That Evening Sun Blu-ray Review

Image Entertainment's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "That Evening Sun" offers a compelling, though inconsistent visual experience. The film, shot on location in Tennessee by cinematographer Rodney Taylor, features lush vegetation with greens that vividly pop off the screen. Unfortunately, this is offset by frequent soft shots that obscure facial details and hinder the overall sharpness. Taylor's choice of older lenses for a period look contributes to the film's softer aesthetic, a deliberate artistic decision meant to evoke an older style of living. Close-ups occasionally achieve a high level of detail, showcasing every crease and crag in Hal Holbrook's expressive face, while other scenes fail to maintain this clarity, diminishing the viewing experience.

The presentation excels in several technical areas. Black levels are consistently robust, and shadow details are generally well-preserved, even in the darker confines of Abner's cabin. The film's natural grain pattern remains intact and undisturbed by digital manipulation such as filtering or artificial sharpening. Color reproduction is strong, with vibrant greens, fiery oranges, and reds providing notable highlights, especially during intense scenes like building fires. The average bitrate of 11.01 Mbps might seem low, but the film’s style—with longer takes and minimal fast motion—allows for efficient bit allocation, ensuring that more dynamic scenes maintain their integrity.

Despite these strengths, the uneven detail and soft focus in many shots detract from what could otherwise be a reference-quality transfer. The photochemical color correction lends an authentic and warm palette but does little to mitigate the inconsistencies in clarity. Nevertheless, artifacts such as banding, ringing, and aliasing are refreshingly absent, resulting in a clean image free from common video anomalies. Overall, while this Blu-ray presentation has several commendable aspects, its fluctuating sharpness ultimately holds it back from being truly exceptional.

The DTS-HD Master Audio mix of "That Evening Sun" delivers a sound experience that is both atmospheric and fitting for the film's rural Tennessee setting. Dialogue is primarily rendered clearly and situated prominently in the front sound-stage, albeit with occasional challenges, particularly with characters' subdued delivery. Surround elements like crickets, wind, rustling leaves, and the buzzing of insects are rendered naturally and effectively fill the room without overwhelming the main audio. The musical track, featuring acoustic guitar and banjo-driven compositions, is dynamic and pleasingly crisp, adding depth without being obtrusive.

Despite its subtlety, the 5.1 DTS-HD MA track manages to create an immersive environment with strategic use of ambient sounds. Key moments of dynamic range include rare but significant effects like gunfire and spreading fire, which are well-executed with noticeable LFE impact. Michael Penn’s original score and additional songs by Jimmy Rodgers are hauntingly present, adding emotional weight to the soundtrack. While there are minor issues with dialogue levels, particularly during scenes involving drunken mumbling, the overall surround presentation is well-balanced and serves the narrative effectively.

In conclusion, this audio mix, while understated, complements the film's tone and setting with a thoughtful blend of natural ambiance and musical elements. The sound design may not be hyper-aggressive but achieves a mellow, enveloping experience that supports the film’s narrative without overshadowing it. The only drawback is occasional low dialogue prioritization; otherwise, it's a well-executed audio offering for this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras of "That Evening Sun" offer a robust array of insightful and well-curated content. The "Director's Anti-Commentary" stands out by eschewing traditional scene-specific discussions in favor of a broader conversation on the film's philosophy and making. The "Art and Craft of That Evening Sun," hosted by Michael Dunaway, delves into a critical scene and provides a podcast-style analysis rich with contributions from key creative personnel. The "Making of That Evening Sun" feature is a visually appealing, music-enhanced montage showcasing behind-the-scenes footage. Cast and crew interviews are separated into insightful segments, offering both focused actor perspectives and broader production insights. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer, albeit in SD, rounds out the extras. All features are presented in HD, except the trailer, which is in SD.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Anti-Commentary: A non-traditional commentary focusing on film philosophy with Director Scott Teems, DoP Rodney Taylor, and Editor Travis Sittard.
• That Tennessee Sun... - The Making of That Evening Sun: A montage of behind-the-scenes footage set to the film's soundtrack.
• The Art and Craft of That Evening Sun: Podcast-style analysis hosted by Michael Dunaway.
• Cast Interviews: Insightful discussions with key actors.
• Crew Interviews: Broad-ranging interviews with the film’s production team.
• Theatrical trailer: The film's promotional trailer.

"That Evening Sun" is a compelling drama set in rural Tennessee, directed by Scott Teems and adapted from a short story by Southern writer William Gay. The film revolves around Abner Meecham (superbly portrayed by Hal Holbrook), an 80-year-old farmer who escapes from a retirement home with the intent to reclaim his cherished farm. Upon arrival, he discovers the property has been leased to Lonzo Choat, an adversary with whom Abner shares a bitter history. Holbrook’s commanding yet understated performance effectively captures Abner's complex emotions, blending rage, determination, and a profound sense of loss.

Teems’ direction emphasizes authenticity through on-location shooting in Knoxville and casting Southern actors, further imbuing the film with a genuine regional ambiance. The narrative unfolds with a remarkable balance of visual storytelling and dialogue-driven scenes. The opening five minutes deftly establish Abner's character without a single word, showcasing Teems' skill in silent exposition. The conflict escalates through a series of tense encounters between Abner and Lonzo, played by Ray McKinnon, whose portrayal adds depth to a character initially perceived as a mere antagonist.

The film excels in its nuanced examination of morality, steering clear of cliched dichotomies of good and evil. Characters like Lonzo and his family—portrayed sensitively by Carrie Preston and Mia Wasikowska—are depicted with intricacies that elicit empathy despite their flaws. This moral ambiguity is central to the plot and keeps the audience engaged in the unfolding drama. "That Evening Sun" ultimately stands out for its stark yet poignant narrative, incredible performances, and its exploration of complex human relationships, making it an essential watch for fans of character-driven stories.

"That Evening Sun" is a compelling and emotionally charged film that delivers powerful performances, spearheaded by the indelible Hal Holbrook in the role of Abner Meecham. Holbrook’s portrayal is poignant and profoundly authentic, encapsulating the essence of a man grappling with his past and uncertain future. The supporting cast, including characters who are alternately angered, frightened, intrigued, frustrated, bemused, and concerned by Abner's presence, add depth to the narrative. This intricate interplay between the characters contributes to a rich tapestry of emotion and conflict, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking.

Technically speaking, the Blu-ray presentation of "That Evening Sun" is adequate, with video and audio quality registering slightly above average. However, it's important to note that there are instances where softer shots disrupt the otherwise sharp and detailed visuals. Despite these occasional lapses, the overall viewing experience remains immersive. The inclusion of a robust selection of special features adds significant value, providing deeper insights into the filmmaking process and thematic underpinnings.

Ultimately, "That Evening Sun" is worth a viewing, whether a purchase or a rental. It's a tough film to swallow, sad and honest, and you can't hide from the raw emotion that fuels every character's actions. Some brilliant performances and a very well-made film make this an enjoyable Blu-ray release. If you are a fan of dramas and like to have your morals and emotions challenged, this film will undoubtedly resonate with you.