Lean on Pete Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Lean on Pete" on Blu-ray is commendably refined, showcasing excellent clarity, especially during close-up shots and mid-level camera pans. Encoded in 1080p with an AVC transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio by Lionsgate Films, the imagery excels in presenting a rich color range that complements the film’s somber tone, offering a reserved palette devoid of overly bright hues. The skin tones are natural and consistent with the film's atmosphere, contributing to a cohesive visual experience. The clean rendering avoids any noticeable artifacts or anomalies, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

The film, captured digitally with Alexa products, benefits from this choice of equipment, particularly for the numerous night and magic hour scenes that shape the narrative. The outdoor shots, often presenting stunning vistas, exhibit impressive depth of field. However, shadow definition during nighttime scenes occasionally falls short, making it difficult to discern details in particularly dark moments. Despite this minor issue, fine detail remains strong in both close-ups and midrange shots. The overall presentation maintains high quality without any compression anomalies, reflecting the understated yet aesthetically beautiful cinematography by Magnus Nordenhof Jønck.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix for "Lean on Pete" is a robust and well-articulated presentation. Dialogue is meticulously reproduced, ensuring full-bodied clarity with distinctive tonal characteristics deeply embedded within a prominent soundstage. The subtler elements of the soundtrack, such as ambient environmental effects, are presented with excellent detail and depth, ensuring that the viewer is fully immersed in the film's nuanced soundscape. While the mix does not heavily rely on active surround activity or extended dynamics, it effectively leverages atmospheric sounds to stabilize and enhance the representation of the diverse settings depicted onscreen.

Ambient environmental effects notably enrich the listening experience from the outset, with early breezy sounds drawing the audience into the unfolding narrative. The soundtrack is punctuated with proficient panning effects during sequences like galloping horses, adding dynamism and a palpable sense of movement. Noteworthy moments, including an intense climax involving cars in the desert, deliver surprising sonic energy that underscores pivotal scenes. James Edward Barker's evocative score is masterfully distributed across the side and rear channels, enhancing the emotional resonance of the film. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix provides a finely balanced auditory experience that beautifully complements "Lean on Pete's" thematic elements.

The Blu-ray extras for "Lean on Pete" deliver an insightful and engaging experience, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the film's production and thematic elements. The standout feature, "Searching for Home: The Making of Lean on Pete," offers an above-average EPK that includes compelling interviews with cast and crew, revealing behind-the-scenes insights and the challenges of bringing this poignant story to life. This featurette is meticulously crafted and highly informative, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts of the film. Additionally, the inclusion of a digital copy enhances the value, ensuring accessibility across multiple devices.

Extras included in this disc:

• Searching for Home: The Making of Lean on Pete: An in-depth featurette with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Digital Copy

"Lean on Pete" offers an emotive narrative, directed by Andrew Haigh, that adeptly tackles the travails and resilience of youth. The film follows Charley Thompson (Charlie Plummer), a 15-year-old navigating life’s hardships in Portland, Oregon. After moving to the city with his irresponsible father Ray (Travis Fimmel), Charley finds solace at a racetrack, taking care of the aging racehorse, Lean on Pete. The racetrack becomes a haven for Charley, where he forms a surrogate familial bond with the horse's owner, Del Montgomery (Steve Buscemi), and seasoned jockey, Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny). However, upon learning Pete is destined for slaughter, Charley embarks on a desperate escape across America's heartland in search of his estranged Aunt Margy (Alison Elliott), highlighting themes of survival and hope against a backdrop of economic realities.

The film’s portrayal of Portland underscores its dual nature—a laid-back city grappling with rising homelessness and economic strife. The storyline poignantly mirrors the economic and social marginalization that often accompanies the pursuit of the elusive American Dream. Charley's journey is marked by palpable struggles, such as evading authorities and securing resources, ultimately taking viewers on an odyssey filled with adventure and heartbreak. The realism of these struggles is complemented by Plummer's exceptional performance, which earned him the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Emerging Actor.

Despite some implausible plot points—such as Charley's ease in eluding capture—the film's resonant emotional core maintains its credibility. Plummer’s depiction of innocent resilience amid adversity illuminates a stark yet empathetic picture of contemporary American hardship. "Lean on Pete" transcends typical boy-and-his-horse narratives, presenting a sincere exploration of personal tenacity and the quest for belonging in an unforgiving world. The conspicuous absence of idyllic resolutions enhances the film's authenticity, rendering it both a heartfelt and sobering cinematic experience.

Lean on Pete is a heart-rending film grounded in the stark reality of its setting while occasionally demanding a significant suspension of disbelief. Shot around the racetrack in Portland, accurately depicted as Portland Meadows, and the nearby Delta Park, the film captures the essence of these locales authentically. However, some narrative elements require viewers to momentarily set aside their skepticism. Regardless, this does not detract from the film’s emotional potency, which is likely to move even the most stoic of audiences.

The performance of Charlie Plummer is particularly noteworthy. His portrayal of Charley, a young man navigating difficult circumstances with only a horse, Pete, for companionship, is both compelling and deeply affecting. Plummer commands the screen with a presence that underscores his undeniable talent. The supporting cast delivers strong performances as well, although their roles are somewhat transient. The film's narrative undeniably revolves around Plummer’s interaction with his equine co-star, making his performance all the more critical to the film's success.

From a technical standpoint, Lean on Pete excels. The Blu-ray transfer offers first-rate image quality that captures the moody and often somber visuals of the film with stunning clarity. The audio is equally impressive, providing a rich soundscape that complements the film’s evocative score and dialogue. The attention to detail in both visual and auditory elements ensures an immersive viewing experience.

In conclusion, Lean on Pete is a poignant and powerful film that stands out for its emotional depth and superb technical qualities. Charlie Plummer’s exceptional performance and the high-caliber production values make this Blu-ray release highly recommended for both film enthusiasts and those seeking a deeply moving cinematic experience.