Still Alice Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Still Alice" delivers a generally strong 1080p transfer marked by noteworthy detail and vibrant colors. Presented in MPEG-4 AVC, the 1.85:1 aspect ratio format provides an impressive level of clarity, despite occasional softness and minor crush issues. Dark scenes, such as the dinner sequence at the film's outset, demonstrate some flaws with blacks blending into one another, but these instances are few and do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Details like facial textures and environmental nuances, such as scuffed hardwood floors, are rendered clearly, enhancing the film's intimate moments and creating a palpable sense of depth.

The transfer skillfully balances a warm color palette, ensuring authenticity in skin tones and liveliness in clothing and scenery without excessive vibrancy or unnatural dullness. Scenes are free from digital artifacts like banding or pixelation, though some noise can be observed in lower-light settings, exemplified during Alice's early presentation. Overall, the Sony release respects the straightforward nature of 'Still Alice,' providing a solid and dependable visual experience that abstains from spectacular but consistently provides clear, engaging imagery suitable for home viewing.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Still Alice" offers a technically proficient, though understated, auditory experience that suits the film’s intimate nature. With a primary focus on dialogue, the spoken word is presented evenly and naturally from the front-center speaker. Ambient sounds, like background noises in a restaurant or the serene rolling waves of a beach, are incorporated effectively when necessary, adding depth without dominating the audio landscape.

The surround effects, while faint, provide subtle atmospheric enhancements that expand this relatively compact audio track. Ilan Eshkeri’s music score is notably well defined, showcasing presence and tonal depth, particularly during more emotionally charged scenes. The dynamic range is broad enough to handle highs and lows seamlessly, free from distortion, hiss, pops, or crackles, ensuring a clean listening experience.

Though it lacks standout aural flourishes, "Still Alice's" DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in clarity and balance. The film’s focus on delivering clear, prioritized dialogue supports the narrative effectively. Surround presentations are subdued but appropriately utilized to maintain the film's atmosphere. Overall, the audio track is basic yet entirely sufficient for the film’s needs.

The Blu-ray edition of "Still Alice" provides a robust selection of extras that delve deeply into the filmmaking process and the themes of the movie. Notable featurettes like Directing Alice and Finding Alice explore the intricate challenges faced by the directors and the rigorous preparation Julianne Moore undertook to portray someone with Alzheimer's disease. Particularly poignant is the insight into director Richard Glatzer's struggle with ALS, adding a layer of emotional depth to the filmmaking narrative. The Interview with Composer Ilan Eshkeri presents an engaging discussion on the film's emotional soundscape, complementing the narrative effectively. Adding further value are deleted scenes, giving viewers a glimpse into the excised content, and the inclusion of a theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Directing Alice: Insights into the directorial challenges faced, especially with Glatzer's ALS.
• Finding Alice: Examination of Alzheimer's and Julianne Moore's character preparation.
• Interview with Composer Ilan Eshkeri: A look at the emotional influence of the musical score.
• Deleted Scenes: Three removed sequences providing additional context.
• Still Alice Theatrical Trailer: Promotional preview of the film.
• Previews: Additional Sony titles.
• UltraViolet Copy of the Film: Digital copy access.

"Still Alice" meticulously presents the heartbreaking and disorienting journey of Alice Howland, a distinguished linguistics professor diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Julianne Moore's portrayal captures the gradual dissolution of Alice's cognitive abilities with devastating authenticity, anchoring the film with a delicate balance of tangible fear and profound sadness. Her nuanced performance, from early forgetfulness to severe cognitive decline, is profoundly engaging, making her depiction both harrowing and deeply empathetic.

The film intelligibly portrays Alice's family dynamics, highlighting both the supportive and strained relationships ensuing from her diagnosis. Alec Baldwin delivers a compelling performance as Alice's husband, John, demonstrating a broad range of emotions from supportive devotion to overwhelming frustration. Kristen Stewart’s Lydia stands out as the daughter who navigates an evolving relationship with Alice amidst the turmoil. However, despite the powerful performances, there are criticisms concerning the film’s narrative structure, notably its simplistic and predictable nature, echoing traditional disease-of-the-week TV movies.

While "Still Alice" brings crucial awareness to early onset Alzheimer's, it occasionally feels overly constructed and emotionally manipulative. The movie might lack certain visceral elements that could provide a deeper examination of the disease's multifaceted impacts. Despite these shortcomings, Moore's interpretive brilliance ensures that the film remains a compelling watch, underpinned by tender moments that dissect the essence of identity and love amidst the grim specter of Alzheimer's.

"Still Alice" serves as a profound and emotionally charged examination of early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, anchored by Julianne Moore’s tour-de-force performance. Moore's portrayal is both incisive and heartbreaking, delivering a frighteningly authentic and intimate depiction of mental degradation. The film’s narrative, while somewhat clinical and predictable at times, raises significant awareness about the condition, presenting a stark but hopeful view of the human spirit amidst the ravages of illness. This aspect makes "Still Alice" one of the most poignant and unforgettable films of 2014.

Sony’s Blu-ray release of "Still Alice" features solid video and audio quality, providing a crisp, clear viewing experience. However, the supplements—a few featurettes and deleted scenes—are sparse and could have been more comprehensive considering the film’s potential impact and the depth of its subject matter. Despite this, the transfer quality itself does justice to the meticulously crafted visuals and sound design of the film.

Conclusion

"Still Alice" will be, for many audiences, a most difficult and challenging movie. Moore's performance and the script's precision are frighteningly authentic in feel and, in many ways, the movie is scarier than most Horror films for its ability to really put into question the essence of man in the face of mental degradation. But it's also hopeful in the way the spirit remains and the love of others never leaves, even in life's most challenging circumstances. In that way, it's one of the most rewarding movies available to watch. On either side of the coin, it's a must-see and one of the finest films of 2014. Sony's Blu-ray release of "Still Alice" features solid video and audio. Supplements are limited to a few featurettes and deleted scenes. Highly recommended, even if the supplements could have been much more satisfying in terms of number and content.