Harry & Son Blu-ray Review

"Harry & Son" is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Olive Films with an exceptional AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The presentation initially begins with a somewhat clunky credits sequence, which fortunately gives way to a surprisingly robust and vibrant visual experience. This transfer exhibits noticeable signs of age-related wear and tear but maintains a healthy and vibrant color palette throughout. Detail levels are commendable, with fine detail and natural grain consistently resolved without issues. Despite some minor consequences of crush during darker scenes, particularly noticeable in the car repo sequences, contrast and black levels remain largely consistent and stable.

Colors stand out with impressive primary "pop," and while flesh tones occasionally skew slightly pink, likely due to the bright Florida locales, this does not detract from the overall quality. The strong color reproduction is particularly apparent in Paul Newman's striking blue eyes. The image remains free from aggressive digital interference, preserving a naturalistic aesthetic. Despite initial image instability during the credits sequence, the presentation soon stabilizes, offering no signs of persistent wobble or instability. Overall, this transfer marks a clean and efficient transition to Blu-ray for this catalog title, making it a fine addition to any film enthusiast's collection.

"Harry & Son" offers a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, which impeccably supports the intimate and largely dialogue-driven narrative of the film. Given its focus on character interactions, the audio presentation remains clear and well-balanced, with crisp dialogue delivery that avoids any noticeable distortion or dropouts. The Henry Mancini underscore, while minimal, is integrated seamlessly, providing a charming complement to the on-screen conversations.

Despite its simplicity, the audio track exhibits commendable fidelity. There may be some limitations in dynamic range, but these do not detract from the overall experience. Notably, the track handles scenes with louder soundscapes, such as those at a construction site, with an engaging liveliness. The imaging impressively shifts between louder moments and quieter, more serene settings without losing clarity or making elements compete for attention.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track serves this calm, quiet family drama well, retaining a pleasing authenticity with no signs of age-related wear or tear. Fans of "Harry & Son" will appreciate how this audio track brings vitality to both bustling and tranquil scenes alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Harry & Son" is unfortunately devoid of any supplementary content. Despite its potential to offer insightful behind-the-scenes material or historically significant context, it lacks any extras to enhance the viewer's experience.

Extras included in this disc:

None.

"Harry & Son" weaves a complex narrative exploring the turbulence of father-son relationships, wherein Paul Newman's multifaceted involvement—as co-writer, director, and lead actor—injects both authenticity and heart into the film. Newman portrays Harry Keach, a recently widowed heavy machinery operator who finds himself in constant conflict with his son, Howard (Robby Benson), a recent valedictorian struggling to find purpose as a writer. The friction between Harry's need for control and Howard's aimless dreams mirrors the pervasive tension that could resonate with many. Newman's directorial approach combines intimate drama with a touch of humor, balancing the film's more melancholic elements.

The narrative structure attempts to derive emotional weight from its multiplicity of subplots, from Harry's debilitating health issues to Howard's strained reconnection with a pregnant ex-girlfriend (Ellen Barkin). However, this accumulation of dramatic threads can risk veering into melodrama, a fact mitigated by strong performances from the cast, including notable contributions from Wilford Brimley, Ossie Davis, and Joanne Woodward. Despite the heavy themes, Newman's direction ensures that the story remains grounded and poignant, peppered with moments of honesty and warmth that prevent it from becoming oppressively bleak.

Although the film occasionally feels overstuffed with intersecting plotlines and teeters toward a made-for-TV vibe, its core story about a troubled yet loving family manages to shine through. The performances lend credence to the emotional arcs, particularly Benson's portrayal of Howard, which resonates with sincerity and depth. Ultimately, "Harry & Son" stands out for its heartfelt examination of familial bonds and personal turmoil, a testament to Newman's nuanced storytelling and earnest character development.

The Blu-ray release of "Harry & Son" presents an intriguing yet flawed cinematic experience directed by Paul Newman. Known for its deliberately low-key presentation and slow-burning narrative, this film attempts to delve into the complexities of familial relationships, particularly between the two titular characters. However, the story's execution suffers from an overambitious plot that throws in myriad side stories, making it difficult for the audience to stay engaged. While the film's intentions are commendable, it often descends into a turgid experience, detracting from the core emotional arc that could have made it more compelling.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer by Olive Films is exemplary. The HD transfer is crisp, retaining the subtle details and textures of the film's original cinematography. The Master Audio track also holds up well, providing clear dialogue and ambient sounds without overwhelming the viewer. Unfortunately, the disc lacks any supplementary features, which is a missed opportunity for deeper exploration into Paul Newman's directorial choices and the behind-the-scenes dynamics.

If "Harry & Son" had concentrated solely on the slowly developing understanding between the two titular characters, the drama would have been of necessity more focused and perhaps more compelling. As it stands, there's just about everything but the kitchen sink thrown at various characters here, and it's hard for the audience to withstand that kind of incessant onslaught, despite a deliberately low-key presentation which shies away from florid displays of temperament for more of a slow burn of roiling dysfunction. Newman fans may well want to check this out, especially since it also features Mrs. Newman in an appealing role, but "Harry & Son" is problematic at best and unfortunately pretty turgid at worst. Technical merits are generally very strong for those considering a purchase.