Pride and Glory Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Pride and Glory" delivers a viewing experience that, while not without its imperfections, presents the film’s visual narrative with a degree of authenticity intended by director Gavin O'Connor. The 1.85:1 1080p VC-1 encoded transfer showcases vivid primaries in selected scenes, especially those set in the Tierney household, which stand out against an otherwise muted color palette dominated by steely blues, pale skin tones, and deep blacks. This color grading, alongside a constant albeit controlled layer of grain, contributes to a textured, three-dimensional picture. However, detail levels fluctuate; most scenes are sharply defined, yet some exhibit softness or instability, likely grounded in the original cinematography rather than the transfer process. Notably, long shots maintain exceptional clarity with minimal noise and an absence of digital noise reduction (DNR) and significant edge enhancement, underscoring a commitment to preserving the film's raw aesthetic.

On the other hand, the transfer wrestles with technical challenges that undercut its potential. Black crush and inconsistent delineation surface regularly, accompanied by sporadic macroblocking in darker sequences and noticeable visual anomalies in low-light interiors. Such issues, while arguably minor in the context of O'Connor's stark visual approach, temper the overall enhancement offered by the Blu-ray over prior DVD releases. The intentional prevalence of handheld camera work, contributing to the narrative's gritty realism, further accentuates the film's uneven texture—both literally, through an aggressive graininess in certain close-ups, and figuratively, by how the shaky-cam technique reflects the chaotic lives of its protagonist New York police officers.

Despite these variances in quality, "Pride and Glory's" transfer is commendable for its fidelity to the director's vision, albeit with reservations about its consistency and the effectiveness of certain stylistic choices. The interplay of grain, color grading, and cinematography crafts a distinct visual atmosphere that serves the film's thematic underpinnings, even as viewers might find themselves divided on its execution. While it may not elicit as much acclaim as other high-profile transfers, this Blu-ray offers a noteworthy upgrade that will likely satisfy fans seeking an authentic representation of the film’s intended look and feel.

The audio presentation of "Pride and Glory" on Blu-ray, featuring a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track, offers a mixed bag of experiences. At its best, the audio captures the vibrant energy of city life with remarkable clarity, from the cacophony of busy streets to the subtle nuances of an interrogation room's florescent lighting. It provides sturdy LFE support and keeps listeners firmly in the moment, even in quieter scenes. The soundstage impressively explodes into action during more intense sequences, showcasing precise directionality with sounds whizzing across the channels and dialogue remaining crisp amidst the chaos. However, the film tends to lean towards a front-heavy mix, focusing predominantly on dialogue that, while generally clear, can occasionally fluctuate in volume and clarity.

A noticeable inconsistency arises with the handling of sound effects and background ambiance. In certain scenes, such as Ray's initial investigation and a spontaneous convenience store gunfight, there's an abrupt disappearance of background sounds when the camera zooms in on characters, potentially aiming to highlight their emotional state but instead detracting from the immersive experience. This issue, though not pervasive, is jarring enough to merit mention alongside the otherwise solid auditory experience.

Critique extends to the overall execution of the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 setup, where despite its moments of auditory brilliance, falls short due to less than satisfactory directionality and a somewhat tepid use of the subwoofer outside of key scenes. Early moments, like Ray walking to a football game, hint at an immersive auditory landscape that unfortunately does not maintain its initial promise throughout the film. The inconsistency in dialogue levels and sporadic engagement of the LFE channel indicate a potential rush in production or a lack of attentiveness to audio detail, contributing to a sense of missed opportunity within an otherwise capable audio mix.

The Blu-ray release of "Pride and Glory" is extremely sparse on extras, comprising solely of the "Source of Pride" documentary. This 67-minute featurette is richer in content and fascination than perhaps the film itself, offering an in-depth look into the filmmaking process. Through a fly-on-the-wall documentary style, viewers are privy to a slew of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and an intense focus on authenticity that director Gavin O'Connor and actor Edward Norton, who appears deeply invested in the project, strive for. The documentary also covers unexpected turns, such as Nick Nolte's replacement by Jon Voight due to health issues, and outlines the pre-production hurdles, giving insight into the dedication behind the troubled production. Despite being the lone bonus feature, it presents a compelling narrative on its own, delving into the real drama behind the scripted one.

Extras included in this disc:

• Source of Pride: An intricate making-of documentary that captures the essence of challenges and dedication involved in the production of "Pride and Glory," featuring candid interviews and significant insight into Edward Norton's pivotal role and Gavin O'Connor's direction.

Pride and Glory," featuring Edward Norton and Colin Farrell, dives into the gritty world of corrupt cops and familial loyalty amidst a backdrop of NYPD blues. With a narrative built around the investigation of four police officers killed in an ambush, the film endeavors to unravel a web of lies, corruption, and moral dilemmas within a family deeply entrenched in law enforcement. Despite its promising cast and a fertile premise that taps into the complexities of kinship and duty, "Pride and Glory" struggles against the chains of genre clichés and a screenplay that sometimes lapses into predictability. The performances, however, stand as the film's saving grace, with Norton, Farrell, and the ensemble cast bringing depth to their characters, even if the script doesn't always serve them well.

Director Gavin O'Connor and co-writer Joe Carnahan attempt to paint a nuanced portrait of the Tierney family; a task they accomplish with mixed success. The film's strengths lie in its character-driven moments and the palpable tension between family members torn between their professional obligations and personal loyalty. Yet, it falls short of breaking new ground, often succumbing to the trappings of conventional cop dramas. Scenes intended to be intense sometimes feel staged, lacking the subtlety needed to elevate them beyond the familiar narrative arcs of corruption and redemption.

Despite its shortcomings, "Pride and Glory" is not without merit. The human aspects of the story, particularly the internal conflicts faced by its protagonists, offer a glimpse of what could have been a compelling exploration of morality within the police force. The grounded portrayal of law enforcement work, devoid of Hollywood-style exaggerations, adds a layer of authenticity, making the personal dramas more impactful. Nonetheless, the film's inability to veer away from formulaic plot development leaves viewers with a sense of missed opportunity—a narrative that could have delved deeper into its characters' psyches and offered a fresher take on the well-worn path of police dramas.

Pride and Glory," while a commendable effort within the crowded genre of corrupt-cop dramas, falls somewhat short in delivering a thoroughly captivating narrative, echoing sentiments of predictability and lackluster character development. It's a film that, despite the strong performances from its leads, Edward Norton and Colin Farrell, struggles to surpass its conventional storyline and dialogue. The production history of the film, marked by delays and a postponed release until Warner Bros. took over New Line's assets, perhaps contributed to its disjointed feel. Nonetheless, for enthusiasts of the actors or the genre, there's still something to glean from their solid portrayals.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Pride and Glory" offers a mixed bag. The video transfer is described as faithful, albeit not particularly impressive by Blu-ray standards, which might be disheartening for aficionados expecting a visually stunning experience. However, the TrueHD audio track delivers a more satisfactory auditory experience, bringing the drama's intense conflicts to life with respectable clarity. A standout feature of this edition is the making-of documentary, praised as being more intriguing than the film itself, suggesting that the Blu-ray might still hold value for those particularly interested in the filmmaking process or the specific challenges faced by this film's production.

In conclusion, "Pride and Glory's" Blu-ray release may not be an essential addition for general fans of the police drama genre due to its predictable script and underwhelming video quality. Yet, for those drawn to the cast's performances or those with a keen interest in the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking, there are elements worth exploring. Renting may be the best approach for most, allowing viewers to appreciate the effort and passion that went into making this flawed but earnest entry in the corrupt-cop narrative arena.