Vice Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Vice" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1 aspect ratio, offering a visually dynamic viewing experience that actively complements the film's narrative and stylistic ambitions. Directed by McKay and shot on an eclectic mix of film stocks, including 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm, before being finished on a 4K Digital Intermediate, this choice intentionally cultivates a diversified visual landscape. This diversity in grain structure, clarity, and color rendition is well-supported by the transfer, even though it occasionally introduces variations in image quality, such as a somewhat gritty grain field and altered color palettes that sometimes lead to unnatural flesh tones.

On the technical side, the film's rich textural details emerge distinctly in close-ups, showcasing the prosthetic work with exceptional clarity — Christian Bale's transformation is notably impressive. The color spectrum is managed adeptly, allowing for a period-accurate representation that shifts according to the depicted eras, effectively using colors to evoke an emotional or historical context. However, there are minor inconsistencies in black levels and white balance across different stock footage, with some scenes exhibiting slightly greyish blacks or overly bright whites, potentially detracting from the overall depth of the image.

Despite these occasional disparities, the Blu-ray delivers a coherent visual representation that enhances the storytelling. Yet, there's a palpable consensus that "Vice" would benefit from a 4K UHD release. Considering the film’s original finish on a 4K DI and the meticulous attention to detail evident in its photographic composition, a higher resolution release could provide an even more immersive and detailed viewing experience. The absence of a 4K UHD option represents a missed opportunity to fully showcase the diverse visual textures and nuanced color work that define the film's unique aesthetic appeal.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Vice" on Blu Ray delivers an intriguingly complex audio experience that superbly complements its visual storytelling. The sound design, akin to a roller coaster ride, expertly transitions between surreal, almost hallucinogenic episodes and more traditional, clear-cut scenes. Nicholas Britell's score, whimsically compared to Aaron Copland on the verge of a psychedelic experience, along with an array of sound effects and dialogue, are rendered with exceptional clarity and spatial quality. This creates an immersive soundscape where quieter moments are as compellingly presented as the bustling chaos of several conversations happening at once.

Despite the film's original Atmos mix, the choice to utilize a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is hardly a setback. Dialogue, particularly Christian Bale's nuanced portrayal of Dick Cheney, is crystal clear, effortlessly capturing the character's distinct, soft-spoken cadence without necessitating any volume adjustments. This is especially notable when contrasting with louder characters, underlining the audio mix's proficiency in handling varying vocal tones. Furthermore, Britell's lively score and the subtle yet effective sound effects ensure that the surround channels are consistently engaged, adding depth to every scene.

The auditory presentation during critical moments, such as the 9/11 attacks, is especially noteworthy. The mix creates an enveloping atmosphere with a blend of voices, ambient office sounds, and television reports, maintaining the film's intense narrative without relying on the full capabilities of an Atmos setup. While acknowledging that the audio might not reach the pinnacle achievable with today’s technology, it stands out as an effective and engaging accompaniment to the movie's storytelling, striking a fine balance between the audibly grandiose and the quietly nuanced.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "Vice" compensates for its box office performance by offering a collection of notably decent bonus features, with particular highlights including an array of Deleted Scenes that provide an alternate opening and an axed musical number, offering insights into creative decisions. The Making Of documentary, titled "Gaming the System", diverges from the standard fare by interlacing engaging interviews with intriguing behind-the-scenes content, making it a standout. Furthermore, "The Music of Power" uniquely combines minimal production commentary with a musical sequence, enriching the auditory experience of the film's thematic essence. The addition of a Gallery that supports both Auto and Manual Advance options, along with a crisp Theatrical Trailer, rounds off the extras with visual and promotional completeness.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: An alternate opening and an unreleased musical sequence are showcased.
• Gaming the System: The Making Of Vice: Engaging interviews and captivating behind-the-scenes footage provide depth.
• The Music of Power: A unique glimpse into the film's musical identity, featuring a deleted musical piece.
• Gallery: Offers an Auto Advance or Manual Advance option for viewing stills from the movie.
• Theatrical Trailer: A concise and high-definition peek into the movie’s premise and tone.

Reflecting on "Vice," Adam McKay's audaciously unconventional biopic of Dick Cheney, it's clear from the outset that this is not your average exploration of a political figure's life. The film's pedigree, helmed by a director known for his satirical take on various subjects and a cadre of comedies that lean towards the absurd, sets a tone that is both irreverent and critically insightful. McKay's approach, marked by a narrative that zigs and zags through time with meta-commentary and a surprising structural playfulness (including an audacious fake ending mid-way), signals a departure from traditional biographical cinema. This stylistic ingenuity ensures that "Vice" never risks dullness, engaging the viewer with a mixture of sharp wit and stylistic flourishes that underscore the complexities of Cheney’s persona and career.

At its core, "Vice" is an exploration of power, ambition, and the American political landscape, as seen through the life of Dick Cheney. Christian Bale's transformative performance anchors the film, supported by a robust cast including Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell, and Steve Carell. Through Cheney’s early setbacks to his ascendancy as one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in American history, the movie unfolds as a critical, often humorous examination of a man who shaped contemporary politics in ways that are still felt today. Beyond McKay's creative storytelling lies a nuanced portrayal of Cheney's personal life, particularly his reaction to his daughter’s coming out, offering a glimpse into the private sphere of a notoriously secretive figure.

However, "Vice" straddles a delicate line between satire and biopic, not wholly committing to either. Its tonal shifts—from comedic to grave—reflect the inherent challenge in capturing the essence of such a polarizing figure and era. The film’s critique extends beyond Cheney himself, touching on broader themes of political power, media influence, and public perception. The inclusion of a focus group scene serves as a meta-commentary on our own divided reception of political narratives. Despite its ambition and occasional missteps in tone, "Vice" represents a bold attempt to merge political commentary with cinematic inventiveness, creating a film that is as much about the art of storytelling as it is about the enigmatic, complex figure at its center.

Adam McKay's "Vice," a foray into the complex world of political biopics, presents an audacious attempt to combine snark-filled humor with the gravity of Dick Cheney's influence in American politics. While McKay's effort to diversify his filmmaking palette beyond the juvenile humor of his early works is evident, "Vice" oscillates between hitting its mark and missing the broader target of reinventing the biographical genre. This inherent struggle might detract from its overall impact, notwithstanding the high technical quality that bolsters its presentation. A remarkable cast led by Christian Bale, who immerses himself fully into the role, cannot entirely compensate for the missed opportunities in storytelling dynamics that previously worked wonders in "The Big Short."

20th Century Fox's Blu-ray release of "Vice" is praised for its outstanding technical execution, notably the superb image transfer and robust audio mix, which are highlighted as key strengths. Despite the absence of a 4K UHD version, the Blu-ray edition stands out for its technical merits. However, the film's reception could be as polarized as its subject matter, dependent largely on viewers' tolerance for McKay's mix of political commentary and humor.

In conclusion, "Vice" represents a contentious entry into the political biopic field, ambitious in scope yet variable in its efficacy. While its technical presentation on Blu-ray is undeniably excellent, providing a visually and auditorily pleasing experience, it might not fully salvage the film's uneven narrative and thematic execution for every viewer. Therefore, while it comes recommended, especially for fans of McKay or those intrigued by its subject matter, it's worth noting that viewer discretion on the film’s narrative approach is advised.