The War Room Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Blu-ray release of "The War Room" is presented with a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.33:1. This high-definition digital transfer, created on a Spirit 2K Datacine from the original 16mm camera negative, has been meticulously approved by directors Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker. Extensive restoration efforts were applied, utilizing MTI's DRS for manual removal of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps, while Image Systems' Phoenix addressed grain, noise reduction, jitter, and flicker issues. The result is predominantly pristine with occasional specks, which are minor and expected given the constraints of the source material.

The image quality is notably sharp with excellent detail and depth, enhancing the clarity and color reproduction authentically. Natural colors and realistic tones with balanced contrast and consistent black levels contribute to a pleasing visual experience. The 16mm footage appears remarkably good with a moderate layer of well-resolved grain, but archival sequences from various standard-definition sources, like news broadcasts, display inherent limitations such as edge enhancement and some artifacts. While these inevitable inconsistencies create a somewhat patchy experience characteristic of such documentaries, no significant stability issues or unnecessary processing compromises the overall viewing quality.

Overall, this Blu-ray transfer is a significant upgrade from the previous DVD release by Lionsgate in 1998. Despite the inherent caveats with the older archive material, "The War Room" on Blu-ray stands out for its technical proficiency and attention to detail in the restoration process. The presentation aligns well with the original documentary's intention and aesthetic, providing an authentic and immersive viewing experience. (Note: This disc is Region-A locked).

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The War Room" is delivered via an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, offering a blend of clarity and limited dynamic range. Criterion has meticulously remastered the soundtrack at 24-bit from original 35mm magnetic audio tracks, employing Pro Tools HD to manually remove clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum. The remastering process also included the attenuation of crackle using AudioCube's integrated workstation. This results in a clean audio output that enhances the aural experience of this documentary. It's also important to note that optional English SDH subtitles are available for the main feature.

While the archival nature of some footage introduces minor technical anomalies like occasional hissing, the overall mix maintains excellent dialogue clarity. Critics noted some inconsistencies in dialogue placement, with speech sometimes oddly positioned around the soundstage. However, these moments are rare and do not significantly detract from the overall listening experience. The soundstage itself benefits from some delightful separation, further enhancing the immersive quality of the audio. Background elements such as chatter, fireworks, and clicking cameras are effectively placed in the surround channels, although sometimes they might seem slightly unnatural.

Overall, although the matrixed 2.0 surround mix has minor quirks, the audio presentation succeeds in delivering clear and easy-to-follow dialogue. The soundtrack's decoding to DTS-HD Master Audio ensures a pleasant listening experience with surprising liveliness, particularly given the documentary's on-the-fly sound recording nature. For a film heavily reliant on spoken content, this meticulous attention to audio detail is both commendable and functional.

The supplementary content on the Blu-ray of "The War Room" presents a compelling and in-depth look into the 1992 Clinton campaign and the making of the documentary itself. These featurettes are meticulously produced in high definition, with Dolby Digital 2.0 or 1.0 tracks. The highlight is the feature-length follow-up "Return of The War Room," offering retrospective insights from key figures involved in the original campaign. Additional features include an extensive panel discussion hosted by the William J. Clinton Foundation and a series of interviews with the filmmakers, providing insightful anecdotes and recounting the challenges of documenting a presidential campaign. A brief but informative interview with pollster Stanley Greenberg and a booklet featuring an essay by Louis Menand augment these offerings, making this a rich repository for political enthusiasts and documentary aficionados alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "The War Room."
• William J. Clinton Foundation Panel: Excerpts from a 2011 retrospective discussion on the 1992 Clinton campaign.
• Return of The War Room: A feature-length follow-up with reflections on the 1992 Clinton campaign.
• Making The War Room:
  • Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker, Cutler, and Ettinger: In-depth conversation about the making of the film.
  • Frazer Pennebaker: Additional insights on the film's production and release.
  • Nick Doob: Details on working with Stephanopoulos and gaining his trust.
• Stanley Greenberg: Interview with the pollster for the 1992 Clinton campaign.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet featuring Louis Menand's essay "Being There."

The War Room, directed by acclaimed documentarians D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, offers a seminal glimpse into the intricate workings of Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign. Focusing on the vibrant interplay between principal strategists James Carville and George Stephanopoulos, this documentary allows viewers to witness first-hand the dynamic political strategies employed in the war room. The film skillfully uses a cinéma vérité style, abandoning traditional narration in favor of a fly-on-the-wall perspective, capturing candid moments of decision-making and strategy sessions. This approach, augmented by masterful editing, yields a captivating and intimate exploration of political maneuvering, replete with quick rebuttals, meticulously crafted slogans, and unanticipated drama.

James Carville's flamboyant persona and razor-sharp tactical mind bring an enthralling energy to the film. His unapologetic passion and frequently iconic one-liners ("It's the economy, stupid!") punctuate key moments, offering both levity and fervor. Contrastingly, George Stephanopoulos provides a more measured, contemplative presence, skillfully balancing Carville's fiery enthusiasm with his own blend of pragmatism and steady resolve. Their disparate yet complementary styles underscore much of the documentary's tension and drive, revealing Carville's intense campaign strategies and Stephanopoulos' meticulous media handling. This duality not only enriches the narrative but affords a nuanced understanding of the complex political landscape.

While the documentary remains focused largely within the confines of the campaign headquarters, it also intersperses relevant news footage to frame the broader context. Scandals like Clinton’s draft controversy and the Gennifer Flowers affair are addressed, showcasing the adept crisis management by Clinton’s team. The film also explores personal dimensions briefly, hinting at Carville’s burgeoning romance with Mary Matalin, Bush’s lead strategist, adding a unique personal subplot. Ultimately, "The War Room" stands as an invaluable documentary artifact, offering profound insights into the evolution of modern political campaigning through its unflinching portrayal of strategy, resilience, and human endeavor.

"The War Room" offers an engrossing insight into the intricate and often unpredictable world of political campaign strategy. Directors Chris Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker utilize a visceral, fly-on-the-wall approach that allows the audience to witness the unfolding events without overt narrative interference. The documentary focuses on the 1992 Clinton presidential campaign, featuring prominent figures like James Carville and George Stephanopoulos. Their larger-than-life personalities bring both gravitas and entertainment, making the documentary not just informative but also highly engaging. The mixture of 16mm footage and archival news material is handled well, though the video transfer exhibits occasional inconsistencies.

Criterion's Blu-ray release enhances the experience with an exceptional range of special features, including a feature-length follow-up and extensive interview material. The 2.0 surround mix provides a decent level of immersion, although some minor issues are present. These small flaws do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the documentary. The film captures a pivotal moment in American political history, offering both a nostalgic look back and a timeless commentary on the inherent strengths and flaws of the democratic process.

Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum - left, right, or somewhere in-between - you should find the time to see "The War Room." Yes, there is a lot of political talk in it, but what the film offers is not a series of biased political observations; rather, it offers a glimpse into the democratic process that ultimately determines how people live their lives in America. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.