Last Flag Flying Blu-ray Review

"Last Flag Flying" is presented on Blu-ray in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, showcasing a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Captured digitally with the Panasonic Varicam 35 at a reported 4K source resolution, the film was finalized with a 2K DI. The cinematography by Shane F. Kelly, celebrated for his work on "Boyhood," makes effective use of natural lighting sources. This technique results in scenes often bathed in shadows, particularly those inside cars, trains, or dimly lit bars. Even the outdoor sequences maintain a wintry and gray palette, though sudden bursts of color, such as Richard's vibrant purple ministerial stoll, stand out vividly. Fine detail remains consistently excellent but does momentarily falter during some of the darker sequences. Notably, there is some slight image instability detected in lateral pans, although this does not significantly detract from the overall visual experience.

The color timing does raise some concerns, particularly in scenes set in an all-white airplane hangar where actors' faces can appear pale and washed-out due to the handling of bright whites. A notable example includes actor Yul Vazquez, whose complexion appears almost ghost-like in contrast to other sequences. Additionally, Steve Carell's coat fluctuates between bluish-gray and reddish hues depending on the lighting context. Despite these minor glitches, the transfer excels in delivering sharp and detailed visuals. Black levels are robust if not entirely inky deep, and noise is minimal throughout the presentation. The transfer maintains a high standard with no noticeable aliasing or banding issues, ensuring a generally problem-free viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Last Flag Flying" presents a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that, while subtly immersive, is meticulously crafted to suit the film's contemplative tone. The audio mix adeptly handles ambient environmental effects, particularly effective in scenes set outdoors or within vehicles like trains, crucial to the narrative's journey-centric structure. Graham Reynolds's bittersweet score thoughtfully permeates the surround channels, enhancing emotional depth without overshadowing the dialogue. The dialogue itself is rendered cleanly and clearly, ensuring every spoken word is perfectly intelligible.

Technically, the English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is the sole audio offering on this Blu-ray and it proves to be more than sufficient for this dialogue-driven film. Though much of the movie involves the main characters engaging in conversation, the track doesn't shy away from moments of enriched surround activity. For instance, the opening scene featuring Steve Carell walking in the rain sets a profound auditory stage. Subsequent scenes, such as the characters' cross-country train journey, provide additional opportunities for the audio to stretch its immersive muscles. Throughout, dialogue remains front and center, seamlessly integrated with Reynolds's musical score and ambient sound effects, all while avoiding any technical glitches. Subtitles are available in English SDH and Spanish for accessibility.

The Blu-ray extras for "Last Flag Flying" are a compelling mix of insightful behind-the-scenes content, emotionally charged analyses, and lighthearted moments. "Unexpected Journey: Making Last Flag Flying" offers a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look with interviews from the cast and crew, providing a well-rounded understanding of the film's production. The outtakes exhibit the camaraderie among Steve Carell, Laurence Fishburne, and Bryan Cranston through a series of humorous bloopers. The deleted scenes, although short, add additional layers to the narrative, showcasing scenes like Dress Blues, Limo Ride, and an Extended Bar Scene. "Veterans Day" delves into the filming of one of the movie’s most poignant moments, capturing the intensity of shooting on such a significant day.

Extras included in this disc:

• Unexpected Journey: Making Last Flag Flying: Behind-the-scenes feature with interviews.
• Outtakes: Amusing bloopers reel.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes not included in the final cut.
• Veterans Day: Insights on filming the emotionally wrenching casket scenes.

"Last Flag Flying," directed by Richard Linklater and co-written with novelist Darryl Ponicsan, is a heartfelt, introspective film that closely examines camaraderie, loss, and the complexities of military service. Steve Carrell stars as Larry "Doc" Shepherd, a Vietnam veteran who unites with old friends Sal Nealon (Bryan Cranston) and Richard Mueller (Laurence Fishburne) after the tragic death of his son in Iraq. This ostensibly casual reunion turns into an emotional journey to bring Doc's son's body home, shifting the narrative from a lighthearted road trip to a poignant exploration of their past and the lingering effects of war. Linklater, known for his empathetic storytelling, crafts a film that offers both humor and deep emotional resonance through meticulously developed characters and authentic interactions.

Performances in "Last Flag Flying" are exceptional, with Carrell delivering a subdued yet powerful portrayal of grief. Cranston's depiction of Sal, the foul-mouthed, hard-drinking foil to Fishburne's devout Mueller, provides a dynamic contrast that drives much of the film's engaging dialogue. The trio’s chemistry revitalizes the traditional road movie format, blending humor with dark reminiscence of their Vietnam service, which is revisited through vivid character vignettes and transformative detours. Significant scenes, such as an emotionally charged visit to Arlington National Cemetery, underscore thematic elements of governmental mistrust and the harsh truths of military life.

Linklater's direction ensures these exchanges shift fluidly between comical banter and moments of piercing sorrow, addressing elements like government deceit and the importance of remembering past misdeeds. As cinematic road trips go, "Last Flag Flying" adds substantial depth with its exploration of themes pivotal to veterans and their families, making it a film rich in narrative complexity and emotional impact.

"Last Flag Flying" is a compelling film that masterfully balances the somberness of its premise with heartfelt moments and genuine humor. Directed by Richard Linklater, this road movie sees three Vietnam War veterans reunite after decades to bury one of their sons who died in the Iraq War. The film thrives on the dynamic interplay between its lead actors—Bryan Cranston, Steve Carell, and Laurence Fishburne—who deliver nuanced and powerful performances. The Blu-ray transfer is excellent, featuring a crisp 1080p presentation that captures the raw emotion and subtleties in every scene. The audio design, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, is immersive, enhancing the viewing experience with clarity and precision.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers a stellar viewing experience. The picture quality is immaculate, with deep blacks and vibrant colors that bring out the film's rich visual texture. The sound mix is balanced, ensuring dialogue remains clear amidst the more subtle background score and sound effects. The special features include a making-of documentary, deleted scenes, and director’s commentary, which provide valuable insights into the film's production and the creative choices behind it.

Perhaps because of my aforementioned military family upbringing, I was very, very moved by "Last Flag Flying," to the point I was kind of glad there was no one else in the room as the film came to its sad but triumphant close. This is a very heartfelt film about loyalty, duty, and the wisdom of truth-telling, and the interplay between the main characters has the ring of truth itself. Performances are spot on, and even if some might think the film overstays its welcome by at least a few minutes, "Last Flag Flying" comes Highly recommended.