of its lead character, Ben Kalmen, portrayed impeccably by Michael Douglas. The film, helmed by directors Brian Koppelman and David Levien, delves deep into themes of loneliness, alienation, and self-destruction. Kalmen is an ex-auto dealership magnate who once had it all—a flourishing career, a loving family, and loyal friends. However, a diagnosis of a potentially serious heart condition becomes the catalyst for his spiraling life choices. Eschewing fear for reckless living, Kalmen alienates his family, disrupts friendships, and sabotages business connections, driven by a relentless pursuit of momentary pleasures and youthful indiscretions.

Douglas delivers one of the best performances of his career, making Kalmen both sympathetic and detestable. Through every misstep and moral failing, Douglas portrays a man who, despite his ego and narcissism, still elicits a glimmer of hope for redemption. His charm and superficial charisma initially mask the deeper issues within, but as the film unfolds, the sheer weight of his failures becomes undeniable. Supporting roles by Susan Sarandon, Danny DeVito, and Jenna Fischer enrich the narrative, portraying characters who still hold onto a semblance of hope for Kalmen despite his numerous shortcomings.

"Solitary Man" excels as a character study, meticulously detailing Kalmen's downfall from respectable businessman to a man chasing fleeting pleasures. The film presents his internal conflicts and external consequences with a touch of ambiguity that keeps the audience engaged. Koppelman and Levien capture the essence of a man who doesn’t seem to understand—or perhaps refuses to acknowledge—the depth of his self-inflicted wounds. This sharply-written film stands out for its multifaceted protagonist, supported by a cast that expertly navigates the complexities of their relationships with him. Douglas' performance ensures that Kalmen remains one of cinema's most memorable characters in recent times.

"Solitary Man" offers a compelling narrative exploring the life of Ben, a man grappling with the deterioration of his fame, fortune, and family. Directors Brian Koppelman and David Levien adeptly capture a nuanced character study, significantly elevated by Michael Douglas' outstanding performance as the flawed protagonist. Douglas' portrayal is both gripping and authentic, adding layers to a character that could easily be unlikable. The supporting cast also delivers commendable performances, making the film well-rounded and engaging.

The Blu-ray release from Anchor Bay delivers satisfactory yet not exceptional video and audio quality. While the video transfer is competently managed, offering clear visuals and good detail, the audio does not stand out, making for a rather average auditory experience. The special features included in this release are of good quality but scant in quantity, lacking the depth that might enrich the viewer's understanding or appreciation of the film.

In conclusion, "Solitary Man" is worth watching for its strong narrative and Michael Douglas' masterful performance. Despite the Blu-ray's moderate technical and extra features, the strength of the film itself makes it a recommended addition for fans of character-driven dramas and Douglas enthusiasts alike.