Morning Glory Blu-ray Review

Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Morning Glory" offers a visually engaging 1080p transfer, characterized by vivid primary colors and an excellent depth and dimension, reminiscent of high-definition fidelity. Images display a sharp clarity with intricate detail that enhances perception, especially in textures like clothing and physical features. Blacks are inky and accurate, providing substantial pop during darker sequences and maintaining detail in shadowy segments, giving appreciable depth of field. Despite a few softer-looking shots—likely inherent to the source rather than a fault of the transfer—the overall image remains crisp and clear, beautifully capturing everything from the texture of denim jackets to greenery in outdoor scenes.

Although the video presentation is largely positive, it falls short of being truly bright and vibrant throughout. While the yellow backdrop on the 'Daybreak' set pops nicely, other hues appear somewhat muted. Skin tones occasionally veer towards a ruddy hue but generally retain natural colors. Despite these minor shortcomings, the image is remarkably free from common visual flaws such as banding, blocky backgrounds, destructive noise reduction, and edge halos. The transfer retains a subtle but critical grain field, adding a fine cinematic texture that ensures the image remains film-like and pristine.

Overall, "Morning Glory" delivers a reference-quality Blu-ray transfer that aligns well with typical high-definition standards. Blacks are deep and consistent, close-up details are strong without being overly dazzling, and there are no visible imperfections detracting from the viewing experience. This Blu-ray transfer exemplifies high-def encoding excellence from Paramount, ensuring a pleasurable visual experience for viewers.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Morning Glory" strikes a commendable balance, rendering source elements with impressive clarity and dynamic energy. Dialogue is crisply delivered through the center channel, showcasing a keen attention to tonal detail. Surround channels, while moderately active, contribute effectively to creating an immersive ambiance, especially during significant sound effects. This well-balanced mix ensures an enjoyable surround sound experience that aligns perfectly with the film's tone.

Music in "Morning Glory" benefits from the excellent clarity and spatial dynamics afforded by the DTS-HD MA track. The film's soundtrack, particularly during the Daybreak theme music and the notable late cameo of a rapper, displays impressive heft and crispness across the front channels. While the rear-channel presence is more subdued, background atmospherics, both city and country, are reproduced realistically and efficiently. Specific effects, like shotgun blasts, are notably impactful, resonating with superb energy and an expansive echo.

Overall, the audio presentation is thoughtfully executed, with a wide dynamic range that meticulously avoids distortion. The soundtracks fill the room with good fidelity, and dialogue remains consistently prioritized and easy to understand. Although the subwoofer doesn't see intense action, bass responses — notably from a rifle shot — deliver substantial impact. David Arnold's music score integrates seamlessly into the mix, supporting the narrative without overshadowing it. The audio quality may not rival that of blockbuster action films in terms of volume and intensity, but it remains satisfyingly accurate and fitting for this dialogue-driven romantic comedy.

The extras package for the Blu-Ray edition of "Morning Glory" is notably underwhelming, offering minimal supplementary content that fails to do justice to the film. The audio commentary by director Roger Michell and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, recorded just days before the film's premiere, covers scattered bits of production insights, script evolution over three years, actor performances, and some humorous anecdotes like Harrison Ford arriving on set in Indiana Jones attire. However, the commentary lacks depth and engagement, making it a tedious experience. Additionally, the sole deleted scene is just a brief outtake lasting a mere 46 seconds, featuring banter between Keaton and an anchor.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Roger Michell and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna discuss aspects of the movie's production and provide various anecdotes.
• Deleted Scene: A short scene featuring interaction between Keaton and an anchor, adding little to the overall narrative.

Morning Glory navigates the bustling ecosystem of New York City's morning television with a narrative driven by characters rather than plot complexity. Rachel McAdams delivers an energetic portrayal of Becky Fuller, a fired producer who lands a gig at the flagging IBS network's Daybreak. Her task is colossal: revitalize the show or face cancellation. McAdams shines as the overworked, optimistic producer who must not only contend with slipping ratings but manage the volatile dynamics between grizzled newsman Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) and seasoned host Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton).

The film’s charm lies in its lighthearted tone and character interplay. It's predictably crafted, but its strength comes from the sharp characterizations and the cast's vibrant performances. Ford stands out with his gruff, cynical persona that injects an enigmatic spark into the plot. His irritation at covering trivial morning segments while pining for hard-hitting news adds a layer of sardonic humor and palpable tension. Keaton’s character, while somewhat underdeveloped, complements Ford’s surly demeanor with her own array of niche comedic moments.

Director Roger Michell keeps the narrative brisk and engaging, though it occasionally wades into exaggerated sitcom territory. Subtlety sometimes gives way to broader comedic strokes, which can be poignant yet risks feeling overblown. Despite this, Morning Glory maintains a feel-good atmosphere, aided by McAdams’ relatable earnestness and Ford’s unexpectedly captivating grumpiness.

Ultimately, Morning Glory offers an amiable experience for audiences seeking light entertainment. It sidesteps pretentiousness for an affable invitation into the chaotic behind-the-scenes world of morning television. Without delving deeply into the intricacies of broadcast journalism, it prioritizes amusement over profundity, creating an enjoyable viewing experience driven by endearing performances and dynamic character clashes.

'Morning Glory' offers an exuberant dive into the world of morning television, with its light-hearted comedy proving to be a refreshing change from the norm. The film's charming characters, led by a radiant Rachel McAdams, capture audiences' hearts with their likable flaws and down-to-earth personas. While the narrative remains predictable, the simplicity and warmth of its storytelling make it effortlessly enjoyable. Paramount's Blu-ray release delivers impressively with near-perfect 1080p video quality and a vibrant lossless audio track, ensuring a top-tier viewing experience.

However, the disc falls short in terms of supplemental content, offering only two extras that many would find insufficient. Despite this limitation, the quality presentation of the main feature compensates for the lackluster bonus material. The film may not have achieved blockbuster status at the box office, but it has solid potential to resonate well with home audiences, particularly fans of romantic comedies seeking something pleasant and undemanding.

Overall, 'Morning Glory' is an endearing film that stands comfortably within its genre's expectations. The Blu-ray release, with its stellar technical performance, enhances viewers' experience despite the minimal extras. This disc is recommended for those in search of light-hearted entertainment, though it might be more suited to a rental for those desiring more depth.