A Soldier's Story Blu-ray Review

The cinematography of "A Soldier's Story," crafted by Australian master Russell Boyd, is magnificently showcased in this Blu-ray release. Known for his work with Peter Weir, Boyd’s visual approach in this film employs a warm palette of earth tones to blend seamlessly with the army tans, greens, and lush southern locales. This choice enhances the sultry, oppressive heat of the setting, creating an immersive audiovisual experience. The film's 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer faithfully preserves this artistic vision, presenting solid blacks and natural-looking grain patterns that lend an authentic and film-like quality to the viewing experience. Daytime scenes shine with fine detail, capturing elements from dust to faces in a crowd, whereas night scenes maintain essential story elements amidst the shadows—a deliberate choice given the film's mystery genre.

Technically, this Blu-ray stands out as a prime example of catalog title transfers. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio presentation is free from digital processing artifacts such as high-frequency filtering or artificial sharpening. The moderate grain layer throughout enhances the film’s authentic look, ensuring clarity and fine details—right down to the sweat on soldiers' faces. Colors largely reflect the arduous army life, with realistic yet muted tones punctuated by occasional vibrant outdoor scenes. Bright whites in daytime sequences contrast with consistently inky blacks during nighttime shots, although some crushing in shadow detail is present. While not necessarily a showcase piece for high-end visual tech, this disc delivers an impressive and faithful reproduction of the filmmakers' original intent. The print shows no significant damage, ensuring that both the fidelity and integrity of Boyd's cinematographic artistry are preserved throughout the viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "A Soldier's Story" on Blu-ray is delivered through an English LPCM 2.0 track, supplemented by optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles. Despite the confined nature of a two-channel setup, this mix is surprisingly robust, providing a rich auditory experience that complements the film's content admirably. The track effectively showcases Herbie Hancock's bluesy score and Patti LaBelle's stirring vocals when she's performing at Big Mary's, capturing each note with crisp fidelity.

The sound design incorporates occasional left/right panning effects, notably in scenes such as the opening shooting sequence, offering a glimpse into the film's original Dolby Stereo ambitions. Dialogue throughout is clear and comprehensible, though some might find the southern accents challenging to judge for authenticity. Several segments, such as a baseball game, an army training exercise, and lively bar scenes, stand out for their stereo activity, reflecting a bustling soundscape that belies the simplicity of the 2.0 format. The balance is generally good, though dialogue occasionally dips below the score and effects.

Overall, this LPCM 2.0 mix stands out for its liveliness and technical prowess. Musical performances, particularly those by Patti LaBelle, highlight a wide dynamic range and an impressive low end. Sporadic gunshots also demonstrate commendable bass activity. While it may not have the surround sound qualities of a modern 5.1 mix, it remains a full-bodied and engaging auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "A Soldier's Story" notably lacks any substantial extras, contrary to what was included in the 1999 Sony DVD edition. The DVD had a rich assortment of special features, such as a director's commentary by Norman Jewison, the documentary "March to Freedom" narrated by Paul Winfield featuring interviews with Charles Fuller and retired African-American WWII veterans, and the original film trailer. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray disappoints in this regard, offering no supplementary content whatsoever—not even a trailer is included.

Extras included in this disc:

None: There is no supplementary content provided on the Blu-ray disc.

Norman Jewison’s adaptation of Charles Fuller's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "A Soldier's Play" effectively transitions from stage to screen, preserving the play’s intensity while utilizing the film medium to amplify the story's thematic elements. Set in 1944 at a U.S. Army base in Tynin, Louisiana, the plot revolves around the murder of a Black sergeant, Sgt. Vernon Waters (Adolph Caesar), and the ensuing investigation led by Captain Davenport (Howard E. Rollins Jr.), an African-American officer whose presence disrupts entrenched racial dynamics. The narrative explores complex social forces and personal accountability amid racially charged conflicts, painting a multifaceted portrait of prejudice, duty, and betrayal.

The film is anchored by an ensemble cast delivering impactful performances, notably Adolph Caesar, whose portrayal of Sgt. Waters earned an Academy Award nomination, and a young Denzel Washington as Private Peterson. The structure predominantly comprises interrogations interspersed with flashbacks that gradually unravel Waters's ambiguous character—a strict, sometimes cruel figure whose internalized racism affects his interactions with subordinates. This depiction of self-loathing and internal conflict provides a depth rarely examined in racially themed dramas, framing Waters as both victim and perpetrator in a nuanced investigation of identity and morality.

While "A Soldier's Story" features engaging moments and a compelling mystery, it occasionally falters in tonal consistency and performance subtlety. Jewison's direction sometimes leans towards broad strokes, and the episodic narrative can feel uneven, with some flashbacks resonating more than others. Additionally, the score, at times overbearing and dated, detracts from key emotional beats. Nevertheless, the film's robust script and poignant scenes, including visually charged monologues that emphasize the protagonist’s isolation and turmoil, underscore its powerful cinematic moments. Despite its minor flaws, "A Soldier's Story" remains a thought-provoking exploration of racial conflict that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Norman Jewison's "A Soldier's Story" achieves excellence, blending a potent narrative with an outstanding ensemble cast. The Blu-ray's video and audio presentations remain faithful to the director's vision, providing a clear and faithful representation of this gripping drama. While purists may find the flashback structure occasionally disjointed, the storytelling largely sustains its momentum and leaves an indelible impact. Especially notable is the achievement of capturing period details and the atmospheric tension inherent in the storyline, which are well rendered in this transfer.

The performances in "A Soldier's Story" are uniformly excellent. Howard E. Rollins Jr.'s portrayal of Captain Davenport and Adolph Caesar’s Oscar-nominated turn as Sergeant Waters are particularly memorable. Caesar's tragic passing curtailed what could have been a stellar career, reflecting the unfortunate fate of several cast members. However, the emergence of Denzel Washington as a lasting star signifies the cast's undeniable talent. Despite the individual tragedies, the ensemble’s collaboration stands as a testament to Jewison’s directorial prowess.

Despite its strengths, the Blu-ray release is notably devoid of supplemental content, which is a disservice to such a significant film. Nevertheless, the absence of extras does not overshadow the merit of the film itself or its technical quality. The movie's ability to provoke thought and emotion, alongside a commendable technical presentation, make it a valuable addition to any collection.

In conclusion, "A Soldier's Story" is buoyed by a superlative cast and a compelling script, offering viewers a poignant and powerful drama. Norman Jewison’s skill in assembling this remarkable ensemble results in an enduring piece of cinema. Despite some minor structural critiques and lack of bonus material, the film’s intrinsic value makes it highly recommended for both new viewers and long-time fans.