Pride Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Pride" is mostly a visual feast, offering an image quality that often flirts with reference quality, showcasing the film's vibrant aesthetics and detailed environments. The level of detail captured in the video transfer is commendably high, with textures on faces and clothing, as well as minute elements like building façades and the worn paint on vehicles, being exceptionally well-defined. While colors are robust and lively, imbuing the film with a vivid, if sometimes overly bright, palette, they remain well-balanced across both louder and more subdued tones, contributing positively to the overall viewing experience.

Nonetheless, the presentation isn't without its faults. Certain technical issues slightly mar what could have been a flawless transfer. Instances of softness in the image detract from detail clarity in some medium-distance shots. Additionally, contrast inconsistencies manifest through occasionally washed-out or purple-tinted blacks and scenes where black levels feel unnecessarily heavy or crushed. Noise also becomes a nuisance in some of the film's lower-lit interiors and darker scenes, hinting at possible compression issues or limitations in the original source material.

Despite these drawbacks, the Blu-ray of "Pride" mostly delivers an excellent video quality that fans and newcomers alike will appreciate. The details are generally crisp and clear, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in both the story's emotional depth and its physical settings. The color reproduction remains one of the disc's strongest points, even if the brightness tends to skew higher than ideal. While the flaws noted do not severely detract from the viewing pleasure, they prevent the release from achieving absolute perfection in terms of video presentation.

Pride" dazzles with its audio presentation on Blu-ray, courtesy of a top-tier DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that immerses the audience in a rich and dynamic auditory experience. The soundtrack excels in delivering music with a robust and full-bodied sound, seamlessly occupying the soundscape with evenly distributed placement across all channels. The auditory experience is further enhanced by the use of aggressive ambient sounds during key scenes such as marches, where the cacophony of chants, whistles, footsteps, and an assortment of sonic elements blend harmoniously. Despite a few instances where dialogue gets slightly overshadowed by background noise, especially in scenes bustling with activity, the audio track largely maintains crystal-clear dialogue delivery focused through the center channel. Noteworthy is the sound design's attention to detail, ensuring that moments requiring natural reverberation, such as Dai's speech in a club setting, are captured with remarkable clarity and realism.

The lower frequencies are given ample opportunity to shine, adding depth and resonance in scenes that demand it, like the vibrant energy of a dance club or the lively atmosphere of a reception between miners and gay activists. These moments underscore the soundtrack's capability to not only handle subtlety but also to pack a punch when the scene calls for it. Moreover, specific sound effects are rendered with precision and impeccable staging, contributing significantly to the immersive audio experience. A standout example is the clarity and presence of a ringing telephone in a quiet scene, showcasing the audio track's meticulous balance and spatial accuracy.

This Blu-ray release of "Pride" by Sony is a testament to their commitment to high-quality lossless audio presentations. The soundtrack excels in enveloping viewers in a meticulously crafted sonic world, from the nuanced handling of ambient sounds to the powerful delivery of music and dialogue. Its deft balance between clarity, depth, and spatial distribution makes this audio presentation not just a background element but a pivotal component of the storytelling, enhancing every scene with its auditory depth and texture. With its excellence in sonic fidelity and immersive sound design, this audio track is a compelling reason for enthusiasts to experience the film in its Blu-ray format.

The Blu-ray extras for "Pride" enrich the viewing experience by providing a deeper understanding of the film's historical context and its production. The inclusion of several high-definition deleted and extended scenes adds layers to the narrative, offering viewers a glimpse into what might have been. Furthermore, the featurette titled "Pride A True Story" is particularly illuminating; it bridges the gap between the cinematic portrayal and the real-life events that inspired the film. Through interviews with the cast, crew, and actual people involved, it delves into the societal impacts and the evolution of perceptions over time. The addition of a UV digital copy code ensures that viewers can enjoy "Pride" across various platforms, enhancing accessibility. Collectively, these extras not only complement the main feature but also serve as an essential component of understanding the film’s significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Various scenes providing additional content.
• Pride A True Story: A deep dive into the making of the film, its historical context, and its significance.
• Previews: Sneak peeks at additional Sony titles.

Pride," directed by Matthew Warchus and penned by Stephen Beresford, offers a delightful time machine-style journey back to the 1980s, paralleling efforts in equality with another significant film, "Made in Dagenham." While “Dagenham” wrestles with gender equality, "Pride" navigates the territories of homosexual advocacy and its unlikely alliance with UK miners on strike. The narrative, deeply rooted in historical events, unfolds a tale of human togetherness and the universal battle for freedom from oppression and equality. With its clever mix of light humor and poignant scenes, the film manages skillfully to be both entertaining and impactful, showcasing excellent performances from a diverse cast. Each character, though perhaps predictably evolving, contributes to the overarching theme of unity overcoming societal divisions, making "Pride" an accessible and engaging exploration of a pivotal moment in social justice history.

Centering around young Joe Cooper (George MacKay) and L.G.S.M.'s (Lesbians and Gays Supporting the Miners) formation and struggle for recognition and support, "Pride" captures the essence of grassroots activism. The chemistry between characters, especially at the intersection of these two distinct communities, adds depth to the narrative. As the group's efforts in a Welsh mining village begin to break down prejudices, the film adroitly highlights the power of solidarity and unconventional alliances in driving change. Despite its mainly cheerful disposition, "Pride" doesn’t shy away from the complexities and nuances of its characters’ journeys, presenting their struggles and triumphs with sincerity and warmth.

While "Pride" excels in portraying the collective fight for equality, it somewhat falters when narrowing its focus to individual stories in the latter half. The broad array of characters, each with their moment in the spotlight, sometimes reduces their development to one-dimensional arcs. As attention shifts more towards personal stories, particularly Joe and Mark's, the narrative loses the buoyancy that initially propels it. This shift doesn't undermine the film’s overall execution or its core message but slightly detracts from the seamless blend of entertainment and advocacy that marks its first half. Nonetheless, "Pride" stands out for its heartfelt depiction of unity and activism, proving a joyful yet thought-provoking watch that resonates well beyond its historical setting.

Pride" emerges as a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and the struggle for equality, weaving a narrative that is as much about the heart as it is about the fight. This film masterfully captures the essence of an unlikely alliance between miners and gay activists, focusing on themes of solidarity and acceptance with a balanced mix of seriousness and humor. While it may experience a pacing dip in its character-driven second act, the movie's overall arc remains compelling, underpinned by an exceptional production design and stellar performances from the cast. The Blu-ray edition, brought to us by Sony, enhances this experience with outstanding video quality and impeccable audio fidelity, ensuring viewers receive the most visually and acoustically pleasing presentation of this poignant tale.

However, it's not without its shortcomings. The Blu-ray package for "Pride" leaves something to be desired in terms of supplementary content, offering a lean collection of extras that may leave enthusiasts wanting more. This aspect slightly mars an otherwise stellar home entertainment experience, particularly for those who crave behind-the-scenes insights and additional context to enrich their viewing.

In conclusion, while the Blu-ray release of "Pride" excels in delivering a high-quality visual and auditory experience, it's somewhat let down by the lack of comprehensive bonus material. Nevertheless, the film itself remains a powerful portrayal of unity and the fight for equal rights, making it a vital addition to any collection. Recommended for its strong narrative, brilliant execution, and the commendable technical merits of its Blu-ray presentation, "Pride" stands as a significant cinematic work that echoes the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity.