Frequency Blu-ray Review

Warner/New Line's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Frequency" stands out with a striking video transfer that maintains a professional and technical edge. The film's cinematography by Alar Kivilo is marked by its subtle intensity, deftly achieved through deep blacks, sharp focus, and nuanced shifts between the color palettes of 1969 and 1999. This Blu-ray edition captures these nuances with solid black levels and exceptional detail in both dark and brightly lit scenes. The color contrast is meticulously preserved, contrasting the warmer hues of Frank's 1969 home with the chillier tones of John's 1999 surroundings. Furthermore, a very fine pattern of natural grain is evident throughout the image, enhancing the film-like quality without signs of digital processing interference such as DNR or EE halos.

Framed in its original aspect ratio of 2.40:1, "Frequency" delivers an impressive catalog title with minimal flaws. The film’s fine grain structure is consistent and unobtrusive, lacking any digital artifacts like aliasing or banding. Colors are bold and skin tones appear even and realistic, while blacks remain deep with excellent contrast and shadow detail. Although some CGI elements like the opening shot of the sun may look dated and a few minor dust specs and grain spikes are occasionally noticeable, these are rare exceptions in an otherwise stellar transfer. The resolution and depth provided by this Blu-ray might even reveal more than intended, such as makeup/prosthetics used to age actors between scenes from 1969 to 1999. Overall, the picture quality is surprisingly high for a catalog title, often surpassing expectations for films of this era. Fans of “Frequency” will be delighted with this well-executed presentation that feels both fresh and true to its original cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Frequency" delivers a DTS-HD MA 7.1 track that provides an expansive and involving sonic experience. The audio's power is immediately evident during the early sequence when Frank Sullivan rescues trapped workers, bringing the room alive with intricate details like dripping water and sparking cables. This attention to sonic minutiae is consistently maintained throughout scenes in different time periods. While bass extension is deep and powerful, it remains balanced and non-intrusive. Dialogue clarity is excellent, even with the accurately captured Queens accent. Michael Kamen's score seamlessly blends with the film's sound mix, supporting the narrative's emotions effectively without overshadowing them. Pop songs such as Carly Simon's rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and Garth Brooks's "When You Come Back to Me" shine through brilliantly.

However, some viewers might find that this 7.1 track suffers from an underpowered volume, requiring a significant boost (around 7-12 dB) to reach typical listening levels. Comparing the 7.1 DTS-HD MA track to the original 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack on the DVD reveals that the former, while comprising a more nuanced and immersive surround experience, lacks the LFE punch and can feel quieter. Fire scenes, particularly the Buxton fire later in the film, are more potent but still fall short of the expected guttural impact. Additionally, the sequences showcasing temporal montages could benefit from more detailed and immersive sound to match their visual complexity.

In sum, despite its slightly subdued volume and occasional missed opportunities in low-frequency effects, the "Frequency" Blu-ray's audio track stands out for its clarity, balance, and immersive qualities, significantly enhancing the film's atmospheric depth beyond previous releases.

The Blu-ray edition of "Frequency" offers a substantial selection of extras, retaining much from the original 2000 New Line Platinum Series DVD, though some features like the fact and trivia track, cast and crew bios, and various DVD-ROM extras have been omitted. The ported content provides deep insights for both fans and cinema enthusiasts. Director Gregory Hoblit shares extensive commentary about the film's production and his reflections on its conclusion, while writer Toby Emmerich and actor Noah Emmerich provide a dynamic, informative discussion. Composer Michael Kamen's isolated music track adds depth, offering personal stories and detailed career highlights. A documentary covering the intersection of science and film expands on the film's thematic elements with input from subject matter experts. Additional extras like deleted scenes and conceptual animations enrich the viewing experience further.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Gregory Hoblit: Insights on script evolution, casting, and filming nuances.
• Commentary with Writer Toby Emmerich and Actor Noah Emmerich: Informative and playful discussion of script alterations.
• Isolated Music Track with Commentary by Composer Michael Kamen: Commentary interspersed between score pieces.
• The Science & Technology Behind Frequency: Five-part documentary on relevant scientific topics.
  • Solar Science
  • Ham Radios
  • Time Travel & Theoretical Physics
  • Fighting Fires
  • Creating Natural Phenomena for Film
• Solar Galleries: Four stages of the film’s opening solar flares animation.
  • Rough 3-D Animation
  • Animation with Lighting
  • Complex Animation
  • Final Film
• Deleted Scenes: Four scenes that add context but not necessary for the film’s narrative.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer showcasing the film’s intriguing premise.

"Frequency" masterfully intertwines multiple genres into a cohesive and compelling narrative, setting itself apart as a unique film. Under the direction of Gregory Hoblit, known for his work on multi-threaded TV dramas like "Hill Street Blues" and "NYPD Blue," the movie combines elements of sci-fi, thriller, police procedural, and emotional drama. The story revolves around a father-son duo communicating across a 30-year time gap due to an unusual aurora borealis. The nuanced performances of Dennis Quaid and Jim Caviezel, who interact in real-time via cleverly staged scenes, add an electrifying depth to the narrative. Hoblit's techniques render the film both emotionally intense and narratively intricate, ensuring that each divergent strand fits seamlessly.

The film's plot is built around the unusual premise of time-displaced communication rather than traditional time travel. In 1969, firefighter Frank Sullivan (Quaid) faces his fateful last fire, while in 1999, his son John (Caviezel), now a haunted NYPD detective, struggles with his unresolved grief. Upon reconnecting through an old ham radio during an aurora borealis event, John provides Frank with life-saving information. However, altering the past has dire consequences, such as prolonging a serial killer's murder spree. John, possessing memories from both timelines, collaborates with his father to correct the new chain of events, driving an edge-of-your-seat narrative that weaves personal stakes with a procedural thriller.

While "Frequency" excels in its emotional connections and conceptual daring, its handling of time travel rules can feel inconsistent. The film cleverly bypasses obvious paradoxes with John’s unique ability to recall both versions of the past, though some plot elements stretch believability. Despite these minor flaws and occasional tonal mismatches, the film remains an engaging thriller infused with genuine heart. Unique set construction enabled real-time interaction between Quaid and Caviezel, adding authenticity to their performances and further elevating the movie’s emotional impact. Ultimately, "Frequency" stands out as a well-crafted blend of genres that offers a captivating viewing experience.

"Frequency" arrives on Blu-ray with a largely overlooked yet intriguing narrative blending time travel with strong familial themes. Although the film doesn't always align perfectly with the logical constraints typical to the time travel genre, its strengths lie in its excellent performances, particularly from Dennis Quaid and Elizabeth Mitchell whose chemistry offers substantial emotional depth. Director Gregory Hoblit crafts a compelling story that captivates through its theme of family reconciliation, resulting in an engaging viewing experience.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray transfer is impressive. The catalog transfer is excellent, ensuring clear visuals with well-preserved detail that enhances the viewer's immersion. The 7.1 soundtrack, while an upgrade from the original 5.1 mix, occasionally falls short of delivering a truly enveloping audio experience. Still, it remains adequate for most viewing environments. The included Special Features, albeit recycled, add nostalgic value for fans with featurettes and isolated music score tracks.

The notion of altering the past to fix regrets or missed opportunities is a powerful draw, and "Frequency" leverages this theme adeptly to create an emotional connection with its audience. What elevates the film is the palpable warmth and dynamic interplay between the Sullivans, propelling the narrative towards a deeply satisfying conclusion. This Blu-ray release manages to encapsulate the film’s enduring appeal, making it a valuable addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate heartfelt storytelling woven into a sci-fi framework. Highly recommended for both new viewers and long-time fans.