The Current War: Director's Cut Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray release of "The Current War: Director's Cut" delivers an audio-visual experience that beautifully complements the historical narrative of the film. While the Blu-ray presentation does exhibit a bit of natural noise in scenes shot under lower lighting, this minor issue does not detract from the overall clarity of the video. In fact, such occurrences are far from excessive and do not mar the visual quality, which is remarkable throughout. The release showcases an impressive level of detail, particularly appreciated in close-ups where facial textures are rendered with striking clarity. This sharpness extends to the intricate designs of period-appropriate costumes and the authenticity of various settings - from bustling factory environments and sophisticated offices to the interior of trains and residential spaces, each element contributing richly to the period atmosphere.

The color grading on this Blu-ray accentuates the thematic elements of the film, with warm tones of glowing light bulbs standing out – a fitting tribute to the movie's focus on the dawn of electric light. While the overall color palette leans towards the darker end, aligning with director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung's vision, it does so without sacrificing detail or vibrancy in darker scenes. The subdued color scheme works hand-in-hand with meticulously maintained black levels and natural skin tones, ensuring that each frame stays true to the film’s intended aesthetic.

Universal's Blu-ray presentation thus adheres faithfully to the director's and cinematographer's vision, ensuring that viewers are provided with a visual treat that complements the narrative’s depth. Detail, texture, and color are handled with care, providing a viewing experience that allows for an immersive journey back in time. Fans of historical dramas and those with an appreciation for cinematography will find this release a valuable addition to their collection, given its technical prowess and fidelity to the source material’s ambiance.

The audio experience offered by "The Current War: Director's Cut" on Blu-ray is notably electrifying, thanks to its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. This immersive track begins with dynamic energy, capturing listeners with the realistic and blustering winds before transitioning into the loud, intense squeals and grinds of train brakes. This energetic introduction sets the stage for an audio experience that’s both vibrant and balanced. Particularly notable is the excellent spatial reverb in scenes such as Edison addressing a crowd outside the New York Stock Exchange in chapter four, demonstrating the soundtrack's ability to deliver large sound elements and expand the soundscape while maintaining a balanced output, particularly from the subwoofer.

Music within the film benefits tremendously from this soundtrack, presenting an impressive depth in the low end, a keen spatial awareness, and a lifelike clarity that enriches every scene. The front channels carry a dominant load of the musical score, but it’s the finely tuned integration of the surrounds that adds a critical layer of immersion, enveloping viewers within the audio spectacle. The attention to detail in the mixing ensures that every note and beat is palpably felt and contributes to the overall atmosphere of the narrative.

Dialogue, crucial to any feature, receives meticulous treatment, ensuring that every word spoken is crisply clear and naturally prioritized. The center channel is chiefly responsible for this clarity, but it’s the clever use of natural spatial reverb in specific scenes that enhances the realism and depth of conversations. No matter the complexity of the sonic environment – whether amidst a bustling crowd or in the quieter moments of tense dialogue – the articulation and placement of voices within the mix remain impeccably managed, thereby maintaining a professional and immersive listening experience throughout "The Current War: Director's Cut" Blu-ray edition.

The Blu-ray release of "The Current War: Director's Cut" provides an engaging extra features section that appeals to fans and cinephiles alike. Noteworthy is the director, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon's audio commentary, which offers a rich deep dive into the film’s narrative structure and thematic elements, complemented by candid insights into the film's evolution and audience reception. The commentary goes beyond mere technicalities, making it a treasure trove for enthusiasts. Additionally, the inclusion of deleted scenes provides a glimpse into the cutting room floor decisions, enhancing viewers' understanding of the film's narrative choices. The packaging includes a DVD copy and a digital copy code, hinting at a broader range of extras initially planned, as suggested by the unfinished look of the menu screen. The release is rounded off with a slipcover, adding a collectible touch.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scenes: Features scenes such as I'd Love to Meet Him, Are You a Preacher?, and This Is Costing Us a Fortune, offering more depth to the narrative.

Audio Commentary: A comprehensive commentary by Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon that covers narrative insights, production details, audience reception, and the evolution of the film.

The Current War: Director's Cut," helmed by Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, is a cinematic exploration of the intense rivalry between two titan innovators, Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon), set against the electrifying backdrop of the late 1800s technological revolution. This period piece transcends its historical setting to deliver a narrative rife with contemporary resonance, encapsulating the essence of innovation, competition, and the pursuit of progress. The film vibrantly portrays the clash of Edison's direct current (DC) against Westinghouse's alternating current (AC), a technological battle underpinned by not only engineering principles but also by the personal convictions and ambitions of the inventors. Cumberbatch’s Edison is a portrait of obsession and pride, masterfully captured in moments of personal loss and professional zeal, while Shannon’s Westinghouse embodies reason and persistence, making for a nuanced counterbalance.

Gomez-Rejon's direction is characterized by its dynamic energy, merging swift narrative pacing with stylistic visual techniques that amplify the thematic tension and historical significance of the story. Close-in wides and skewed angles heighten the intimacy of the character studies while also contributing to an overarching sense of imbalance in the broader corporate and personal battles waged. Frequent, resonant musical scores accentuate the drama, enhancing the film's momentum. Key performances by Cumberbatch, Shannon, and Nicholas Hoult as Nikola Tesla add profound depth to the film. Their portrayals encapsulate not only the brilliance of their characters but also their vulnerabilities, especially evident in Edison’s haunting use of his phonograph following personal tragedy and his moral contentiousness over his inventions' applications.

This iteration of "The Current War" delivers more than just a recounting of historical events; it engages with themes of progress, competition, and morality on both personal and professional stages. With its compelling narrative, stylistic direction, and powerful performances, the film not only chronicles the literal current war but also delves into the figurative currents—of ambition, ethics, and innovation—that drive individuals to change the world.

The Current War: Director's Cut" on Blu-ray emerges as an engaging cinematic experience, primarily bolstered by its compelling narrative and swift pacing that captures the essence of the historical battle of electrical titans. The film showcases exceptional performances from an ensemble cast, comprising some of the most distinguished actors of our era, bringing depth and intensity to their roles. The Blu-ray format does justice to the film's visual aesthetics and sound design, ensuring that the technical aspects of video and audio presentation are delivered with remarkable clarity and precision. This delivery enriches the viewing experience, making it immersive and dynamic.

Furthermore, while the Blu-ray edition may not boast an extensive array of special features, the inclusion of a director's commentary track stands out as a significant supplement. This commentary offers valuable insights into the making of the film, shedding light on creative decisions and providing a deeper understanding of the narrative and character development. Such an addition is not only informative but enhances the overall appreciation of the film, offering viewers a comprehensive perspective on its production.

In conclusion, "The Current War: Director's Cut" Blu-ray edition is a solid release that is highly recommended for both aficionados of historical dramas and fans of the talented cast. Despite the lean selection of extra content, the quality of the video and audio transfers combined with the enlightening director’s commentary make it a worthy addition to any movie collection. This Blu-ray succeeds in captivating the audience with its fusion of extraordinary performances, a riveting storyline, and superior technical presentation, making it an essential viewing experience for those intrigued by the monumental rivalry that shaped our modern electrical world.