Yesterday Blu-ray Review

"Yesterday" was filmed using RED Weapon 8K cameras and was subsequently transferred to a 4K digital intermediate. This 1080p Blu-ray release maintains the film’s original 2.39:1 aspect ratio and delivers an AVC-encoded transfer that excels in numerous areas. Colors are warm, natural, and exhibit vibrant saturation without any signs of blooming. Skin tones are particularly impressive, appearing clean and texturally robust, capturing exceptional details such as beard stubble and facial features. The variety of environments, ranging from cozy venues to large stadiums and intimate living rooms, all appear crisply rendered and texturally engaging.

Nevertheless, the transfer is not without its flaws. A persistent issue across different scenes is the swarming digital noise, especially noticeable in dimly lit settings. This is compounded by occasional color banding during those same low-light scenes. These imperfections can be somewhat distracting but do not heavily detract from the overall visual experience. Black levels are generally strong, ensuring good shadow detail despite the prevalent noise. The image quality remains striking with bright, vibrant colors in well-lit scenes and richly detailed textures throughout various settings. In summary, while the image quality on Universal's Blu-ray release of "Yesterday" is generally excellent, the presence of digital noise and occasional banding is a notable drawback in an otherwise vivid and engaging visual presentation.

The Dolby Atmos track on the Blu Ray release of Yesterday is a remarkably well-rounded and balanced auditory experience. It excels by providing a seamless integration of dialogue, music, and environmental sounds without explicitly drawing attention to any single element. Dialogue is consistently crisp and clear, centrally grounded with immaculate precision. The surrounds are engaged extensively, enhancing the musical aspects with rich ambient detail and maintaining an airy atmosphere throughout. The LFE channel is particularly effective, adding depth and power, especially during concert sequences where it pulsates with energy. These scenes, especially the climactic concerts, deliver prodigious sonic excitement with impeccable instrumental detail and crowd fill that contributes to an immersive live concert feel.

The Dolby Atmos configuration incorporates a nuanced usage of overhead channels, injecting subtle yet impactful ambient details during key scenes like Jack's concerts and a memorable press conference in chapter 16 where microphone reverberation truly captivates. The track also impresses with its clarity during intimate acoustic sessions, making each lyric and instrumental component stand out distinctly. This clarity ensures that even during non-musical scenes, the ambient sounds, such as crowd applause or street noise, are reproduced realistically, enriching the narrative flow. The additional soundtracks in Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 for Spanish and French languages, along with a DVS 2.0 track for the visually impaired, broaden the accessibility without compromising on quality.

Overall, the Dolby Atmos track achieves a perfect equilibrium, effectively supporting the film’s dramatic and musical demands. It offers an expansive soundstage that transitions effortlessly between delicate romance and robust concert sequences, maintaining an engaging auditory experience without overshadowing the visual elements. This audio track not only enhances the viewing experience but also stands as a testament to exceptional sound engineering.

The Blu-ray of "Yesterday" offers a rich array of extras that delve deeply into the making of the film. The technical presentation is impressive, with all content in 1080p, and a variety of supplementary materials that provide insight into the production process and feature intimate conversations with key contributors. The commentary by Director Danny Boyle and Writer/Producer Richard Curtis is particularly noteworthy, providing an exhaustive breakdown of the film's creation. Deleted and alternate scenes add further depth, while featurettes like "Playing for Real" and "Ed Sheeran: From Stadium to Screen" explore the casting and performances. Fans of the film will also appreciate humorous elements in the "Gag Reel."

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary with Director Danny Boyle and Writer/Producer Richard Curtis: Detailed discussion on film production.
• Alternate Ending: A different conclusion to the story.
• Deleted Scenes: Twelve scenes that were removed from the final cut.
• Live at Abbey Road Studios: Himesh Patel's live performances.
• Alternate Opening: The initial planned opening sequence.
• Gag Reel: Humorous outtakes from the shoot.
• A Talented Duo: Insights into Boyle and Curtis’s collaboration.
• Playing for Real: Casting process and live music performances.
• Soul Mates: Exploration of the relationship between Jack and Ellie.
• Ed Sheeran: From Stadium to Screen: Ed Sheeran’s film involvement.
• Agent of Comedy: Kate McKinnon: Examination of McKinnon’s character.
• A Conversation with Richard & Ed: Dialogue between scriptwriter Richard Curtis and musician Ed Sheeran.

"Yesterday" is a thoughtful exploration by Danny Boyle that seamlessly blends genres, featuring a vivid reimagining of a world without The Beatles. The film centers on Jack Malik (Himesh Patel), a struggling British musician whose career barely subsists in mundane gigs and a retail job. After a bizarre global blackout accident, Jack realizes he's in an alternate reality where The Beatles never existed. Seizing this opportunity, he performs their iconic songs, quickly gaining unearned fame and recognition. Boyle's direction marries charming performances with thematic depth, reflecting on the authenticity and ambition versus genuine self-discovery.

Patel's portrayal of Jack is both endearing and nuanced, capturing the struggles of an uninspired artist transformed by a twist of fate. Lily James as Ellie Appleton, Jack's manager and steadfast friend, anchors the emotional core of the film with her heartfelt performance. The film excels in its technical aspects, notably Boyle's use of dutch angles and repetitive motifs that subtly underscore the surreal nature of Jack's predicament. Kate McKinnon’s acerbic take on a music executive injects humor and critiques industry cynicism, while Ed Sheeran's cameo adds a layer of authenticity to Jack’s rise in the music scene.

Boyle and screenwriter Richard Curtis craft a narrative rich in universal themes of identity, ethics, and the true essence of fulfillment. Despite its fantastical premise, "Yesterday" cleverly dissects what it means to live a life grounded in truth and creativity. Patel’s internal conflict over his deceit and the film’s lighter, almost whimsical tone balance the weightier existential questions raised. Though it flirts with deeper implications about cultural impact and artistic integrity, "Yesterday" primarily remains a sweet and accessible love letter to The Beatles and the timeless power of their music.

"Yesterday," directed by Danny Boyle, impressively blends charm and fantasy, capturing the imaginations of Beatles fans and casual viewers alike. The premise is handled with sincerity, telling the touching tale of Jack Malik, a struggling musician who wakes up in a world where The Beatles never existed. Despite its high-concept plot, Boyle adeptly grounds the film with a heartfelt romance and comedic undertones. The stellar performances by Himesh Patel, Lily James, and the supporting cast enhance the relatability of this whimsical world.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "Yesterday" offers strong audio and visual presentation. The disc delivers a pristine 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio and robust English Dolby Atmos audio track that elevate the viewing experience. Universal has also packed the release with substantial special features, including an insightful audio commentary by Boyle and writer Richard Curtis, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes content. Fans will appreciate the meticulous efforts in using real locations and live audiences, which add authenticity to key scenes.

In conclusion, "Yesterday" shouldn’t work as well as it does, but Danny Boyle pulls it off remarkably. The film is intoxicating for Beatles fans and thoroughly enjoyable upon multiple viewings. The Blu-ray is an excellent package, featuring high-quality audiovisuals and a wealth of extras that enhance the overall experience. It stands out as one of the best films of the year and comes highly recommended for both new viewers and avid fans alike.

Technical Specifications:

• Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 AVC
• Audio: English: Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Core), Spanish, French DD+ 7.1
• Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
• Studio: Universal
• Rated: PG-13
• Runtime: 116 Minutes
• Blu-ray Release Date: September 24th, 2019

Recommendation: Highly Recommended