Glory Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Glory" impresses with a well-executed 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode that remains faithful to Edward Zwick's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The film's innate grain adds an atmospheric touch, producing a cinematic feel that greatly enhances its authenticity. Although some scenes display a peculiarly faint and occasionally hazy appearance, they are purposefully crafted to match the storyline’s solemn tone. The colors, while not overly vibrant, are remarkably vivid when they come into play, particularly evident in the reds and blues of the flags and the lush greenery of Antietam fields. Skin tones are naturally warm and un-Hollywoodized, lending further realism and integrity to the period piece.

The transfer excels with a range of details that were previously unseen in standard definition. The striking intricacies of uniforms, facial textures, muskets, and badges are all brought to light beautifully. Some sequences, particularly those involving battlefield scenes enveloped in smoke and haze, portray a contained sharpness intentionally contrasted against their surroundings. Long, panoramic shots capturing troops in motion enhance the dimensionality and create an impressive visual grandeur. Blacks are consistently deep while bright scenes showcase commendable color accuracy and depth, making the Blu-ray version visually superior to earlier DVD editions.

Despite occasional instances of noise over bright backgrounds and minor speckles, these are inconsequential distractions in an otherwise near-pristine transfer. The presentation maintains a superior film-like quality throughout, showcasing excellent contrast, deep blacks, and realistic flesh tones. Night scenes benefit from robust depth and clarity, further highlighted by meticulous costume detailing and engaging close-ups. Overall, "Glory" on Blu-ray is a triumph that honors the film’s award-winning cinematography with an evocative and engaging visual experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Glory" is a well-crafted enhancement, featuring a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that significantly improves upon previous formats. The sound design is predominantly forward-facing, but when battle sequences erupt, the subwoofer deeply resonates with cannon shots and musket volleys that create a profound sense of immersion. James Horner's evocative score is given ample room to shine, with intricate instrumentation and the angelic voices of The Harlem Boy’s Choir vividly delineated. Dialogues, from stirring speeches to intimate conversations, are clear and well positioned within the mix, ensuring intelligibility throughout.

Ambient sounds, whether it be the clattering of silverware, the ambient noises of a camp, or environmental effects such as thunder and rustling leaves, are finely reproduced, adding a rich layer of realism to the viewing experience. The surrounds provide weight and texture during intense combat scenes without overwhelming the listener. Low-end frequencies effectively convey the destructive impact of artillery fire, although the bass can sometimes feel slightly tubby rather than tightly extended. Overall, the audio mix strikes a balance between powerful battlefield chaos and nuanced background details, capturing a full spectrum of sound in an engaging manner.

James Horner's stirring score benefits immensely from the TrueHD track, encompassing both majestic orchestral sweeps and more intimate melodies with pinpoint precision and first-class fidelity. This atmospheric and dynamic range elevates the overall sonic experience to one of high quality. Though there are occasional minor inconsistencies in bass response and dialogue clarity, these do not detract significantly from an otherwise exemplary presentation. "Glory" on Blu-ray delivers a robust and multi-layered audio performance that brings new life to this classic film.

The Blu-ray of "Glory" delivers a commendable collection of extras, significantly enriching the viewing experience. The standout feature is the audio commentary by Director Edward Zwick, who offers a deeply informative and engaging account of the film's creation, seamlessly weaving historical context with production anecdotes. Complementing this is the Virtual Civil War Battlefield, an interactive map that provides insightful perspectives on the 54th Regiment's campaign. "The Voices of Glory," a poignant 11-minute feature, highlights letters written by the soldiers, vividly brought to life by actor readings. A 45-minute documentary, "The True Story Continues," effectively uses narration by Morgan Freeman to delve into the regiment's history, supplemented with historical footage and re-enactments. Additional content includes a short making-of featurette, deleted scenes with Zwick’s optional commentary, and BD-Live functionality, offering a robust and educational suite of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Commentary: Insightful track from Edward Zwick.
• Virtual Civil War Battlefield: Interactive map with points-of-interest.
• The Voices of Glory: 11-minute feature on soldiers' letters.
• The True Story Continues: 45-minute documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman.
• Original Theatrical Making-Of Featurette: 7-minute promo piece.
• 2 Deleted Scenes with Commentary: Optional insights from Zwick.
• BD-Live Enabled

Edward Zwick's Glory tells the stirring story of the first African-American regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War with a profound balance of character development, historical depth, and emotional intensity. Matthew Broderick portrays Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, a young officer burdened with the weight of leadership and the responsibility of molding a disparate group of soldiers into a disciplined fighting unit. Despite initial hesitations about Broderick in such a serious role, his nuanced performance underscores Shaw's journey from a privileged background to a determined and empathetic leader. Denzel Washington's Oscar-winning portrayal of Private Trip anchors the film with raw power, representing a conflicting blend of rage and soulful determination. Morgan Freeman's steadfast Sgt. John Rawlins provides the regiment with moral strength, while Cary Elwes effectively portrays Major Cabot Forbes, Shaw's loyal companion.

Thematically, Glory excels in conveying parallels between personal and collective struggles against oppression. The men of the 54th Massachusetts fight not only external enemies but also internal prejudices and societal obstacles. James Horner's score blends militaristic rigor with transcendent harmonies, perfectly underlining the film’s dual themes of struggle and redemption. Edward Zwick’s directional choices amplify these themes without resorting to sentimentality, delivering an honest depiction of courage and human dignity under duress of war.

Technically speaking, this Blu-ray release preserves the film's visual integrity, avoiding heavy-handed digital noise reduction while capturing the intended somber palette with a flat yet distinct image quality. William Hoy's adept editing and Freddie Francis’s award-winning cinematography seamlessly transport viewers to this pivotal moment in history. Glory’s impeccable sound design further amplifies its visceral impact, albeit the TrueHD track might not garner contemporary accolades but synchronizes beautifully with Horner’s evocative score. This definitive release, bolstered by insightful commentary from Zwick, stands as a compelling tribute to an irrefutably significant chapter in American history.

Edward Zwick's Glory epitomizes the essence of a quintessential Civil War film. Unlike Gettysburg, which seeks to capture the grand scale of the conflict, Glory thrives on its character-driven narrative, focusing on the resilience and integrity of men who transcend racial barriers to fight for their beliefs and camaraderie. The film's emotional depth is amplified by James Horner's evocative score, providing a lasting tribute to both courage and masterful filmmaking. Zwick’s direction balances historical authenticity with powerful storytelling, creating an enduring classic that delves into the moral and ethical fortitude of its characters.

Sony’s Blu-ray release of Glory ensures that the film's impact is further heightened by exemplary technical specifications. The video transfer is notably strong, maintaining a film-like quality that enhances the visual storytelling, while the lossless audio track delivers robust and immersive soundscapes that bring battlefield sequences to life. Despite a mixed selection of bonus materials, the potency of the main feature remains undiminished, making this Blu-ray edition a valuable addition for any film enthusiast or historian.

In conclusion, Glory stands out not only as an essential Civil War movie but also as a profound exploration of diversity, unity, and valor. The Blu-ray release's exceptional audio-visual fidelity enriches the viewing experience, ensuring that the film's message resonates as powerfully today as it did upon its original release. This disc comes highly recommended for those seeking both artistic excellence and historical insight in their home media collections.