Elvis & Nixon Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Elvis & Nixon" on Blu-ray provides a respectable, albeit unremarkable, reproduction of the film's original digital elements. The 1080p transfer renders an image that is clean with minimal noise and no noticeable source or compression artifacts. Details, particularly in period-specific attire, such as Elvis' ornate rings and glasses, are adequately sharp in close-ups. While the movie isn't particularly visually dynamic, it adheres well to the basics with colors that are neither overly saturated nor lacking in balance. Black levels and flesh tones stay within a normal range, contributing to an overall satisfactory viewing experience.

In its quest to emulate the aesthetics of the early 1970s, the 2.40:1 1080p transfer leans towards a softer focus, despite being shot digitally. This lends a film-like quality to the image that is visually pleasing but not exceptional. Colors are bright, bold, and well-saturated, delivering plenty of primary pop without tipping into garishness. The stability of black levels and the shadow separation work well to imbue the picture with a sense of depth. Nevertheless, despite its meticulously crafted appearance, the transfer does not elevate itself to demo-worthy standards for the Blu-ray medium. It is a competent, no-frills video presentation that satisfactorily fulfills the requirements for faithful reproduction but stops short of being awe-inspiring.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack of "Elvis & Nixon" is serviceable but not particularly impressive. The audio track delivers solid clarity with well-balanced front-end spacing, particularly in its music presentation, which is clear and enjoyable. However, this soundtrack does not fully utilize the surround channels, leading to a lack of immersive depth. Surround usage is minimal, with side channels only coming alive during pop tunes from the era, but disappointingly, these do not include any classic Elvis songs. This choice nonetheless aids in setting the authentic period ambiance effectively.

Dialogue delivery is where "Elvis & Nixon" truly excels, showcasing expert prioritization and natural clarity without interference from the film’s scoring or sound effects. Spoken words maintain center-focused placement and play with natural clarity throughout the film. Minimal support sound effects, like occasional gunshots, are implemented with decent heft but do not significantly enhance the overall auditory experience. As a whole, this audio presentation remains basic and technically stable, ensuring clean and artifact-free playback but lacks the wow-factor often sought in high-definition audio experiences.

The Blu-ray extras for "Elvis & Nixon" offer a concise but enlightening behind-the-scenes look at the film. The highlight is the audio commentary provided by Director Liza Johnson and Executive Producer Jerry Schilling, which thoroughly delves into Schilling's personal experiences with Elvis, his insights on the cast, historical context, and detailed discussions on specific scenes. This commentary is highly valuable for fans who want an in-depth understanding of the film and its background. The Crazy But True featurette, while brief at just under four minutes, provides a rapid yet engaging recap of the real-life events that inspired the movie and includes commendations for the cast's performances. This segment feels like an appetizer that could have benefited from a more comprehensive exploration.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Deep dive with Director Liza Johnson and Executive Producer Jerry Schilling.
• Crazy But True Featurette: Quick recap of the real event and cast shout-outs.
• Previews: Additional Sony titles.

Elvis & Nixon captures a fascinating and peculiar moment in history with a perfect blend of comedy and sincerity. The film, directed by Liza Johnson, explores the unexpected encounter between two larger-than-life figures: Elvis Presley, played with charm and fervor by Michael Shannon, and President Richard Nixon, portrayed with a remarkable Nixonian cadence and posture by Kevin Spacey. Centered on the legendary meeting detailed in an iconic photograph, the movie delivers a snappy, feel-good narrative that melds humor with a sense of patriotism. This isn't a verbatim recounting but rather a spirited reenactment designed to entertain and evoke nostalgia.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and societal unrest, Elvis & Nixon encapsulates the absurdity and uniqueness of the time. Elvis's earnest attempt to restore the country to its former greatness by directly appealing to Nixon is both humorous and endearing. The movie skilfully balances character depth with historical context, presenting Shannon's Elvis as a complex personality—equal parts naive and self-assured. Meanwhile, Spacey imbues Nixon with an incredulous yet comically restrained demeanor, matching Shannon beat for beat.

Attention to detail is evident in every frame, from the meticulously recreated costumes to the period-authentic sets and props that transport viewers back to 1970. The screenplay by Joey Sagal, Hanala Sagal, and Cary Elwes humorously fictionalizes the event while maintaining a gentle tone. While it takes creative liberties, the film smartly refrains from veering into farce, offering instead a series of consistent chuckles and reflective moments. Engagingly directed and superbly acted, Elvis & Nixon is an escapist delight, capturing a surreal piece of history with both exuberance and a touch of reverence.

"Elvis & Nixon" presents a fascinating exploration of an unexpected meeting between two iconic figures, brought to life through stellar performances by Kevin Spacey and Michael Shannon. The film's exceptional production design and narrative simplicity contribute to its engaging and entertaining nature. Despite dealing with such larger-than-life personalities, the story remains accessible, well-paced, and thoroughly enjoyable. As one of the most enjoyable films of 2016, it stands out for its ability to blend humor with historical intrigue seamlessly.

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Elvis & Nixon" offers a satisfactory technical presentation. The video and audio quality are serviceable, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the film's visual and auditory aspects. The standout feature of this Blu-ray release is the commentary track, which provides insightful perspectives and enhances the overall viewing experience. While not packed with extensive extras, the commentary alone is a significant value addition that elevates the package.

In conclusion, "Elvis & Nixon" is highly recommended for its entertaining yet insightful portrayal of a unique historical moment. The Blu-ray release, while not extraordinary in its technical specifications, offers enough value through the high-quality film itself and its engaging commentary track. It's a must-watch for those interested in history, exceptional performances, and well-crafted cinema.