Harriet Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Harriet is an exemplary showcase of digital cinematography, bringing the 19th century to life with an almost tangible reality. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer delivers a visual feast, boasting unparalleled sharpness that highlights the minutest details from the weathered textures of slave garments to the intricate patterns of high society attire. Such clarity ensures that every frame invites the viewer into Harriet Tubman's world, making the experience not just viewing but living history. The lushness of landscapes and the precision in the depiction of various textures—from the rustic to the refined—stand out, marrying historical authenticity with 21st-century filmmaking prowess.

Colors in this presentation are a major highlight, demonstrating a vibrancy and saturation that breathe life into each scene. From the natural greens of countryside vistas to the richly detailed urban environments of Philadelphia, the color reproduction is faultless. Night scenes are rendered with deep, inky blacks, maintaining detail and depth without succumbing to muddiness or loss of nuance in darker moments. However, the clarity and smoothness of the transfer may, at times, juxtapose sharply against the film's gritty narrative elements, potentially distancing viewers from the raw realities depicted.

Despite an occasional noticeability of noise in low-light conditions—an aspect more discernible during nighttime exteriors or scenes illuminated merely by candlelight—the overall quality rarely suffers. Such moments are few and do little to detract from an otherwise spectacular visual presentation. Harriet on Blu-ray does not just display a film; it offers an immersive historical experience where every texture, color, and shadow plays a part in telling Harriet Tubman's remarkable story with an aesthetic brilliance that marries the old with the new seamlessly.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack accompanying the Blu-Ray release of "Harriet" receives unanimous acclaim for delivering an auditory experience that is as close to perfection as it gets, especially for a film rooted in drama. The audio presentation is highlighted by its capability to immerse the listener into the very heart of Bucktown, Maryland, with an outdoor opener that becomes a compelling symphony of natural ambiance, including the soulful atmosphere of rustling leaves, buzzing insects, and chirping birds. Throughout the film, this track maintains a consistent and intricate placement of sound elements, enveloping the viewer with a rich tapestry of ambient sounds from various settings such as Philadelphia streets and seaside piers. The care in sound shaping stands as the track's pinnacle achievement, amplified by the seamless integration of music that displays an exceptional fidelity and balance.

The surround sound activity is notably vigorous, with the rear speakers delivering a relentless barrage of atmospheric and ambient effects alongside scoring elements that effectively draw the viewer into the action. The soundtrack takes advantage of its wide dynamic range to capture all nuances, from the gentle patter of rain to the aggressive flow of rivers, without any distortion, also providing potent bass frequencies when needed to add weight to the narrative. The clarity and clean delivery ensure every detail is appreciated, enhancing outwardly simple scenes with a depth that is both impressive and engaging.

Dialogue clarity is another high point, with each word spoken by characters perfectly prioritized and emerging crisply from a predominantly front-center position, ensuring viewers never miss a beat of the compelling narrative. The soundtrack also gives due justice to the film's Oscar-nominated song "Stand Up," delivering it with great fidelity over the end credits. This DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track not only complements but elevates the cinematic experience of "Harriet," making it a feast for the ears that rivals its visual presentation, affirming its status as an exemplary achievement in film audio engineering.

The Blu-ray release of "Harriet" is packed with engaging extras that enhance the viewing experience and deepen understanding of this historic figure. The inclusion of deleted scenes, two featurettes, and an audio commentary provides a comprehensive look at the making of the film, the decisions behind what was included and what was left on the cutting room floor, and the real-life history of Harriet Tubman. The "Deleted Scenes" offer additional character moments and historical context, though they vary in their contribution to the film's substance. "Her Story" and "Becoming Harriet" featurettes are rich in insight, exploring the casting of Cynthia Erivo and the film's focus on hope and resilience. The audio commentary by director Kasi Lemmons is a standout, offering a wealth of information on historical elements, production challenges, and thematic choices that shaped the film. This release, adorned with an embossed slipcover and including both a DVD and a digital copy, is a must-have for fans interested in the deeper story of Harriet Tubman’s legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Seven scenes expanding on character development and historical figures.

• Her Story: A featurette providing insights into the historical context and film adaptation of Harriet Tubman's life.

• Becoming Harriet: Focuses on Cynthia Erivo’s transformative performance and casting process.

• Audio Commentary: Director Kasi Lemmons offers an engaging commentary filled with historical insights, production anecdotes, and thematic discussions.

Harriet Tubman, an iconic figure in American history, is vivaciously brought to life in Kasi Lemmons' "Harriet," a film chronicling the life of one of the most revered figures in the fight against slavery. Cynthia Erivo delivers a powerhouse performance as Tubman, earning her much-deserved accolades, including an Academy Award nomination. Her portrayal vividly captures Tubman's indomitable spirit and unyielding dedication to freedom. However, while Erivo's performance is a beacon of brilliance, the film itself navigates through Tubman's monumental life with a straightforward approach that some might find lacks depth in exploring the complexities of her journey.

The narrative delves into significant moments of Tubman's life, including her harrowing escape from slavery, her pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, and her relentless pursuits to emancipate slaves at great personal risk. The film succeeds in portraying Tubman as a near-mythical hero, combining historical accuracy with elements of melodrama to paint a picture of a woman whose life was driven by a higher calling. Despite this, critics argue that the film sometimes succumbs to conventional storytelling, missing opportunities to delve deeper into the intricate web of relationships and societal challenges Tubman navigated. The screenplay, while hitting key historical points, is said to gloss over aspects of Tubman's work that could have offered a richer narrative had they been explored further.

In terms of production, "Harriet" boasts impressive cinematography and a stirring score, enveloping viewers in the era and emotional landscape Tubman inhabited. Supporting performances, notably by Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monáe, add depth to the tale, enriching the storytelling with their portrayals of pivotal figures in Tubman's journey. Despite its narrative shortcomings, the film provides a visually captivating and emotionally resonant depiction of Harriet Tubman's extraordinary life. While it may not delve into the granularity some might crave in a biopic of such a complex figure, "Harriet" serves as a testament to Tubman's enduring legacy and the indelible impact she had on American history.

Harriet," encapsulates a powerful rendition of a monumental figure in American history, interweaving a poignant narrative with a remarkable lead performance. While it navigates the complexities of Harriet Tubman's life with an emotional depth that resonates at the soul level, the film at times veers towards the melodramatic, occasionally obscuring historical accuracies. The undeniable strength of Cynthia Erivo's portrayal as Tubman is a beacon throughout, supported by a strong ensemble cast and exemplary production values. However, the script's focus on emotional beats over a deeper exploration of Tubman's strategies and experiences within the Underground Railroad feels like a missed opportunity for further historical immersion.

From a technical standpoint, Universal's Blu-ray presentation of "Harriet" is outstanding, boasting top-tier video and audio quality that enhances the viewing experience significantly. The visuals are stunning, capturing the essence and era of Tubman's journey with clarity and vibrancy, while the audio supplements the narrative with an immersive soundstage that ensures viewers are right there with Harriet on her quest for freedom. The inclusion of several supplements, including an insightful audio commentary track, adds appreciable value for audiences seeking to delve deeper into the film's creation and contextual background.

In conclusion, "Harriet" is a commendable effort that pays homage to a heroic figure through compelling storytelling and notable performances, particularly from Cynthia Erivo. While it may not delve as deeply into the historical intricacies as some may prefer, its emotional resonance and superb technical presentation make it a valuable watch. The Blu-ray edition further elevates the experience with exceptional audiovisual quality and meaningful supplements, making it a worthy addition to any collection. Despite its narrative shortcomings, "Harriet" stands as an important portrayal of courage and resilience, recommended for its inspirational depiction of one of history’s bravest figures.