Rules Don't Apply Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Rules Don't Apply" on Blu-ray, provided by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Shot digitally on the Arri Alexa XT by Caleb Deschanel, the film showcases an exquisite level of detail and sharpness throughout. The imagery is highly detailed with superb depth of field, particularly visible during wide-angle shots. The set design is impressively captured, effectively highlighting the chroma range which isn’t overly broad but varies appropriately to match the scene's mood—from sullen and inanimate to warm and inviting. Skin tones are delivered with natural highlights and descriptive variation, offering a rich and immersive viewing experience.

The color grading is relatively subtle yet significant, employing an almost sepia-toned ambiance at times and cool blue or gray tones for nighttime scenes. Contrast is spot on, with deep blacks providing excellent perceptibility during darker scenes, despite a few sequences appearing a little flat due to less inky black levels. The color palette, generally warmer than preferred by some, remains fresh and vivid, especially noticeable in brighter outdoor environments. Archival footage of Los Angeles has been seamlessly woven into the film, albeit showing a slight raggedness compared to the primary sharp and clear footage.

The video presentation is pristine and mostly free from artifacts, with minor instances of aliasing or stabilization shimmering. Overall, "Rules Don't Apply" delivers a solid and mostly error-free transfer that accentuates both its historical narrative and aesthetic appeal effectively.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround mix of "Rules Don't Apply" delivers a proficient and well-balanced audio experience. Dialogue is cleanly rendered with defining tonal characteristics, occupying a prominent position within the soundstage. The track excels in clarity and depth, rendering subtle sound effects, music, and voices with high-level detail. Although the mix does not frequently call for extended dynamics or intensive surround activity, it effectively utilizes atmospheric sounds to support various exterior and interior settings depicted in the film.

The Oscar-snubbed title song and Andrew M. Chukerman's original score are both well-presented, further enhanced by the ambient noises spread across the surrounds. High-octane scenes, such as those featuring planes, notably offer an added oomph to the audio experience. The overall result is an excellent technical presentation that deftly balances dialogue prioritization and environmental sounds, providing a richly layered auditory experience that supports the on-screen visuals with aplomb.

In addition to the primary English DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, the Blu-ray also includes an English 5.1 Audio Description Service, along with Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and French 5.1 DTS tracks. Subtitles are available in English SDH, Spanish, and French, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.

The Blu-ray of "Rules Don't Apply" offers a comprehensive selection of extras that provide a deeper dive into the film. The highlight is "This Is Rules Don't Apply," a 21-minute featurette that includes insightful interviews with cast members, featuring substantial commentary from star/director/writer/producer Warren Beatty, highlighting his approachable and congenial personality. Complementing this are several engaging features such as the music video for “The Rules Don’t Apply” performed by Lily Collins, a photo gallery of 38 full-color images with both Auto and Manual Advance options, and the original theatrical trailer. These extras collectively provide a well-rounded viewing experience, adding significant value to the Blu-ray release.

Extras included in this disc:

• This Is Rules Don't Apply: Engaging 21-minute featurette with cast interviews.
• "The Rules Don't Apply" Music Video by Lily Collins: Montage of film footage.
• Gallery: 38 full-color images with Auto and Manual Advance options.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for the film.

Warren Beatty’s "Rules Don't Apply" unfolds in 1958 Hollywood and centers on young Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins) and her driver, Frank Forbes (Alden Ehrenreich), who find their religious convictions and burgeoning attraction tested under the employ of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes (Beatty). The narrative kicks off in 1964 with press awaiting Hughes’ call to discredit a tell-all book, soon flashing back to the late 50s. Here, both historical accuracies and narrative consistency seem sacrificed for Beatty's whimsical storytelling, leading to peculiar timeline discrepancies concerning Hughes' business ventures and personal life. The film attempts to meld the subplot of Hughes' erratic behavior with Marla and Frank's romance – a synthesis it struggles to balance.

Visually striking with commendable production design, "Rules Don’t Apply" ultimately stumbles in weaving a cohesive story. The screenplay, which Beatty meticulously developed over years – some sources suggest decades – feels disjointed. The core romance between Marla and Frank fails to captivate fully, overshadowed by Hughes' conspicuously erratic exploits that serve more as plot distractions than enhancements. Beatty’s portrayal of Hughes aligns more with a McGuffin than a developed character, underscoring the historical superficiality and fragmented character arcs. The movie also suffers from redundant narrative tangents and erratically assigned screen time to its ensemble cast of renowned actors.

Despite its narrative flaws, the film offers moments of brightness and energy, though performances tend to be variable, with minor characters garnering brief but potent appearances. Interestingly, subplots surrounding Hughes' TWA dealings feel more arresting, rooted as they are in fact as opposed to the fictionalized romance. This film pales next to Scorsese's "The Aviator" regarding depth in exploring Hughes' layered persona and struggles. While Beatty’s direction exudes competence, "Rules Don’t Apply" primarily appeals for a one-time watch due to its stellar ensemble and period charm rather than its storytelling prowess.

"Rules Don't Apply," directed by and starring Warren Beatty, is a cinematic conundrum that fails to capitalize on its potential despite its charm and notable production values. The film is loosely framed around an epigram by Howard Hughes, suggesting a certain fluidity with facts. Unfortunately, this approach results in a narrative that feels heavily disjointed, vacillating between farcical and melodramatic tones. This inconsistency detracts from the overall storytelling, making the screenplay feel cobbled together from disparate elements.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of "Rules Don't Apply" excels. The visual fidelity is outstanding, with crisp, vivid picture quality that takes full advantage of high-definition capabilities. The audio is equally impressive, offering clarity and depth that enhances the viewing experience. For home theater enthusiasts, these technical merits make the Blu-ray an appealing option. However, those intrigued by the film itself should be cautious; the lack of a strong, cohesive narrative might not justify a purchase without a prior viewing.

In conclusion, while "Rules Don't Apply" offers exemplary technical specifications on Blu-ray, its content leaves much to be desired. The film's inconsistent tone and patchy storytelling mar an otherwise well-staged and acted piece. Prospective viewers are advised to approach with tempered expectations, potentially opting for a rental before committing to a purchase.