The Social Network Blu-ray Review

The 1080p transfer of "The Social Network" on Blu-ray is a visual triumph that captures the stylistic and atmospheric essence of David Fincher's digitally-shot film. Black levels are superbly rendered, particularly in the nighttime exterior shots around the campus, which enhance the film's inherently dark mood. Fincher’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout; from the finest nuances on wet pavements and building facades to intricate details on faces and clothing, the transfer performs admirably. Although colors are muted and favor a more drab palette, they remain stable and are handled with precision, whether depicting the trademark blue Facebook color or the brighter hues in office interiors later in the movie. The depth is commendable, avoiding a flat, overly glossy appearance thanks to Fincher’s dark texturing, while noise is virtually nonexistent, only marred by occasional banding.

Contrast and clarity are remarkable, enhanced by warm tones that cast a yellowish glow on certain scenes, adding to the film's cozy, almost celluloid feel. Despite being digitally shot, the film avoids the sterile, hyper-sharp look common in other digital productions. Darker scenes, such as the rowing sequence, achieve excellent pop and add to the immersive experience without obscuring details. Black levels are deep and inky without succumbing to crush, and whites are bright yet controlled, preventing any blooming. Contrast remains well-balanced, offering a clean and sleek picture that maintains just enough dimensionality without feeling overly polished.

Sony has delivered an exceptional Blu-ray transfer of "The Social Network," seamlessly blending technical prowess with Fincher’s artistic vision. The slight bit of banding and lack of enhancements or digital artifacts further cement this release as a top-tier visual presentation, ensuring that fans of the film will be more than satisfied with this high-quality rendering.

The audio presentation of "The Social Network" on Blu-ray is a remarkable exemplar of how sound design and mixing can elevate a dialogue-driven film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers an immersive experience that constantly engages the listener. The opening bar scene sets a high standard with its bustling ambience, effectively pulling the audience into the environment. Surround channels are adeptly utilized to create atmospheric depth without ever feeling overwhelming. The dance club sequence is a standout, enveloping the listener with robust techno music and pounding bass tones that rival those found in top-tier action movie soundtracks. While the track occasionally risks overwhelming dialogue with background noise, it generally maintains clear, precise vocal clarity, anchored solidly in the center channel.

Dynamic range is impressively executed, presenting a broad spectrum from bright highs to deep, resonant lows that provide substantial weight to many scenes. Dialogue, a critical element of this film, is typically crisp and intelligible, though there are instances where background chatter necessitates closer attention. Nevertheless, intricate details such as keyboard clicks and footsteps are impeccably distinct, showcasing the track's high level of fidelity and tonal depth. The musical score, instrumental to the film's atmosphere, is captured with exquisite nuances, delivering both subtle and powerful moments with equal adeptness.

"The Social Network’s" soundtrack is a meticulous blend of nuanced ambient sounds, powerful musical interludes, and crystal-clear dialogue. It surprises with its dynamic range and immersive quality, making it an exceptional auditory experience for a drama-centric film. While not flawless, the track's near-perfect integration of various sonic elements makes it one of the best soundtracks in its genre.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Social Network" offer a wealth of in-depth content spread across two discs. Disc One focuses on the film, supplemented with two insightful audio commentaries and BD-Live link. Disc Two delves deeper with several robust featurettes, providing a closer look at the film's creation. Director David Fincher's solo commentary explores nuances of the film's tone, casting, and visual style. Meanwhile, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, alongside cast members like Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield, shares behind-the-scenes stories and production anecdotes. The extensive feature-length documentary detailing the making of the film is particularly compelling, offering an immersive experience into the filmmaking process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: David Fincher's insights on the filmmaking process.
• Audio Commentary: Aaron Sorkin and cast discussing production anecdotes.
• How Did They Ever Make a Movie of Facebook?: A comprehensive documentary covering all aspects of the film's creation.
• Jeff Cronenweth and David Fincher on the Visuals: Exploration of the visual storytelling techniques.
• Angus Wall, Kirk Baxter, and Ren Klyce on Post: Insights into the post-production process.
• Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and David Fincher on the Score: Detailed look at the music composition.
• In the Hall of the Mountain King: Music Exploration: Comparison of different music cues for a key scene.
• Swarmatron: Trent Reznor presenting a unique instrument used in the score.
• Ruby Skye VIP Room: Multi-Angle Scene Breakdown: Interactive exploration of one of the film's complex scenes.

David Fincher’s “The Social Network” is a meticulously crafted, supremely executed film that far transcends its superficial subject matter—the creation and rise of Facebook. At its surface, the film serves as an engrossing account of how Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) took a relatable yet trivial breakup and transformed it into a social media phenomenon that reshaped digital interaction. Fincher, aided by Aaron Sorkin’s razor-sharp script, adeptly captures the zeitgeist of the early 2000s college culture at Harvard, which serves as the fertile ground for Zuckerberg’s revolutionary idea. Sorkin’s compositions are particularly noteworthy, presenting dialogue that is both erudite and accessible, allowing audiences to grasp Zuckerberg's motivations despite the inundation of technical jargon.

Yet, the true brilliance lies beneath this veneer. At its heart, "The Social Network" delves into the complexities of human emotion and social dynamics—friendship, betrayal, jealousy, and power struggles. The narrative is propelled through engaging flashbacks that reveal the legal tumult Zuckerberg faced, battling colleagues and friends who felt wronged. This dual-layer structure not only makes for compelling storytelling but also acts as a metaphor for a society engrossed by social status and digital connectivity. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s haunting score reinforces the film’s thematic depth, echoing its dark tones and meticulously contoured cinematography.

The performances are equally impressive, with Eisenberg delivering a riveting portrayal of Zuckerberg, capturing his intellectual arrogance and social insecurities with commendable nuance. Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and Armie Hammer contribute immensely to the film's dynamic, each adding layers to their characters that reflect broader societal themes. Fincher’s direction ensures that these performances are framed within a visual and narrative context that elevates the seemingly mundane to a poignant reflection on modern society. This film isn’t just about Facebook; it’s an exploration of the lengths individuals go for power, validation, and recognition in an increasingly digital world.

The Social Network's Blu-ray release is an exceptional offering, seamlessly combining high-quality content with superb presentation. Directed by David Fincher, the film delves into the intricate dynamics of business, betrayal, and genius, all while maintaining a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with modern societal themes. The video's stunning transfer, sourced from a nearly flawless digital master, ensures an impeccable visual experience. Complemented by a mesmerizing lossless soundtrack, every auditory detail stands out, enhancing the film's dramatic impact.

Noteworthy too is the exemplary performance of the lead actors and an outstanding musical score that adds layers of depth to the narrative. This two-disc Blu-ray set is not only rich in content but also offers an extraordinary range of supplemental materials. These supplements provide extensive insights into the film's making, allowing for an appreciation that grows with every repeat viewing.

The Social Network is an icon of modern American cinema. Its story is accentuated by a prolific director who understands the art of cinema and turns an otherwise tedious story into a motion picture event, one that's brilliantly captivating and also a reflection of contemporary society – of what people do and want and how they live – that may very well be the defining picture of the early 21st-century Internet generation. Fincher's masterwork is as relevant as it is beautiful, the picture a symbol not only of a people and an era but a beacon of filmmaking done right. Supported by an exemplary score and a standout lead performance, The Social Network has Oscar written all over it. It's only days into January, but Sony's Blu-ray release has all but guaranteed a spot on 2011's best-of list. A stunning transfer sourced from a near faultless digital master, a mesmerizing lossless soundtrack, and an exceptional supplemental roster easily make this a defining Blu-ray release. The Social Network earns my highest recommendation. ''