Motherless Brooklyn Blu-ray Review

Motherless Brooklyn" makes a noteworthy entrance on Blu-ray, boasting a 1080p HD transfer that showcases the film's meticulous production design and the 1950s noir aesthetic it masterfully recreates. The video presentation is largely impressive, with a keen eye for detail that breathes life into every frame. From the intricate signage and detailed backgrounds to the well-defined individual hairs and facial textures of the characters, viewers are treated to a visual feast. The choice of a subdued but precise color palette perfectly complements the film's ambiance, employing a mix of browns, blues, and greens that maintain natural tones, while vibrant reds and oranges from neon signs bring a dynamic contrast to the cinematic experience. The overall clarity and texture presented in both the urban landscape of New York and the period-specific attire contribute to an immersive viewing experience.

Despite its strengths, the Blu-ray presentation is not without its minor flaws. Occasional banding in lower-lit scenes and rare instances of ghosting, notably during an early car chase, slightly mar an otherwise stellar video quality. These issues, likely more pronounced due to the absence of an HDR presentation and the source being a scaled-down 2K intermediate, hint at what could have been achieved with a 4K UHD release. Nonetheless, the black levels are commendably deep and consistent, with no evident crush in nighttime sequences, further enhancing the film's visual depth.

In summary, "Motherless Brooklyn" on Blu-ray delivers a visually striking experience that admirably captures the essence and texture of its setting and characters, despite the constraints of its 1080p HD format and a few negligible technical imperfections. The attention to detail in both the micro-elements and broader production design choices stands out, making it a visually satisfying journey through the film's noir-inspired world.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix featured in the Blu Ray release of "Motherless Brooklyn" is a detailed and immersive audio experience that excels in transporting the audience into its meticulously crafted, noir-inspired world. The mix is rich in depth, layering intricate soundscapes that range from the nuances of a lively New York setting filled with ambient noises and bustling city life to the more subtle, yet powerfully executed weather elements like the memorable thunderstorm that not only showcases the mix's dynamic range but also contributes to the film's moody atmosphere. This holistic approach to sound design is further enhanced by the exceptional music contributions from celebrated artists such as Daniel Pemberton, Thom Yorke, Flea, and Wynton Marsalis, among others. These musical elements are not merely additions but integral components that compliment the narrative’s emotional weight and period-specific setting, brought to life with clarity and a keen attention to the balance between soundtrack and dialogue.

Furthermore, this audio presentation astounds with its technical proficiency, managing both to deliver a clear, clean dialogue and to masterfully utilize channel separation and panning for a truly immersive experience. Action sequences, like the adrenaline-pumping car chase, benefit from robust sound effects that exploit the audio track’s fidelity, from the roar of engines to the screech of tires, enhancing the tension and excitement. These elements are complemented by an effective use of the low-end bass that brings intensity to sequences such as the film’s early thunderstorm, spilling rain across the rear speakers and adding to the enveloping experience.

The provision of optional subtitles aligns perfectly within the movie's 1.85:1 aspect ratio, ensuring accessibility without detracting from the visual experience. This meticulous attention to audio detail, from the resonating notes of its jazz-infused score and the atmospheric sound design to the technical execution of dialogue and sound effects, confirms “Motherless Brooklyn’s” Blu Ray release as an auditory showcase; it's a thoughtful, tonally consistent effort that both respects and celebrates its source material’s essence.

The Blu-ray release of "Motherless Brooklyn" offers a modest yet insightful collection of extras that enrich the viewing experience significantly. The highlight is undoubtedly the audio commentary by Edward Norton, who not only directed but played a pivotal role in the film. His commentary provides a comprehensive deep dive into the making of the movie, covering everything from the initial acquisition of the novel's rights before its publication to the intricate details of the film's production, including changes from the source material, the influence of film noir, and the challenges of directing while acting. Adding texture to this release are a making-of featurette and a selection of deleted scenes that offer additional perspectives on the film's long journey from page to screen and Norton's methodical approach to filmmaking. The making-of featurette, despite its brevity, features valuable insights from both cast and crew, while the deleted scenes provide a glimpse into what might have been. Collectively, these extras not only complement the main feature but also serve as a testament to Norton's meticulous craftsmanship and passion for storytelling.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A full-length solo commentary by writer-director Edward Norton covering a wide range of topics related to the film's production.

• Making-Of: Edward Norton's Methodical Process: Focuses on the film's development, differences from the book, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

• Deleted Scenes: A compilation of four scenes centered around the protagonist, Lionel Essrog, enhancing character depth and narrative.

Edward Norton's "Motherless Brooklyn," an adaptation of Jonathan Lethem’s novel, sets itself in a 1950s New York, diverging from its original contemporary setting to embody the essence of film noir. As both director and star, Norton delivers Lionel Essrog, a detective marked by his brilliant mind and the challenge of Tourette syndrome, unraveling the mystery of his mentor Frank Minna’s (Bruce Willis) murder. This movie, ambitious in scope, weaves a complex narrative web, blending a murder mystery with broader themes of urban corruption and gentrification. Despite its rich aesthetic and atmospheric success, achieved through Dick Pope’s cinematography and a compelling jazz score, the film’s pacing suffers under the weight of added subplots and a sprawling 144-minute runtime, suggesting tighter editing would enhance its narrative focus.

Norton's personal investment in the project is clear from its long gestation period; having acquired the film rights in 1999, Norton penned the script over years, eventually bringing this labor of love to the screen with an array of top-tier talent. The ensemble cast offers a tapestry of characters, from Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of the power-hungry Moses Randolph, a nod to New York’s historical figures, to a vibrant scene set in a jazz club that underscores the film's richly designed period atmosphere. However, the promise hinted at by such all-star cameos ultimately struggles to coalesce into fully realized character arcs or engaging storytelling, underpinning the critique that less might have indeed been more. "Motherless Brooklyn" emerges as a visually and musically engrossing piece that, while showcasing Norton's affection for detailed storytelling and historical New York, might have benefitted from a more disciplined narrative approach.

Motherless Brooklyn," Edward Norton's ambitious endeavor into the noir genre, encapsulates a labyrinth of intrigue and stellar performances against a backdrop of a meticulously crafted atmosphere. Despite its foray into a sometimes bewildering narrative that might leave viewers perplexed with its pacing and occasional detours, the film emerges as a uniquely immersive experience. The ensemble cast delivers commendably, with Norton's portrayal of a character with Tourette Syndrome standing out. Paired with an exceptional soundtrack that elevates the neo-noir ambiance, the film manages to ensnare the audience's attention, even if its narrative meanders through a "doughy second act."

The Blu-ray presentation by Warner Bros. complements the cinematic experience, albeit with a noted shortfall—the absence of a 4K option, which might deter the most ardent audiophiles and cinephiles seeking the zenith of home theatre fidelity. However, what it might lack in ultra-high definition, it compensates with a robust audio-visual presentation that captures the film's essence. The included extras, notably the audio commentary, provide rich insights into Norton's vision, adding layers of appreciation for the intricacies of the storytelling and production.

In conclusion, while "Motherless Brooklyn" may not wholly captivate every viewer due to its expansive runtime and some narrative indulgences, it decidedly warrants attention for its compelling core story, masterful performances, and a high-quality A/V Blu-ray presentation. This release is especially recommended to those with a predilection for the genre or admirers of the cast's prowess. As a piece that might find a more revered place over time, it serves both as an exemplar of passion-driven filmmaking and as a testament to the potential of Blu-ray releases to enrich the viewing experience, despite some minor setbacks.